Manitoba Hansard — 21 May 2026 (Sitting 59B, 43rd Legislature, 3rd Session)

43-3-59b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXX No. 59B – 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

WHARTON, Jeff Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt, Hon. Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant The Pas-Kameesak

2249 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, May 21, 2026 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: Order, please. Please be seated. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Just before we begin with routine pro- ceedings, there's a couple of guests in the Speaker's Gallery that I would like to introduce. Seated on my left side of the Speaker's Gallery is my constituency assistant, Lyla Yaremchuk, and her husband Sheldon. Lyla showed up in my campaign office, I guess it was–it wasn't my constituency office yet–looking for a campaign sign in 2016, and she's been there ever since.

She has been an integral part of how the con- stituency office runs. She's known throughout the con- stituency. People phone and she has the unique ability to listen to people and hear what they're saying and very empathetic, and her and I have had the opportun- ity to see each other at our best, and some days, at not our best. And we've managed to figure out how to work together, how to respec t each other and how to make sure that we've always put the constituents first. So after 10 years, Lyla has decided that it's time to spend more time with Sheldon. Sorry, Sheldon.

I suspect I haven't seen the last of her, that there'll probably be occasions when we will still cross paths and figure out how to do things for the constituents of the Flin Flon constituency. So please join me in thanking Lyla for 10 years of loyal service to the people of the Flin Flon constit- uency and to myself. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The Speaker: And now we'll go to routine proceedings. So–introduction of bills? Committee reports? Tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Vyshyvanka Day Hon.

Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): I rise today to recognize celebration Vyshyvanka Day, also known as Ukrainian embroidered shirt day. Mrs. Rachelle Schott, Acting Speaker, in the Chair We recognize Ukrainians' rich culture, identity and history. Today we celebrate across generations and regions and communities. We honour the Ukrainians and their heritage, and their contribution to our prov- ince and country. Since February of 2022, vyshyvanka has also been–become a very powerful symbol of Ukrainian fight in the face of international aggression.

We stand united with Ukrainian people who carry the heavy burden of this conflict. Today, one in seven Manitobas has Ukrainian ancestry. Our province is home to one of the oldest and strongest Ukrainian communities in Canada. Ukrainian community members have contributed so much to the public life, and Manitobas have wel - comed them with open arms, as well built new lives. Earlier today, our minister of sport and culture and heritage and tourism announced $500,000 for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress to expand their English language training programs.

English language train- ing is among the most important tools to help out Ukrainian immigrants or newcomers to rebuild a successful life in Manitoba. Two members of the UCC are here in the gallery. No stranger in Ukrainian culture is Joanne Lewandosky and Susan Zunk [phonetic]. Thank you for what all you do in our province and for nashi lyudi [our people], our people, in Ukrainian heritage. On this day, our government is proud to celebrate and endure the contributions of the Ukrainian com - munities.

I encourage all members of this House and all Manitobans: Please join me in recognizing the Ukrainian community and extending our friendship and support on behalf of the people and the province of Manitoba. It is my sincere hope that peace, prosperity will soon return to Ukraine. Slava Ukraini. [Glory to Ukraine.] Thank you, honourable deputy Speaker. May we rise. Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Today I rise to recognize Vyshyvanka Day, an international cele- bration of Ukrainian culture, heritage and, especially,

2250 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 resilience. Manitoba has a long and proud connection to the Ukrainian community. For generations, Ukrainian Manitobans have helped shape our province through their contributions to agri- culture, business and education, public service and the arts. Their traditions, values and strong sense of com- munity continue to enrich Manitoba today. The vyshyvanka, their traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt, is far more than just a piece of clothing. It is a powerful symbol of identity, heritage and belonging.

Each embroidered pattern carries meaning, with designs and colours often reflecting regional traditions, family histories and values passed down through generations. Historically, the vyshyvanka has represented strength, protection and connection to one's roots in times of peace and in times of hardship. Ukrainians have worn it with pride as an expression of cultural identity and resilience. As former Education minister, we had both curriculum topics ready to go: the Holocaust and Holodomor.

I am happy and thrilled–and I know many Manitobans are–to see the Holocaust curriculum now embedded in the K -to-12 curriculum. But I ask this Kinew gove rnment: Why is it taking so long for a Holodomor curriculum to be put into the curriculum? Manitoba's cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Celebrations like Vyshyvanka Day remind us of the importance of preserving traditions, honour- ing our heritage and building understanding between all communities. This day also carries special signifi- cance, as the people of Ukraine continue to endure the devastating effects of war.

Wearing the vyshyvanka today is not only a cele- bration of culture, but also a visible sign of solidarity with Ukrainians here in Manitoba and around the world. I want to give a big thanks to Joanne Lewandosky and Susan and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Manitoba for the work that they do to promote all– The Acting Speaker (Rachelle Schott): The member– [interjection] Order. Order. Order. The member's time has expired. Some Honourable Members: Leave. The Acting Speaker (Rachelle Schott): Is there leave for the member to continue? [Agreed] Mr.

Ewasko: I encourage all Manitobans to take the opportunity to learn more about Ukrainian traditions and to celebrate the vibrant contributions of the Ukrainian community to our province. Happy Vyshyvanka Day. Thank you. Dyakuyu [Thank you]. Slava Ukraini [Glory to Ukraine]. Mr. Derek Johnson (Official Opposition House Leader): Yes, could you please canvass the House to see if there's leave for a moment of silence to reflect on the lives that have been lost and the continued conflict in Ukraine.

The Acting Speaker (Rachelle Schott): Is there a leave for a moment of silence? [Agreed] A moment of silence was observed. * (13:40) Introduction of Guests The Acting Speaker (Rachelle Schott): I would– before moving on to the following proceedings, I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery where we have 11 participants of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians twinning program. Their names are as follows: Tsion Abera, Alexis Antoine, Mina Azizi, Hannah Bowers, Cadena Brazeau, Arleen Kaur, Edyn LeDrew, Summer Prince, Bianca Santarsieri, Emmanuella Shaibu and Davida Ujah.

The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, CWP, Canadian Region's twinning program has three main objectives: to allow young women aged 17 to 25 to experience parliamentary life by accompanying women parliamentarians in their parliamentary activities to get young women interested in politics and to offer women parliamentarians an opportunity to speak with young women about their interests and concerns. This program aligns with the CWP's mission to assist Canadian women and girls to discover their polit ical potential, experience the fulfillment of a career in public service and create a better society.

This effort is led by the member for Seine River (MLA Cross), who serves as president of the Manitoba branch, alongside the member for Morden- Winkler (Mrs. Hiebert), the branch's vice-president, who initiated the program in Manitoba. Tracey Payton and Andressa Fernandes from the Clerk's office have played a key role in co -ordinating the administrative side of the program. On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here today.

May 21, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2251 MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Agape Table's New Facility Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): This month marks a truly historic milestone for an organization that has pro- vided nourishment, comfort and support to Winnipeg's most vulnerable citizens for decades. On May 7, Agape Table proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new 10,500-square-foot facility at 350 Furby Street, planting permanent roots for the first time in its 46-year history. And I'd ask that my guests from Agape please rise in the gallery.

Since 1980, Agape Table has lovingly served folks out of neighbourhood kitchens and church base- ments before beginning their 11- year quest to find a forever home. In May of 2022, their efforts were confirmed when the property adjacent to The Wave Church was sold to them in support of their mission. Since then, people from every corner of Winnipeg have rallied together, pouring their generosity into a historic $8-million fundraising campaign to bring this incredible facility to life.

Working alongside Bockstael Construction, Agape Table built a state -of-the-art facility that beautifully reflects the mission –their mission, rather –of radical inclusivity. This remarkable building even achieved the prestigious Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification gold standard, making it the very first building and community kitchen in all of Manitoba to earn this pre-construction honour. Today, with expanded kitchen space and refriger- ation, the new facility will allow Agape Table to be available seven days a week and to extend its vital services.

At the heart of the design is a spacious, 150-seat indoor dining space where guests can sit together and share meals in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Deputy Speaker, as Agape board chair Cathe Umlah beautifully stated: May this new building bring nourishment to those in need and comfort to those who are struggling with all of the challenges that life brings them.

I ask all members in the Chamber today to join me in celebrating Agape Table's incredible new home and in thanking their amazing leaders for all –and all of the dedicated staff and volunteers who have poured their hearts and their love into this incredible and life- changing endeavour. Congratulations and thank you so much. I just ask that the guests that are with us today – Jim Steep, Seren Jocelyn and Janet McLeod–that their names be added to Hansard. Thank you. CWP Twinning Program Mrs.

Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): We are here to celebrate today the first CWP training program–twinning program to happen in Manitoba Legislature. The Speaker in the Chair Two years ago, I had the opportunity to attend the CWP Canadian Region steering committee in Toronto as the president of the women's commonwealth parlia- mentarians Manitoba chapter. In that non- partisan meeting, I was inspired in so many ways by women parliamentarians from across our country.

The twinning program happening over the next two days is a result of the gathering of women with a united goal of encouraging and empowering women to get involved in politics. I enjoyed two years as president and would like to introduce the new president for the next two years, the member from Seine River. I want to thank my fellow MLA colleague and new president for inviting me to continue the –to work together with her to see this program to fruition. It has truly been a pleasure to be able to plan and host this non-partisan event with her.

Today, we are both honoured to help welcome 11 women from across Manitoba to the CWP training– twinning program here at the Manitoba Legislature. Over the next two days, these women will work alongside female MLAs to experience first-hand what public service looks like from question period to conversations about leadership, service and com mu- nity. This program is about more than politics. It's about connection, mentorship and showing women that their voices matter and that they belong in these spaces. When women see themselves reflected in leadership, it inspires confidence and opens doors for them.

That is why this initiative like –that's why initia- tives like this are so important. I am proud that this program is being–brings women together across party lines with a shared goal: encouraging more women to step forward and lead because stronger representation leads to stronger, more inclusive decisions.

2252 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 I want to thank everyone who helped make this program possible, including the staff in the Clerk's office, and Tracey and the women partici pating, as well as the MLAs in our Chamber. Thank you. Rendez-Vous Rivyayr Seine MLA Robert Loiselle (St. Boniface): L'Honorable Président [Honourable Speaker], today I celebrate the return of an event that has quickly become a cherished highlight of the spring season in St. Boniface and across Winnipeg.

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, we will gather for the third annual Rendez -Vous Rivyayr Seine, a celebration that invites everyone to paddle through history and connect with the natural beauty and Métis heritage of our province. French spoken Et je demanderais à mes invités de se lever, s'il vous plaît. La rivière Seine est, bien entendu, plus qu'un simple cours d'eau, l'Honorable Président. C'est un ruban d'histoire qui serpente à travers nos quartiers, des sentiers paisibles du Parc Bois- des-Esprits aux terrains historiques du Parc Lagimodière-Gaboury. Translation And I would ask my guests to please stand.

The Seine River is, of course, more than just a water- way, Honourable Speaker. It is a ribbon of history that winds its way through our neighbour hoods, from the peaceful paths of Bois-des-Esprits Park to the historic grounds of Lagimodière-Gaboury Park. English This paddling event highlights the richness of our Métis culture, mirroring of –our vibrancy and resili - ence. This year's festivities promise to be even more engaging by bringing in Red River Métis musicians, actors and artisans to help tell the river's history.

French spoken Les participants peuvent choisir parmi cinq sites de départ uniques, dont le Parc Morier, organisés par des partenaires engagés tels que l'Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba. Translation Participants can choose from five unique starting points, including Morier Park, organized by dedicated partners such as the Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba.

English Whether you are in a canoe, a kayak or on a paddleboard, the journey culminates in a wonderful community celebration at Parc Lagimodière-Gaboury at 1 p.m., where we will gather to enjoy the vibrant sounds of Métis fiddling, share bannock and honour the stories of our ancestors. French spoken Je tiens à remercier la Société historique métisse et Fête Jockey, dont l'engagement permet d'organiser cette célébration pour la troisième année consécutive. Grâce à votre dévouement, notre patrimoine continue de rayonner dans tout le Manitoba.

Translation I would like to thank the Société historique métisse and Fête Jockey, whose commitment has made it possible to organize this celebration for the third consecutive year. Thanks to your dedication, our heritage continues to shine throughout Manitoba. * (13:50) English I invite every Manitoban to join us down by the river–the Seine River –this May 30 to celebrate our shared history and heritage. French spoken C'est une célébration qui nous rassemble.

Dans la galerie, l'Honorable Président, nous avons Andrée Forest et Dave Danyluk de la Société historique métisse, ainsi que Crystal Desrosiers et Marjolaine Pelletier de l'Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba. Translation This is a celebration that brings us together. In the gallery, Honourable Speaker, we have Andrée Forest and Dave Danyluk from the Société historique métisse, as well as Crystal Desrosiers and Marjolaine Pelletier from the Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba. English Miigwech. Merci.

I invite everyone to rise and celebrate this wonderful activity: Rendez-Vous Rivyayr Seine.

May 21, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2253 Education System Funding Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): As I was saying, before, of course, I was so rudely interrupted by the inappropriate and unparliamentary language by this Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister. We already know that Manitoba Teachers' Society has talked about that this Kinew government seems to be disconnected from real grassroots teachers, and a lot of what they're doing is political optics. We hear, day in and day out, from various teachers that there is a crisis in education and it continue s to worsen.

We know that classroom teachers continue working in underfunded, understaffed, with fewer and fewer supports, and all they're asking is for education to be properly funded. So in the Lac du Bonnet constituency, I have the pleasure of representing three school divisions. The first one, Sunrise School Division: in the last three years under the NDP, they have received $1.6 million towards their funding; under the PCs, they had received five times that amount. The Whiteshell school division had received, in the last three years, $10,000, Honourable Speaker; under the PCs, they received 20 times that amount.

Lord Selkirk School Division had received, under this current NDP government, $2.6 million; under the PCs, $4.1 million. The community of Victoria Beach is paying, this year alone, $330,000 per student that is a taxpayer or a resident of Victoria Beach community. Manitobans just simply can't afford this Kinew government and their cuts to education. So on behalf of Manitoba students, teachers, parents, guardians, we're all asking: it is time for a Cabinet shuffle. J. Douglas Deans Hon.

Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): I rise today to welcome Doug–family and friends who are joining us online, virtually, to recog nize the honour of J. Douglas Deans for his lifetime of service and contribution to Dauphin community and broader Parkland 'reger'–region. Born and raised in Dauphin, Doug was a proud graduate of the Dauphin Collegiate, where he received his Governor General's medal award and an early indication of his drive of excellence. After earning his law degree from the University of Manitoba, Doug returned home in 1975 to begin his legal career with Johnston & Company.

Over nearly five decades, he built a respected practice grounded in his professionalism and service to others. Doug's commitment was to community, extended beyond the legal profession. He generously donated his time and leadership to organizations and strength- ened the life in the Parkland region. His service included a number of events: Scouts Canada, Dauphin Golf and Country Club, the Parkland Regional Library, Parkland Community Futures, the Dauphin Regional Hospital Foundation.

And Doug was a very strong supporter of the conservation efforts of Ducks Unlimited, and he championed the local fundraising events throughout the region to ensure success. Doug is a well-known strong voice in his role as master of ceremonies at many community events. Whether recognizing volunteers, welcoming guests or bringing warmth and humour to special occasions, Doug was a special way of connecting with people. In 2002, Doug was appointed to Queen's Counsel in recognition of his distinguished and the legal career.

He retired from active practice in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and community spirit. As Doug now faces health challenges in retire- ment, we offer sincere gratitude and best wishes to him and his family. His contributions to Dauphin and the Parkland region left a lasting impact and will long be remembered for his professionalism and his volun- teerism. So I ask for fellow people to recognize us as he is online as well. Thank you so much. * * * The Speaker: Prior to moving on to oral questions, today is the last day for another one of our Legislative pages.

Chielo Jose is proudly set to attend her final year of high school at Transcona Collegiate this upcoming fall. Calculated from her mid -term marks, Chielo holds a 98 per cent average across all of her classes and hopes to further her education at the University of Manitoba's faculty of science in the fall of 2027. As this

chapter in her life comes to a close, Chielo holds eternal gratitude to have had the honour of serving this Legislature as a page. Through this role, she developed a deeper understanding of how the provincial government operates and its profound impact on our communities.

2254 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 Chielo would like to acknowledge that this was not done without the love and support of her parents, Arnold and Rosalinda Jose, the greatest examples of determination and ambition that have shaped Chielo's very being. Lastly, Chielo would not be standing here today if not for her history teacher, Mr. Navneil Singh, who introduced her to this wonderful program. To everyone at the Legislature who supported her, would like–she would like to thank and express a heartfelt thank-you.

There was not a single second of the Legislature that failed to represent the Manitoba attributes of kindness, resilience and dignity. This experience will remain with Chielo for the rest of her life, and from the bottom of her heart she thanks all of you once again. Congratulations, and we look forward to seeing your future. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Further, would draw the attention of all honourable members to the Speaker's Gallery, where we have with us today the summer tour guides for the Legislative Building: Emma Fomgbami, Andreas Detillieux, Brooke Slobodian, Isabella Houghton.

And they're accompanied by Claire Normandeau, manager of the visitor tour program; Shay Jolicoeur, Indigenous tour officer; Marit Stokke, tour officer. On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Affordability Measures for Manitobans Call to Increase the Basic Personal Tax Exemption Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): Manitobans are asking: When will this Premier get serious? Enough with the theatrics, enough with the heckling, enough with the threats from this Premier. Manitobans did not elect us to fight each other.

They elected us to work with each other to make Manitoba a better place for everyone. And right now, they want us to work together in an affordability crisis. Our team has offered to work together with this NDP government on real solutions for Manitobans because that's what they're asking for. But this Premier refuses to. This Premier also seems to forget that he has a majority government. He has the votes to do whatever he wants. He can implement his PST junk food tax savings if he chooses to, but he's choosing not to.

Why has been working together to make Manitoba a more affordable place for everyone such a non- starter for this Premier? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Before I begin, I wanted to congratulate Chielo on their last day. And I'm told that there's a 98 per cent grade point average. That's amazing. Congratulations. All the best with your future success. And when it comes to politicians in this place, I would say that we have a responsibility not to exacerbate divisions in our society.

The PCs did that in the last election to Indigenous women; they did that to LGBT folks, and, apparently, they were doing it again this morning. * (14:00) So I–as somebody who has spent time with the family of Colten Boushie , I would encourage the member for Borderland (Mr. Guenter) to reach out to that family and to apologize for the comments that he made. There is a way to have a debate without having to divide Manitobans. When it comes to political leadership, I would ask the Leader of the Opposition– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Khan: The Premier talks about one Manitoban, but all he is doing is continuing to posture, threaten, heckle members on this side of the House when we're trying to work together for one Manitoba. We're trying to work with this NDP govern ment to pass real cost savings, tax savings on to Manitobans. The Premier is refusing to listen to us and he's refusing to listen to Manitobans. He is refusing to make life more affordable for Manitobans. Families are struggling right now.

Cutting the PST off of a handful of junk food items might make for a great headline, but it's not helping families. This NDP gov- ernment is offering you $100 of relief for a family of four. On our side of the House, we're proposing a savings of up to $3,000: $100 under this NDP, $3,000 under the PCs. Will the Premier do the right thing today and support– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

May 21, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2255 Mr. Kinew: The death of Colten Boushie was a very sad situation, and when we're talking about the impact that it had on our country, it certainly became national news. Unfor tunately, I expect that the misguided comments for the member for Borderland (Mr. Guenter) will also be national news today. With that in mind, I want to know what the Leader of the Opposition is going to do to hold him account- able or, maybe in the very basic instance, just to talk to him about why those comments are not helpful.

The PCs should have learned by now that they have a responsibility not to exacerbate divisions in our society. They have consistently targeted people on race. They've targeted people because they're trans. They've tar - geted people because they're bi or LGBT. It needs to stop. I want the leader to address those points right now. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Khan: It's clear that the Premier forgets that he's the Premier. It's question period. We ask questions; he's supposed to answer them. The–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr.

Khan: –Premier is refusing to answer questions when it comes to affordability. [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Khan: I'm asking the Premier questions about making life more affordable for Manitobans, and he's refusing to answer them. He's offering Manitobans pennies. On our side of the House, we're offering them savings up to $3,000 a year. Families are feeling the reality of inaction and failure by this Kinew government. This Premier is offering you pennies off of junk food. How is that going to make your life better? It's not.

If the Premier will put his ego aside, listen to Manitobans and support our call for an increase in basic personal exemption to $30,000, he can save you up to $3,000 a year today. Will the Premier listen to Manitobans and do the right thing? Mr. Kinew: The budget we brought forward is a remarkable document. Not only does it save you money at the grocery store and at the gas station, it also has record investments in health care, in education and the lowest deficit in all of the country. The members opposite could pass it right now.

Now, of course, if we were to pass the budget today, we could deal with many other important things in the Legislature, but the PCs need to deal with the comments for the member for Borderland. I antici- pate that they're going to have to go and do the bob-and-weave thing in the media today, but I would like them to put on the record right now how they intend to address this issue in their caucus. They have a consistent pattern of trying to divide Manitobans on issues of race and class and gender and things like that, and I think it's completely wrong.

I would ask the Leader of the Opposi tion, before he comes through with any other political strategies and stunts today, tell us what he's going to do for the very divisive comments made by the member for Borderland. Mr. Khan: Health care is worse under this NDP gov- ernment. Education is worse under this NDP govern- ment. And now only this Kinew govern ment, an NDP government, would applause a $500- million deficit like that's a good thing. They are over $4.5 billion over what they promised Manitobans they would spend.

Our PC team on this side of the House has called for real measures to make life more affordable for Manitobans. That means increasing your basic personal tax exemption. That means on every single paycheque, 26 times a year, Manitobans will get hundreds of dol- lars more back every paycheque. The Premier can do this if he wants to. He has a majority government. He is the Premier of Manitoba. He can do it if he wants to. Why is the Premier not listening to Manitobans and refusing to make real -life affordable changes for Manitobans? Mr.

Kinew: Honourable Speaker, I don't see serious- ness on the other side of the aisle here. There's no seriousness when it comes to fiscal policy; there's no seriousness when it comes to health care, certainly no seriousness when it comes to being a credible opposition. No Manitoban is going to vote for the sort of com- ments that were made by the member for Borderland today, particularly not in swing ridings. So I ask the member opposite, if not for the good of our province, at least for his own political self-interest, tell us how he's going to address these hateful and divisive remarks.

The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question.

2256 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 Mr. Khan: The Premier does not have a leg to stand on when he talks about fiscal responsi bility. In two and a half years, this NDP govern ment has run back-to-back deficits at over $5 billion. And now they applaud a $500-million deficit. It's comical. It's embar- rassing. This Premier needs to do the right thing and start supporting Manitoban families. Our PC govern ment, previous PC govern ment, raised the basic personal exemption–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr.

Khan: –and lifted–more than 70,000 low-income Manitobans were able to keep more of their pay - cheque. This Premier has op portunity to do that exact thing right now. He can help Manitobans that need the most help, the ones on minimum wage, the ones working two jobs, the ones struggling to get by. Will the Premier put his ego aside, listen to Manitobans, do the right thing and support a common- sense call to increase your basic personal exemption to $30,000, giving you back– The Speaker: Honourable member's time is expired. Mr.

Kinew: The reason why it's noteworthy for Manitobans to know that we have the lowest deficit in the entire country because Donald Trump has been attacking the Canadian economy for the past year, and, unfortunately, some of our provincial neighbours are seeing the impact. That's why it's so shameful that the member opposite thanked Donald Trump. But it's the same kind of divisiveness that we saw on display this morning from the member for Borderland (Mr. Guenter).

The member from Borderland fancies himself a morally upstanding person but he does not have the self-awareness to see the harm that his remarks would cause. I would encourage him, on a level of man to man, to reflect on those remarks and perhaps come back tomorrow with a new approach.

But for the Leader of the Opposition, who fancies himself the leader of a serious political party, who has proven himself time and time again to be quite the opposite, he has a responsi bility, not just on a moral level, but also for the careers of the people whose seats are going down the tubes under his watch, to castigate and to speak out against those comments. The Speaker: Member's time is expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Khan: I've now asked five questions in a row to this Premier about what he's going to do to make life more affordable.

Will he support the basic personal exemption increase to $30,000? Will he do the right thing and listen to Manitobans? Out of the five questions I asked, not one serious answer from this Premier. He's avoiding the question. He is trying to distract Manitobans. He refuses to acknowledge the fact that, in his budget, he has nothing to help Manitoba families other than a savings of PST on junk food, saving you pennies. Greg Selinger promised Manitobans he wouldn't– [interjection] The Speaker: Order. * (14:10) Mr. Khan: –increase the PST. He did without passing his budget bill.

Brian Pallister dropped the PST with- out passing the BITSA bill. Now the Premier has the opportunity to do the same thing. He can do it. It's been done before in the past, he can do it now. He has the majority. He is the Premier. Will the Premier do the right thing and increase the basic personal exemption, or at the bare minimum come clean to Manitobans and say– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mr. Kinew: Member's out of touch. Help at the grocery store, help at the gas station, help paying rent, help paying your mortgage.

These are all important things for Manitobans, and he dismisses them because he doesn't know what it's like out there for people like us. The other person who doesn't know what is like out there for people like us is the member for Borderland, because the vast majority of Manitobans are non-Indigenous. But those non-Indigenous, good- hearted Manitobans don't want to see neighbour pitted against neighbour. They don't want to see trivial resolutions brought before here just to try and score cheap political points. Manitobans categorically rejected that –uncat- egorically, I should say–in the last election.

The PCs, time and time again in this term in office, have been given the chance to turn over a new leaf, and yet they never have. I submit to you: they never will. Let's keep them in the opposition benches forever, and let's keep working together to build up our great province.

May 21, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2257 Cost-of-Living Concerns for Manitobans Call to Increase the Basic Personal Tax Exemption Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Manitobans are being squeezed from every angle under the NDP. Manitoba has the highest inflation in the country, the highest education property taxes in the country, rising hydro rates, higher fuel costs and one of the highest income tax burdens in Canada. Yet the NDP have provided no meaningful tax relief for Manitobans who are really struggling right now. So why has the NDP allowed Manitoba's cost of living to become the worst in the country?

Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, if the members opposite want to help Manitobans with affordability, we've got an idea for them. Why don't they pass BITSA today, stand up and get that bill passed? Wow. Let's take the PST off all food in grocery stores. Let's also work to make life more affordable for renters by raising that renters tax credit. Let's help out homeowners to make it more affordable to own a home by raising their education property tax credit. Those are the things that are contained in this BITSA bill.

And, again, the only people in the province stand- ing between Manitobans and those savings are the members opposite. Will they stand today, finally, again, make use of their time in this House, support the bill? Let's bring those savings to Manitobans today. The Speaker: The honourable member for Midland, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Stone: We're willing to work with the NDP. We've said this time and time again.

But what we're saying is Manitobans need more because Manitobans are living in a cost -of-living crisis: highest education taxes in Canada, highest inflation in Canada, highest food inflation in Canada. And on top of all that, the NDP froze indexation, pushing more Manitobans into higher tax brackets. Let's be clear: every other province has recog - nized inflationary pressures and kept indexation on income taxes, except for this NDP government while 50 per cent of Manitobans are within $200 of bankruptcy.

So will the NDP do the right thing, work with our team and increase the basic personal exemption to $30,000, yes or no? MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, again, their pro- posal is a proposal to send huge amounts of dollars into the hands of the wealthiest people in the province while they send the province into the fiscal ditch, which is exactly what they did before they left gov- ernment about three years ago. They left Manitobans with a $2-billion deficit. We have turned that around and now we have the lowest deficit in the entire country.

We're doing the work of making life more affordable while we fix health care, while we continue to make investments where they were needed after years of cuts, while we bring forward a fiscally sustainable and responsible approach, something Manitobans didn't see for years under the members opposite. The Speaker: The honourable member for Midland, on a final supplementary question. Mrs.

Stone: This minister has the highest inflation in the country and the highest food inflation in the country and the highest education property taxes in the entire country, and he still wants to collect more from Manitobans by cancelling indexation and freezing the basic personal exemption. Manitobans need relief now. Manitoba is the only province in Canada that's not indexing and not increasing the basic personal exemption.

So I ask the minister: We have put forward a very common sense proposal giving $3,000 back to Manitoba families; will he commit to meeting with our PC caucus today to move forward on all this tax relief measures for Manitobans, yes or no? MLA Sala: Manitobans do need more relief now, Honourable Speaker. So we say to the members oppo- site: Get out of the way. Pass the BITSA bill. Let's bring in the PST savings. Let's increase the credit for renters. Let's increase the credits for homeowners. Let's do the work of making life more affordable.

Again, the members opposite stand in the way of Manitobans having those savings on July 1. Why don't they want to bring those savings to Manitobans? If they're standing here talking about affordability chal- lenges, we've got a solution for them. We're going to take the PST off all groceries on July 1–that is, if they stand today and support the bill. Will she stand up today and actually do the work of bringing savings to Manitobans, yes or no? The Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Order, please. Just–I need to note that the Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. Khan), in his last question, made the

2258 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 comment about coming clean. So I would caution the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition to be more careful in the language he uses. That comes dan- gerously close to being unparliamentary. Cost-of-Living Concerns for Manitobans Call to Increase the Basic Personal Tax Exemption Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): With Manitoba families facing the highest food inflation in Canada, residents in Interlake-Gimli are asking, when will this NDP government provide meaningful affordability relief?

The Progressive Conservative proposal to raise the basic personal exemption to $30,000 would help hard-working families keep up to $3,000 more of their earnings and remove many low -income Manitobans from paying provincial income tax altogether. Considering the average household income in Interlake-Gimli is just over $60,000, why is the govern- ment refusing to provide real tax relief for struggling families, low-income workers and seniors? Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, the member opposite isn't serious. The party isn't serious.

Their offer that they're putting on the table isn't serious. We know where that offer would lead us, and that's back to a $2-billion deficit; or, as we saw in their tenure, they tended to make decisions like that that gave benefits to the wealthiest in society which were accompanied with huge cuts to things like health care, losing health-care facilities in rural communities, cuts to schools, cuts to child care. That's their record. Again, not a serious proposal. What is serious, Honourable Speaker?

The work that's being done this–by this team to make life more affordable and the work that's reflected in this BITSA bill. What we're saying is we're going to take the PST off all groceries in Manitoba, we're going to raise credits for renters, we're going to make life more affordable for honers –homeowners. Why can't they get in support of that? The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Interlake-Gimli, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Johnson: Families in Interlake-Gimli are struggling with rising grocery, fuel, utility and housing costs while this NDP continues to offer no meaningful affordability relief. The Progressive Conservative proposal to increase the basic personal exemption to $30,000 would immediately help lower and middle income Manitobans by allowing them to keep up to $3,000 more of their own paycheques. Why does this government continue to take more from hard-working Manitobans instead of supporting practical tax relief measures that would help families and seniors manage rising costs?

MLA Sala: The member stands in the House and reads a list of things that he feels are getting more expensive in Manitoba. Well, it's that very list he just outlined–those are all the things we're trying to reduce the cost for, Honourable Speaker. Food, rent, the costs of owning a home: all of these things are things that we're trying to make lower. We're trying to reduce those costs. And that's exactly what this BITSA bill does. The member opposite stands in the way of that bill.

In fact, he and the rest of that team seem to be fighting to go back to the way things were: make life more expensive for homeowners, make life more expensive for renters. Manitobans reject that. They reject the proposals being brought forward by the members opposite. What they want to see is relief now; relief that's in this BITSA bill. Will he support the bill, yes or no? * (14:20) The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Interlake-Gimli, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Johnson: The minister quite well knows that Manitoba now has the highest–highest–food inflation in the province. And it is only getting higher under this failing NDP govern ment, yet the only affordability measures that they seem to be focused on is removing the junk food tax. The Progressive Conservative proposal to raise the basic personal exemption to $30,000 would pro- vide real relief in the tune of $3,000 per family. Why is this government ignoring meaningful affordability solutions for hard-working Manitobans?

MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, when our team came into government, we had 8 per cent inflation after they left gov ernment, 8 per cent inflation as a result of when–their inaction. What did we do? We instantly came in and we eliminated the fuel tax for an entire year, crushing that inflation in very short order.

May 21, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2259 And now, again, with this recent budget and this BITSA bill, more savings we're trying to bring to Manitobans: taking the PST off all groceries, better credit for renters, better credit for homeowners. We're trying to do away with the cost of transit for students in Manitoba, free child care for the lowest in come families in the province. This team is focused on making life more afford- able after years of Manitobans suffering 'uver' –under a government that didn't take action. Manitobans– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

Cost-of-Living Concerns for Manitobans Request to Support Income Tax Relief Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Honourable Speaker, this failing Kinew government has a chance to offer real tax relief, and they are choosing not to. Instead, they come into this Chamber every day and tell Manitobans that $100 is enough. [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Nesbitt: Well, it isn't. Families and seniors need more. We've offered to work together. Why is this Minister of Finance unwilling to work together for the betterment of all Manitobans? Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): We are working for the betterment of Manitobans. What we're not going to do is accept proposals that will again send Manitoba into the fiscal ditch. Their record is clear: a $2-billion hole that we had to climb out of. If we were to accept what the member s opposite are putting forward: hello, credit downgrades; hello, massive fiscal challenges for Manitoba. That's not a path we want to go down again. What are we going to do?

We're going to keep doing the work of fixing health care, investing in education and, yes, making life more affordable while we continue to do the very important work of fixing the fiscal mess they left Manitoba. And , again, we're very proud to have the lowest deficit in the entire country and be working towards that balanced budget next year in our final year of our first mandate. The Speaker: The honourable member for Riding Mountain, on a supplementary question. Mr. Nesbitt: Honourable Speaker, we propose real relief. Thousands of dollars back off income taxes, money saved on every paycheque.

This would imme- diately help those that need it the most. When gov- ernment takes less tax, families have more to spend in their local economy on the things they need most. It's been proven to help already. Why is this minister unwilling to offer more than 100 bucks? MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, since coming into government, we've put thousands of dollars back into Manitobans' pockets, whether it's through huge middle- class tax cuts, whether it's through fuel tax cuts, whether it's through increases to renters tax credits that the members opposite cut.

There's no denying there's only one team in this province that's actually focused on making life more affordable. The members opposite bring forward proposals that are going to only benefit the wealthiest in Manitoba while they send us into a fiscal deficit position. We know what they're capable of. We know we don't want to go back there. What we know is we're going to keep doing the work we're doing: investing where it counts, making life more affordable while we bring forward a fiscally responsible approach; again, something we didn't see for seven and a half years under the members opposite.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Riding Mountain, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Nesbitt: Honourable Speaker, in 2023, we raised the 'bersic' –basic personal exemption to $15,000. PC indexation increased it to $15,780, where it has stayed to this day. While Manitoba has the worst inflation in the nation, this government has decided to freeze this exemption. That means that every dollar earned is taxed a little bit more. Why did this minister raise taxes on Manitobans? MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, this team is lower - ing taxes for Manitobans.

That's what we've done since the first moment we got into this building. We're doing the work of making life more affordable while we fix health care, while we invest in education, while we make Manitoba into a safer place. And, as I said, we're doing that while we bring forward a fiscally responsible approach. Honourable Speaker, I'm delighted to share that just today, S&P has announced that our credit rating is going to remain at an A+, outlook stable. That's the work we're doing right here. Let's keep it going.

2260 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 Cost-of-Living Concerns for Manitobans Call to Increase the Basic Personal Tax Exemption Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Today, Manitobans are coping with higher inflation than any other prov- ince, 53 per cent higher than the Canadian average. And the reason for that is that property taxes and food costs are rising faster in Manitoba than anywhere else. And this has real impacts on Manitoba families' budgets. Parents are making difficult choices, cutting back, postponing purchases and worrying about their monthly bills in ways they never had to before.

Our team has proposed a real affordability mea- sure to give Manitobans back more of their own hard-earned dollars. Will the NDP raise the basic personal exemption and provide Manitobans with real, meaningful cost relief today? Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): What their team is proposing is going to bring a fiscal disaster. That's what we know happens under the PCs, and there's certainly no A+ credit ratings with those types of proposals coming forward. What we know we're going to see is, again, credit downgra des, $2-billion deficits.

That's what Manitobans can expect if we ever let them anywhere close to the reins of government again. Under this team, we've been working very hard to ensure that we focus in on those areas where Manitobans are facing those affordability challenges: areas like food which, again, this BITSA bill, that we're looking to the members opposite to support so we can bring savings by July 1, does exactly that. Let's take the PST off all groceries in Manitoba by July 1. Again, we ask the members opposite –I ask this member: Will she stand in the House today and– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

The honourable member for Roblin, on a supple- mentary question. Mrs. Cook: The only thing the NDP is working hard to do is to actively make life more expensive for Manitobans. They increased property taxes. They increased income taxes. And while inflation in Manitoba is outpacing every other province, they absolutely refuse to a llow Manitobans to keep more of their own hard-earned money. Why is this NDP government so oblivious to the struggles of Manitoba families and so unwilling to provide them with any real cost relief? MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, Manitobans know that we cut their taxes.

That's the work we've been doing since we got in: whether it's the gas tax cut, whether it's the education property tax rebates that we brought in, now the biggest education property tax rebate cheques Manitobans have ever seen. And, again, this recent budget, we announced we're going up to $1,700 to make it even more affordable to own a home. But today we ask the members opposite: Why won't they support this bill? It's a bill that not only does away with PST in grocery stores, it also proposes to raise the renters tax credit, which they cut, which they lifted taxes on renters.

It also proposes to raise the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit to $1,700. Let's bring those savings to Manitobans. Let's– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Roblin, on a final supplementary question. Mrs. Cook: Honourable Speaker, homeowners in the Roblin constituency are not better off under the NDP's plan. Through both its actions and its inaction, this NDP government is making life harder for Manitobans. They stand idly by while Manitoba leads the country in inflation, oblivious to the real -world impacts that this has on Manitoba families.

Then they actively make the problem worse by jacking up property taxes and jacking up income taxes. And then they just keep taking from Manitobans, refusing to allow them to keep more of their own hard- earned money to ease the pressure families are facing. Will the NDP finally get over their own ideol- ogical opposition to allowing Manitobans to keep more of their own money and raise the basic personal exemption today? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Honourable Speaker, the basic personal exemption is higher under us than it ever was under them. I do want to table this

article that broke during question period for the members opposite, that says that the Leader of the PCs and the people suing him settled a $562,000 lawsuit. Specifically, the lawyer for the other party in this suit said, and I quote: A settlement occurred. End quote. * (14:30)

May 21, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2261 Now, we know that the leader of a political party is bound by the conflict of interest law to disclose any legal actions against them. So I wonder whether the member for Roblin was aware of the amount of the settlement, the nature of the settlement; or are these details only known to the member and not the rest of the PC caucus? Because, certainly, he will have to disclose these details to everyone very, very soon. Safety Improvements for Downtown Winnipeg Funding Announcement for Community Organizations Mr.

Diljeet Brar (Burrows): Honourable Speaker, every summer, Winnipeg's downtown is a hub for families–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Brar: –and businesses to gather together. Earlier today, our government announced a very exciting investment that will ensure everyone feels safe this summer in downtown Winnipeg. Can the Minister of Justice please tell the House more about–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Brar: –how our government's investments to com- munity safety are seen as the national gold standard and how we continue to make it better? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): What a great question from the member for Burrows. This is about keeping people safe downtown. We, today, announced a $2.2-million investment in downtown safety, supporting organizations that are doing the work every single day to tirelessly work to keeping our downtown and surrounding communities safe. It's providing the Downtown Community Safety Partnership with $750,000 and new partnerships with Indigenous-led organizations. Also included: Down- town BIZ, West End BIZ, West Broadway BIZ and the Exchange District BIZ, also receiving funding.

They're doing the important work alongside our government. We're keeping Manitobans safe. Cost-of-Living Concerns for Manitobans Call to Increase the Basic Personal Tax Exemption Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Honourable Speaker, this government is just playing political games while Manitoba families are struggling to just get by. The best affordability policy is a strong econ- omy, because strong economies create strong pay- cheques. But under this NDP government, Manitoba is moving in the wrong direction. Exports are collapsing, businesses are leaving and the investment is drying up.

And while families are falling further behind, the only things going up are taxes, debt and the cost of living. If this Premier (Mr. Kinew) truly believes his policies are working, why does life keep getting more expensive under this NDP government? Hon. Jamie Moses (Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation): Honourable Speaker, we are building a strong economy right here in Manitoba. And how do we know that? Because we have the lowest unemployment rate in the whole country. More Manitobans are working right here.

Over 36,000 of them, in fact, have found new jobs in our province over the last two and a half years. We'll continue to make sure that Manitobans can work here in our great province. Unlike members opposite who would rather see those jobs go to people from out of province, unlike members opposite who would rather thank Donald Trump for their tariffs, unlike members opposite whose failed government let inflation get to 8 per cent, we, instead, are trying to drive real good jobs, real econ- omy and real affordability at the same time here.

And that's why I encourage members opposite to pass our budget so we can bring tax relief to all Manitobans. The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a supplementary question. Mr. Narth: Honourable Speaker, on this side of the House, we've been crystal clear. If this government wants to present a BITSA bill with any value, then they'd include affordability relief for Manitobans. Families do not need headlines, gimmicks or temporary band- aids. They need real money left in their very own pockets.

That is why Progressive Conservatives are calling to raise the basic personal exemption to $30,000 so Manitobans can keep more of what they earn. Will this government finally support a common sense affordability plan that could put up to $3,000 a year back into the pockets of working families? Mr. Moses: Honourable Speaker, members opposite have been crystal clear: they want higher taxes for Manitobans. They've been crystal clear they don't want to see reduction in your grocery prices. They've been

2262 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 crystal clear they'd rather sow division amongst Manitobans than actually work together to build a strong economy or put more Manitobans to work. On this side of the House, instead of taking their divisive path, we will build Manitoba up together by delivering a strong economy, with more Manitobans working and an affordability that all Manitobans can join. So won't they please get out of the way and pass our budget today. The Speaker: The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Narth: I'll tell you what, Honourable Speaker.

I encourage the Premier to go ask 10 ordinary Manitobans a simple question–not his political insiders, not union bosses, not partisan activists – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Narth: –just everyday Manitobans trying to pay their bills–ask them this: Would you rather save a few pennies at the grocery checkout or keep an extra $250 each and every month, up to $3,000 a year for your family? [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Narth: What does this Premier honestly think that Manitobans would answer to that question? Mr.

Moses: Well, when it comes to affordability, Honourable Speaker, we know that Manitobans sup- ported our gas tax reduction. We know the members opposite tried to stand in their way. We know when it comes to affordability and we're trying to remove PST off of all groceries, Manitobans side with us and not with the members opposite. We know when it comes to bringing our province together, Manitobans sided with us and not the divi - sive politics we saw out of the former failed govern- ment and their campaign that pitted one Manitoban against another.

We reject those ideas, and we're so glad that Manitobans side on–stand on our side. So we'll keep working with Manitobans, keep delivering affordability for them, keep building up a strong economy for all of us and ensuring that we can have a better and brighter Manitoba into the future, for this generation and next. Cost-of-Living Concerns for Manitobans Request to Support Tax Relief Measures Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): Manitobans are dealing with the rising cost of living, and this NDP government is not offering serious solutions.

In fact, they reinstated the gas tax and cancelled the indexa - tion of income taxes, forcing Manitobans to pay more and more in tax. When will this money-hungry government recog- nize that their tax hikes are hurting Manitoba families and support real tax relief measures? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): When it comes to help- ing you, there's a lot of ways we can take action: at the grocery store, by taking off taxes; at the gas pump, by cutting the gas tax; in the health facilities, by hiring more nurses; in education, by building schools.

Budget 2026 does all of those things, and that's why the PCs need to pass it today or, at the very latest, by May 28. The member opposite though, however, said some- thing unfortunate. Perhaps he was worked up in the context of debate, but he does have the opportunity to apologize now. Rather than spending the rest of the afternoon letting political staff hide him from the media, I would encourage him to speak on the record and let Manitobans know how he clearly feels, perhaps with the tension of debate a little bit behind him. For the good of the province, I encourage him to do so.

The Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: And I have some more guests I'd like to introduce. Draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us today Joanne Lewandosky and Susan Zuk, who are guests of the honourable Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Kostyshyn). And we welcome you here today. And we also have seated in the public gallery Eva Cameron, manager of Spruce Woods Housing Co-op, and board member Noreen Mitchell, who are guests of the honourable member for Spruce Woods (Mrs. Robbins). And we welcome you here today as well.

May 21, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2263 PETITIONS Spruce Woods Housing Co-op Mrs. Colleen Robbins (Spruce Woods): I wish to present this following petition. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows:

(1) Spruce Woods housing 'corperative' limited operates im portant apartment- and townhouse -style affordable housing units in the North Hill of Brandon and make them available to western Manitoba residents in need. * (14:40)

(2) Very few organizations like Spruce Woods Housing Co- op exist in Westman, making it an important asset that must remain operational.

(3) This organization has undertaken a multi-year renovation of its housing facilities that are aging and in need of significant improvements.

(4) Because of various challenges, including the increasing pressures of inflation, particularly on construction materials, Spruce Woods Housing Co-op is in need of financial assistance to complete its renovations to townhouse units.

(5) Spruce Woods Housing Co- op purchased $250,000 worth of new windows several years ago but has been unable to install them because of cost pressures, so these windows remain unused and in storage.

(6) Cost pressures continue to rise because the provincial government has eliminated the PC's Education Property Tax Credit and rebate system and replaced it with a flat rate credit, adding $27,600 to residents' annual school tax bill.

(7) If the provincial government were to provide financial support to Spruce Woods Housing Co-op, the organization would be able to access further funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

(8) This provincial and federal funding would greatly assist Spruce Woods Housing Co-op, allowing it to complete renovations of all of its units and ensure they all remain open in order to house as many people and families in need as possible.

(9) It is critical that the provincial government does everything possible to ensure that all affordable housing in the province remains open and operational. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to grant finan- cial assistance to Spruce Woods Housing Co-operatives Limited and to specify this financial support in the provincial government's budget. This petition has been signed by Eva Cameron, Allison Beamish and Chickie Bibault and many, many more Manitobans. The Speaker: Further petitions? Intersection of PTH 75 and PR 305 Mr.

Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The intersection of Provincial Trunk Highway 75, PTH 75, and Provincial Road 305, PR 305, at Ste. Agathe, has become increasingly dangerous for motorists and pedestrians.

(2) Over the past seven years there have been at least 20 accidents at this location resulting in injuries and fatalities.

(3) This intersection is heavily used by commu- nity members, commuters and commercial traffic, making safety improvements critical.

(4) Immediate action is needed to mitigate accidents and prevent further loss of life. Mr. Tyler Blashko, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair

(5) An in -service road safety review was completed in 2022, which included recommended improvements but no action plan.

(6) Immediate action and implementation on the maintenance issues and short -term strategies identi - fied in the 2022 study are needed.

(7) Development of an action plan with timeliness for the medium-term strategies identified in the 2022 study is required.

(8) Installation of traffic lights or a controlled signal system will make the intersection safer.

(9) Additional strategies, such as reduced speed limits approaching the intersection and the addition of rumble strips to alert drivers of the upcoming intersection, will save lives.

(10) Construction of dedicated turning lanes to reduce collision risk and other traffic calming designs

2264 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 will help reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities at the intersection. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to undertake safety improvements at the intersection of PTH 75 and PR 305 at Ste. Agathe; and

(2) To urge the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to prioritize measures that will reduce accidents and fatalities, including but not limited to those outlined in the 2022 in- service road safety review. And, honourable Speaker, this petition is signed by Michael Northam, Jacquelyn Northam, Rudyard Austero and many other fine Manitobans. Opposition to Releasing Repeat Offenders Mr. Jeff Wharton (Red River North): Honourable Speaker–Deputy honour able Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Kellie Verwey, a beloved young woman from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, was tragically killed in a car crash caused by a repeat violent offender with a long criminal history.

(2) Despite repeated violations of his bail conditions, the offender was free to roam the streets and to ultimately claim Kellie's life. This tragedy was entirely preventable.

(3) While the Criminal Code falls under federal jurisdiction, provinces have been given the respon- sibility for the administration of justice, allowing for meaningful provincial action on bail reform to ensure public safety.

(4) Other provinces have taken proactive steps to strengthen bail enforcement, but Manitoba has not used all the available tools to address this issue effectively.

(5) The provincial government has the ability and the responsibility to advocate for and implement measures that protect its citizens by ensuring that repeat violent offenders are not released into our communities without proper safeguards.

(6) Immediate action is required to close gaps in the justice system that allow dangerous criminals to remain free, which puts innocent Manitobans at risk. Honourable Deputy Speaker, we petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to take immediate and decisive action on bail reform to address serious defects in enforcement by utilizing all available provincial mechanisms to strengthen warrant enforcement, increasing bail supervision and opposing release of offenders, thus ensuring that repeat violent offenders are held accountable and that the public safety is prioritized over leniency; and

(2) To urge the provincial government to lobby the federal government to immediately repeal provisions of the Criminal Code that allow for the continued victimization of law -abiding Manitobans while granting repeat offenders additional rights. This petition is signed by Bob Edgar [phonetic], Brenda Fidler, Leanna [phonetic] MacDonald and many more Manitobans. Thank you. Medical Assistance in Dying Mrs. Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): Honour- able Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Persons struggling with mental health as their sole condition may access medical assistance in dying unless Parliament intervenes.

(2) Suicidality is often a symptom of mental illness, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the age of 10 and 19. * (14:50)

(3) There have been reports of unsolicited intro- duction of medical assistance in dying to non-seeking persons, including Canadian veterans, as a solution for their medical and mental health issues.

(4) Legal and medical experts are deeply con - cerned that permitting Canadians suffering from depression and other mental illnesses to access euthanasia would undermine suicide prevention efforts and risk normalizing suicide as a solution for those suffering from mental illness.

(5) The federal gov ernment is bound by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to advance and protect the life, liberty and security of its citizens.

May 21, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2265

(6) Manitobans consider it a priority to ensure that adequate supports are in place for mental health of all Canadians.

(7) Vulnerable Manitobans must be given suicide prevention counselling instead of suicide assistance.

(8) The federal gov ernment should focus on increasing mental health supports to provinces and to improve access to these supports, instead of offering medical assistance in dying for those with mental illness. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal gov ernment to stop the expansion of medical assistance in dying to those for whom mental illness is the sole condition.

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal gov ernment to protect Canadians struggling with mental illness by facilitating treat- ment, recovery and medical assist ance in living, not death. This was signed was by Cliff Wiebe, Laura Wiebe and Effie –Elfie Frank [phonetic] and many other Manitobans. Intersection of PTH 75 and PR 305 Mr. Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The intersection of Provincial Trunk Highway 75, PTH 75, and Provincial Road 305, PR 305, at Ste. Agathe, has become increasingly dangerous for motorists and pedestrians.

(2) Over the past seven years there have been at least 20 accidents at this location resulting in injuries and fatalities.

(3) This intersection is heavily used by commu- nity members, commuters and commercial traffic, making safety improvements critical.

(4) Immediate action is needed to mitigate accidents and prevent further loss of life.

(5) An in -service road safety review was completed in 2022, which included recommended improvements but no action plan.

(6) Immediate action and implementation on the maintenance issues and short -term strategies identi- fied in the 2022 study are needed.

(7) Development of an action plan with timelines for the medium-term strategies identified in the 2022 study is required.

(8) Installation of traffic lights or a controlled signal system will make the intersection safer.

(9) Installation of traffic lights or a controlled signal system will make the intersection safer.

(9) Additional strategies, such as reduced speed limits approaching the intersection and the addition of rumble strips to alert drivers of the upcoming intersection, will save lives.

(10) Construction of dedicated turning lanes to reduce collision risk and other traffic calming designs will help reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities at the intersection. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba– [interjection] We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to undertake safety improvements at the intersection of PTH 75 and PR 305 at Ste. Agathe.

(2) To urge the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to prioritize measures that will reduce accidents and fatalities, including but not limited to those outlined in the 2022 in- service road safety review. This is signed by Claude Robert, CP [phonetic] Tremblay, Travis Dreger and many, many other Manitobans. Programs for Adolescents with Disabilities Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): I wish to present the following petition t o the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Children with dis abilities often require child care beyond the age of 12. Children with dis abilities aged 12 to 17 face a gap in publicly available care programs.

(2) The current adolescent -care service model creates undue hardship on caregivers.

(3) While developing children may be entering into extracurricular activities, school clubs or spending time with friends in dependently, children

2266 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 with disabilities have reduced oppor tunities for such social and recreational opportunities due to the lack of spaces.

(4) The current self -managed adolescent -care models place additional workloads onto already stressed families, requiring parents to seek all alterna- tive options and prove their need for care.

(5) The current adolescent-care system, as part of overall respite and support available to families, is failing families of children with dis abilities, as identified in the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth's Bridging the Gaps report.

(6) To date, none of the nine recommendations it contains have been completed beyond 50 per cent.

(7) The recommendations in this report touch on many of the issues facing families, with adolescent care being but a small component of their overall needs. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial gov ernment to fully implement recommendations in the Bridging the Gaps report.

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme- diately implement official policies and procedures that are more respectful and collaborative, which also minimize harm faced by families seeking help from Children's disABILITY Services.

(3) To urge the Minister of Families to arrange for a full review of em ployment supports provided by Children's dis ABILITY Services for children with disabilities aged 12 to 17, including direct consul ta- tion with impacted families and to explore a full spectrum of options to support families, em powering them to choose solutions that best fit their needs. * (15:00) This petition is signed by Alyssa Anderson, Alyssa Ducharme, Marie Gebauer and many, many more fine Manitobans. Opposition to Releasing Repeat Offenders MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Kellie Verwey, a beloved young woman from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, was tragically killed in a car crash caused by a repeat violent offender with a long criminal history.

(2) Despite repeated violations of his bail conditions, the offender was free to roam the streets and to ultimately claim Kellie's life. This tragedy was entirely preventable.

(3) While the Criminal Code falls under federal jurisdiction, provinces have been given the respon- sibility for the administration of justice, allowing for meaningful provincial action on bail reform to ensure public safety.

(4) Other provinces have taken proactive steps to strengthen bail reform, but Manitoba has not used all the available tools to address this issue effectively.

(5) The provincial government has the ability and the responsibility to advocate for and implement measures that protect its citizens by ensuring that repeat violent offenders are not released into our communities without proper safeguards.

(6) Immediate action is required to close gaps in the justice system that allows dangerous criminals to remain free, which puts innocent Manitobans at risk. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to take immediate and decisive action on bail reform to address serious deficits in enforcement by utilizing all available provincial mechanisms to strengthen warrant enforcement, increasing bail supervision and opposing release of offenders, thus ensuring that repeat violent offenders are held accountable and that the public safety is prioritized over leniency; and

(2) To urge the provincial government to lobby the federal government to immediately repeal provisions of the Criminal Code that allow for the continued victimization of law -abiding Manitobans while granting repeat offenders additional rights. This has been signed by Jean Rugg, Dale Bass, Frank Perrin and many, many more Manitobans. Thank you, honourable Deputy Speaker. Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, and the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Kellie Verwey, a beloved young woman from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, was tragically killed in a car crash caused by a repeat violent offender with a long criminal history.

May 21, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2267

(2) Despite repeated violations of his bail conditions, the offender was free to roam the streets and to ultimately claim Kellie's life. This tragedy was entirely preventable.

(3) While the Criminal Code falls under federal jurisdiction, provinces have been given the respon- sibility in the administration of justice, allowing for meaningful provincial action on bail reform to ensure public safety.

(4) Other provinces have taken proactive steps to strengthen bail enforcement, but Manitoba has not used all the available tools to address this issue effectively.

(5) Provincial government has the ability and the responsibility to advocate for and implement measures that protect its citizens by ensuring that repeat violent offenders are not released into our communities without proper safeguards.

(6) Immediate action is required to close gaps in the justice system that allow dangerous criminals to remain free, which puts innocent Manitobans at risk. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge provincial government to take immediate and decisive action on bail reform to address serious deficits in enforcement by utilizing all available provincial mechanisms to strengthen warrant enforcement, increasing bail supervision and opposing release of offenders, thus ensuring that repeat violent offenders are held accountable and that the public safety is prioritized over leniency; and

(2) To urge provincial government to lobby the federal government to immediately repeal provisions of the Criminal Code that allow for the continued victimization of law -abiding Manitobans while granting repeal offenders additional rights. This petition has been signed by Anthony Madden, Trey King, Jan Brownlee and many, many Manitobans. Thank you. Programs for Adolescents with Disabilities Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legis - lative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Children with dis abilities often require child care beyond the age of 12. Children with dis abilities aged 12 to 17 face a gap in publicly available care programs.

(2) The current adolescent -care service model creates undue hardship on caregivers.

(3) While developing children may be entering into extracurricular activities, school clubs or spend- ing time with friends in dependently, children with disabilities have reduced opportunities for such social and recreational op portunities due to the lack of spaces.

(4) The current self -managed adolescent -care models place additional workloads onto already stressed families, requiring parents to seek all alterna- tive options and prove their need for care.

(5) The current adolescent-care system, as part of overall respite and support available to families, is failing families of children with dis abilities, as identified in the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth's Bridging the Gaps report.

(6) To date, none of the nine recommendations it contains have been completed beyond 50 per cent.

(7) The recommendations in this report touch on many of the issues facing families, with adolescent care being but a small component in their overall needs. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial gov ernment to fully implement recommendations in the Bridging the Gaps report.

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme- diately implement official policies and procedures that are more respectful and collaborative, which also minimize harm faced by families seeking help from Children's disABILITY Services.

(3) To urge the Minister of Families to arrange for a full review of em ployment supports provided by Children's dis ABILITY Services for children with disabilities aged 12 to 17, including direct consul ta- tion with impacted families and to explore a full spectrum of options to support families, em powering them to choose solutions that best fit their needs. * (15:10) This is signed by Amber Locoshavich, Brady McRae, Brian Locoshavich and many, many more Manitobans.

2268 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 Medical Assistance in Dying Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Persons struggling with mental health as their sole condition may access medical assistance in dying unless Parliament intervenes.

(2) Suicidality is often a symptom of mental illness, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the age of 10 and 19.

(3) There have been reports of the unsolicited introduction of medical assistance in dying to non- seeking persons, including Canadian veterans, as a solution for their medical and mental health issues.

(4) Legal and medical experts are deeply concerned that permitting Canadians suffering from depression and other mental illnesses to access euthanasia would under mine suicide pre vention efforts and risk normalizing suicide as a solution for those suffering from mental illness.

(5) The federal gov ernment is bound by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to advance and protect the life, liberty and security of its citizens.

(6) Manitobans consider it a priority to ensure that adequate supports are in place for the mental health of all Canadians.

(7) Vulnerable Manitobans must be given suicide prevention counselling instead of suicide assist ance; and

(8) The federal gov ernment should focus on increasing mental health supports to provinces and improve access to these supports, instead of offering medical assistance in dying for those with mental illness. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal gov ernment to stop the expansion of medical assistance in dying to those for whom mental illness is the sole condition.

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal government to protect Canadians struggling with mental illness by facilitating treatment, recovery and medical assistance in living, not death. This petition has been signed by many, many Manitobans. Programs for Adolescents with Disabilities Ms. Jodie Byram (Agassiz): I wish to present the following petition. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Children with dis abilities often require child care beyond the age of 12. Children with dis abilities aged 12 to 17 face a gap in publicly available care programs.

(2) The current adolescent -care service model creates undue hardship on caregivers.

(3) While developing children may be entering into extracurricular activities, school clubs or spend- ing time with friends in dependently, children with disabilities have reduced opportunities for such social and recreational opportunities due to the lack of spaces.

(4) The current self -managed adolescent -care models place additional workloads onto already stressed families, requiring parents to seek all alterna- tive options and prove their need for care.

(5) The current adolescent-care system, as part of overall respite and support available to families, is failing families of children with disabilities, as identi- fied in the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth's Bridging the Gaps report.

(6) To date, none of the nine recommendations it contains have been completed beyond 50 per cent.

(7) The recommendations in this report touch on many of the issues facing families, with adolescent care being but a small component of their overall needs. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial gov ernment to fully implement recommendations in the Bridging the Gaps report.

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme- diately implement official policies and procedures that are more respectful and collaborative, which also minimize harm faced by families seeking help from Children's disABILITY Services.

(3) To urge the Minister of Families to arrange for a full review of em ployment supports provided by Children's dis ABILITY Services for children with disabilities aged 12 to 17, including direct consultation with impacted families and to explore a full spectrum

May 21, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2269 of options to support families, em powering them to choose solutions that best fit their needs. This petition has been signed by Sierra Fleming, Victoria Goubet [phonetic], Hazel Fleming and many, many more Manitobans. Provincial Road 210 Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Provincial Road 210, PR 210, is a 117.3 kilo- metre–72.8 mile–highway in the Eastman region of Manitoba that connects the towns and communities of Woodridge, Marchand, La Broquerie, Ste. Anne, Landmark, Linden, Île des Chênes and St. Adolphe.

(2) A significant portion of PR 210 also runs through the constituency of La Vérendrye.

(3) PR 210 is a significant commuting route for Eastman families and is also notably used by those in the agriculture, tourism, trade and commerce industries.

(4) The condition of PR 210 from Woodridge to Highway 12 is in an unacceptable state of disrepair.

(5) The planned pavement upgrade was promised more than 20 years ago when it was constructed with a flat surface suitable for pavement but has yet to be completed.

(6) The condition of PR 210 from Woodridge to Highway 12 is in such bad shape that firefighters, police and paramedic services are severely delayed when responding to emergencies.

(7) The Minister of Transportation and Infra - structure as well as the Premier have a duty to respond to infrastructure needs identified by rural communities. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to prioritize the reconstruction of Provincial Road 210, and;

(2) To urge the provincial government to include the stretch of Provincial Road 210 from Woodridge to Highway 12 in its reconstruction plans. * (15:20) This petition has been signed by John Hiebert, Carol Hiebert, Dino Gimarco [phonetic] and many, many other Manitobans. Hecla Village Road and Highway 8 Repairs Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): I wish to present the following petition. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Highway 8 traverses Hecla Island for approxi- mately 30 kilometres from the south where it crosses the causeway to the northern tip at Lindsay tower.

(2) Hecla Village Road should be a 10-kilometre lakeside journey that connects people to the history of the island, including its Icelandic heritage.

(3) The drivers are instead faced with a patchwork of broken pavement, collapsing shoulders, dust clouds that impede motorcycle traffic and gravel potholes that damage vehicles, all of which impact the quality of life of residents, busi nesses, visitors a nd tourists alike.

(4) Highway 8 and Hecla Village Road are vital to the economic and social well-being of Hecla Island. With the 150th anniversary of New Iceland occurring this year, the Province should be showcasing its heritage and history, not infrastructure failings.

(5) Hecla Village Road is a –unique in that its location makes its repair and maintenance the respon- sibility of the Minister of Environ ment and Climate Change, while Highway 8 is the responsibility of the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

(6) On May 18, 2023, the PC provincial gov ern- ment minister of natural resources and resource development, along with the then -minister of Trans - portation and Infra structure, announced historic funding for infra structure repairs and upgrades to provincial parks.

(7) Prov incial park infra structure spending was significantly cut, with a reduction of 47 per cent in the '24-25 budget, and the '25-26 budget under the current provincial gov ernment also failed to return infra - structure to the previously announced 2 023 spending levels.

(8) Highway 8 and Hecla Village Road have become extremely dangerous, unsafe and have 'deteriated' to the state that disrespects residents, busi- nesses, visitors and tourists, and truly embarrasses the province as a whole.

2270 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2026 We petition the Legislative of Manitoba as follows: To urge the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Transportation and Infra- structure to imme diately allocate funding to rebuild Highway 8 and Hecla Village Road to ensure they are safe, dependable, well maintained and restored to a condition that will not detour tourists. This petition was signed by John Ingalls, Maxine Ingalls, Bill Moffat and many, many other fine Manitobans. Placement Vetting for Elderly Persons Housing Mr.

Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Manitoba Housing will be placing homeless people and people with multi-layered mental illnesses and addictions into what has always been known as seniors housing.

(2) Manitoba Housing is placing people in elderly persons housing, EPH, buildings without vetting them.

(3) There is no minimum age limit stated on the Manitoba Housing information page for elderly persons housing buildings.

(4) The tenant service co -ordinator and/or the building manager of EPH buildings should be given the right to deny applicants based on their first -hand knowledge of the applicant being homeless, having multi-layered mental illnesses and/or addictions, or any other reason that they are aware of that could cause potential harm to residents.

(5) Proper vetting should include a criminal record check, a vulnerable persons record check and the consent of the tenant service co -ordinator and/or the building manager of the elderly persons housing building. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness to use seniors housing for what it was intended: the seniors. To urge the Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness to require a minimum age of 55 years for residence in all elderly persons housing, EPH, buildings.

(3) To urge the Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness to engage in proper vetting of all applicants–or applications of people desiring to live in EPH buildings. This petition has been signed by William Kedansy [phonetic], Cody Hart, Joyce Donaldson and many other fine Manitobans. Programs for Adolescents with Disabilities Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows: