Manitoba Hansard — 2 June 2025 (Sitting 63, 43rd Legislature, 2nd Session)

43-2-63

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXIX No. 63 - 1:30 p.m., Monday, June 2, 2025 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Third Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ASAGWARA, Uzoma, Hon. Union Station NDP BALCAEN, Wayne Brandon West PC BEREZA, Jeff Portage la Prairie PC BLASHKO, Tyler Lagimodière NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian, Hon. Keewatinook NDP BYRAM, Jodie Agassiz PC CABLE, Renée, Hon. Southdale NDP CHEN, Jennifer Fort Richmond NDP COMPTON, Carla Tuxedo NDP COOK, Kathleen Roblin PC 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 PC LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom, Hon. Flin Flon NDP LOISELLE, Robert St. Boniface NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya, Hon. Notre Dame NDP MOROZ, Mike, Hon. River Heights NDP MOSES, Jamie, Hon. St. Vital NDP MOYES, Mike, Hon.

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

Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant Spruce Woods

2561 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Monday, June 2, 2025 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.

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

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Could you please canvass all members for leave to allow the House to consider today the remain- ing stages of Bill 47, spe cifically second reading, Committee of the Whole and concurrence and third reading; and for the House not to see the clock until all stages of Bill 47 have been completed. The Speaker: Is there leave to consider Bill 47 under the provisions described by the hon ourable Govern- ment House Leader? Is there leave? [Agreed] Introduction of bills? Committee reports? Tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Wildfire Update Hon.

Ian Bushie (Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures): The province continues to experience extreme wildfire danger. We are seeing rain in the forecast, but conditions continue to be very serious across Manitoba. The fire in Lynn Lake was very active yesterday. Some abandoned derelict structures were lost. All major infrastructure is reported to be safe. The Split Lake fire was also active. Staff continue to make dozer lines to protect the community. Control lines flared up, but reports show that the fire did not get into the community. The fire near Jenpeg saw flare -ups due to wind.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service and the Office of the Fire Commissioner continue to monitor. A new fire was reported in Grand Rapids yester - day. The local fire department has actioning–has actioned it. We hear the winds are favourable in this particular situation. In Pukatawagan, the fire is being held east of the community. In Sherridon, the fire is close to town, but good work is being done to protect the community. We also hear that the defence against fires near Flin Flon and Wanless is holding.

Near Mopiming [phonetic]–Nopiming Provincial Park, the fire crossed Prov incial Road 304 near Wallace Lake and near Bissett. Control lines are being established to better protect Bissett. As we can see, the efforts to defend against these fires is enormous. It's incredibly reassuring to see one Manitoba coming together to get us through this. From outside the province, fresh legs are joining the fight from BC, Quebec and from the US, including aircraft. We are incredibly grateful for the assistance from all of our friends and neighbours. We also want to highlight communities coming together to welcome evacuees.

Most recently, Sagkeeng, Peguis and Red River College all have congregated shelter space coming online. This adds to the list of communities like Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Winkler, Thompson, Dauphin, The Pas, OCN, and NCN that are opening their doors to help in this enormous fight. We are also getting assistance from the Province of Ontario who will be welcoming evacuees over the course of this week. The situation in Manitoba continues to be chal - lenging, but we are seeing the all -encompassing response coming together from businesses, community

2562 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 leadership and organizations from across the province and beyond. As one Manitoba, this is a truly heroic effort, and we are seeing positive trends –positive friends in all–in our overall response. So let's continue to listen to the advice of local officials, let's work with our friends and neighbours. Let's continue to do our part and we'll get through this together. As one Manitoba, let's continue to have each other's backs. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Mr.

Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): I stand before you with a deep concern as we remain in a province-wide emergency as we have 25 active wildfires. As our emergency services do their part to sup- press and control the fires, we must do our part. Human activity continues to impact the rate of the fires significantly. We must follow the fire bans, travel restrictions and evacuation notices. These are not just suggestions, but life-saving warnings. To those not directly affected, let us come together as the strong community we are and aid our neigh- bours, whether it's giving shelter, food or standing in solidarity.

Once again, we extend an earnest gratitude to the firefighters, air crew, volunteers, that are doing their best to manage these fires. Thank you. For the people forced to leave their homes and those who have lost loved ones, we stand with you with open hearts and arms. You are not alone. As wildfire season continues, it's more important than ever to prioritize safety, stay informed and stand strong together. By following emergency guidance and supporting one another, we can protect our commun- ities and face the challenges ahead with resilience and unity. Thank you. The Speaker: Further ministerial statements?

Filipino Heritage Month Hon. Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): Honourable Speaker, I am proud to rise today to commemorate Philippine heritage month in the province of Manitoba and to acknowledge the contributions of the Filipino community to our province. I would also like to share with the Legislature some cherished hopes for the Filipino community. * (13:40) Yesterday, the Filipino community gathered at the Philippine-Canadian Centre of Manitoba on Keewatin Street for a flag -raising ceremony organized by the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba.

Leaders from faith communities and the business community were present, as were members of arts, sports, culture and dance groups, members of professional organizations and fraternities, children from the Filipino bilingual program at Arthur E. Wright school, and many more. We gathered together to raise up the Canad ian flag, the Manitoba flag and the Philippine flag early Sunday morning. In addition to raising the three flags, there was a land acknowledgment sung by Ernesto Ofiaza that he set and played to guitar music and, in addition, a spoken land acknowledgment was translated into Filipino by Noel Lapuz.

There was also discussion of the late Justice Murray Sinclair's Calls to Action for newcomers on the path to reconciliation, learning the history and legacy of residential schools and building relationships with Indigenous peoples in Canada. This pride and cultivation of Filipino heritage com- plements our Canadian heritage, one hundred per cent. To me, part of the definition of a Canadian is someone that is committed to our universal health-care system, as well as someone that is respectful and open to the cultivation of other folks' cultures too.

As Immigration Minister, I have observed that folks who are proud of and have the opportunity to learn more about their own heritage make room and are open to under standing other peoples' cultures too. This is the Canadian way. Many Filipino immigrants in Manitoba are proud to contribute to the fabric of this province. I will speak for myself as an immigrant who came to this country as a young child, that this province, this country has given my family everything that we have.

On this land, my parents were able to work to provide for multiple families they supported, we were able to access universal health care when we needed it, my brothers and sisters and I received an excellent public education. We live with the freedom to pursue our goals in life and give back to the communities that raised us. Many Filipino newcomers have expressed this same appreciation, pride and commitment to our province that we now call our forever home. The Filipino community in Manitoba has been established here for about 75 years now and we are 100,000 Filipinos strong across this province.

For many earlier generations, life and work were a difficult struggle. In general, newcomers and racialized folks– especially racialized, newcomer women –continue to

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2563 struggle accessing good employment opportunities. They endure difficult working conditions and poor pay. But for many of the later Filipino generations, including me, on this land, because of this province, we have been able to live out the dreams that our parents and grandparents had for us. We get the chance to live out their dreams. As the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine) says to many young women: We are our grandmothers' dreams.

So to honour our grandmothers, to honour Manitoba that has given us so much, our Filipino community in Manitoba will dare to dream even bigger dreams. I am heartened by the leadership and community- mindedness present in many Filipino organizations that I have the privilege of working with, and many were present in the Legislature today.

They are dreaming of giving back to their fellow Manitobans by building a personal-care home, building homes and caring for the unsheltered, building a child-care centre, building a state-of-the-art community space with arts perform- ance spaces, sports recreation spaces and more. Filipino youth are interested in academic research of Filipino studies at the university level, as well as the cultural community level.

In many ways, we are looking to the Jewish- , Italian- and Chinese-Canadian communities, commun- ities of colour that have been in Canada for hundreds of years, for their institutional and organizational capacity, their know -how and to follow in their footsteps for building up Manitoba, too. The Filipino community in Manitoba has come of age in many ways and we are ready to greet the coming years with this shared vision of a better Manitoba: one Manitoba.

I'd like to recognize the MLA for Radisson (MLA Dela Cruz) for her efforts as well as staff and volunteers in organizing today's event celebrating Filipino heritage at the Legislature and for bringing folks together from the Filipino community including: Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba, Philippine Nurses Association of Manitoba, Heritage Council of Manitoba, Pinays Manitoba, the Bulacan Association, Quezon Province Association, Friends of Filipino Immigrants, immigrant centre of Manitoba, Filipino Seniors Group, Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers, Westman Filipino Com munity, 204, Mabuhay District, Bahaghari Pride, CKJS radio, Magdaragat Philippines Inc., K nights and L adies of Rizal, and the ukulele club, part of the Filipino Music & Arts Association of Canada.

Thank you very much. Maraming salamat po, at pagpalain tayong lahat ng Poong Maykapal. [Thank you very much, and may the Almighty God bless us all]. Thank you. Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Honourable Speaker, today, I am honoured to recognize and celebrate June as Filipino Heritage Month, as well as Philippine Independence Day, which takes place on June 12. First of all, I'd like to thank Magdaragat Inc. [phonetic] for the beautiful performances this morning in the Legislature.

Progressive Conservatives were proud to officially establish Filipino Heritage Month in 2022 to bring attention to the decades of vibrant culture, beautiful traditions and tremendous contributions that the com- munity has brought to Manitoba. More than 7 per cent of Manitobans are of Filipino heritage, and their influence can be seen not just in Winnipeg but across rural Manitoba as well. Their thriving Filipino populations continue to grow.

In eastern Manitoba, we have the South EastMan Filipino Association who do invaluable work to pro- mote Pinoy culture and help newcomers embrace life in communities like Steinbach. In my constituency of La Vérendrye and home - town of Vita, Filipino newcomers recently helped reopen the Catholic church, which had been shuttered for more than decades. When you go to Westman, the Barrio Fiesta brings vibrant Filipino jubilation to Brandon.

Nearby, in Neepawa, hard -working Filipino Manitobans have played a pivotal role in building up the local economy over the last decade, most notably through the HyLife pork processing plant. And, of course, north, east, south and west, Filipino Manitobans have been at the front lines of helping to address our rural and urban health-care staffing short- ages since at least the 1950s. These are just some of the many, many con- tributions that Filipino Manitobans continue to make to our great province in business, health care, com - munity development and beyond.

I encourage all Manitobans to take some time this summer in Winnipeg to come to the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival, the Filipino pavilions at Folklorama and the many other cultural events throughout the year.

2564 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 Happy Filipino Heritage Month and happy Philippine Independence Day. Bumbayhay [phonetic]. MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Honour- able Speaker, I ask for leave to respond to the minister's statement. The Speaker: Does the honour able member for Tyndall Park have leave to respond? [Agreed] MLA Lamoureux: Mabuhay. [Live.] Honourable Speaker, I am very happy to rise this afternoon in celebration of Filipino Heritage Month.

I would like to begin by thanking the minister responsible for bringing forward today's statement, for organizing the event this afternoon here at the Legislature and for her remarks yesterday at the flag- raising ceremony at PCCM. Manitoba is home to one of the oldest Filipino communities in Canada, dating back to our garment workers, and over the years, the community has played a vital role in every sector of our country, and as a nation, we have surpassed 1 million Filipinos. I personally feel very blessed to have grown up in the Filipino community.

I can reflect on very early years of school where my friends would share stories with me of the white sandy beaches and all the motorized bikes, which I still love to this day. The y would even try to teach me Tagalog and convince me to visit. So, of course, as I got older, my love for the Philippines only grew.

I've since been able to visit a handful of times, and it's true what they say: It is, in fact, more fun in the Philippines. * (13:50) Honourable Speaker, we are so fortunate here in Manitoba to have the Filipino com munity, as they have brought a –brought wealth of heritage, culture, kindness and hospitality to all sectors. They contribute to our diversity and they play huge roles in our social, economic and political actions. I am thrilled and so grateful to hear that the minister has many plans to further build up the com - munity.

And I'm also very grateful to my friend from Radisson who continues to teach all of us here in the Chambers more and more about Filipino heritage. Honourable Speaker, just before I wrap up, I want to thank those who have joined us here today in the gallery and earlier for all the performances. And in addition to the many of the events this month, I hope to see everyone at the Philippine Independence Ball on June 21 and two events right in Tyndall Park: the multicultural picnic on the 28th and the Filipino Canadian folk festival on 29th. Thank you.

Salamat po. [Thank you.] Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Prior to members' statements, there's some guests in the gallery that have to leave us shortly. So first, I would like to intro duce seated in the public gallery from Riverton Collegiate 32 grade 9 and 10 students under the direction of Daniel Wallach. And this group is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Interlake-Gimli (Mr. Johnson). And we welcome you here today. And we have seated in the public gallery from École Regent Park 25 grade 6 students under the direction of Erith Thompson.

And they are guests of the honourable member for Transcona (MLA Corbett). And we welcome you here today. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Bahaghari Pride Manitoba MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz (Radisson): Before coloniza- tion, queerness in the Philippines was not hidden; it was honoured. The babaylan were spiritual leaders, healers and guides. Some were women, others were intersex or embodied both masculine and feminine energy–what we might now understand as queer or trans. The y led with strength. They led with spirit. And they yielded power in their communities that nobody else could.

Colonization brought shame where there was once reverence. But as a bisexual Filipina, I can tell you our queerness endured. And today, we reclaim that legacy in a space that was not built for us. Tagalog spoken Dito po nagsisimula ang ating kuwento tungkol sa Bahaghari Pride Manitoba. Itinatag noong Marso 2024, ang Bahaghari ay isinilang mula sa lakas at sigla ng Pilipino-Manitoban 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Translation This is where our story about Bahaghari Pride Manitoba starts. Established in March 2024, Bahghari was born from the strength and vitality of the Filipino-Manitoban 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2565 English A community that has always been here, but until now had no organization to truly represent them. Tagalog spoken Sa kabila ng higit 60 Filipino organizations sa Manitoba, wala ni isa para sa ating queer kababayan. Kaya sila mismo ang gumawa ng paraan. Translation Despite more than 60 Filipino organi zations in Manitoba, there was not even one for our queer countrymen. So they made their own way. English Bahaghari means rainbow; isang salita, maraming kulay [one word, many colours], just like us.

Tagalog spoken Magkakaiba man tayo, iisa tayo sa diwa, sa pagmamahalan at sa laban para sa pagkakapantay-pantay. Translation Although we are different, we are one in spirit, in love and in the fight for equality. English So, please, friends and colleagues, let's celebrate Bahaghari Pride Manitoba. Tagalog spoken Palakpakan po natin sila. Mabuhay ang Bahaghari. Mabuhay ang ating makulay na komunidad. Translation Let us applaud them. Long live Bahaghari. Long live our colourful community.

End of Spring Session MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Honourable Speaker, before I begin, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the brave members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian Red Cross and the countless emergency responders, volunteers and com- munity organizations who have stepped up to help those affected by the wildfires across Manitoba. Your compassion, dedication, swift action in sup- porting evacuees and protecting our communities has not gone unnoticed, and on behalf of our caucus and all of Manitobans, thank you.

As we wrap up this spring session, I want to reflect on what's been a meaningful few weeks. It's been an honour to be part of this Progressive Conservative team, one that is focused on delivering results, standing up for Manitobans and holding the NDP government to account. Throughout this session, we brought forward practi- cal, forward-looking ideas. We introduced Bill 227, The Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act, a bill to break barriers, attract workers and grow our economy.

We also proposed targeted amendments like those in The Highway Traffic Amendment Act, to make our roads safer and more responsive to the needs of Manitobans. Meanwhile, the NDP government has failed to deliver on its central promise of fixing health care. Emergency rooms remain overwhelmed, access is patchy across the province, and front-line workers are still waiting for the support they promised. On top of that, the government has made life more expensive for families, increasing the education property tax and reversing the affordability progress we have made.

While this sloppy NDP government keeps making excuses, our PC team is offering solutions. Manitobans deserve better, and that's what they're seeing: a clear alternative– The Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The member's time has expired. Grassmere Family Restaurant MLA JD Devgan (McPhillips): Honourable Speaker, food is what brings us together. Whether it's at the dinner table with family or when we're out with friends, everyone enjoys coming together for a delicious meal.

The Grassmere Family Restaurant got its start 20 years ago, when Lina Cabungcal decided to sell her house and quit her job to pursue running a restaurant full-time. She had been cooking for years by that point, but decided it was finally time to pursue he r passion. Opening the restaurant in October of 2005, Lina and her family have been serving our community ever since. Their menu originally started with foods you'd expect, like burgers, fries and hearty breakfasts of bacon and eggs.

However, they decided to introduce some Filipino favourites to their menu 10 years ago, offering delicious silog [fried rice and egg] breakfast platters, as well as popular Filipino street foods like kikiam and fish balls. Their food is so good, it was recognized as one of Canada's hidden gems in the book, Where We Ate: A Field Guide to Canada's

2566 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 Restaurants, Past and Present, by Gabby Peyton in 2023. The family says their favourite thing about operating the restaurant is being able to connect with regulars. When they introduced Filipino food to their menu, the restaurant became a gathering place for the Filipino community in West St. Paul. Staff also enjoy seeing kids who frequent the restaurant grow into adulthood. Thanks to the Cabungcal family for creating such a welcoming space for folks in McPhillips.

Lina, Mac and Charlie Cabungcal have joined us in the gallery today, and I ask that all my colleagues rise in recognizing their contributions to our commu- nity. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Elma Rauser Mr. Jeff Wharton (Red River North): Honourable Speaker, I rise in the House today to honour Elma Rauser–artist, photographer–who was named artist of the month by the RM of East St. Paul for the month of May.

An avid student of life and the world around her, Elma's passion is to re -create the sensations and details of scenes that she sees captured by camera or those moments in time when she encounters wildlife while on a hike in one of Manitoba's great provincial parks. Born in southern Manitoba, Elma's first explorations in art came through sketching and illustrations, illustrating catalogues in her father's manufacturing business. In later years, she painted with various mediums, from pastels, charcoal, watercolours, to acrylics, oils and photography.

Her work can be seen in private collections throughout Canada, the US, Germany and Switzerland. She participates in several local art associations and shows, and was the founding member of the Manitoba Art Expo. For the month of May, her work was displayed in the East St. Paul municipal office. Elma's art works range from portraits of children and adults enjoying experiences in nature to the rusted as well–and well-used relics of days past, which she finds in abandoned farm fields and yards or lake beds.

Elma's strong connection to the outdoors and nature acts as fuel for her creative inspiration, gathering source photography and sketches. Her desire to capture a unique perspective often leads her to seek unusual vantage points, from waist -high snow to wading through a murky creek at dusk. Honourable Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honouring and recognizing Elma Rauser, her–who's also joined by her daughter Karin Fehr, here in the gallery today. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. * (14:00) River Heights Interschool Council Hon.

Mike Moroz (Minister of Innovation and New Technology): Honourable Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the newly formed River Heights interschool council, an initiative bringing together the voices of young people across our community. In River Heights, we are fortunate to have four exceptional high schools filled with bright, engaged and passionate students who are already making their mark as leaders in their schools and communities. Earlier this spring, students from Gray Academy, Grant Park High School, St. Mary's Academy and Kelvin High School gathered in this building for inaugural meeting.

I was greatly impressed by their preparation, thoughtful questions and the robust con- versations that took place. Honourable Speaker, the idea behind this interschool student council is simple but powerful: to ensure that the voices of young people are heard and valued as we shape the future of our province. By connecting students directly with government, this council provides the opportunity to share their con- cerns, for them to offer innovative ideas and to work together on solutions for their schools and communities.

Today marked our last meeting of the year, and I am proud to see the current graduating student representatives passing the baton on to grade 11 students who will take up the work in the fall. To our graduates: I wish you the best of luck as you embark on a new chapter. Each of you is already a promising leader with a bright future. Young people have ideas; they have energy; they have compassion. And it's essential that we listen carefully to their voices as we work together to build a province for all Manitobans. I look forward to continuing this work in the fall.

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2567 I'm pleased that members of the council have joined us in the gallery today. I ask that their names be entered into Hansard and that my colleagues join me in celebrating their work. Daniel Bokser, Diana Bonakdar, Anureet Chaudhary, Matias Lastra, Nadia Lovallo, Salina Lupu, Sophia Moroz, Gaby Oficerov, Chinanuokum Oniyuke, Heitor Lopes Oshikava, Marie Sato, Zia Sigurdson, Roxy Silman, Emily Tapper. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Prior to oral questions, a few things to take care of.

First, I would like to draw the attention of all hon- ourable members to the public gallery, where we have with us today Darlene Simpson. Darlene was born and raised in a farm near Kennedy, Saskatchewan and worked across Canada as a nurse for almost 50 years. Darlene ended her career at Bethseda [phonetic] hospital in Steinbach, and she is here today as the guest of our Clerk, Rick Yarish, who refers to Darlene as my second mom. On behalf of all honour able members, we wel - come you here today. * * * The Speaker: And then, the sad news continues. Legislative pages' last days.

Bisman Rowanda [phonetic]– Randhawa: Bisman will be graduating from Maples Collegiate this June. She is set to attend the University of Toronto this fall as one of 15 national scholars on a full-ride scholarship. She will be joining the social science program, with aspirations to pursue a bachelor's degree in public policy and international relations, ultimately paving her way to law school. As she prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter, Bisman reflects upon her time as a page at the Manitoba Legislature.

This experience gave her a profound understanding of how the provincial govern- ment functions and how its decisions shape society. With a deep passion for youth and girls' empower- ment, Bisman founded Maples4Women, her school's female empowerment group. Through this initiative, she has supported over 500 students and helped raise nearly $1,000. Maples4Women also connected girls with mentors across Manitoba and hosted political panels 'featural'–featuring trailblazing women in leader- ship, creating spaces for inspiration, dialogue and growth.

These experiences further solidified Bisman's commit- ment to advocacy and public service. Alongside leadership in her school's and student council, Bisman also serves on the Manitoba Student Advisory Council, is part of the Youth Parliament of Manitoba and is a 2025 youth ambassador general with Folklorama this summer. So she will continue to see you in the community. As she graduates, Bisman extends heartfelt thanks to everyone at the Legislature who supported her throughout the year. She is especially grateful for those who offered mentorship, guidance and encouragement.

Their kindness has left a lasting impression on her, and she will carry those lessons forward. Bisman is deeply grateful to have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She believes that allow- ing youth to be immersed within these spaces is vital to the continued success of Manitoba. She says, thank you for welcoming young people into this environ- ment and showing us that our voices matter. This work will continue beyond these Chamber walls. We will keep listening, advocating and striving to uplift our communities wherever we go. This isn't a good- bye, just a see-you-later.

Thank you for the past year. And next we have Kathryn Sacher : Kathryn is a grade 11 student at Collège Jeanne -Sauvé, set to graduate in 2026. With a strong passion for politics and public service, she plans to attend the University of Ottawa in the fall of 2026 to pursue a degree in political science. Her time as a legislative page has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience, giving her a deep under- standing of how government operates. Through this role, she witnessed first-hand how collaboration among elected officials can lead to meaningful, positive change for the people of Manitoba.

Kathryn feels honoured to have had this opportunity and is especially grateful to the Members of the Legislative Assembly and staff who supported her throughout her experience. As she enters her final year of high school, Kathryn is eager to continue making a positive impact with her school and community. She is especially proud to serve as premier of Alberta Girls' Parliament in the upcoming year, a historic role, as she is the first out-of-province participant ever elected to this posi - tion. Kathryn looks forward to embracing this oppor- tunity and making the most of her final year of high school.

And now let's continue with the bad news: the 2025 intern farewells. We are starting a new tradition today in the Assembly. As members know, for a number of years,

2568 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 we have been sharing with the House the annual page farewell comments. Today we are expanding that tradition by sharing farewell comments from our legislative interns. These statements have been written by our interns, and it is my pleasure to read them in the House. Joining the interns in the Speaker's Gallery today are the academic director of the intern program, Professor Kelly Saunders from Brandon Uni versity; and Andrea Norlock, administrative 'assistmant' – assistant for the program.

I will ask members to hold their applause until I have read all the comments for all six interns. Selam Beyene: This internship has been a once - in-a-lifetime opportunity for Selam to step into the world of politics and witness democracy in action. Her time in the Legislature has deepened her appreciation for the traditions, structure and procedures that guide this House. For Selam, this experience brought her political science studies to life. Concepts that were once lived on the pages of textbooks became real throughout daily work, discussions and observation.

She is truly grateful for the opportunity to meet so many respected and inspiring individuals from across Manitoba. The friendships she has formed within the Legislature will stay with her, and the stories shared by MLAs, caucus members and Assembly staff have left a lasting impression. These lessons will continue to shape her path. * (14:10) Selam is excited to carry this experience into her future as she pursues a career in law, with the hopes of one day becoming a judge. She looks forward to bringing the same respect for fairness and process into the courtroom.

Above all, Selam expresses her deepest gratitude for the kindness, guidance and support that she has received. The experience of being a legislative intern has made a meaningful and lasting impact on her life. Next we have Madeline Blais : For Madeline, it feels as though just yesterday she was walking into the people's building, equally as nervous as she was excited. But for now, Madeline has to say goodbye. This has been an incredible year for Madeline, as it was full of growth, learning and new experiences. Her time at the Legislature's not some thing she will soon forget as each day held something new.

She leaves with a deeper under standing and ap- preciation for the work that goes into running the Assembly and feels inspired by the many people who work so hard to keep this Chamber running smoothly. The skills and experience Madeline has gained through- out her time as an intern will follow her for the rest of the life. Working at the Legislature for the past nine months has been an absolute privilege and she would like to say thank you to everyone in caucus at the Assembly, as well as her fellow interns, for making this experience truly unforgettable.

Tawsha Bristol: 10 years ago, Tawsha returned to Manitoba to build a better life. Along the way, she forged a strong work ethic and expanded her capacity but her purpose never changed. After her sons, the internship has been the greatest honour and most impactful endeavour of her life. Having had the privilege to engage with so many people in the Chamber, she served not only as a spoke in the wheel of the Assembly, but also a part of Manitoba's future. This exper ience has reaffirmed a powerful truth for her: teamwork really does make the dream work.

Tawsha leaves the people's House with a renewed commitment and is eager to return to serving the people of Manitoba. She thanks her sons, Sydney, TJ and Anthony, for being the greatest measure of her strength and the brightest lights in her future. She is deeply grateful to her family for their unwavering support and to every staff member, guest and honorary member who shared this journey. And, finally, she wishes her great -grandmother, Marilyn Ross, a joyous 92nd birthday.

Sabrina Kruger: Sabrina was–first learned of the Manitoba Legislative Internship Program in her second year of university and instantly knew that this–what's– what she wanted to do after graduation. Constant – looking for new ways to understand the world around her, the internship felt like the perfect oppor tunity to step away from the theory of it all a nd to see it in practice. When you first sit down for your internship orientation, everyone tells you how chaotic and over- whelming the Legislature can be, especially when session is in full swing.

For Sabrina, though, the energy and the pace of the building turned out to be just the thing she needed.

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2569 As interns prepare to clear out their desks and pack their suitcases for their study trip to the United Kingdom, Sabrina cannot express enough how this internship has been the immense pleasure of her –and privilege of her life. She feels so lucky to have worked alongside such talented, genuine and supportive people here in the Legislature, seeing first -hand the dedi - cation and effort they give to keep the building running and serve its purpose.

Christina McKay: Christina is preparing to leave this internship program and begin her graduate studies at the University of Manitoba in the fall. As this year comes to a close, she is grateful for the crash course this internship has given her in governance and politics. Her time in the Legislature has deepened her sense of civic pride and inspired a deeper appreciation of the traditions of the House and those who work behind the scenes to ensure their preservation. This experience has been unique.

As someone with a grass- roots background, Christina has learned a great deal about how the intersections of public interest and public policy come together. All that she has learned will be applied to sup- porting her com munity as well as informing her upcoming education in public administration. She endeavours to read the paper every morning, tune in to question period more and visit the public gallery as much as possible once she leaves. Christina wishes to express gratitude for –to all those she has encountered in the people's building.

Sylvia Ofori: Sylvie [phonetic]–Sylvia didn't know what to expect from this internship, but she is leaving with valuable lessons and memories she will never forget. She would like to thank all the Legis lative Assembly staff, the Clerk's office for answering her countless questions and the Assembly's Digital Media branch for their support and for being a safe space to chat. Sylvia is also grateful to the staff of both the NDP and PC caucuses for being so welcoming throughout the entire internship. Throughout her time here, Sylvia has learned a great deal from the con versations with staff and MLAs.

Working at the Legislative Building has given her a deep ap preciation for the importance of the work that takes place here. She leaves with both sadness and excitement for what comes next. Her fear of uncertainty has melted away, replaced by the con fidence she has gained in speaking with others and navigating a fast -paced, ever-changing environment. Sylvia looks forward to applying everything she learned as she pursues law school. Once again, she extends her heartfelt thanks to everyone she had the pleasure of meeting during this internship.

On behalf of all MLAs, caucus staff and Assembly staff, I would like to thank the six of you for your con- tributions to the democratic process in Manitoba and wish you all all the very best in the future. ORAL QUESTIONS Manitoba Emergency Coordination Centre Communication with Manitobans During Wildfires Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, communication is vitally impor- tant to ensure safety of all Manitobans. Sadly, we saw earlier this year what can happen when com muni- cation is not possible, just like when TELUS outages of 911 services.

Sadly, a Manitoban passed a way because the family could not communicate with 911. When it comes to the current state of emergency in the province and the growing fires, communication is even more vital. That is why there is the MECC. Can the Premier (Mr. Kinew) update the Assembly on the status of MECC? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for that question.

Our government has been–as I think most –or, if not all, Manitobans are well aware– working across not only all appro priate channels in Manitoba, but working across jurisdictions, to ensure that messaging gets out to Manitoba com munities as quickly as possible. Our teams, with EMO, with ministers in this Chamber, with the federal government, First Nations, are working, quite frankly, around the clock to ensure that we have up-to-the-minute information that's being communicated to Manitobans.

Can't thank enough the folks working on the front lines of these wildfires: emergency response services, firefighters and all the teams who are keeping Manitobans safe. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Khan: Honourable Speaker, I asked the Premier to update us on MECC. It's clear that they have no idea what that is. So can they just stand up and tell us what MECC even stands for?

2570 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, you know, we saw this, actually, I think last week or maybe the week before, where members on that side of the House would stand up and instead of thanking the folks who are keeping Manitobans safe and getting that accurate information out there, they would stand up and either criticize people, put information on the record that we found out was actually totally inaccurate.

And then we would go out and correct the record for Manitobans. * (14:20) Now, during this time where folks are coming together, where we're working across juris dictions to keep Manitobans safe, I would ask that members opposite do the same. Instead of trying to perpetuate information that is false, get on the side of Manitobans, get on the side of Canadians, and stand up in this House and be united as one Manitoba. The Speaker: The Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Mr. Khan: Honourable Speaker and Manitobans, you can see it right there.

This Deputy Premier and no one on the NDP side even knows what MECC stands for. In a state of emergency in this province, it stands for the Manitoba Emergency Coordination Centre. It is the focal point in emergency and disaster co-ordination. And this Deputy Premier and no one on that side of the House even knew what it stood for. It's embarrasing, it's shameful. Manitobans are at risk because–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Khan: –of this Deputy Premier and NDP govern- ment.

So what is the government doing to ensure accurate communication with impacted residents and those com- munities throughout marlin –Manitoba is being com - municated properly? MLA Asagwara: The Leader of the Opposition is so focused on division and so focused on negativity that he doesn't even understand that when we talk about the EMO, that is what we're talking about. When we talk about the Minister of Northern Relations and Indigenous Futures (Mr.

Bushie); MTI; EMO; when we talk about CAF, who's coming and bringing supports from Canada; when we talk about First Nations partners; when we talk about wildfire services; Saskatchewan, their gov ernment, including departments across their gov ernment. When we're talking about all partners coming together, that en- compasses–again, in EMO–what he's talking about. He's so focused on division he can't even get his act together as the leader. Do better on that side of the House.

Maybe some member in the PC caucus can remind the Leader of the Opposition we are united as Manitobans– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Safe Consumption Site Point Douglas Location Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): Residents of Point Douglas left this building last week feeling like they weren't heard; that this govern ment, this NDP government, wasn't listening to them. Residents described the Premier (Mr.

Kinew) as being more concerned with looking good than listening, and I quote from the residents: he was more concerned with defending Main Street Project than protecting our community. End quote. Will the Premier put the fears to rest today of Point Douglas com munity members and publicly confirm that no injection site will be located at 200 Disraeli highway? Hon.

Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): Honour- able Speaker, the only one stoking fear in this Chamber is the Leader of the Op position, who spends his first set of questions trying to confuse Manitobans because he doesn't even bother to do his own research as the Leader of the Opposition party. On this side of the House, we're spending our time making sure Manitobans have accurate information to keep them safe. We're making sure that we're listening to the residents of Point Douglas. The Premier took time during this really critical emergency to sit down with the constituents of Point Douglas and spend time with them.

That is leadership, Honourable Speaker. The Leader of the Opposition could take a note from the Premier, who continues –well is now, again, the most popular premier in the country, I might add–and understand that leadership is bringing people together, listening to voices and putting people's needs ahead of their own selfish– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2571 Order, please. I would ask the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, he was quoting from some- thing; was it a public document? Mr. Khan: Yes, Hon ourable Speaker, it was the newspaper. The Speaker: Thank you–[interjection] Order. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Khan: Like the Deputy Premier said, the Premier (Mr. Kinew) was clearly not listening to the residents of Point Douglas. They don't want this injection site in their community. They've been very vocal about it. They have a petition signed.

They don't want it there, yet this Premier and this NDP gov ernment is forcing it through on residents in Point Douglas. In a meeting with the Premier, it was also convey- ed to the residents that the application to the federal government was nowhere near moving ahead, and that the Province was also nowhere near ready. So if this is the message the Premier is saying to Point Douglas residents behind closed doors, will the Deputy Premier, or anyone on that side of the House, stand up and tell Manitobans and the residents of Point Douglas that this injection site is not hap - pening at 200 Disraeli highway?

MLA Asagwara: You can tell just how little respect the Leader of the Opposi tion has for those who are struggling with addictions by the language that he uses. An Honourable Member: Yup. MLA Asagwara: The Leader of the Opposition–and he just said yup. I just want to–I want the House to know, want Manitobans to know that when I stated the Leader of the Opposition doesn't respect those struggling with addictions, his response was, yup. Honour able Speaker, that is disgraceful. That is disgusting.

The Leader of the Op position spent years in op- position denying Manitobans who were struggling the resources they need to survive. On this side of the House, we're putting their needs first, we're keeping Manitobans alive and we're investing in the resources to give them a chance at a life in this province they deserve, while on that side of the House, he says yup to saying they deserve disrespect. Shame on him. Safe Consumption Site Location Inquiry Mrs. Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): Honour- able Speaker– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Order.

The government bench needs to come to order. Mrs. Hiebert: Honourable Speaker, on Wednesday, the Premier and ministers spoke at Point Douglas residents–not with them–in a private meeting. People felt deeply unheard. If 200 Disraeli isn't moving forward, which Winnipeg neighbourhood will be forced to host the next drug injection site? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): Again, I have to say, it's really disappointing to see that mem- ber, who for some time I would've thought–and I think we thought on this side of the House –had more compassion than the Leader for the Opposi tion and members in that caucus.

Being brand new, she has an opportunity. And she's had enough time now to understand that language matters. And yet she stands up in this House and uses harmful, stigmatizing language that makes it harder for Manitobans to access care where and when they need it. I would ask that that member would stand up on her second question and apologize, and start using the language that experts say should be used: supervised con- sumption site. Show some compassion. Do better than your Leader of the Opposition, who's already a failure.

Minister of Public Service Delivery Contract with Duffy's Taxi–Conflict of Interest Inquiry Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): The Minister of Public Service Delivery signed an almost $1.8-million contract with Duffy's Taxi. Shares in Duffy's and financing for two taxicabs have been listed on the member's conflict of interest filing. Did the minister recuse himself from these discus- sions, and why was this conflict never filed with the Ethics Commissioner? Hon. Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): I want to thank –to the member for the question.

I wasn't even the minister when this contract was signed.

2572 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Youth Stabbed in Charleswood Area Release of Suspects Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): A couple of weeks ago, a 14-year-old girl was stabbed in Charleswood by two other teenagers who were then arrested and released. The minister's bail reform plan is a sham. His plan to keep machetes out of the hands of youth has failed. Violent crime is getting worse in our commu nities under the NDP, not better. What specific steps is this minister taking to make sure that these two suspects don't hurt somebody else? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): You know who says that our bail reform measures are working? It's the National Police Federation. You know who says that our machete policies are having a real effect? It's the Winnipeg Police Service. And you know who says that violent crime is actually, for the first time in a very long time, starting to trend downwards? It's the statistics released by the City of Winnipeg. These members opposite have no leg to stand on. Drug Trafficking and Violent Crime Government Record Mr.

Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): It's Saturday in Brandon, Manitoba, where– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Mr. Balcaen: –two very different crimes have occurred, but the results are the same. A man armed with a crowbar was arrested after assault ended in a head injury. That evening, a woman was arrested with a large quantity of drugs for sale. Both were released back into the community. This NDP govern ment is not tough on violent crime and is certainly not tough on drug trafficking. Can the failed Minister of Justice let Manitobans know what crimes will actually keep people behind bars? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): The–you know, these are serious times in this province, and these are serious issues the member opposite brings up. And yet, he asks them in unserious ways. Manitobans know they want a real response because, under the members opposite, crime continued to go up year over year over year. And under our government, we've started to turn the corner. We know that there's more work to do, but we're going to work with the National Police Federation, we're going to work with the WPS, we're going to listen to law enforcement.

We're not going to cut them like members opposite did. * (14:30) More officers on the street now; less under the PCs. That's our record, and that's their record, Honourable Speaker. Coverage for Shingles Vaccine Request for Program for Seniors MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Nova Scotia has announced that, as of last month, all residents age 65 and older are eligible to receive the shingles vaccine free of charge, allocating $26.9 million for this initiative in their 2025-26 budget.

Given that Manitoba currently does not publicly fund this shingles vaccine, can the Minister of Health explain why our province cannot commit to a similar program to protect our seniors from this preventable and painful disease? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): I thank the member for that really important question. Our government is actively taking a look at what we can do on the shingles vaccine front for seniors in this province.

I do want to take this oppor tunity, since we are seeing increased cases of measles in Manitoba, parti- cularly with little ones, to let Manitobans know that it is so important to be up to speed with measles vaccine information. Go and get yourselves, your loved ones– as–particularly our little ones –vaccinated to protect them and com munities. We're seeing outbreaks in regions of the province that we really don't want to be seeing them. It's also really important that, if you've been asked to isolate, that you follow those public health orders to the letter.

If you have any questions talk to your primary care providers, doctors, nurse prac titioner or pharmacist to get answers as quickly as you possibly can. Let's keep each other safe. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question.

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2573 Request for Cost-Benefit Analysis MLA Lamoureux: Honourable Speaker, shingles can lead to severe complications, which can result in prolonged pain and increased health-care utilization. The National Institute on Aging reports that shingles costs the Canadian health-care system approximately $68 million annually, much of which could be miti - gated through vaccination. Has the Manitoba government conducted a cost- benefit analysis on publicly funding the shingles vaccine and, if so, what were the findings?

MLA Asagwara: Yes, really appreciate that question from the member for Tyndall Park. I think it shows that she understands our govern ment takes very seriously data and evidence and information.

Whereas members on that side of the House didn't even believe in the COVID vaccine, on this side of the House we believe in vaccinating ourselves and the public to keep each other face–safe. Honourable Speaker, we are taking a good look at not only the evidence in terms of the impact on the system, but our government is also taking–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –a look at more recent research that's come out.

I want to reassure the member that we're working with local organi zations as well to understand, from their perspective, what impacts of that kind of public- health decision-making would be. We're going to keep listening to the experts and working with our partners. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary question. Impact of Cost on Vaccination Rate MLA Lamoureux: The National Advisory Commit- tee on Immunization recommends the shingles vaccine for individuals aged 50 and older. To be properly protected, people should receive two doses of the vaccine.

Currently, only 39 per cent of Canadians in this age group have received at least one dose. For those who haven't, the cost is often the main barrier. Considering that out -of-pocket expenses for the vaccine can range from $150 to $190 per dose, what steps is the Manitoba government making to increase vaccination rates among older adults here in Manitoba? MLA Asagwara: Yes, certainly appreciate that question. I do think it's really important for the member to know that our government has taken many steps to make life more affordable for seniors in this province.

Our Budget '25- 26 brought forward by the best Finance Minister in the country shows Manitobans have 25 ways to save, and many of those ways to save benefit seniors across this great province of ours. And so when it comes to vaccines, certainly we continue to look at emerging evidence in this area. We are taking some steps in terms of vaccines that will be available in long -term care and personal -care-home settings. And, Honourable Speaker, I have to say, Manitobans can trust that this is a gov ernment that believes in science, believes in vaccines.

For seven and a half years they had members on that side of the House who would use a scarf as a mask. Fair Trade in Canada Act Importance of Bill 47 Mr. Diljeet Brar (Burrows): Honourable Speaker, our government recently put forward Bill 47, the fair trade in Canada act. This legis lation is focused on breaking down interprovincial trade barriers so that we can effectively respond to the threat of Trump's tariff. Can our hard- working and brilliant Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation please share with the House why Bill 47 is so important and what it will help us achieve? Hon.

Jamie Moses (Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation): Well, I want to thank my colleague for that in credible question. It's such a topical subject right now, interprovincial trade. And that's why we're so excited about Bill 47 and what it means for Manitobans, not only for helping us Trump-proof our economy, but also for positioning us to be a leader for those nation-building projects. Now, we've been hearing from business commu- nities and from politicians from all sides about what Bill 47 means and how excited they are. Manitoba Chambers of Commerce has called this a clear win.

It is–it's a clear win for Manitobans, it's a clear win for businesses, it's a clear win for Canadians. And so we are very excited about moving Bill 47 ahead and making sure that all members from all sides of the House can come together and ensure that this bill moves– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

2574 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 Cyber Security for School Divisions Data Protection Concerns Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Honourable Speaker, multiple school divisions are once again facing cyber attacks. And what does this Education Minister have? No plans besides cutting school divisions. This Edu cation Minister said in January, and I quote: Unfor tunately, there's really no guarantee of data protection these days. End quote. So I'd like to ask the Minister of Innovation and New Technology: Does he agree with the Education Minister? Hon.

Mike Moroz (Minister of Innovation and New Technology): Honourable Speaker, I want to thank the member opposite for showing interest in pro- tecting Manitobans from cyber threats. I'd also like to thank the member for Fort Rouge (Mr. Kinew) for having the foresight to create this department and entrusting me to be the first Minister of Innovation and New Technology. While these breaches are serious, there is much work that we need to do, and we're working in close tandem with all stake holders to make sure that Manitobans' data is protected. School for Ste.

Anne Manitoba Request for Status Update MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): The first thing this NDP gov ernment did was slash the school that was planned for Ste. Anne, Manitoba. And eventually the NDP decided that, yes, it's a good idea. So I ask the minister: Will the original timeline of 2027 placed in our original thing happen for these students, or will it be delayed further? Hon. Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): I thank you, the member opposite, for finally asking a question to the Minister of Education on education. That's a novel concept, apparently, for the critic.

I am so proud of our an nouncement to build the school in Ste. Anne, alongside 10 other schools across our beautiful province. We are going to build schools in the member's con stituency. We're also going to build schools in the member for Radisson's (MLA Dela Cruz) con stituency; the member for Waverley (MLA Pankratz)–there he is; we're going to build schools for the member for Brandon East (Mr. Simard).

We are building schools right across this great province, alongside our Minister of Finance (MLA Sala), who's delivered us a beautiful budget in which we are going to build, build, build this beautiful– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Dynacare Contract Renewal Announcement MLA Carla Compton (Tuxedo): Honourable Speaker, providing Manitobans with reliable, efficient and predict- able services is key to delivering health care success - fully. Under the previous government, service disruptions were regular, communication was infrequent and over- sight was non- existent.

The PC government created chaos in our health- care system, but our govern ment is working hard to repair the damage and ensure that Manitobans get the care they need, when they need it, close to home. Can the Minister of Health please share with the House details of the recent Dynacare contract and how it will benefit Manitobans across our province? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): Honourable Speaker, when it comes to health care, we are putting Manitobans first.

Last week, we renewed our contract with Dynacare to deliver much -needed lab services to Manitobans, and we've improved on the contract by adding per - formance indicators and quality control measures, something that the previous govern ment completely overlooked. And we ensured that that cost doesn't make any additional burden on the pockets of Manitobans. As Tom Brodbeck put it this weekend, and I quote: What the Premier (Mr. Kinew) and Health Minister have done is what any responsible government should do: they made a decision based on results. This is what good governance looks like. End quote.

Honourable Speaker, Manitobans didn't have that for seven and a half years–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –they've got it today. Let's keep working together to make health care better for all Manitobans. * (14:40)

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2575 Education Property Taxes Request to Reinstate Rebate Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Manitobans are con- fused as a result of the botched, sloppy tax rollout by this minister. Manitobans are missing their tax rebates, they're paying higher taxes as a result of this NDP, and now municipalities are having to clean up the mess. I table the 2024 and 2025 tax assessments from yet another hard- working family that are paying an additional $1,000 on their education property tax bill this year.

Will this minister stand up, reinstate the 50 per cent education property tax credit for everyone? Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, our team is proud to be doing the work of lowering costs for Manitobans. That's why our last budget brought in a new $1,600 homeowner afford- ability tax credit that will reduce the costs of education property taxes.

In terms of part nerships with munici palities and ensuring dollars end up in Manitobans' pockets, we're proud to be working through recent issues that came forward last week, and we're doing that, of course, with the basis of ensuring Manitobans get those savings that they deserve that our government brought forward to lower their costs. That's in addition, of course, to 24 other things we brought forward in Budget 2025 to save Manitobans money. Intersection of Highways 8 and 67 Timeline for Safety Upgrades Mr.

Trevor King (Lakeside): Honourable Speaker, in November, the Minister of Infra structure told this House that the intersections of highways 8 and 67 was not an imme diate safety concern for her, despite multiple letters from the RM, emergency services and the MLA for Selkirk. Honourable Speaker, on May 21, an 18- year-old man from my constituency died in a collision at this intersection. And now the minister talks about safety upgrades. Honourable Speaker, why does it take a 'tragedgy' like–tragedy like this to push the minister to act? Hon.

Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): As I've stated in this House several times, it is always very sad when there is any kind of fatality or tragic event on the highway infra structure in this province. We are always assessing the safety concerns, and priorities do have to get made based on what are the most dangerous intersections, what does the data show us on the most dangerous intersections. The previous government didn't undertake any kind of an assessment like this. I'm aware of projects that were greenlighted just because the minister was –had friends he wanted to give road to.

We're using data. We are using –the committees that we have stood up, the new safety unit that we have assessing– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. 911 Emergency Services System Call for Public Inquiry Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): Honourable Speaker, Manitobans had confidence that they–when they called for help, someone would answer. But that confidence has been shaken, to say the least. Will the minister commit to the Switzer family a full, independent public inquiry into Manitoba's entire 911 communication system? Hon.

Mike Moroz (Minister of Innovation and New Technology): Honourable Speaker, thank you for that. First, it pains me to have to remind members oppo- site that, in fact, at the core of these cheap political shots is, in fact, a family who lost a loved one to a tragedy. Dean Switzer was failed, and his memory deserves respect. We have been in regular contact with the Switzer family. We've been working diligently in consult with the federal gov ernment, who has author ity over this particular matter, to make sure that we'll get the answers we need to ensure that this never happens again.

Woodridge Community Well Request to Reinstate Service Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Honourable Speaker, I've now asked multiple times about the non- potable licence for the Woodridge community well. Over the last year, the two Winnipeg ministers responsible have shown that they don't know the difference between drinking water and that for agri - culture uses. So today, Honourable Speaker, I'd like to ask the Agriculture Minister if he could take a moment to educate his colleagues and commit today to reinstating the much-needed water source for Woodridge?

2576 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 Hon. Mike Moyes (Minister of Environment and Climate Change): During this emergency time, I just actually want to take a moment to –just to uplift and thank our Parks and Trails Division within the–within my department of Environment and Climate Change. They've just been working so very hard day in and day out in collaboration with the Wildfire Service and the Emergency Management Organization, and I just really want to give them a shout-out. And I'm happy to answer the question about the water from the members opposite in my following answers.

Education Property Taxes for Small Business Request to Reinstate Rebate MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Honourable Speaker, Manitoba businesses are left holding the bag as this NDP government has increased their taxes dramatically by removing the business rebate for edu- cation property tax. At this economic uncertainty, what are they doing? This government's first thought was to increase those taxes. One business shared that their education property tax has gone up by 90 per cent. Will the Premier (Mr. Kinew) reinstate the rebate for small property business today, yes or no? Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, this team supports small businesses and medium businesses in Manitoba, and that's why we reduced the payroll taxes in Manitoba. That's also why we brought in a $10- million security rebate program to support businesses even further, because we know those are the kind of costs that can hold them back, and we want to make sure that small and medium busi- nesses in Manitoba can focus on what they do best, which is provi ding great services for Manitobans, creating jobs and growing our local economy. That's the kind of work our team is going to focus on.

Manitoban businesses know they can count on this team to support them and get the job done. Education Property Taxes Costs for Municipalities Ms. Jodie Byram (Agassiz): Municipal staff are now doing the heavy lifting from this government's sloppy rebate rollout. Now they're incurring serious staffing costs, trying to make sure Manitobans get what they are entitled to. Will the minister of municipal relations commit today to compensate municipalities for those extra costs that they are forcing on them? Hon.

Glen Simard (Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations): Minister of Munici pal and Northern Relations will commit to continue to collab- orate with our partners all across the province. That's clear. The MMA, the AMM, the AMBM: all of these organizations are key to the functioning of a province. For seven and a half years, they dealt with a govern - ment that ignored them, closed the door, forced upon– all sorts of different things upon them. Finally, it's 4 a.m.; do you know where your gov- ernment is? There for you. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order.

Education Property Taxes Costs for Municipalities Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): We are hearing from municipalities across the province that they're being told by this minister to reach out to ratepayers to sign a self -declaration form in order to get the rebates. Municipalities are now having to clean up the mess left by this minister. Many of these small municipal - ities do not have the resources to be able to do this. Can the minister of municipal affairs stand up and tell us what he is doing to assist municipalities and what they are trying to clean up the mess left by this sloppy NDP minister? Hon.

Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): We know, after years of Manitobans ex perience–a government that was raising costs on them, that it was impor tant that we did the work of making life more affordable. That's why we brought in our $1,500 education property tax rebate with our first budget, and that's why we lifted that up to $1,600 in our recent budget. In terms of the challenges we've seen in getting those dollars into Manitobans' pockets, we are work- ing as a partner with municipalities to make sure that Manitobans get that rebate that they deserve.

And I know my colleague and our team are going to con- tinue to work positively with municipalities to make sure that Manitobans get that credit, as they deserve. Manitoba Parks Licence Plates Timeline for Public Sale Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Honourable Speaker, private members' legis lation to esta blish a Manitoba Parks licence plate received royal assent a year ago.

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2577 Will the minister update the House on the reason for the delay and when it is expected the public sale of these plates will begin? Hon. Mike Moyes (Minister of Environment and Climate Change): Yes, we're really excited about this–about the licence plate, to be perfectly honest. My department continues to work on it; we're working in collaboration with MPI.

Unfortunately, there's processes that need to be followed, unlike what the member opposite tried to do with creating different contests to get everyone excited but not following the process. * (14:50) We're following that process. We're going to deliver shortly. Wildfires Currently Burning in Manitoba Utilization of Retired Firefighters Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): Fire crews are working incred ible hours, and their dedi cation is unmatched. We're thankful for them.

Can the minister explain why I'm still hearing from recently retired experts that want to come back and help and can't get an answer from his department despite the minister reassuring they could work? Hon. Ian Bushie (Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures): It truly is all hands on deck when it comes time to the firefighting situation here in Manitoba. So we have engaged municipalities; we have engaged current civil servants; we have engaged retired civil servants. We have those con versations each and every day.

We really rely on their expertise, what they bring to the table, what they had for best practices, what the solutions are going forward. We truly are in extreme situation, and I encourage everybody to be able to come to the table, be part of the discussion, be part of the solutions, and we'll get through this together. Post-Secondary Education Student Safety on Campus Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): A student at the U of M has had to resort to the courts after a two -time con- victed sex offender snuck into her on- campus residence and assaulted her as she slept last October.

Since then, the NDP government has been completely silent on efforts to ensure students are safe on campus. What specific steps is the Minister of Advanced Education taking to ensure this never happens again? Hon. Mike Moroz (Acting Minister of Advanced Education and Training): Honourable Speaker, I want to thank the member opposite for this important question. Student safety on campus is the most im portant priority for our govern ment and for post -secondary institutions. This is serious incident our govern ment has taken extremely seriously.

When this occurred, we were in constant com munication with the in stitution and worked with them to act swiftly to protect all students including those living on campus. We intend to continue to do so. Oak Tree Towers On-Site Security Services MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Honourable Speaker, I want to welcome the residents of Oak Tree Towers that are watching with us today. In two days, residents of Oak Tree Towers fear they will lose their on-site security guards.

Honourable Speaker, the minister has the oppor - tunity to reassure those people today and commit that security guards will be on site next week, next month and next year–yes or no? Hon. Bernadette Smith (Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness): I want to assure those members at Oak Tree Towers that they have a govern- ment who's listening ; 2021, those members were knocking on members opposite's door asking for support. They finally have a government who's listening. We have invested over $5 million. We've put in security cameras; we've put in card access; we've put in some security.

I was just in con versation with Mayor Knox today. We're going to continue to collaborate, listen to the members, unlike members opposite, who continue to fearmonger. I invite them to get on board and collaborate for the residents of Oak Tree Towers, who we will continue to support. Safety and security is our No. 1 priority on this side of the House. Highway 12 and 210 Intersection Closure Community Consultation Request MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): The intersections of the 12 and 210 are dangerous.

There have been multiple fatal collisions, yet this government is refusing to actually listen to the area residents and local council.

2578 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 Why is this minister imposing a complicated closure plan instead of working with the residents on a workable solution? Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): Honourable Speaker, this intersection was one of the first intersections that was brought to my attention when I became a minister. I know the member opposite has raised concerns about it, as have many other community members. We have actioned this intersection. We have had our engineers and consultants do multiple consul ta- tions in the community.

Design plans are–you know, the design is complete as far as I understand. Work will be beginning. So I'm not sure what the member wants, but I think what he wants is the past seven years for all the cuts and all the losses to that department to have gone away so this work could have been done three years ago, like it should have been. Education Property Taxes Impact on Municipalities Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): Honourable Speaker, this Municipal and Northern Relations Minister con - tinues to say he's listening, but yet AMM's made it clear that they want no

part in cleaning up the Province's mistakes. Why is this government continuing to off-load the administrative burden and political fallout of its sloppy education tax rebate and antiquated funding model onto municipalities? Hon. Glen Simard (Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations): Listen, the AMM, they see us as a partner–good faith partner and honest broker–and they continue to engage with us because they see the value of the one Manitoba growth fund. They see the increases to each municipality–2 per cent, plus 2 per cent, plus 2 per cent–every single year.

It was zero, zero, zero, zero, zero, zero, zero under the failed Stefanson-Pallister governments. Finally, they have a partner. Finally, they have someone–when they pick up the phone, there's an answer. And that's us; that's this government. Crime and Public Safety Government Record Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): Early this morning, the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a multiple–mass stabbing. Five people were taken to hospital, three in critical condition. So are Manitobans really as safe as claimed under this failed Justice Minister? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): You know, Honour able Speaker, this government's taking action on public safety in a way that has not been done in this province for a very long time, because under the members opposite, when the community came and they said we need to do some - thing about edged weapons, about long- bladed weapons in our city and safety for everyone in this city and across the province, the previous government and these members opposite, they shut their doors. They wouldn't listen. We acted, Hon ourable Speaker. We made the changes. It was supported by com munity.

It's sup- ported by law enforcement. It's supported by everyone in Manitoba except the members opposite. I don't know what it's going to take for –to get them on board, but maybe if we continue to make this province safer, maybe–maybe–they'll start to figure it out and come– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Woodridge Community Well Closure During Fire Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Since I didn't get an answer from the Environment Minister or the Agriculture Minister in my last question, and the community of Woodridge hasn't gotten an answer from this government at all, I'd like to ask again.

When will this gov ernment respond to the community of Woodridge–who was just evacuated as a result of a wildfire –why, during that wildfire, their community well was padlocked and they didn't have access to community water? Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): Honour- able Speaker, our Minister for Environment is doing a fantastic job. I just want to say, on the record, he's doing a great job.

He's doing what did not happen for seven and a half years: he is working directly with municipalities, he is looking at the evidence and his department has been foundational–fundamental to all of us working together during this state of emergency. We are going to continue to work with all partners to take the necessary steps to keep Manitobans safe. That is the No. 1 priority. I would encourage members opposite to get on board of team Manitoba, team Canada, team Australia,

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2579 team United States; everyone's coming together to keep Manitobans safe. I encourage them to join that spirit. Let's move forward and get through this state of emergency united as one province, one Manitoba. The Speaker: Order, please. The time for oral questions has expired. Speaker's Statement The Speaker: And I have a statement for the House. As the House is expected to adjourn later today for our summer break, I'm encouraging all members to remove contents from their desks today.

I would also encourage folks to recycle as much material as possible– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. I would also encourage folks to recycle as much material as possible. However, the 'blig'–big blue bins inside the Chamber are designated for recycling copies of Hansard only as these can be reused by Hansard and the Legislative Library.

Any other material you would like to recycle may be placed in the larger recycling containers in the message rooms located just outside the Chamber. * (15:00) Thank you, and I would remind members that when the Speaker is standing and speaking, he's sup- posed to be heard in silence. Petitions? Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Honourable Speaker, I'd like to table the specified government bills for the Second Session of the 43rd Legislature.

And then, Honour able Speaker, can you please call second reading of Bill 47, followed by considera- tion by the Com mittee of the Whole and then con- currence and third reading, followed by concurrence and third reading of bills 44, 7, 33, 41, 3, 4, 14, 15, 27, 28, 37, 22, 11, 21, 10, 25, 26, 5, 9, 13, 32, 35, 36, 43, 38, 34, 24, 29, 6, 16, 18, 19, 20 and 39.

The Speaker: So it has been announced that we will do debate on second reading of Bill 47, followed by the Com mittee of the Whole report followed by concurrence and third reading of Bill 47, then specified bills and concurrence and third reading of said bills, and those bills are 44, 7, 33, 41, 3, 4, 14, 15, 27, 28, 37, 22, 11, 21, 10, 25, 26, 5, 9, 13, 32, 35, 36, 43, 38, 34, 24, 29, 6, 16, 18, 19, 20 and 39.

DEBATE ON SECOND READINGS Bill 47–The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act and Amendments to The Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act (Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day) The Speaker: So we will now proceed to debate, second reading, Bill 47, the fair trade in Canada, internal trade mutual recognition act and amendments to the com memoration of days, weeks, months act, buy Manitoba, Canadian day. The honourable member– standing in the honourable member for Dawson Trail, who has nine minutes remaining. MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): I will close my remarks on this debate.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to it. The Speaker: No other members? Is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. The Speaker: Question before the House is second reading of Bill 47, The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act and Amendments to The Com memoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act (Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day). Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] The motion is accordingly passed. We will now resolve into Committee of the Whole to consider Bill 47. The Deputy Speaker, please take the Chair.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Bill 47–The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act and Amendments to The Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act (Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day) The Chairperson (Tyler Blashko): Will the Com- mittee of the Whole please come to order. As announced, this committee will now consider the following: Bill 47, The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act and Amendments to the Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act (Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day).

2580 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 Does the minister responsible for Bill 47 have an opening statement? Does the critic from the official op position have an opening statement? Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): I just wanted to put a couple more words on the record as we are at a critical point in Canadian history, where we have an opportunity for provinces across the country to work together to remove interprovincial trade barriers and embrace labour mobility across our country.

As we all know, interprovincial trade barriers has been a long- standing issue and challenge within this country, where it is often easier to do busi ness south or overseas as opposed to doing business across prov- incial jurisdictions within our own country.

And it is because of challenges like exceptions and provinces placing protectionist measures within their own provinces and industries, which is why we have gone to the point today where Canada's in the predicament that it is in, as I had mentioned, easier to do business south of the border than across our own country. * (15:10) And in comments that I've made in this House quite regularly, I have encouraged the minister and the government to work across provincial jurisdictions to negotiate the removal of those exceptions that do limit our ability to grow our economy here in Manitoba and across Canada as a whole, as well as that limit the ability for much-needed skilled workers and employees to move across provincial borders.

So it is a critical moment here in history, and we do have this opportunity to break down those barriers, but it does take the will of all leaders across our great country to do that important work. We cannot let this pass us by. Again, I'll reiterate that we are at a point in time in history where if this doesn't get done with the right commitment, the true belief in removing inter - provincial trade barriers, then Canada will be in the same situation that we have been for decades and decades with those barriers across our country.

Our party and our team, including myself, whole- heartedly support the removal of interprovincial trade barriers. We support free trade; we know how impor- tant this is. Premiers in the past, such as Brian Pallister, have paved the way for the removal of internal trade bar - riers by signing the New West Part nership that has created a road map for other provinces to get on board and to move forward on this important path in history, and it is because of that work that we are here today.

I want to commend provincial leaders such as Premier Tim Houston, who started legislation–the first premier in Canada to introduce legislation for recipro- cating provinces to remove internal trade barriers. And now we are at a point here today, Manitoba being one of the last to bring forward legislation like this by a provincial government.

But we are here today to discuss that, moving that forward, so we can stand alongside our provincial premiers across the country and commit to removing interprovincial trade barriers, to take ownership and to take hold of this once -in-a-historical-moment chance to get this done. So with that said, Chairperson, I would like to con- clude my remarks and move into the clause-by-clause amendments. Thank you. The Chairperson: We thank the member. During the consideration of a bill, the

preamble, the enacting clause and the title are postponed until all other clauses have been considered in their proper order. Also, if there is agreement from the com mittee, the Chair will call clauses in blocks that conform to pages, with the understanding that we will stop at any particular clause, or clauses, where members have– may have comments, questions or amend ments to propose. Is that agreed? [Agreed] Clause 1–pass. Shall clause 2 and 3 pass? Some Honourable Members: Pass. An Honourable Member: No. The Chairperson: I hear a no. The honourable–sorry, shall clause 2 pass? Some Honourable Members: Pass.

An Honourable Member: No. The Chairperson: No? Mrs. Stone: I have an amendment. I move, seconded by the member for Interlake-Gimli (Mr. Johnson),

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2581 THAT Clause 2 of the Bill be amended by striking out "(Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day)" and substituting "(Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Week)". The Chairperson: It has been moved by the honour- able member for Midland (Mrs. Stone), and seconded by the member for Interlake-Gimli, That the fair trade in Canada–oh, sorry. THAT Clause 2 of the Bill be amended by striking out "(Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day)" and substituting–with–"(Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Week)". This motion is in order. The floor is open for questions. Is the committee ready for the question?

An Honourable Member: Question. The Chairperson: The honourable member for Midland. Mrs. Stone: I just wanted to put a couple words on the record as to why we're bringing this amendment forward to expand it to a week. Oftentimes, June 1 can fall on a Sunday where many small businesses are not actually open. Many small businesses, many including in my constituency and across rural Manitoba, but also in cities like the city of Winnipeg and city of Brandon are closed on Sundays.

And for the spirit of this bill to encourage buy local, buy Manitoba, buy Canadian, we felt that was important to expand that recognition, that awareness and that encouragement to a week, giving local busi - nesses that full op portunity to embrace this very im - portant week moving forward so that, in the event that June 1, like as –what happened this year ' falled' on a Sunday, then it expands it out to that whole week. So that's the intent of this amendment. The Chairperson: Is the com mittee ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. The Chairperson: Shall the amendment pass?

Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Some Honourable Members: No. The Chairperson: I hear a no. Voice Vote The Chairperson: All those in favour, please say aye. Some Honourable Members: Aye. The Chairperson: All those against, please say nay. Some Honourable Members: Nay. The Chairperson: In my opinion, the Nays have it. The amendment is accordingly defeated. * * * The Chairperson: Clause 2–pass. Shall clause 3 pass? Some Honourable Members: Pass. Mr. Derek Johnson (Official Opposition House Leader): Clause 2, on division, please. The Chairperson: Clause 2 passes on division. Clause 3–pass. Shall

schedule A, clauses 1 through 3 pass? Some Honourable Members: Pass. Some Honourable Members: No. The Chairperson: I hear a no.

Schedule A, clause 1–pass;

schedule A, clause 2– pass. Shall

schedule A, clause 3 pass? Some Honourable Members: Pass. An Honourable Member: No. The Chairperson: The honourable member for Midland (Mrs. Stone). Mrs. Stone: I have an amendment. I move, seconded by the member for Interlake - Gimli (Mr. Johnson), THAT

Schedule A to the Bill (The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act) be amended by replacing Clause 3 with the following: Non-application This act does not apply to the 'provinsion' of goods or services by Manitoba Hydro or Efficiency Manitoba Inc. The Chairperson: Is there leave to have the amend - ment included as written? An Honourable Member: Agreed.

2582 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 The Chairperson: We can have it reread. Mrs. Stone: That

schedule A to the bill, The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act, be amended by replacing clause 3 with the following: This act does not apply to the provision of goods or services by Manitoba Hydro or Efficiency Manitoba Inc. [interjection] Okay. I move, seconded– The Chairperson: Sorry, the honourable member for Midland (Mrs. Stone). Mrs. Stone: I move, seconded by the member for Gimli, THAT

Schedule A to the Bill (The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act) be amended by replacing Clause 3 with the following: Non-application 3 This Act does not apply to the provision of goods or services by Manitoba Hydro or Efficiency Manitoba Inc. The Chairperson: The amendment is in order. It is– sorry, it has been moved by the hon ourable member for Midland, THAT

Schedule A to the Bill (The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act) be amended by replacing Clause 3 with the following: Non-application This act does not apply to the provision of goods or services by Manitoba Hydro or Efficiency Manitoba Inc. This amendment is in order. The floor is open for questions. Mrs. Stone: I wanted to, again, put just a couple words on the record as it relates to the importance of bringing this amendment forward. Liberalized alcohol is a key plank in removing interprovincial trade barriers.

A lot of work has been done on the past, and as we're at a critical point in history where Manitoba has an opportunity to not only take a lead and be a leading voice in remo ving exceptions and removing internal trade barriers along with the commitment with other provinces across the country, as free trade goes both ways, we felt that it was very im portant to –or, to include MBLL, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, as well as Mani toba Public Insurance, in the act for reciprocal juris dic- tions. * (15:20) The last thing that we would want as a province is to be a province that is adding in exceptions when other provinces are removing them.

Exceptions are what defeats the purpose of free trade to begin with. Ontario has already committed to removing exceptions and is a very comprehensive bill; Manitobans–Manitoba's is not–Bill 47 is not as a result of these exceptions that the minister has included in this bill.

So it is impor tant that we continue to remove those exceptions, that we continue to allow for the free flow of goods and services regardless of where they're coming from or regardless of Crown corporation, but in particular with MBLL and MPI, as thos e Crown corporations also like to, or also want to, export –do business with other provinces and with free trade, vice versa from other provinces into Manitoba.

So it's important that Manitoba does not exclude them within this particular act and does not create exceptions for those industries here in Manitoba that are so critical and are such key planks of inter - provincial trade. The Chairperson: Is the com mittee ready for the question? An Honourable Member: Question. The Chairperson: Shall the amendment pass? An Honourable Member: Agreed. Some Honourable Members: No. The Chairperson: I hear a no. Voice Vote The Chairperson: All those in favour, please say aye. Some Honourable Members: Aye. The Chairperson: All those opposed, please say nay.

Some Honourable Members: Nay. The Chairperson: In my opinion, the Nays have it. Mr. Johnson: On division, please. The Chairperson: The amend ment is defeated, on division. * * * The Chairperson:

Schedule A, clause 3–pass;

schedule A, clauses 4 and 5 –pass;

schedule A, clause 6 –pass;

schedule A, clause 7–pass;

schedule A, clauses 8 and 9–pass;

schedule B, clauses 1 and 2–pass;

schedule B, clause 3–pass;

preamble–pass; enacting clause–pass; title–pass. Bill be reported.

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2583 That concludes the business before the committee. The hour being 3:22, what is the will of the com- mittee? Some Honourable Members: Rise. The Chairperson: Committee rise. Call in the Speaker. IN SESSION Committee Report Mr. Tyler Blashko (Chairperson): Honourable Speaker, The Committee of the Whole has considered the following: Bill 47, the fair trade in Canada, internal trade mutual recognition, act and amend ments to the commemoration of days, weeks and months act, buy Manitoba, buy Canadian, and reports the same with- out amendment.

I move, seconded by the hon ourable member for Transcona (MLA Corbett), that the report of the com- mittee be received. Motion agreed to. CONCURRENCE AND THIRD READINGS Bill 47–The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act and Amendments to The Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act (Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day) The Speaker: The honourable member for Lagimodière (Mr. Blashko)–[interjection] Oh, the honourable mem- ber for–the honourable Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation. Hon.

Jamie Moses (Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation): I move, seconded by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Kostyshyn), that Bill 47, The Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act and Amendments to the Commemo- ration of Days, Weeks and Months Act (Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day), reported from the Committee of the Whole, be concurred in and be now read a third time and passed. Motion presented. Mr. Moses: In this really pivotal moment for our province and for our country, it's im portant that we take steps to work together, to unite, to strengthen our economy.

This bill does just that. Bill 47 works across party lines, works across 'ideolology' to make sure we focus on growing our economy; focus on strengthening up busi ness oppor- tunities and make sure that we not only diversify away from United States, not only Trump-proof our economy, but strengthen busi nesses, strengthen our province and strengthen our country. So, happy to be moving Bill 47 forward, and I look forward to all the great opportunities that Manitoba businesses will have to do even more busi ness right across our great and beautiful country. Thank you.

The Speaker: So the question before the House –are there any members wishing to speak to the motion? Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): I am pleased again to rise in the House today, in these chambers, to talk about a very im portant piece of legis lation and a critical moment in not just Manitoba's history, but also in Canada's history. For years and for decades, Canadians and provinces–premiers, alike–have attempted to remove interprovincial trade barriers and embrace labour mobility.

Unfor tunately, over time, as provinces added exceptions and included various protectionist measures for their own provincial industries, internal trade barriers continued to add on and pile on, thus putting Canada in the predicament that we are in today. As exceptions and measures are added by pro- vinces, it makes it more difficult to do trade among provincial borders. This is what we are trying to stop today. This is what we are trying to avoid. And Canadian leaders have come across the country in the wake of tariffs from the US, as well as China, to help break down those barriers.

So we are at a critical moment here in Manitoba and Canada, for our premiers, provincial governments and legislators across the country to truly commit to taking down those interprovincial trade barriers. You know, we're often asked: What are inter - provincial trade barriers and what does that mean?

Well, interprovincial trade barriers are restrictions, regulations and red tape that make it more difficult to do busi ness within our own country, as opposed to doing business down south. * (15:30) I have worked in the agri culture and manu- facturing industries for most of my career and have seen first -hand the challenges that we face when trying to ship products, goods and people across prov- incial borders, where it is often easier to do busi ness

2584 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 south of the border or overseas in foreign markets than it is to do business within our own country. And that's why interprovincial trade is so critical, and removing these barriers are so critical. In the wake of Donald Trump's tariffs and tariffs from China, there is now a renewed commitment–an important renewed commitment–to break down these barri ers once and for all. But it won't take just one province or one leader in order to do this; it will take the commitment from every province across Canada.

And I talk a lot about exceptions, because exceptions are what has been created in the past when leaders have committed to removing interprovincial trade barriers but then have added various exceptions within legislation, like we've seen with the bill that this minister has brought for - ward with exempting Crown corporations. And it's those types of exceptions and exemptions that create barriers. They create barriers and they show the rest of the country that Manitoba is not looking to work together.

Now, there are other parts of the bill that are in - credibly impor tant, such as reciprocity with other provinces, but I do want to caution this member again and the minister again, as I did when I put my com - ments on for second reading within debate, to en- courage him to not go down that same path that many leaders before him went down; to encourage this minister to work with those other provinces, those reciprocating jurisdictions; to truly, once and for all, break down those barriers.

My colleague, during his remarks during second reading, said it very eloquently: that in order to get this done, leaders across the country really, truly need to believe in free trade. They really, truly need to believe in removing internal trade barriers in order to get this done, in order to make though–that commitment to stand up for Canada, to stand up for provinces as one united country in order to allow us and to allow us to embrace busi ness within Canada across provincial jurisdictions.

It's unfor tunate that this NDP gov ernment, al- though they had ample time to bring forth legislation, waited until days before the final days of session to ram this bill forward. You know, as I've mentioned previously in my remarks, this bill is better than nothing. It could have been so much better; it could have been so much stronger. Manitoba really, truly could have made a stand and took a lead, similar to what Premier Houston in Nova Scotia did, similar to what Premier Doug Ford did in Ontario, with the commit- ment to remove these barriers from their provinces with reciprocating jurisdictions.

And in fact, Premier Doug Ford went as far to say he will remove all exceptions and exemptions within the province of Ontario. This was a huge commitment. As I've mentioned, those exemptions add layers of red tape and bureaucracy and regula tion that essentially defeat the entire purpose of free trade to begin with and is what has created the 'predictament' that Canada is in. So for Premier Doug Ford to mak e that very strong commitment and be a leader for Canada: I truly commend him and the Province of Ontario for taking that important step.

And as I've mentioned previously, I commend Premier Tim Houston from Nova Scotia for starting Canada down this path, for being the first province in Canada to intro duce and pass legis lation to remove interprovincial trade barriers and com mit to working with reciprocal jurisdictions who have similar pieces of legislation. From Premier Tim Houston, we saw Prince Edward Island bring in their legis lation.

We saw British Columbia bring in theirs, and then we eventually saw Manitoba, through our team, in Bill 227, bring for - ward the free trade and labour mobility within Canada act two months ago now–almost two months ago now. So as I've mentioned, the NDP have had ample time to bring forward legis lation of this nature and they've refused to. You know, we gave them the op- portunity in question period back in early March. We asked if they had an intention or when they would be bringing in legislation similar to Nova Scotia and PEI, and again they refused.

We then brought in our own bill, Bill 227, as a result of their inaction and, unfor tunately, the NDP government voted against that. So here we are on the final day of session, where the NDP is trying to ram through what should be one of their top bills, one of their most impor tant bills of this legislative session. So it is unfor tunate that they waited 'til, you know, the hours of the day–final hours of the day to bring this forward. Bill 47–this should have bill–been bill No. 1. Donald Trump was elected back in November. He announced his inten tion to implement tariffs at that time.

You know, we also saw during his swearing in,

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2585 then inauguration, back in January, he again com - mitted. He said that these tariffs were coming. Canada has been dealing with tariffs from China for many, many years now. These tariffs should not have been a surprise to this NDP government, yet they held off. Even during budget debate, we saw this minister say that we weren't going to talk in hypo- theticals about tariffs. We–my colleagues and I asked during Hydro committee what their plan was to deal with the tariffs coming from the United States. Again, they said they weren't going to talk in hypotheticals.

And then hypo- theticals became reality, and this is a reality that Manitobans and Manitoba businesses have now been dealing with for many months now, with that uncertainty. However, like I said, that uncertainty has brought forward a pivotal and critical moment in Manitoba and Canadian history to truly take a stand and truly stand up for Canada, for the goods and services that we produce and manufacture here in Canada.

We have some incredible industries that have relied heavily and continue to rely heavily on trade despite the tariffs that are ongoing, many businesses that are swallowing those costs because of contracts, because of customers, because of the integration of trade with the US, with China, with overseas markets, that we have so relied on for many years. And like I said, it's often easier to do busi ness outside of our country than it is within our own country, and that needs to be changed. We need to change that for consumers; it will lower costs for con- sumers.

I believe the number that CFIB, the Canadian federation for in dependent busi ness, put out was $500 billion, and so those are huge numbers. That's putting $1,500 back in every pocket across Canada. Manitoba is one of the jurisdictions that could sig- nificantly benefit from the removal of interprovincial trade barriers. Now, although Manitoba does have – has opened its borders in a lot of different ways, and Brian Pallister truly started that work with the signing of the New West Partnership.

And my colleague, the MLA for Springfield-Ritchot, spoke extensively about the history of when that took place, when BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan signed that New West Partnership. And, unfortunately, the NDP at the time, here in Manitoba, chose not to. Under the leadership of Greg Selinger and Gary Doer, they chose not to be at the table. Unfortunately, their ideology got in the way of truly benefiting Manitoba, removing those tr ade bar- riers with western Canada, which would have been so critical for Manitoba.

But then blue skies emerged, and the PCs were elected, and Brian Pallister signed the New West Part- nership in a historical moment for Manitoba and for Canada. [interjection] And I know the members are heckling me, but this was a critical moment, and this gov ernment and this NDP government are now talking about how the New West Partnership did serve a purpose for the add- on to this legislation now. Some of the work that Brian Pallister also did at the time was liberalize alcohol, giving other provinces shelf space here in Manitoba.

And we're still waiting for some of those other provinces to provide those same benefits to Manitoba brewers, to Manitoba distillers, that we've given other provinces. And that's where my colleague, the MLA for Steinbach, spoke extensively about the needing to believe. It might be difficult for people now.

It might be difficult for busi- nesses now if other provinces aren't doing the same thing, but it will benefit in the long run. * (15:40) Free trade only works when you have the corres- ponding or reciprocal jurisdictions providing the same level of support, assurances, regulation, restrictions as we have here in Manitoba. They might look a little bit different, but the intent needs to be there. And that intent is to be able to move goods and products and people freely between provinces.

And this is where we are at this critical moment here in Manitoba, in this pivotal moment, where we have an opportunity to be at the table with other prov incial leaders. It's unfortunate that it is so late in the game – as I've mentioned, the NDP have had months to bring forward legislation and instead they're ramming it through, likely as a result of mounting national pres - sure from their colleagues in other provinces who have been disappointed that Manitoba has not moved ahead on legislation.

It's disappointing that we could have had a very comprehensive bill passed back on April 16 when Bill 227, the free trade and labour mobility within Canada act, was introduced. And then, you know, we wouldn't be two months delayed compared to other provinces; we would already be at that table. Manitoba would already be able to show that true commitment into removing interprovincial trade barriers.

2586 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 As I've mentioned numerous times in this House, including debate on this bill, including remarks on Bill 227 as well as in question period, our team –our PC team–fully supports free trade and working across the country to remove trade barriers. And, in fact, we did take action on our commitment to free trade. This is something that our party truly stands for. This is something that I myself and my colleagues truly believe in. We want Manitoba to be a leader in free trade.

We want Manitoba to have that strong commitment, along with other provincial juris dictions, to finally get this done. We'd like to see those other provinces remove their exceptions; we'd like to see Manitoba remove its exemptions, and I know –so Manitoba has a single exemption, nurse practitioners, and I understand it is a complex issue. I understand that there'll hopefully be some work and some negotiation going on across the country to look at some standardizati on across various provinces on that.

And so I do encourage the minister and the NDP government, when they are in those conver sations with other provinces, to be a leading voice for all provinces to remove those exemptions that other provinces as well as Manitoba currently has, and to negotiate for some standardization on nurse prac ti- tioners. As I said, I know it's a complex issue and it's not going to be done overnight, but it's commitments like that where Manitoba can truly take the lead, follow in Ontario's footsteps by removing those exemptions and truly embracing and believing in free trade and labour mobility within Canada.

Industry, business leaders and Manitobans across the province have been calling for the removal of internal trade barriers for decades. You know, this goes back far beyond what we're talking about now. Premiers have made commit ments before. Unfor - tunately, you know, a lot of work has been done other the years: as I mentioned, Brian Pallister and the work that he did with liberalizing alcohol and signing on to the New West Partnership.

But certainly, right now, in response to mounting pressure from gov ernments like the US, like China, like overseas, that –things that are truly out of our 'contrual'–out of our control. And so we have to look at the things that are in our control. We can't control what Donald Trump does down in the US or what he says, but we can certainly control how we respond as Canada.

And we can certainly control our own legis lation here and working within our own country, supporting our own country, ensuring that we are supporting the goods and the services that are produced and grown and manufactured here in Canada; and supporting the people that want to work across provincial jurisdictions for the best–betterment of their families, their pocketbooks, but also to help and assist with provinces that have shortages in certain professions.

We know that Manitoba does have a shortage of skilled workers in various areas: doctors, nurses, veterinarians, welders, various other Red Seal and skilled trade professions where Manitoba could benefit from that free flow of people into our province. These barriers, as I've mentioned time and time again, have impeded market access on goods and services while limiting workers' ability to easily cross provincial borders for employment. And so, what are some of those barriers?

I spoke a little bit about them, about kind of red tape and regulation that gets layered on by each individual province as they look to protect their own industries, their own provinces, which defeats the whole purpose of free trade within Canada. But it's differing prov- incial regulations that do make it incredibly difficult for businesses to export their goods across the country. In addition, differing certifications and licensing requirements across provinces do limit the mobility of workers.

It's a sig nificant amount of red tape if an employee or a profession has to get a certification that's totally different in one province and then if they look to come to Manitoba, a completely different process here in Manitoba –different timelines, different restrictions, different require ments. That makes it very difficult for skilled workers to move freely across provincial jurisdictions. One of the other key critical barriers that I hope is being worked on at the national level is trucking regulations and trucking restrictions. We know that it's very difficult to truck across the country.

Every province has its own time frames, timelines as to when truckers can be on the road. There's various weight restrictions where you often see truckers stopped at a provincial border checking their weight, checking tire pressures amongst a host of other things in order to be able to cross onto anothe r provincial juris diction highway. And so it's those types of restrictions that, again, make it in creasingly difficult to do busi ness across Canada.

June 2, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2587 So we are at a critical time here in Manitoba. We're at a time where we can enshrine Manitoba's commit - ment to removing trade barriers and embracing labour mobility with reciprocating juris dictions in Canada. And although this has been a long-standing issue, this bill is certainly timely, because we have seen that renewed commitment from premiers and provinces and legislatures across the country. And this is not the time to pass this up.

This is a time to be standing alongside our other provinces and supporting Canada and supporting the goods and the products that we produce here in Manitoba, that we manufacture here in Manitoba. And this is a cri tical moment, as I've mentioned, a critical moment in history. Several provinces, as mentioned, have already begun this province, and quite a long time ago–quite a number of weeks ago. The NDP have had ample time to bring legislation like this forward over the past number of months but had failed to make any meaningful commitments.

Instead of voting on a free trade bill weeks ago, almost two months ago now, the NDP stalled and then voted it down. So the minister has talked about responding to the call of free trade, yet he could have responded well before today rather than ramming through legislation during the last day of session. So, as a result, Manitoba is behind other provinces like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and Ontario. So now we have another free trade bill before us, and there are some key and critical differences between the two bills that have been brought forward.

And, you know, although we support the intent of this bill, I do want to call out some of the differences that have been created. And it is unfortunate that this NDP voted down some of our amendments. So one of the amend ments that we had brought forward was to expand the buy Canada, buy local commemorative day being June 1 to a week. Many small businesses, including many small busi nesses across rural Manitoba but also within the city of Winnipeg and the city of Brandon, are closed on Sundays. And every so often, June 1 does fall on a Sunday, as it did this year.

And so many of those busi- nesses would not have been able to take in the full intent and the meaning of the bill and getting that support from local people to buy their products and to support their businesses if they are closed on June 1. It was a very friendly amend ment to expand that out to a week. I'm not sure why the NDP voted down supporting local Manitoba busi nesses and buy Canadian and buy local where we could have celebrated that for an entire week, the whole first week of June, and encouraged that awareness. * (15:50) However, the NDP voted it down, which is a – really unfortunate.

So, unfortunately, we'll have to go to those small businesses that are sometimes closed on a Sunday and tell them that the NDP didn't want to support them for more days during the week. So it was a friendly amendment, and it's unfor tunate that the NDP had voted that down. The NDP also voted down our amendment by taking out Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries and Manitoba Public Insurance from this bill, so the NDP have created a exemption. They've created exceptions for the Crown corporations, which, as I mentioned earlier in my remarks, defeats the entire purpose of free trade.

And it really does send a mes sage to other provinces in Canada that they don't truly believe in this path forward, that they're not truly committed to removing all of those barriers across Canada. As I mentioned, Ontario made a very strong com- mitment to removing all of their exemptions. Nova Scotia's bill was very com prehensive. And, in fact, just this weekend in The Globe and Mail, the Montreal Economic Institute indicated that Manitoba's bill was not as comprehensive as the other provinces.

So that is a think tank that was quoted in The Globe and Mail this weekend that essentially said what we have been saying all along about Bill 47, that it is not as compre- hensive. The NDP, unfortunately, has created more barriers by exempting Crown corporations from free trade and labour mobility within Canada and reciprocating provinces. This is incred ibly disappointing.

As I mentioned, there has been a lot of work done on liberalization of alcohol, so by including Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, it sends a message, at a time when all premiers are trying to commit to removing barriers for alcohol, that Manitoba is actually taking a step backwards. In addition, it also includes Manitoba Public Insurance, which is unfor tunate. I would think that MPI would want the ability to sell into other provinces and then vice versa with other provinces into Manitoba as that is how free trade works.

So that is certainly a economic-growth and economic-development disadvan- tage that this government has created for one of their own Crown corporations that they oversee.

2588 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 2, 2025 In addition, this free trade–fair trade bill, Bill 47, exempts all labour mobility acts from their reciprocity rules. So Manitoba has a number of regulated profes- sions, and I understand many of them, many of those self-regulated professions, have their own reciprocity across the country. However–and I recognize that health- care profes- sions, specifically LPNs, are exempt under the Canadian Free Trade Agree ment, CFTA –but the needs for standardization or some kind of harmonization continues to be very critical.

So I'll reiterate again for the minister who will be at the table through those negotiations to work along with those other provinces to beg

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Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-2-63
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 2nd hansardpdf 63.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	7691f92a8d32ce217dcf70a878e0509d2c42e426

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