Manitoba Hansard — 13 May 2025 (Sitting 53B, 43rd Legislature, 2nd Session)

43-2-53b

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. 53B - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 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

1987 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, May 13, 2025 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The Speaker: Introduction of bills? Committee reports? TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): I'm tabling the sequence for the consid eration of de- partmental Estimates in the Committee of Supply and for today only. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Allied Healthcare Professionals Recognition Week Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): This week, we recognize allied health-care professionals week.

With dozens of professions and more than 7,000 individual employees across Manitoba, allied health-care professionals support care in Manitoba and touch the lives of nearly every single Manitoban in this province. Today, we have with us in the gallery many allied health-care professionals, including physiotherapists, orthopedic technologist educators, spiritual health practitioners, community mental health workers, regional primary care connectors, team leads for housing and housing supports and MRI technologists. Can we just take a second to say you folks are awesome? Thank you for being here.

The unique skills and diverse roles of allied health professionals cover the full range of preventative, diagnostic, treatment and technical services, supporting Manitobans at every stage of their care journey. Allied health professionals have significant ex- pertise, providing specialized quality care and services across the province in our hospitals, laboratories, clinics, ambulances, long- term-care homes, private homes, schools in the community and more.

Our government is taking action to support and strengthen the health-care system through retention and recruitment of these amazing health-care professionals. Manitoba was well behind other jurisdictions by not having initiatives like seven -day-a-week dis - charges across sites in this province for seven and a half years under the PCs. We changed that after hearing directly from allied health-care professionals on our listening tour. They said that this was important and so we work with them to take action.

We're now seeing the benefits of that change with front -line im- provements and flow through our health-care system. We've also added more than 180 allied health-care professionals to the system in just the last year, and more are being hired and trained regularly. We're establishing a dedicated allied health role in our Retention and Recruitment Office, and Budget 2025 invests $40 million in annualized funding for direct care and allied health professional staffing in personal-care homes for our province's seniors and those who need that care.

We're working directly with these invaluable health-care experts to practise to their full scope –we want them practising to their absolute full scope of their expertise –and to enhance services like breast cancer screening and provide more care in rural and northern communities. Our government values allied health- care pro - fessionals and is proud to recognize the positive impact that their work has on the lives of Manitobans each and every day.

We all benefit from their dedication, compassion, skillful delivery of care, and are deeply appreciative and grateful to have them contributing to our health and wellbeing across our great province. So, thank you to all allied health -care pro fes- sionals not only this week, but every single week during the year. And I'd ask all members of this House to join me in thanking the allied health -care profes- sionals across Manitoba and certainly the folks we have here in the gallery today. Thank you. Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): I, too, would like to welcome our guests to the gallery.

As the daughter of an allied health professional, I know just how vital your work is to Manitoba patients and to our health-care system. We appreciate you and we recognize all the hard work that you put

1988 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 in every day on behalf of your patients, your clients, residents. Thank you. Diagnostic services, emergency care, seniors care, com munity health, mental health, women' s health, dental health, rehabilitation, care for Manitobans with disabilities, spiritual health providers–you name it–there's an allied health professional behind it. They are a lifeline to Manitoba patients in our health -care system. And as we discussed just in the Chamber this morning, allied health workers are vital to women 's health care.

They are mammographers, sonographers, social workers, midwives. They are the ones who will be at the front lines of increasing breast cancer screenings, improving birthing services and ensuring women are safe in our communities. Unfortunately, under the current NDP govern - ment, there have been challenges in allied health in particular. Prairie Mountain Health has had to suspend at-home birthing services for six months due to a shortage of midwives. Allied health workers are also vital to emergency care, and widespread shortages of paramedics, parti - cularly in rural Manitoba, put rural health care at risk.

And, here in Winnipeg, a recent MGEU survey of Winnipeg paramedics found that 71 per cent have seriously considered quitting and 93 per cent have experienced violence on the job. That needs to stop, Honourable Speaker. Earlier this year, the Manitoba Association of Health Care Pro fessionals surveyed their members and found that 59 per cent of respondents said morale has dropped in the last year; 62 per cent said their workload has increased. Increasing workloads, staff shortages and con- cerns about retention show that the NDP government is not taking this issue seriously enough.

So to all of our amazing allied health workers, I want to say thank you for being there in a medical emergency or at our most vulnerable moments and beyond. You are critical to our health- care system. Thank you for all that you do. MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I ask for leave to respond to the minister's statement.

The Speaker: Does the honour able member for Tyndall Park have leave? [Agreed] MLA Lamoureux: I want to begin by recognizing and thanking all of our allied health- care pro fessionals, those who are on the front lines and behind the scenes, who bind our health- care system together each and every day. This includes paramedics, physiothera pists, lab technicians, dieticians, occupational therapists, social workers and so, so many more. Their skill, com - passion and resilience are essential, not only in times of crisis, but every single day in our hospitals, clinics and communities.

Now, Honourable Speaker, the reality is many of these professionals are feeling more disheartened today than ever. Staffing shortages persist. Many allied health professionals are overworked and under- supported. They've seen colleagues burn out and leave the profession entirely. We are forever grateful that they continue to show up for Manitobans, despite not always feeling respected. Morale in health care is at a breaking point. It 's not just about fair wages, though fair compensation is important.

It's also about being valued, having a voice and working in an environment where professionals can actually provide the care that they are trained to deliver. The government 's words of appreciation this week are welcome, but, more importantly, action needs to be taken. I directly asked allied health professionals what their hope is, and they said: real, meaningful engage- ment; funding and staffing commitments that actually reach the front lines; and a clear plan to restore dignity and stability to a system that has been in crisis for far too long.

In closing, Honour able Speaker, I would like to thank those who have joined us today in the gallery and the minister for bringing forward today' s state - ment. Thank you. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Fernanda Hodgson Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): Today, I am absolutely honoured to recognize an important community leader in Union Station who is soon retiring, Fernanda Hodgson. Fernanda joins us in the gallery today, and I want to acknowledge the incredible amount of support she's provided to Union Station through her role as executive director at the Day Nursery Centre.

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1989 Fernanda is retiring after 46 amazing years of working in early childhood education. Fernanda is an exemplary community leader whose work has been vital to child care in Manitoba. In addition to being the executive director of the Day Nursery for 24 years, Fernanda also serves on many boards and in community in a way that really helps our neighbourhood and well beyond. It's clear that through her work Fernanda has been dedicated to providing essential support for families in Union Station, and for that we are forever grateful.

Whether directly or indirectly, Fernanda has touched the lives of many throughout her career. When asked what her favourite part of being an ECE is, she said that it's seeing the impact of her work and what it's had on families. Fernanda would always ensure that parents had trust in Day Nursery Centre. * (13:40) Parents also–parents always, rather, felt immense gratitude that they had a safe place they could drop off their kids. She is also proud that she continued building the vision that the founders had for Day Nursery Centre, especially for families living in the inner city.

Her support for the community has been invaluable, and Fernanda's leadership and dedication have meant the world to families living in our neigh- bourhood. Fernanda, we will always remember the mark you've left on Union Station. The generations of chil- dren and families will forever benefit from your leadership, care and compassion. We thank you and we congratulate you on your retirement. I ask that all members of this House join me in thanking and congratulating and wishing Fernanda all the best on her retirement. Thank you. Police Chiefs Ryan Hunt and Brad Neduzak Mrs.

Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): I rise today to recognize two outstanding leaders in law enforce - ment who have made lasting contributions to their communities. Chief Ryan Hunt of the Winkler Police Service has shown exceptional leadership, earning the respect of his team and the community through his integrity, commitment and modern policing and a deep engagement with the people he serves. Chief Hunt leads with heart, and Winkler is stronger and safer because of him. Equally deserving of recognition is Chief Brad Neduzak, who has dedicated over 40 years of service to the city of Morden.

His unwavering commitment and compassion have left a profound impact, and his recent receipt of the King 's Coronation Medal is a fitting tribute to the leader who has always served with honour and respect. Both chiefs embody the very meaning of public service. I commend the strong partnership between Morden and Winkler departments in fighting against drug trafficking. Through joint -force operations like Project Teemiuse [phonetic] and Project Hat Trick, they've removed dangerous drugs and firearms from the streets and arrested over 20 individuals connected to organized crime.

Their work reflects not only effective enforcement but also a commitment to edu - cation, prevention and recovery, addressing the root cause of addiction and crime. The words thank you don' t even come close to how much you are both loved and appreciated by your community and police forces you serve. To chiefs Brad Neduzak and Ryan Hunt and to every officer in the Morden and Winkler police departments: Your dedication, leadership and tireless effort are deeply appreciated.

It's fitting that during the National Police Week, we honour you and all those who are committed to striving and protecting our communities across Manitoba. Thank you for all that you do. Colleagues, please join me in honouring our police chiefs from Morden and Winkler who are in the gallery today. Assiniboine Forest MLA Carla Compton (Tuxedo): The Tuxedo con- stituency is blessed to have amazing green spaces. Today I want to highlight the largest urban forest in Canada where the city meets nature: the Assiniboine Forest.

The forest spans 700 acres comprised of aspen and oak trees, bringing natural charm to the urban city setting. It is a dream for outdoor lovers that is free to access year-round. Lined with six different trails for cycling, walking and birding, Assiniboine Forest is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Within

1990 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 a few minutes of walking on a trail, you will feel like you have been transported from the city to the bush. Now, the nurse in me also wants to lift up the positive impact that Assiniboine Forest can have on your mind, body and spirit. Spending time in nature– pardon me –encourages activities like walking and running, which are beneficial for your overall physical health. But being in nature can also support your mental health, as it is a natural nervous system regulator, which are fancy words to say decrease stress.

Honourable Speaker, green spaces are vital resources for you to decompress and log off from the over - stimulation that surrounds you in an ever tech- nologically dependent society. And that is why Assiniboine Forest is so special. We are fortunate to have access to what is becoming a rare urban com - modity: equitable access to green space. Honourable Speaker, I encourage you and members of this Chamber to go on an adventure and explore the Assiniboine Forest. The holistic health benefits will serve your body, mind and soul. Thank you. Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees Mrs.

Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Honourable Speaker, we are joined in the gallery today by Manitoba curling royalty. It is my honour to rise in the House today to recognize three remarkable athletes from the constituency of Roblin who were inducted into the 2025 Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame earlier this month. Dawn McEwen is one of the most accomplished curlers in Canadian history. An Olympic gold medalist in 2014, Dawn is also a two- time world champion and a five-time Canadian women's champion. Her dominance extended to the provincial level, where she claimed five Manitoba titles.

Dawn had already been inducted into the Hall in 2015 as a part of the legendary Jennifer Jones Olympic team, and now she receives individual recognition for her incredible career. Raunora Westcott is another standout competitor from the Roblin constituency, with a career marked by grit and longevity. A Manitoba junior champion in 1996, she went on to win the Manitoba women' s championship three times–in 2010, 2011, and 2017 – and reached the Canadian Women 's final at the 2017 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, an achievement that reflects her consistency at the highest level of competition.

And, finally, Mike McEwen and his team were honoured for a decade of excellence from 2008 to 2018. For 11 consecutive years they reached the final four of the Manitoba men's championships, including eight Manitoba men 's finals, captured back- to-back provincial championships in 2016 and 2017, earned a bronze at the Brier and won seven Grand Slam titles. For 10 consecutive years, they ranked among the top seven in the country. Honourable Speaker, these athletes have represented Manitoba with skill, integrity and fierce determina - tion.

Their legacy inspires a new generation of curlers, and we in Charleswood and Headingley could not be prouder. Please join me in congratulating Dawn McEwen, Raunora Westcott and Mike McEwen on their induc- tion into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame. Westman Hospice Association Hon. Glen Simard (Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations): Honourable Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary work of the Westman Hospice Association, a shining example of compassionate service in the Brandon community.

Founded in 1992 as the Westman Association for Terminal Care Hospice, or WATCH, the charity found its start by identifying the need for dignified end-of-life care, with many volunteers stepping up to help. Its founder, Professor John English, built the foundations of what has become a very profound service dedicated to patients with a terminal diagnosis and their families. The association's cause is noble and brings a level of dignity and compassion to those seeking hospice services.

It provides a patient not only comfort as they transition into the next world, but offers assistance to families who are navigating one of life 's toughest journeys. Their services are provided completely free of charge, courtesy of their dedicated and trained volunteers, from in- home and facility visits, care - giver respite, grief and loss support and community education. Honourable Speaker, these types of conversations are rarely had, unfortunately.

End-of-life and grief are natural aspects of life that require the utmost care, and more Manitobans are learning about these types of services that are available to them. Hospice care is an opportunity for those receiving it to achieve personal growth and spiritual healing in what is a precious time for them and their loved ones. There are many nurses,

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1991 specialists and volunteers that help patients under - stand their choices for medical treatment. Under the leadership of President Terri Miller, Vice-President Mae Lyon, Treasurer Linda Noto, and Secretary Kim Melnyk, the association continues to promote an atmosphere of home-like hospice facility, space that resonates with dignity and compassion that all Manitobans deserve.

I ask that everyone join me in applauding the Westman Hospice Association, with Linda Noto and Rob Lavin in the gallery, as well as Daniel Nowoselski from the Canadian Cancer Society for their com - passion, dedication and leadership in the community. * (13:50) Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Prior to oral questions, there are quite a few guests in the gallery that I would like to intro - duce.

First off, I would draw attention to the public gallery, where we have with us today Louis-Phillippe Sauvé, former Bloc Quebecois Member of Parliament for the Montreal riding of Lasalle-Émard-Verdun, and they are here on the –as a guest of the honour able member for–I don't have that, so we welcome you all here today. I'd draw attention of all honour able members to the public gallery, where we have with us today from Day Nursery Centre, Fernanda Hodgson, Robyn Burnet.

Also in the public gallery with us today are allied health-care workers for a llied health-care profes- sionals week: Jason Linklater, Tanya Burnside, Rachel Hamm, Nicole Spence, Widny Pervil, Tim Smith, Amanda Macbeth, Ify Iweadonbi [phonetic] , who are guests of the Minister of Health, Seniors, Long Term Care, and the member for Union Station (MLA Asagwara). On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here today.

Also seated in the public gallery today we have MaryAnn Mihychuk, Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association; Sean Campbell, Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association; Aaron Janzen, Tria Products; Dennis Ballard, Association of Manitoba Chiefs; AJ Albert; Alejandra Gonzales, Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association; Jim Sinclair, Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association; James Campbell, Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association, who are guests of the honourable member for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt). On behalf of all hon ourable members, we welcome you here today.

Some of these guests have previously been intro- duced, but I would like to introduce everyone that's here with them, as well. So in the public gallery we have Mike McEwan, Dawn McEwan, Vienna McEwan, Jane Askin, Wayne Askin and Rauna [phonetic] Westcott, who are guests of the honour able member for Roblin (Mrs. Cook), and we welcome you all here today. And lastly, but far from least, Robert Young and Declan Young. Declan Young is celebrating his 13th birthday today. He chose to come to the Legislature to celebrate his special day.

They are guests of the honourable member for Fort Richmond (MLA Chen), and we all welcome you here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Average Wages in Manitoba Tax Increase Concerns Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): I want to welcome all our guests, and I want to give a special happy birthday welcome to Declan. Honourable Speaker, yesterday the Premier called a 25 per cent increase to property taxes, and I quote, a good thing, end quote. If the Premier is okay with a 25 per cent increase in property taxes, then surely wages have increased 25 per cent to match.

Can the Premier tell Manitobans what the average wage increase has been under his Kinew government this last year? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): It's great that we get to welcome people into the gallery to watch democracy in action, but it's not every day we get a birthday celebration in the gallery. So on behalf of the Province of Manitoba, happy birthday Declan. Yes, the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics showed that wages went up in Manitoba last month. The PCs froze wages.

They actually used their time in govern- ment to come here and pass a law that said people wouldn't get a wage increase in Manitoba –that's on them. Of course, we're adequately funding the school programs in Manitoba, including a uni versal school nutrition program, and we're giving you $1,500 off your property taxes this year. It's going to get better next year: $1,600 tax credit then. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question.

1992 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 Mr. Khan: Once again, Honourable Speaker, a non- answer by the Premier. He says they went up, but how much did they go up: 2.7 per cent, the lowest in Canada, under this NDP government. Average weekly wages show that Manitoba had the worst growth in the country under this Kinew govern ment. But the Premier demands more taxes and more money from families. Why does this Premier think it's okay–and I quote, a good thing, end quote–to tax Manitobans by 10 times the increase of their wage? Mr.

Kinew: Since taking office, we've cut income tax; we've cut the provincial gas tax on a permanent basis, I would add too; and we're also giving you that $1,500 property tax credit. We're taking real steps to save you money. The members opposite gave everyone in Manitoba zeroes when they were in government. But who do I talk about percentages –we should keep in mind that they've also accepted a 25 per cent rebate from you, the taxpayer, when it came to their election campaign. What did they do in that election campaign? I'll remind you. They ran ads attacking the victims of a serial killer–the landfill ads.

It's the worst thing that's ever been done in the history of Manitoba politics. And, yes, they accepted the–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –taxpayer rebate on that. They spent $650,000 on their ads, which means they got about $160,000 back from you, the people of Manitoba. Apologies are empty words unless they're fol - lowed up by actions. Will the member opposite return the taxpayer rebate that the PCs received for the landfill ads? The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Khan: Manitobans, you see it right here: half truths by this Premier. He talks about a tax rebate and yet this very Premier wants to increase that from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, taking more money out of Manitobans' back pockets. This Premier wants to do that, more half truths by him. So I will ask the Premier again: Will the Premier finally admit that a 25 per cent tax increase on hard - working middle -class Manitobans is not the right thing to do? Mr. Kinew: Honourable Speaker, $1,500 tax credit this year, $1,600 next year, permanent cut to the gas tax and a cut to income taxes. We are saving you money.

But the member doesn't answer the question because he wants to keep your money that was refunded to them for those very distasteful landfill ads. Again, we're talking about the worst thing that's ever been done in the history of Manitoba politics, and because of the rules of election financing, they got 25 per cent of the money they spent on those disgusting ads back. They spent about $650,000 –$642,500.06 to be exact–which means that they got about $160,000 rebated to them to you–rebated from you to them.

So, again, if you want to talk about hard-working Manitobans' money, stand up and explain, through you, the Chair, Honour able Speaker –stand up and explain to hard-working Manitobans who direct–who divested and rejected those divisive ads–explain why you're keeping 160 grand of their hard- working money for the landfill ads. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeries Wait-Time Reduction Record Mr.

Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): Honourable Speaker, you can see that this Kinew gov- ernment is getting ready to come into opposition. This is question period. They're supposed to answer the questions that we ask on behalf of Manitobans, and he refuses to answer them. So, I'll pivot to another question. Since November, the NDP have delivered on only 9.8 per cent of their promised 800 hip and knee replacements; 9.8 per cent sounds about right for a Health Minister that got a D - from the Manitoba Nurses Union. Just another empty promise by the NDP.

Will the Premier apologize once again to Manitobans for failing them? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): A little context for everybody watching here at home: we're talking about surgeries being delivered in Selkirk, some thing that never happened under the members opposite. * (14:00) So, again, they come here to the House and ask questions. These amazing new things they're doing in health care, why can't you do them more quickly?

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1993 Well, the good news for the member opposite is, we are on track to delivering 800 surgeries. Good news, right? But again, they want to evade accountability for the choices that they made. They chose to run those ads about the landfill victims. It was terrible. It made no sense. It turned Manitobans off. They now recog nize it, and you can see bec ause the heckling bunch is oddly quiet here today.

So the money that they got from you –your hard- working taxpayer dollars that they accepted for those terrible, terrible ads–$160,000 of their rebate went to pay for the $650,000 they spent on those ads. Are they going to return that money? Maybe they could give that to compensation to the families who were harmed by those ads. Maybe they could give that money to com munity-serving organizations– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Khan: Honourable Speaker, Manitoba–you can see it once again –the Premier and his failing Health Minister refuse to answer a question about health care. Honourable Speaker, 79 surgeries out of 800 prom- ised surgeries is not a passing grade; it's a D - for the Health Minister. In the month of February alone, there are more people waiting for hip and knee sur - gery than the Province could provide in a whole entire year under this Kinew gov ernment. The wait- list is growing at twice the rate that this NDP gov ernment can even handle.

Will the Premier apologize to Manitobans for misleading them once again, for failing them, and will he fire his Health Minister, who got a D-? Mr. Kinew: So again, I'll repeat this: The answer that the member seeks was provided in the first set but I'll do it again. Okay, we're on track to deliver 872 surgeries at the Selkirk site, a site that never delivered any surgeries under the member opposite. So the Health Minister here–I'll say it again–best Health Minister in the entire country –more surgeries than expected at sites that never had surgeries under the PCs.

But the member opposite wants to turn away from this substantive issue. The landfill was such an impor- tant issue, they decided to turn their whole election campaign on it last time. They could have just said no landfill search and not made a big deal about it, but they chose to run the ads. They spent $650,000 on those ads. Manitobans hated it. They were sent packing. Then they applied for the election rebate, which means that party, the same PC Party that huffs and puffs here every day, accepted 160,000 of your dollars for those landfill ads– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Khan: Manitobans, you heard it once again: this Premier thinks that 79 surgeries out of 800 is a pass. He thinks that's acceptable. You know what's acceptable? Over 85,000 pro - cedures were done on this side of the House–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Khan: –under the Diag nostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force: 85,000; 79 by the NDP. Two years in govern ment and the NDP are still staring in the rear-view mirror. Nurses say they have no idea where these supposed new nurses are.

Of the 90 paramedics the NDP promised, they've only hired 15 per cent of them. It's embarrassing. It's disgusting. And now surgeons can't seem to find anything to back up the claims that they've had all these new surgeries. Will the Premier finally apologize for misleading Manitobans, and will he admit for Manitobans to see that a D - is a failing grade, and he should fire his Health Minister today? Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: About a hundred surgeries delivered in that short window of time; on track for 872 surgeries in Selkirk in the whole year.

People in the Interlake - Eastern region appre ciate that. People across Manitoba appreciate that. But it–when it comes to failing letter grades, the member opposite got an F in the Winnipeg Free Press, and he can't bear to stick–face up to it. Brandon Sun: an unimpressive first step as leader. And you see why here today that they said, I quote: Manitobans are left to ponder the sincerity of his apology and whether he really believes his party did anything wrong. End quote.

1994 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 Because, again, here are the facts: The PCs chose to run those despicable landfill ads. They spent 650 grand on them and then they applied for the election rebate and got $160,000 of your money back. So before they come forward and claim any sort of righteous indignation on behalf of hard- working Manitobans, I would say this: return the 160 grand that the PC party got for those despicable landfill ads. Neultin Lake Caribou Herd Killing Concern for Sustainable Herd Population Mr.

Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): I asked the minister about the lawless slaughter of the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd in Nueltin Lake Provincial Park and the minister wouldn't comment. Today, details of that were released. What is the minister doing about this senseless waste of caribou? And I table the release and photos of this unsustainable madness. Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Honourable Speaker, it's clear that, on this side of the House, this gov ernment is committed to listening, listening to Indigenous communities, listen- ing to hunters, listening to lodge owners, listening to everybody about how we can manage wildlife sustain- ably here in this province. It's all about working together. It's about bringing folks together. And that's why our minister has been hard at work in engaging with communities across this province.

We're going to make sure that, when we are working with–when–in terms of wildlife in this prov- ince, we're always listening to one another and we're always bringing Manitobans together to find those solutions. Mr. Wowchuk: Honourable Speaker, unborn calves were left in the snow. Pregnant mothers were slaughtered. To quote the lodge owner: snowmobiles were chasing caribou across the lake, and there were piles of dead animals everywhere. What is the minister doing about this slaughter? Mr. Wiebe: The member opposite knows that – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr.

Wiebe: The member opposite knows that there's a current, ongoing investigation. Of course, that in- volves the local RCMP. They're hard at work at investigating this particular incident. But importantly, they're also working alongside our conserva tion officers, who are doing very good work in ensuring that the infor mation that's being provided to RCMP, to law enforcement, and they're working hand in glove at every step of the process.

Of course, that's only possible because we've increased the number of conservation officers that we have to do this kind of im portant work, and we've started to rebuild the damage that's been done by members opposite. There's more work to do. We're going to continue to work with law en forcement, we're going to work with lodge owners. But it's important for Manitobans to know we're reinvesting in wildlife and protecting our wild spaces. The Speaker: The honourable member for Swan River, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Wowchuk: You would think the minister would at least have the compassion to look at those photos. These were crimes against nature, and the very concept of conservation. These caribou were slaughtered, and that herd has already suffered a massive popu la- tion decline. What is this minister doing to bring justice for the horrible assault on the herd's sus tainability and very survival? Hon.

Wab Kinew (Premier): I've spoken to people directly who live in this part of the province and who live off the land, and let me say this unequivocally: anybody who partici pated in this has no respect for animals, has no right to be able to hunt in this province and will be pursued and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We're going to do that by working with non- Indigenous people, we're going to do that by working with Indigenous people, unlike the members opposite, who want to divide.

This member who stands and asks the question and is frothing at the mouth when he does so was oddly silent when the landfill ads were being– [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –run in the last election campaign. And he's silent now when the question of whether they're going to return 160 grand of your money, ill-begotten money, ill- begotten funds, misbegotten funds that they received for the 650 grand, and they applied for the rebate for.

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1995 So any members with courage on the op position benches, stand up today and call on your leader to– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Emergency Management Services Budget Reduction Concerns Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Our thoughts are with the many Manitobans currently under evacuation or a threat for active wildfires, including the RM of Piney in my constituency.

Co-ordinating provincial emergency manage- ment, including emergency response to prevent the loss of life and minimize property damage, is the mandate of emergency management. * (14:10) This spring's wildfires serve as another example of why the service is so critical. Manitobans' lives, along with their homes, depend on these services and the resources. Knowing and now seeing the importance of these services, I'd like to ask the minister why she cut the funding by 18 per cent. Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Members opposite know that the Emergency Management Organization activated the Emergency Coordination Centre to level 2 on May 5. And we know that this is helping to create that situational awareness, co-ordinating with local law enforcement, local fire, local municipalities. And we know that the government has been bringing together all de part- ments during this time, disseminating information, the data being made available, again, to those who are fighting fires on the ground.

I just want to say, Honour able Speaker, I know the area very well, the member opposite knows that, and we're very, very concerned about the fire out there. Our hearts and our thoughts are with the firefighters– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a supplementary question. Mr. Narth: Honourable Speaker, the Minister of Justice (Mr.

Wiebe) may not be aware, but the Minister of Infrastructure's own Estimates book on page 68, it's there in black and white, the Kinew govern ment is budgeting less for emergency management–not just a little less, but a whopping 18 per cent, or $1.7 million less. Why did the minister fail to fight for Manitobans at the Cabinet table, or was this her idea? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Honourable Speaker, today is a very serious situation when it comes to the wildfires raging across the province.

And I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the fire - fighters who are stepping up and putting them selves into harm's way to protect lives, to protect livelihoods and to protect property. We're talking about not just the Manitoba Wildfire Service and the Office of the Fire Com missioner who're all doing great work, but also local fire who's helping us to respond. The provincial resources help- ed to monitor air quality here in the city yesterday in response to the situation in north Transcona.

Here in the province, we've also closed several provincial parks today and are, of course, responding to the fire that is being raised here, just near Badger. In Nopiming, there is a complete evacuation. We are calling on all Manitobans: no fires, please. Do not set any fires, even if there's not a fire ban in your area; we can't afford to deploy resources away from the front lines. Again, in times like this, Manitobans draw together to support one another. The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mr. Narth: Honourable Speaker, as the Premier just stated, they can't afford to deploy the resources.

That's because they cut the funding. Wildfires don't take an IOU; they take resources and money. In my constituency, the Carrick fire is near my home. And I know first -hand the importance of funding the resources. Will the minister go back to the Premier today and ask for an increase in the funding? Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: On behalf of the Province of Manitoba, I want to send our support to all the Manitobans who've been forced out of their homes today.

Again, there's about 40 permanent residences in Nopiming, many more seasonal, and then, again, people on evac watch throughout. The member opposite knows full well that he is misstating the facts. This is an on -demand service; nothing will stand in the way of us saving lives and livelihoods across the province. But when it comes to

1996 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 financial resources from the public purse, give the election rebate back–160 grand we could be spending on firefighting right now. If you don't want to spend the 160 grand that you took for those terrible landfill ads, then go door to door and explain that to people in all of those constit- uencies, I would say to the members opposite through you, the Chair.

But every single day that they sit on that election rebate, 160 grand of your money is another day that they flout the basic decency and compassion that the good Manitoba people show not only to each other, but also to those that we've left behind. Intersection of Highway 8 and 67 Timeline for Safety Upgrades Mr. Richard Perchotte (Selkirk): Last week, I asked the minister about a request made several months ago from the RM of St. Andrews for basic safety upgrades at the intersection of No. 8 and 67 Highway. That request was tabled right here in the House.

Has the minister reconsidered her inaction on these needed safety improvements? Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Acting Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): To answer the question directly, this side of the House, this gov- ernment, respects the op portune time of safety for people no matter where they drive in the province of Manitoba for the betterment of the public interest and import. I want to assure that we will continue to in vesti- gate, but we also will continue to provide additional dollars to improve highway safety, improve highway conditions.

Basically, to the members opposite who con- stantly–for the last four years in their time in govern- ment–kept cutting and cutting and cutting the highways budget. And we are left with deteriorated highway conditions that are costing us 100 per cent more when they were in government that they could have fixed it sooner at a cheaper cost. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order, please. I'm not sure which member's pretending to be an owl, but they can quit. We're not children. We shouldn't act like children. Mr. Perchotte: Well, that was just confusing. Last week the minister also seemed confusing.

She spoke about our many meetings. In fact, it was many, many requests for meetings before one single meeting took place. Surely it wouldn't be that hard to find in her notes what was discussed in that one single meeting. Why will the minister not act on a simple im- provement that will improve safety and save lives? Mr. Kostyshyn: Let me refresh members opposite of their priorities of financial support when it comes to highway conditions and improvement. Honourable Speaker, 2018, they cut the budget by $347 million; 2019, they only spent $336 million on highway infra structure.

In 2020, they spent $333 million on highway construction. In 2021, they spent $397 million. I ask the member opposite who is asking me the question: look to your fellow to the right of you and maybe ask the ex -highway minister why he chose to reduce the highway 'spenditure' for road safety to the people in the province– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Order. Mr. Perchotte: Honourable Speaker, I'm asking for simple safety upgrades. The RM has asked for these upgrades, as well. Local emergency services called for these safety features.

What else does the minister require before she's willing to do the bare minimum and erect a larger sign and a simple light? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): You know what I'm going to say, Honourable Speaker. Best Infrastructure Minister in the entire country. You know why I say that? Because this minister has brought forward $3.7 billion this year in infra - structure investment here in Manitoba. So tell the RM to come on down. Tell your local community to come on down, and im portantly–and very differently from the PCs –tell First Nations to come on down too. Let's all work together to build up this province.

They decided when the worst crime was com - mitted, a serial murderer, to run ads about that. Why did they do that?

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1997 Well, here's a question that they have control over now: the election rebate, your money, 160 grand that they applied to get back off that 650 they spent on those terrible ads, are they going to keep it? What are they going to say to folks in Selkirk when you go knocking on doors and they ask about those landfill ads? People aren't going to forget about the ads. They will be paying attention– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mining Exploration in Canada Manitoba Ranking Mr.

Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Honourable Speaker, mining exploration in Manitoba has shown a decline under this NDP government. Will the minister tell the House where Manitoba ranks in terms of exploration expenditures among the 13 Canadian jurisdictions? * (14:20) Hon. Malaya Marcelino (Acting Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation): I thank the member for the question, and he will able to confer with the minister of jobs and get the exact number.

But I would like to remind the member that under their watch, under their failed regime, Manitoba went from the second best mining juris diction in the world in 2016 and all the way down to 32nd in 2021. What kind of record is that? And now they're – have the gall to come here and try to ask us these types of questions. Under their watch: three mines were closed under their watch, in Flin Flon and in Thompson. And as those com munities struggled, the PCs refused to spend any of the $11 million in the Province's Mining Community Reserve Fund. Shame, Honourable Speaker, shame.

The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Riding Mountain, on a supplementary question. Mr. Nesbitt: Well, honourable Speakler [phonetic], it's clear this minister doesn't know this file and isn't able to answer this question, so I will. Manitoba is now 12th out of 13 in exploration. What action is this NDP gov ernment taking to unleash our mining potential to make Manitoba No. 1? MLA Marcelino: This is a government right now that has the best interests of Manitoba at heart every single day.

And we are building this province together with business, with workers, with First Nations com mu- nities–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Marcelino: –and with the mining industry. Under their watch, the P 'shees' should be ashamed of their legacy on mining and critical minerals. Their– our administration is committed to re-establishing the trust between the Province and the local communities that they broke–let's remind them–and we are going to be moving forward with a Hollow Water First Nation silica sand extraction, protecting 30 per cent of Manitoba's land and waters by 2030.

And let's not forget, we just opened a gold mine. The Speaker: The hon ourable member for Riding Mountain, on a final supplementary question. First Nations Mineral Royalty Sharing Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Provinces like British Columbia and Ontario have welcomed partnerships with Indigenous peoples and have mineral royalty-sharing agreements in place. Why has this NDP government said no to revenue sharing with Indigenous peoples? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Under the PCs, mining stopped in Flin Flon; under us, a new gold mine in Alamos. The member opposite doesn't need the money.

Tell your leader to return the election rebate, I say through you, the Chair. The landfill ads were terrible. If they keep the money, the apology means nothing. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the new federal Cabinet. Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed a new front bench and some interesting new ministers that our team looks very much forward to working together with, to work hard for you, the great people of Manitoba.

On a personal level, new minister, Rebecca Chartrand, is somebody that we're very excited to see represent our federal interests here in the province of Manitoba and, of course, on a personal level, she is my wife's cousin. So it'll be Minister Chartrand to me, but that personal connection to everybody in Manitoba is a sign of great things to come.

1998 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 Congrats to everybody who's a new minister of the Crown. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen) will come to order. Problem Residence in Tyndall Park Constituency Request for Justice Minister to Intervene MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I want to begin by acknowledging and saying thank you to our Justice Minister for agreeing to meet with a number of my constituents following question period who have also joined us today in the gallery.

As the minister's been made aware, there is a particular house in Tyndall Park where it appears that crimes and inappropriate activities are frequently occurring. The issue has been referred to Winnipeg Police Service, and a file has been opened with The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act. Unfortunately, no actions have been taken to date, even with the repeated activity. Will the minister commit to a direct review of this specific property and take a step towards restoring a sense of safety for residents? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I want to really thank the member opposite for bringing this issue to the Legislature today, and I want to thank the community for getting engaged and making their community a safer place. As the member opposite noted, The Safer Com - munities and Neighbourhoods Act is an important tool that we have as a prov incial gov ernment to help enable communities to watch out for the safety in their own places and to help give them the tools to do the kinds of investigations she's talking about.

We do have some updates that I'm glad I'm going to be able to share directly with the residents in the meeting after the House. But I will say, Honourable Speaker, it's all about enabling com munities and strengthening the legis - lation that we have to make our communities safer. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. MLA Lamoureux: Over the last year, there have been an increase of break-ins and theft in our commu- nity. These experiences are costly and, unfortunately, they are leaving people feeling scared,

whereas people should feel safe and comfortable in their own commu- nities. Now, Hon ourable Speaker, with respect to the case that I am talking about, there are photos, there is video footage of many of the incidents, and there are several eyewitnesses of crime leading back to this one particular house. Can the minister explain if there is anything that can be done imme diately regarding the occupants of the house where the com munity has witnessed con- tinuous crime? Mr.

Wiebe: Well, the member opposite has really hit the nail on the head with her approach and the com - munity's approach when it comes to dealing with issues like this. Not only have they engaged, of course, law en- forcement and making sure they have the information that they need to do an investigation, but they've also engaged our Public Safety Investigations Unit, our PSIU, who does work on behalf of the Province to do that kind of work to support law enforce ment but to also take steps when there are steps to be taken to directly deal with landlords and with tenants. Now, we're strengthening the act.

We are– we've got Bill 32 before this Legislature. We're asking all parties to support this. It's come from community and it's building off the feedback that we've gotten. There's more work to do. We're getting that done here in the Legislature, and I hope all parties will support that important work. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary question. Tyndall Park Constituency Request for Police Presence MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Honour- able Speaker, social issues including addictions, mental health and homelessness continue to rise.

It is abundantly clear that we need a holistic approach to dealing with crime. Having said that, there are a few things that we can do immediately. The government announced a 10 per cent increase in the provincial policing budget, yet despite the sig - nificant increases, community members have not felt any safer.

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1999 Will the gov ernment commit today to ensuring the public safety strategy will include more police officers in Tyndall Park? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Well, that's right, Honourable Speaker: 36 new officers that are directly funded by the Province of Manitoba are being deployed on the streets right now across the province –or, across the city. And, in fact, that's on top of the already 30 per cent increase in funding that we've given directly to the City of Winnipeg. We're also–we're not stopping there.

We passed the unexplained wealth act here in the Legislature. Our machete bill. We have our Residential Tenancies Act. We are continuing to build off of the successes that we have. Our government is moving our feet. We know, after seven and a half years of underfunding police and cuts, there's a lot of work to do. But we want to work with communities; we want to support the kind of work that the member is bringing forward here. And I just want to thank law enforcement and– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

Victoria General Hospital Extended Hours Primary Care Clinic MLA Billie Cross (Seine River): Our gov ernment has spent 18 months making good on our commitment to Manitobans to increase access to primary care and ease the burden on our 'mergency' departments. Where the previous failed PC government closed facilities and fired front- line staff, we're going to do the opposite. Honourable Speaker, this week, we're building on the success of two extended-hours primary -care clinics that we've already opened at the Grace and Concordia hospitals by adding another one to south Winnipeg.

Can the minister please share with the House the details of our next extended- hours primary -'clare' clinic and how it– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long- Term Care): I want to thank my dear colleague for that great question. I am so excited to announce that we are opening another extended-hours primary-care clinic at the Victoria general hospital. Families are benefiting from having access to primary care on weekends and after -hours. Now, families in south Winnipeg will have access to the same benefits in their own community.

The new clinic will officially open this Thursday, May 15. It'll be open from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekends and statutory holidays. So, yes, that means that this long weekend, Manitobans will have another option for primary care after hours. You can book same -day appoint ments using medinav.ca, and there's going to be a– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. * (14:30) Police Services–Mental Health Calls Supports Needed for Rural Manitoba Mrs.

Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): Honour- able Speaker, throughout Manitoba, police resources are dis proportionately going to mental health calls. We've heard from the Altona police chief that they need help with these calls. What is the minister doing right now to help rural Manitoba police? Hon. Bernadette Smith (Minister responsible for Mental Health): I've stated in this House before, we are hiring 100 mental health workers to work alongside policing, something that members opposite didn't do. Police were knocking on the members opposite's door while they fired 55 police officers.

Shame on that previous failed, callous gov ernment. We'll not take that approach. We're working with police officers; we're listening to them. We'll continue to take their lead and support them in the work that they do. We want to lift them up for the work that they do each and every day supporting Manitobans here in our province. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: The honourable member for Morden - Winkler, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Hiebert: Honourable Speaker, last week I asked the minister about access to mental health resources in rural Manitoba and got no real answer.

What is this minister going to do to ensure that mental health supports are there to help emergency workers–are available in rural communities?

2000 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 Ms. Smith: Well, on this side of the House, we're continuing to put supports into the system. As well as supporting police officers, we're hiring psychologists, psychiatrists. On members opposite's side, when they were in the govern ment, they were firing those ver y workers. We will take no lessons from members opposite who decimated our health- care system. We have an amazing health-care worker, we have an–our amazing health-care minister, as well as an amazing Justice Minister.

We are working col laboratively across de part- ments to ensure that the supports are getting out there onto the front lines to those Manitobans that sent us here, that sent those members opposite packing. That's why they're on that side of the House. They never listened to Manitobans; we're listening, we're giving you the supports that– The Speaker: Member's time is expired. The honourable member for Morden-Winkler, on a final supplementary question. Mrs.

Hiebert: Paramedics, firefighters, police officers and many other front line office staff are facing unthinkable situations every day and need to know that when they need resources they are available. When will this minister prioritize mental health across rural Manitoba? Ms. Smith: For seven and a half years, the failed PC callous gov ernment did not prioritize mental health, did not take a harm reduction approach, did not take an en forcement approach, and certainly didn't take an evidence-based approach in this province. They did not listen to police officers, they did not listen to health -care providers.

They closed emer - gency rooms, they cut policing. We'll not take that approach. We're listening to police officers, we're listening to Manitobans, we're going to get them the supports that they need because we care. We're a caring gov ernment. We're going to continue to support you, we're going to continue to get you the supports you need. We are not going to take the approach that members opposite took, and we'll continue to support Manitobans. That's what you sent us here to do, and that's what we're doing. The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

Increase in Pharmacare Deductible Impact on Seniors on Fixed Incomes Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Honourable Speaker, I recently heard from a concerned Manitoba senior. He's on a fixed income, and yet this NDP Minister of Health has hiked his Pharma care deductible by over 10 per cent this year, and now he's faced with a choice: he can pay for the NDP's property tax hike or he can pay for his medications. So which would the minister prefer? Should this senior on a fixed income, in the middle of an afford- ability crisis, pay for his Pharmacare deductible or pay his property taxes? Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.

The Speaker: Order. Order. Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): Honourable Speaker, the member opposite is wrong, just simply wrong. And that's what she does. She stands up in this House, and instead of bringing issues to my office, where we could've already followed up with that senior, given him the answers, worked with him and supported him, which is what our office does for Manitobans every day, she brings it to the floor of this House, and she's simply wrong.

Honourable Speaker, I look forward to learning about that constituent and helping him and making sure that he has the full information that he needs. But I also want to say, Honourable Speaker, that our gov- ernment has made huge strides, but not enough strides. Seven and a half years of cuts to health care and a callous approach takes time to fix, but we're committed to doing that work for Manitobans because they deserve a gov ernment that cares about health care, respects health -care workers and takes a com - passionate approach. They finally have that. They didn't have it for seven and a half years.

The Speaker: Member's time has expired. And the time for question period has also expired.

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2001 Point of Order Mr. Derek Johnson (Official Opposition House Leader): On a point of order, please. The Speaker: The hon ourable Op position House Leader, on a point of order. Mr. Johnson: Yes, I would like to make a point of order. I would like to ask for the Premier (Mr. Kinew) to stand in his place and apologize for the comments that he put on the record about a member on this side of the House, suggesting that he was frothing at the mouth. This is, firstly, obviously false. Secon dly, it's inflammatory–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr.

Johnson: It's disrespectful, much like the heckling across right now, when I'm trying to bring a point of order forward about heckling, what is happening in this very–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Johnson: It's disrespectful, disparaging, insulting and, finally, it's intimidation. So I would ask that the Premier apologize for his comments that he's put on the record. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: The honour able Gov ernment House Leader, on the same point of order. Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): The Premier won't be doing anything of the sort, but it does allow me to respond to the members opposite point of order in respect of things that occur in this Chamber day in and day out. I'm going to start with what happened yesterday during QP when the member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Khan) winked at the Deputy Premier (MLA Asagwara) and our Health Minister. [interjection] The Speaker: Order.

MLA Fontaine: And when that was brought up to the member for Fort Whyte, I watched him and heard him say, in response to winking to a member of this Chamber, to the Deputy Premier, the member for Fort Whyte said, and I quote: You wish. First off, let me be clear: nobody wishes that. And secondly, I think that that is a quintessential example of what we see from the men opposite, day in and day out, leveled towards the women and gender -diverse folks in our caucus and in our Cabinet. I will point out that the member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr.

Ewasko) routinely gets up in the House and in committee and misgenders members of this Legis - lative Assembly. And instead of just saying, I'm sorry, makes a huge temper tantrum and makes it even – doubles down on what he's doing. Several members opposite routinely get up–the member for Portage, many of them I don't know their things–get up and talk about the Minister for Educa- tion and say the Minister of Education doesn't know how to do her job, doesn't know her portfolio.

They routinely get up and –for the member of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness, routinely tell her that she doesn't know how to do her job and that she doesn't know her portfolio. And let me educate the minister: every single day, the men on that side –and while the women roll their eyes, I would encourage them to get their men onside in respect of dealing – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Fontaine: –with the misogyny so clearly evident in their caucus that we experience day in and day out in this Chamber.

So while the member opposite wants to bring up a point of order for one of the poor little men on the opposite side, who I'll remind members opposite – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Fontaine: –sexually harassed his constituency assistant out of a job, to which he's never apologized, and is still sitting in this Chamber, which I don't understand how he's still sitting in this Chamber. I would ask the members opposite: One, to stop with their misogyny. Stop with their mansplaining of how we are to do our jobs. Trust me, we know our jobs 10 times more than you ever did and ever will.

So, thank you, Honourable Speaker. * (14:40) The Speaker: Order, please. So, first off, I'd like to point out that the language in question is not unparliamentary. It is not pleasant language, and we've seen that all too often in this Chamber; several times in the last little while, we've seen it. But as impor tantly as the language we use in this place are the way we treat each other: whether it's

2002 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 words, whether it's actions; it's under standing where people have come from to get here. And look at us. We've all gotten to this place on a different path. We need to learn to respect how people got here. We need to learn to respect that people got here. We need to learn to respect what we're here for. We are here to debate, to talk about ideas, to talk about how to make things better in this province.

All of us need to stop and look inward and say, how are we acting, how are we reacting in this Chamber, in this space –in this space where we need to be setting an example. And we're doing that right now, but it's certainly not the example that we should be setting. It's not the example that we should be setting for our kids, for people that are watching–and trust me, people are watching –and we are hearing from people that they're shocked and aghast at the way we treat each other in this place. That needs to stop. And one way or another, as your Speaker, I have to find a way to make it stop.

I can't make you like each other, but I will make you respect the positions that each and every one of us hold in this Chamber. And if I find you're not, somebody is not going to like the conse quences of that. And the Speaker has tools to make sure that those members that don't grasp the concept of respect for each other come to understand consequences. So in this case, the honour able member does not have a point of order. PETITIONS The Speaker: So now we will move on to petitions. Death of Jordyn Reimer–Judicial Review Request Mr.

Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows: On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was–[interjection] The Speaker: Order, please. If I could ask all members to take their conversa- tions to the loge or out in the hall so that I can hear the member that's speaking, I'd appreciate that. Mr. Balcaen:

(1) On May 1, 2022, Jordyn Reimer, 24 years of age, was killed by an impaired driver while she was acting as a designated driver.

(2) There are two people legally culpable for her death: the impaired driver and the accomplice. The driver was charged, but the second criminal, the accomplice, has not been held accountable.

(3) A concerned citizen took the keys from the impaired driver earlier in the evening to ensure he could not drive impaired. The accomplice retrieved the keys from this citizen under false pretenses and knowingly provided the impaired driver with access to the vehicle.

(4) The Winnipeg Police Service's, WPS, investi- gation provided adequate evidence to meet the charging standard and recom mended charges be laid against the accomplice. The Crown prosecutors declined to prosecute the accomplice.

(5) The family of Jordyn Reimer has called for the prosecution of the accomplice and that the decision to not prosecute be reviewed independently.

(6) As recently as 2022, there is precedent to refer criminal files on decisions to not prosecute –with prosecution to extra-provincial departments of justice for review. This was done with the Peter Nygård file, which ultimately led to a reversal in th e decision to not prosecute, and charges were laid.

(7) An out -of-province review is supported by MADD Canada, MADD Manitoba and by Manitobans.

(8) The family has exhausted every avenue within the existing system, and, in the absence of a prescribed process where a disagreement exists on charging standards, the only option is to request an independent out-of-province review.

(9) In December 2024, the WPS reported an alarming number of impaired drivers in the holiday Check Stop program. Extending criminal culpability beyond the driver to those who engage in overt actions to facilitate impaired driving will save lives.

(10) Manitobans deserve to have confi dence in the provincial gov ernment and justice systems to make decisions that achieve true justice for victims and their families. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to order an out-of-province review of the prosecutor's decision to not prosecute the accomplice in the death of Jordyn Reimer. And, Honour able Speaker, this petition was signed by Larsen Nelson [phonetic], Kim Skoc, Kevin Nelson and many, many other fine Manitobans.

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2003 Opposition to Releasing Repeat Offenders Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. The background to the petition is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2) To urge the provincial government to lobby the federal government to immediately repeal provisions of the Criminal Code that allow for the continued victimization of law -abiding Manitobans while granting repeat offenders additional rights. And, Honourable Speaker, this petition is signed by Colin Hourie, Tyler Robinson [phonetic] , Wayne Johnson and many other Manitobans. The Speaker: No further petitions? Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Can you please resolve the House into Com mittee of Supply for the consideration of departmental Estimates. The Speaker: The House will now resolve into Com- mittee of Supply. Will the deputy Chair please take the Chair. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY (Concurrent Sections) ROOM 254 HEALTH, SENIORS AND LONG-TERM CARE * (15:20) The Chairperson (Diljeet Brar): Will the Commit- tee of Supply please come to order. This

section of the Committee of Supply will now resume consideration of the Estimates for the Depart- ment of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care. Questioning for the department will proceed in a global manner. The floor is now open for questions. Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): Honourable Chair - person, I'd like to start with pathology. I'm wondering how many pathology vacancies we have within Shared Health, and what current wait times are for pathology results. The Chairperson: Thank you, Member. * (15:30) Hon.

Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): Sure, Chair, just seeking your clarification, your guidance here in terms of the '25-26 Estimates in questions being about the '25-26 Estimates. Just wondering if you can offer any guidance in terms of the questioning. The Chairperson: Thanks for the question, Honour- able Minister. So the Estimates talk about the staffing and vacancies. So questions about staffing and vacancies are relevant to the Estimates. MLA Asagwara: Thank you so much for your guidance, Chair. I appreciate that.

2004 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 Chair–honourable Chair, just seeking a bit more clarification here. So under standing that your guid- ance is correct here in terms of staffing and the budget, but just wondering: our budget prints staffing lines and funding globally, and so specific staffing lines that are in regional health author ities aren't directly funded by government; the Estimates provide global funding to regional health authorities.

So I'm just wondering if you can help maybe provide a bit of clarity here as to whether or not, based on the way that that '25- 26 and typically the budgets are assembled and structured, whether or not that particular question makes sense given the structure of the Estimates and the way that we fund globally for Health. The Chairperson: Once again, thank you, Minister, for your question. As advised, Supple ment to the Estimates of Expenditure do talk about staffing and wait times, so I think the question is still relevant. MLA Asagwara: Thank you, Chair, for your guidance.

I just want to take a moment, as it is allied health- care professionals week and we had a good group of folks who joined us here at the Legislature today for a ministerial statement recog nizing allied health -care professionals, I want to take a moment while we're in committee to recog nize all of the allied health -care professionals across the province who do incred ible work in our health-care system each and every day.

There are allied health -care professionals in my own family who do really amazing work and, you know, we've all –if you've accessed health care in Manitoba, you've likely benefitted in some way, shape or form from an allied health -care professional. So I want to thank these folks. I want to thank everyone who joined us today, who contributed to helping us celebrate today. And I want to acknowledge that we've been work- ing with some really wonderful allied health-care experts in the province who have been helping to guide our approach and inform our approach.

We've really wonderful folks here in the province who have been working and leading in this space for a long time, who were eager to partner with gov ernment to help mak e the right decisions in terms of how we approach strengthening health care, fixing the damage but also strengthening health care long-term. And we know that this takes time, takes a signifi- cant amount of time to repair that kind of harm to the health-care system, but these folks are fully com - mitted–fully committed–to putting in the time and the energy required to move things in the right direction.

And so I want to thank them for their expertise and for also helping inform our approach with the retention and recruitment office. So our decision in the '25- 26 budget to have a dedicated role, an allied health-care professional role, with the retention and recruitment office was based on feedback we heard directly from, you guessed it: allied health-care professionals.

And we're confident that this person, you know, bringing that lens to the retention and recruitment office is going to be a real asset and is going to really help us take further neces- sary steps to make sure that we're retaining the folks that we have in Manitoba , we're training even more and we're successfully recruiting folks to the province. And so, you know, not only this week, but I would encourage Manitobans as they move forward every week, to reach out and thank allied health- care workers.

It's over 7,000 here in our own province across hundreds of disciplines doing really critical work, and we can't thank them enough. The Chairperson: Thank you, Minister. Mrs. Cook: I would just like to remind the minister that they have the oppor tunity to take the question under advise ment. If they don't know how many pathologist vacancies there are, they don't know what pathology wait times are, they are welcome to take it under advisement and get that answer back to me at a later time, rather than trying to dodge the question.

The reason I brought the question up is somebody close to me is going through cancer right now. And, unfortunately, she was waiting for her pathology results before she could find out whether she had cancer and what her treatment plan was going to be. So, you know, she had an appoint ment–a follow-up appointment–at CancerCare scheduled on Friday. The Thursday before, she got an appoint ment saying, oh, your pathology's not back; we're going to bump you a week. The next week, she got another call from CancerCare saying, we don't have your pathology results back; sorry, you're going to have to wait another week.

The third week, she got another call on Thursday from CancerCare saying, we don't have your pathology results back; we're going to have to wait another week. And so this person had to advocate for themselves through patient relations quite strongly in order to push for a verbal report on their pathology results, and

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2005 that's why I am certain that this isn't the only person that this is happening to. So I'm also certain that some briefing note must have crossed the minister's desk, that the Health Care Recruitment and Retention Office must have some awareness of the level of pathology vacancies in the province. And I'm just wondering if the minister could ad- dress the question. How many pathology vacancies do we have, and what are pathology wait times right now? The Chairperson: Thank you, Member. * (15:40) MLA Asagwara: I thank the critic for sharing that personal story.

Certainly, I wish the person in her life who's navigating this difficult reality of cancer diagnosis and journey, I wish them all the best. And, you know, certainly our govern ment takes this area and all areas of health care very seriously. We want for Manitobans to have a really seamless, step-by-step experience. And certainly CancerCare is a highly renowned organi zation; they've got a great reputation, but that doesn't mean that every single journey is without some experiences that we need to improve on.

And so I would really encourage the critic –I've encouraged her to do this previously, to bring that kind of concern or casework directly to my office. We will always act quickly. We will always look into a matter very quickly and ensure that we get clarity to a person as quickly as we possibly can.

There have been issues that other MLAs–including PC MLAs–have brought to my office –or brought to me directly on the floor of the House or sent me a text message, and have asked me to look into it, and I've done so very quickly and gotten them responses, recognizing that, you know, we're all here because we represent Manitobans and we want for folks to have the best outcomes possible. So I welcome the critic bringing that information to my office as casework, to see how we can look into this very quickly and make sure that this is addressed.

And I would say that, you know, concerns around any delays, whether it's pathology or anything else, should always be brought forward. We want to make sure that the system is working in the best way pos - sible. And there are some areas where we found, when issues have been brought forward, that there's a delay, that it could be some sort of a misstep or an error that can be quickly addressed, and we really want the opportunity to be able to address those, either missteps or errors when they happen and make sure that they're rectified so they don't occur moving forward.

Other times, perhaps it's a procedural or a policy im- provement that actually needs to be made, and we're happy to look at that and take those steps as well. Other times perhaps it's additional resource that's needed. And we've been very clear that our govern - ment is going to continue to invest where we need to, to make sure that there's enough health- care human resource and capacity to improve services. And so it really helps when folks can bring those concerns directly to me. I know that in the past I've shared my direct contact with the critic.

I'm happy to share it again offline, not in this committee, obviously, but off-line, if she would like to have it again, to make sure that if there is an urgent concern she can get it to me really quickly. But we'll take that away as casework if she wants, and make sure we follow up right away. What I would say is that CancerCare has done a lot of work over the years that they've existed, but certainly more recently.

I had the op portunity, actually, to attend one of their board meetings and I was surprised to learn that that was the first time in their memory that a Health Minister had ever attended a CancerCare board meet- ing. I thought that –that was a bit surprising. I was really happy to be there, however and connect with the entire board. These are people–these are Manitobans who care so much for their communities, for our communities.

These are people who dedicate their expertise to doing whatever they can to improve cancer care services and I know that they would also want to be aware if there are any challenges on the pathology side, and make sure that we're all working together to address it. This is an area for us, as you know, other areas of health care where we know it's time -sensitive and time-dependant and we want to ensure we're doing everything we can to get Manitobans those reports and tests and feedback as quickly as possible. The Chairperson: Thank you, Minister. Mrs.

Cook: I think part of the issue here is that I don't think, and I don't think that Manitobans think, that they should have to go directly to the Health Minister whenever there's a problem; that the only way to get their issues addressed is through the direct inter ven- tion of the Health Minister. That doesn't make any sense.

2006 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 In the parti cular case that I've referenced, the individual learned that their pathology sample had been sent out of the city of Winnipeg–I'm not sure where it was sent to, but to me that points to a systemic capacity issue and I don't think that that's an isolated case. I don't think that me bringing this here to com - mittee today is going to be the first time the minister has heard that we might have a pathology capacity issue in the province of Manitoba.

So I'm just going to once again state the question: Can the minister please indicate how many pathology vacancies there are in Shared Health and what path - ology wait times are currently? The Chairperson: Thank you, Member. MLA Asagwara: While we continue to look for more information, I do think it's important to speak to some- thing the critic stated. Again, I welcome Manitobans to bring concerns forward to me. I think that's really im portant.

I think it's important to be a Health Minister and to have a Health team that wants Manitobans to reach out should they have concerns or ideas or experiences that they think would be valuable for us to know so that maybe not only can we address their concerns in the moment and support families or individuals as they need, but so we can also take the necessary steps to improve the system. I'm not sure the resistance on this particular item from the member to me.

It might be indicative of the previous PC govern ment's approach to health care where they didn't want people reaching out or they didn't want to hear from Manitobans. I've been very clear that whether it's positive feed- back or criticism or concerns or ideas or experiences that are positive or challenging, whatever it is, we want to hear that feedback from Manitobans. We want to know from, you know, an everyday Manitoban's in any part of this province's exper ience on th e front lines, what that's like for them, and I want for folks to feel comfortable bringing that forward to me as the minister.

I want to thank folks who–I see people every day in our communities, be it at the grocery store, be it at sporting events, be it at the park, in the neighbour - hood, you know, all kinds of circumstances where people will approach me and share their health -care experiences or ideas or thoughts, and I appreciate that. I want to be someone who is approachable to their fellow Manitobans about health care. I think that's important, especially after seven and a half years of the opposite approach that did a lot of harm.

And so, again, I'll just say that if there are con - cerns that the member has or specific issues, she's always welcome to bring that forward as casework. I will always endeavour to address that very quickly and get her clarity on that and make sure that the folks who are bringing those concerns forward first and foremost that they have the information that they need in order to move forward. I will say that, of course, you know, when folks are advocating, that can be very challenging. I want to commend this person.

Despite a very challenging ex- perience, sounds like they did advocate; they went to patient relations and brought their concerns forward and got a response. We definitely want to see that process and that ex perience improved. We want for folks to have improved access to the information that they need. * (15:50) So that's information that is good for me to hear, for us to hear, and for us to take away, and I'm hoping that the critic will be willing to provide more informa- tion so we can take a closer look at that situation and ensure that the process is improved for other folks as well.

And, again, I want to share that I hope this per - son's journey is seamless moving forward, and if they do have any concerns that we can help with–that I can help with–I'm happy to do so. The member also talked about capacity chal - lenges in the health-care system. I think it's really im- portant for us to be clear. There are capacity chal - lenges in the health -care system. We've never shied away from saying that. There are very real capacity challenges in health care. That is what happens when you cut capacity in the health -care system for seven and a half years.

That is what happens when you fire the people who have that capacity, when you don't train people to have more capacity, when you close the infrastructure and cut the infrastructure that houses all of the human -resource capacity that our growing population, and increasingly complex health -care- needs population, should be able to access. And so we are doing the work of adding more capacity to the health-care system. Like all Manitobans, we wish that that work were able to advance even more quickly than it is, but we're doing this in a sus - tainable way. We are working as quickly as we can,

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2007 and we're doing it in part nership with folks in Manitoba who understand health care. A good example of that would be the fact that our government has money in the '25-26 budget for a new CancerCare headquarters. I bumped into a friend, actually, on the weekend, who is one year younger than I am–she's wonderful; we used to work together in youth mental -health services; she's just fantastic – and has had a really difficult cancer journey herself. And she's now in remission, I'm thrilled it was –I was happy to see her coming from an appointment and looking great.

But, you know, that's someone who, when I shared with her that we do in fact, in our budget, have dollars aside to get that CancerCare headquarters going, she was really happy to hear that, because she shared with me in that moment some im- provements she would like to see to these services based on her lived experience. And I thanked her for taking a moment to share that with me. I think that's really brave of her to do so, and I want to make sure that we're doing our part to move CancerCare to a great institution, but let's make it even better.

Let's serve Manitobans in an even better way, and that's the work our government is committed to doing. So, you know, in terms of pathology, certainly, if there are concerns there– The Chairperson: Minister's time is expired. Mrs. Cook: On page 42 of the supplement, one of the performance measures that's discussed is the child mortality rate, and I just noticed that it's tracked for 2022-23, and it's tracked for '23-24, but it's not tracked for 2024- 25.

And there's no target listed under 2025-26, which I can only assume is an oversight because I think a deliberate decision to stop tracking that number would be troubling. So I wonder if the minister could indicate what the infant mortality rate was in 2024-25, and what the target for this performance measure, this very impor- tant performance measure, is in this fiscal year. The Chairperson: Thank you, Member.

MLA Asagwara: Hoping to get some information on the pathology question, but in the meantime, I would like to talk –and we'll get some more infor mation on this one as well–but in the meantime I would like to talk a bit about the fact that our government has made very clear that we want to see more children reach their 18th birthday. This is a really–to some folks, perhaps that seems like an obvious statement or, you know, why would a government make that statement? But we make that statement as a gov ernment.

We want to see more Manitoba children reach their 18th birthday because, as a government we see that as a guiding light, I suppose, something for all of us as Manitobans to unify around. I think it's fair to say that all Manitobans would see that statement as an important and valuable state- ment, that we should be doing what we can to ensure that more children reach their 18th birthday. And, really, fundamentally, what that is saying is that we want all kids to live healthy, productive, safe, dignified lives, some thing that our govern ment was able to do very quickly in our mandate speaks to that.

You know, health care isn't just about hospitals and services. Health care, people know, likely in this room and elsewhere, that the social determinants of health is a big part of this conversation. We really are taking an all-of-government approach to health care.

And so when we talk about health care and im - proving the health-care outcomes of children, we have to talk about things like education, and I hope the Chair will allow me to talk a bit about investments made not out of the Health portfolio but under the Educa tion portfolio, and our govern ment's investment of over $30 million to establish a universal nutrition program, a food program for kids in schools. That's a health- care investment. That is an investment that takes those words: we want more kids to reach their 18th birthday– and puts it into real action.

Making sure that kids can go to school and focus on their studies, focus on learning and having fun with their friends and developing really important life skills versus sitting and having an empty tummy and not being able to focus, that's a big differe nce maker. That's an equity gap closer. That's an effort that, as a province, we should be really proud of, and I know that when I talk to Manitobans, no matter what pro- fessional field they're in, educators or health- care workers or busi ness people, everyone's on the same page that that's the right investment to make.

And so that's certainly a concrete, tangible step that our government has taken to support that outcome, that improvement around that outcome. There are other steps that our government has taken to improve infant mortality. We stated earlier in the House today that the previous government cut women's health care. A good example would be cutting lactation consultants. We've taken a completely different approach.

2008 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 We know that it is so impor tant that women and those who have families have the tools and the resources and supports that they need to have healthy outcomes. And so our govern ment did some thing rooted in evidence, rooted in science. There was an over 20 – about a 20-year study that was done, because when the prenatal benefit was intro duced, I believe in 2001, quickly after, years after, it was seen to make im- provements, to improve the health out comes of not only children, but also families and parents, mothers.

And after 20 years, that investment, that approach was studied, and the evidence is plain as day that the prenatal benefit improves the outcomes for babies, for children, for families, for women, for parents. And so our gov ernment, looking at that evidence made the decision to double the prenatal benefit. It's another tangible step, action that we took to support more children seeing and thriving to and beyond their 18th birthday.

We know that there's much more work to do, but there are real steps that a gov ernment can take, steps that a government should've taken years ago, but we're taking now, to move the outcomes for babies and for families in the right direction. * (16:00) Hoping to provide a bit more infor mation on the question the member's asking, but I wanted to provide that context to the committee. I thought it was impor- tant. The Chairperson: Thank you, Minister. Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): And I just want to switch it a bit over to Seniors and Long-Term Care here.

The budget for Seniors and Long-Term Care has remained frozen at $19.6 million for two consecutive fiscal years here now after a dramatic reduction from $93 million. Given the growing seniors population and increasing care needs, this is somewhat concerning. Why has the budget for Seniors and Long- Term Care remained stagnant at $19.6 million for two years, and how does the de partment justify this sig nificant reduction from $93 million, despite rising demand and system pressures? The Chairperson: Thank you, Member.

MLA Asagwara: I do want to go back to the critic's question around infant mortality and just share a bit more. There's a bit more infor mation I'm waiting for for that, but I want to talk about that a bit before I get to the member's question on seniors and the line in the budget, which is actually pretty straightforward in terms of the–I think we actually addressed this in Estimates for '23–for '24-25, rather. I think that came up.

But in terms of infant mortality, our govern ment has been working with various partners–CPSM, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba being one of them–to look at ways that we can do better work, more work in this space and work with our experts locally to improve the infant mortality rates, which we know in Manitoba have been dis proportionately–not where they should be for quite some time. And we have to do better.

And so there are policies that we're looking at in terms of, you know, how do we keep infants safe; how do we work with families to make sure they have the education, awareness, information and the support and services to make the most informed health- care decisions for their little ones, I would say also including vaccinations. We've been talking a lot about that lately. I want to take this moment to encourage people to get vac - cinated, certainly when it comes to measles.

We're seeing measles, unfor tunately, make a concern ing comeback, and having really, really terrible con se- quences as a result. * (16:10) And so when we're talking about infant mortality and we're talking about improving the out comes for children, we really need to talk about some of these – what were fun damental principles that were under - stood, right. Vaccinations are good, improves out - comes. Vaccinations are safe and effective. And now, we're in this space of having to have these conver sa- tions again.

I think part of it is, generationally, so many of us including myself have benefitted from vaccines, that we haven't thankfully had that experience of what it's like to not have access to vaccines and seeing the really tragic out comes of that. And so it's really im- portant for us to engage in that conversation in a pro- ductive, safe and informed way. I had the opportunity recently to meet with an incredible physician, scientist, expert, pediatrician, Dr.

Hotez, who is a world leader, a renowned scientist; who has led the way for remarkable vaccine development–just a really in credible human being with a heart for keeping people safe and healthy–and was able to chat with him and learn a bit from his expertise and his perspective in terms of what can we do in Manitoba. What can we do in Manitoba to make

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2009 sure that com munities have as much infor mation as possible to make informed health decisions, and to mitigate that misinformation and disinformation around vaccines which is incredibly harmful, and we're seeing how destructive that disinformation and misinformation is. So certainly governments have an important role to play, and we take that very, very seriously. I will say that some of the information I'm looking to clarify here in terms of what happened with the infant mortality data that the critic asked about.

What we're seeing–and I'm going to get clarity on this –but it appears as though the approach on that was disrupted by the previous govern ment in transformation which is very, very concern ing. And I'm going to get more clarity on those details, but certainly our government is doing the work of making sure that that information is available. In terms of it not being printed in the budget, that may have just been a miss. It should've been in the budget, but there –I think there was a bit of an error there, perhaps.

But what I am really concerned about is that it may appear as though the previous gov ern- ment made some changes in terms of how the approach to doing the work around infant mortality was happening. But I'm going to get more clarity on that shortly. So I hope that provides a bit more information in terms of infant mortality here in Manitoba, and the work our government is doing, knowing there's more that needs to be done. And we are going to get some clarity, as well, for the critic in terms of the numbers and the data.

And in terms of who is –who sets those targets: the CPSM, great folks there, wonderful ex- perts, really are the leaders in this work in the pro - vince. And they provide the Province guidance and they really set targets around what we should be looking to achieve and how we can get there. And I'll speak to the other member's question about seniors shortly. The Chairperson: Thank you, Minister. Mr. King: I'm just seeing here that Seniors and Long- Term Care is seeing its staff drop from 15 full-time equivalents in '23-24 to eight full-time equivalents in '24-25, to seven in this year's budget.

So I'm just ask the minister, if the seniors are of such great importance to the minister–and I'm not by any way suggesting that they aren't –why has there been a consistent reduction in the staff? The Chairperson: Thank you, Member. MLA Asagwara: Yes, I thank the member for that ques- tion, and I ap preciate the member's approach in that question. I think he knows that I do value seniors; our government certainly does. My first –I think my first–if –unless–it's so long ago now, I may be mixing it up, was it Victoria general hospital that I first volunteered or the seniors' home in St.

Norbert that I first volunteered? I'm not sure, but one of my early, early forays into health care was at a seniors' home in St. Norbert, which was an absolutely joyful experience. I had never really spent that kind of time around seniors. Grew up not having any actual grandparents in Manitoba. And so it was really a delight to go and visit seniors regularly and learn how to play card games and bridge and things like that and hear their stories right in my own com munity, right in my own neighbourhood.

And it really influenced the way that I think about seniors' care and personal-care homes–how I thought about it moving forward. So to be in this role and certainly having that ex- perience and others in health care, working in long-term- care settings and knowing and listening to folks who provide care in long-term-care settings who take that very seriously. And also, just, you know, we all have seniors in our lives who we love, in our communities. We want our com munities to be a place people can age with dignity, age well, age in place if they choose.

You know, I say we all have seniors in our lives; perhaps we're seniors in this room. I don't know. I don't know people's ages off the top of my head. But we want all seniors, no matter where you are, what roles you have, to have the best lives possible. And the ways that we do that are investing. And, again, it's–you know, it's across government we take this approach. Whether it's housing, afford- ability, health care, education, jobs, economy–we want to make sure that seniors can thrive in Manitoba.

And so to answer the member's question, if you actually hold up the two budgets –so '24-25, '25-26– you can actually see, kind of spells out there under - neath the seniors infor mation maybe what happened there and answers the member's question. But the structure change, right. So the de partment of seniors shifted. It's now Health, Seniors and Long- Term Care. And so the staffing associated with the previous de partment are what folded into Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.

2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 So that speaks to the FTE change that the member's asking about specifically. In terms of the funding difference, I want to reassure the member that we're only investing more dollars in seniors care. So, spe cifically in terms of long-term care, almost an additional $150 million is going into long- term-care and personal -care homes. And in terms of home care, we're looking at an increase of about 90–I think it's 88 –$87.3 million for home care. So we're investing more money into ser - vices and care for seniors in this province. Those are two specific buckets.

There are additional dollars in other areas as well that we're investing. And I think the member is well aware of the esta- blishment of the in dependent office for the seniors advocate. So that is something that seniors have been asking for, for years –years and years. I know the member is well aware of that. It is something that our government committed to delivering for seniors, and we've done that. We brought forward legis lation to enact that and enable that. We made sure that there were resources in the budget to support the office being established.

And I get questions from folks all the time –I'm not sure if the member does from his constituents – about how we're moving that along, and I have to remind people –I had to even remind myself in the beginning–that it's an independent office, and so tha t work is under way. It is happening. There's a whole process. And if folks want to contribute their voice or have concerns, they can go to EngageMB and they can actually share their thoughts on what they'd like the inde pendent office for the seniors advocate to look at.

There's some wonderful advocates in our commu- nities who I've sat down with who have chatted about their thoughts on what it could look like, and I've encouraged them to bring that forward. It's a long-form submission. You can go there and you can just –you know, there's no cap on what you can share in terms of what your thoughts are and what you'd like to see. So those are a few key areas. I hope that addresses the member's question. But I want to reassure him that there's more investments going there, not less, and that the FTE change is just related to a change in the structure.

The Chairperson: Thank you, Minister. Mr. King: I want to thank the minister for that answer. I just want to clarify if I'm understanding it right: that as the SLTC has been subsumed by the greater Department of Health–if I'm understanding what her answer–that some of the tasks were previously the responsibility of the SLTC are now being carried out by the Health staff in one of the other main appro - priation areas and that might not be accounted for the seven full-time equivalents attrib uted to the Seniors and Long-Term Care.

So how many FTEs are there doing SLTC work from other ap propriation areas –for example, Public Health or Performance and Oversight? The Chairperson: Thank you, Member. * (16:20) MLA Asagwara: I just–I'm hoping for some clarity here. Is the member asking about what are the FTEs associated with Seniors and Long-Term Care and also Public Health, or just Seniors and Long- Term Care? Because he added Public Health at the end, and I'm not sure if he's wanting both or–yes. The Chairperson: Thank you, Minister. Mr.

King: No, I'm–my question to the minister, hon- ourable Chair, was just clari fication on the previous question as to the appropriation of staff and where the one full -time equivalent went. I'm assuming in her answer that that full-time equivalent went– The Chairperson: Order, please. I would like to remind the members to use proper pronouns for their respectable members in the com - mittee. Mr. King: I apologize for that. So the one full-time equivalent is now taken over by the overall De partment of Health is what–I just wanted clarification on if that's what. The Chairperson: Thank you, Member.

MLA Asagwara: I'm happy to answer the question for the member. So the, if I'm correct, the one FTE that he's referring to was esta blished in relation to the Stevenson initiatives in '21 -22, created in 2022, and it was approved for a three-year term only. And so Treasury Board–these roles get approved at Treasury Board. Treasury Board approved it for three years. It auto - matically, then, gets, I guess you could say, rescinded or removed once that approval window is up by Treasury Board; it's an automatic process.

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2011 That being said, the position that was created in 2022 was actually never filled. So, under the previous administration, that role was never filled; it was actually vacant. And so even though it's an automatic process, it would've been pulled back anyway. There was nobody in that role. The Chairperson: Thank you, Minister. Mr. King: Thank you, Minister, for the answer to that question. It clarifies a little bit. The Stevenson review offered critical guidance on improving long-term-care standards and outcomes.

Can the minister provide a detailed update on how far along the department is in implementing the Stevenson report recommendations, and specifically, how many recommendations remain to be implemented? The Chairperson: Thank you, Member. * (16:30) MLA Asagwara: The Stevenson recommendations– happy to provide an update to the member on them. I do think it's important for us to reflect on where those recommendations come from. I think folks will remember that during the pandemic–COVID pandemic there was a really tragic situation at Maples Personal Care Home.

Some folks posted on Reddit–I believe it was paramedics who posted on Reddit–that what they were seeing happen at Maples PCH was horrifying. And what we learned after the fact was that Maples Personal Care Home had actually reached out to the previous PC government and asked for help, and they hadn't received any. The response when this became very public was fairly swift, but the damage and the tragedy had already occurred. We saw a massive loss of life and families forever impacted by a failed approach by the previous administration in terms of keeping seniors safe. So the Stevenson report was a direct result.

It came out of that, right? It came out of a real tragedy where Manitoba families were reeling and dealing with an unacceptable situation that I know still affects people to this day. I remain in contact with some families who are still affected by that circumstance to this day. The recommendations–I believe there were 17 re- commendations, 16 or 17 recommendations. I am able to share with the member that the recommen dations have been actioned. All of the recommendations have been actioned and followed through on. And the one outstanding recom mendation that is ongoing is the hours per resident per day.

So that target of 4.1, that work is still happening. Our government did cement an additional $40 million in our '25-26 budget to support that, which is a–as you can imagine–a massive investment in terms of staffing, but it's a necessary investment for personal-care-home staffing. And that's in our '25-26 budget, the $40 million for that staffing initiative. Much more work to do. Our government has also taken steps –I was actually just this morning at the long-term care–the Long Term & Continuing Care Association conference that's happening.

So they're at the Victoria Inn, and I was really happy to go there this morning bright and early to meet with all of those folks and offer our govern ment's greetings and just say thank you. Thank all of those folks across many different disciplines and, you know, areas of the pro- vince and actually other jurisdictions who have come together to do the work of strengthening long- term and continuing care. And, interestingly enough, one of the allied health- care professionals who was at that conference this morning was also in the gallery this afternoon as we recognized allied health -care pro fessionals.

Goes to show you how small our city and province is and how connected we all are. And so, the work is being done in our '25-26 budget. I think the member can see that we're making real investments in strengthening care for seniors. The structure, in terms of how that's delivered, has changed, you know, from what it looked like under the previous government. We've got Health, Seniors, and Long- Term care as one depart ment. We are delivering on key items for Manitobans as a result of that. So, we have, again, inde pendent office for the seniors advocate being set up.

We have increased funding for long- term care and home care. We have increased funding for services in com munity. We have increased dollars that are going to wonder ful organizations like the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba who do just phenomenal, phenomenal work and are really great partners. So–and we're building personal- care homes. I can't believe I forgot to mention that. We're building new personal-care homes in Manitoba, and we've actually reopened 45 per cent of the personal- care-home beds that were closed under the previous administration.

So all of that to say there's still so much more work to do to make sure the needs of seniors in this province are meaningfully and adequately addressed,

2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2025 and we know that. So we're going to keep working with our partners, and we're going to make sure that, beyond this budget, '26- 27, we're already looking at that budget and planning and seeing what else we need to do to make sure we're moving things in the right direction. The Chairperson: Thank you, Minister. Mr. King: Yes, thank you for the answer, Minister.

The seniors strategy, you did receive lots of praise and positive reception across the province, and it was a groundbreaking document aimed at improving quality of life and access to services for older Manitobans. Now, where spe cifically in the '25 -26 budget can funding for the imple mentation of the seniors strategy be found, and what is the total amount allocated towards that initiative? The Chairperson: Thank you, Member. MLA Asagwara: I apologize to the member.

I am going to go back, just because I have a bit more clarity on a question that was brought forward by the critic, and then I'll return to your question about seniors, if that's all right. I just want to make sure that I cover that off. So I–as I mentioned earlier, the critic asked the question about infant mortality and asked about, maybe there's an error in terms of it not being printed in the budget. And we have gotten clarity in terms of what's happened there.

And, unfortunately, what's become very clear is that the Estimates reports for '23 and '24– so the last reported statistics–the data for infant mortality was provided; but concluded, through transformation, the previous PC government actually cut the funding for the CPSM to do that work and report on infant mortality.

So, unfortunately, in their last ever budget in gov- ernment, the previous govern ment chose to cut the funding for the CPSM, who does the work of bringing forward targets that we should be looking to achieve in terms of infant mortality and in terms of doing the work around infant mortality, which is very concerning. And so that is why it's reported that way. It–I also want to highlight that the indicator, the information, is lagging, so it's lagging by a year, I believe. And the CPSM gathers that information; it's lagging informa- tion, though. This takes a lot of time and effort to compile that information.

The CPSM does a tre men- dous amount of work to compile and finalize and then validate and then report the infor mation. And so the information for '24- 25 will be reported in the '26- 27 year. Again, it's a year lag. * (16:40) Now, it is obviously concerning that the previous government would've cut the funding for this effort. Think that everyone can agree that that's not the right approach. I do want to let folks know that our govern- ment has been working directly with t he CPSM. We've been engaged in con versation with them for some time in order to re-establish the committee.

So, previously, it was the child death review com- mittee that did that work. Our government is doing the work to esta blish a com mittee with the CPSM and partners and to make sure that the com mittee is ful - some and repre sentative in a way that will allow for us to actually get even greater data–enhanced data in terms of how we do this work. So that –we recog nize it's very, very im portant. We look forward to the partnership with CPSM to do this work.

It is –it's unfortunate that the decision was made by the previous government to cut those efforts, but we take it very seriously, and so we are going to reinstate it and make it even better than it was previously. And I want to thank our partners for being willing to work with us on that front. We are also engaged in many other conversations with the CPSM in this area, recognizing that we want to make sure we take a culturally ap propriate, sensi- tive and informed approach in terms of how we do this work in our province.

And, ultimately, the work the committee did pre- viously before it was cut by the previous government was invaluable, and the work that we are going to reinstate and do with this committee, in addition to the work our gov ernment has been doing, really just speaks to, you know, what our North Star goal, and I think the North Star goal for all Manitobans, is, and that is for more children to see their 18th birthday and to live healthy, happy, productive lives.

To the member's question–now just pivoting away from that, to the member's question about seniors, I wanted to also offer to the member that, you know, our gov ernment has taken a different approach in terms of how we address the needs of seniors. I neglected to mention previously that we are establishing the Healthy Aging Council here in Manitoba, which is bringing together a group of diverse seniors to have their voices heard and help advise myself and our government in terms of senior

May 13, 2025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2013 issues. Looking forward to sharing more details on that. We also do have the Healthy Aging Awards coming up. Last year, that was an absolute blast, to celebrate seniors doing great things in our province. So there's work that we're doing; there's new efforts being pulled together and historical efforts that we think are impor tant to continue, like celebrating seniors who do good work in our province. And I'll provide a bit more information in terms of the member's question posed before shortly. The Chairperson: Thank you, Minister.

A gentle reminder to all members to put their questions through the Chair, please. Mr. King: Thanks for that reminder. Honourable Chair, the minister had mentioned earlier that access to personal -care-home beds are a concern in many regions of our province, with reports of long wait-lists and regional disparities. So, I'm just wondering, can the minister provide the number of personal-care-home beds per capita for each regional health author ity, and explain how this budget addresses the current inequities in bed avail - ability across our province? The Chairperson: Thank you, Member.

MLA Asagwara: Appreciate the opportunity to talk a bit about personal -care homes, personal-care-home capacity in the regions. So I do want to share with the member –and this was a question that was asked in question period by the member for Tyndall Park (MLA Lamoureux), actually, recently–question around how are decisions made in terms of where personal-care homes go, and I reassured the member for Tyndall Park that these are really clinical decisions. And so the Interlake is a great example. So we're building the Lac du Bonnet personal-care home.

I intend, myself, to maybe put up some drywall or window – whatever they allow me to put on a hard hat and wear high vis and go there and do. Putting up the sign was not enough for me; want to go further than that. But the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority actually has the fewest –out of all the regions –the fewest personal-care-home beds based on the popula- tion, which for us, made very clear that it was impor- tant we added more personal -care-home capacity. And so Lac du Bonnet is being built; Arborg is al so being built.

It's been made clear that, clinically, we need to get more capacity in the Interlake in terms of those personal-care-home beds. The Interlake also –there's a really interesting relationship with the Interlake and Winnipeg in terms of pressures on the system. And so just geographically, proximity–you know, we know that if we can alleviate some of those pr

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-2-53b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 2nd hansardpdf 53b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	7ce1593c503e773a5a2dcd8d02023fe1a132b18f

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