Manitoba Hansard — 21 May 2015 (Sitting 34B, 40th Legislature, 4th Session)

40-4-34b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session - Fortieth Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Daryl Reid Speaker Vol. LXVII No. 34B - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2015 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

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

991 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, May 21, 2015 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Speaker: Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Mr. Speaker: Introduction of bills? PETITIONS Province-Wide Long-Term Care– Review Need and Increase Spaces Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): I wish to present the following petit ion to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. And these are the reasons for the petition–the background for the petition is as follows:

(1) There are currently 125 licensed personal - care homes across Manitoba, consisting of less than 10,000 beds.

(2) All trends point to an increasing aging population that will require additional personal - care-home facilities.

(3) By some estimates, Manitoba will require an increase of more than 5,100 personal-care-home beds by 2036.

(4) The number of Manitobans with Alzheimer 's disease and other dementia-related diseases who will require personal -care-home services are steadily increasing and are threatening to double within the current generation.

(5) The last personal -care-home review in many areas, including Swan River Valley area currently under the administration of Prairie Mountain health authority, was conducted in 2008.

(6) The average occupancy rates for personal - care-home beds across the province are exceeding 97 per cent, with some regions, such as Swan River Valley, witnessing 100 per cent occupancy rates.

(7) These high occupancy rates are creating the conditions where many individuals requiring long-term care are being displaced far away from their families and home community. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to consider immediately enacting a province- wide review of long- term-care needs of residents of Manitoba. And (2) t o urge the provincial government to recognize the stresses placed upon the health- care system by the current and continuous aging population and consider increasing the availability of long-term-care spaces in communities across the province. This petition signed by P. Ellingson, B. Hrappstead and E. Hrappstead and many, many– Mr. Speaker: In keeping with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to have been received by the House.

Further petitions? Rights of Manitoba Children Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Riding Mountain): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows: The provincial government shoul d uphold the rights of children set forth by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by Canada over 20 years ago, to better protect and promote children and their rights, to ensure the voices of children are heard.

Instead, many children in Manitoba, especially those in the child -welfare system, reveal that they sometimes feel they have no say in what happens to them. Under this provincial government, Manitoba 's children and youth are falling behind on several indicators of well -being and in areas that would prepare them for better outcomes in life. This year, the provincial government's education system was ranked last of all Canadian provinces in science, reading and math.

Under this provincial government, Manitoba also has the second highest percentage of children using food banks of all Canadian provinces and the highest child poverty rate.

992 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: To urge the provincial government of Manitoba and the Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities to ensure that the rights of all Manitoba children are respected and that the opinions of children are taken into consideration when decisions that affect them are made. To urge the provincial government and the Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities to correct the tragic systemic flaws that have failed Manitoba children in the recent past. This petition's signed by T. Sandu, H. Mozo, J.

Ylagan and many Manitobans. Provincial Trunk Highway 206 and Cedar Avenue in Oakbank–Pedestrian Safety Mr. Ron Schuler (St. Paul): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

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

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

(3) Law enforceme nt officials have identified this intersection as a hot spot of concern for the safety of schoolchildren, drivers and emergency responders. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge that the provincial government improve the s afety at the pedestrian corridor at the intersection of PTH 206 and Cedar Avenue in Oakbank by considering such steps as highlighting pavement markings to better indicate the location of the shoulders and crosswalk, as well as installing a lighted crosswalk structure. This is signed by K. Gutoski, M. Walterson, T.

Fraser and many, many other fine Manitobans. Beausejour District Hospital– Weekend and Holiday Physician Availability Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): I wish to present the following petition t o the Legislative Assembly. And these are the reasons for this petition:

(1) The Beausejour District Hospital is a 30 -bed, acute-care facility that serves the communities of Beausejour and Brokenhead.

(2) The hospital and the primary-care centre have had no doctor available on weekends and holidays for many months, jeopardizing the health and livelihoods of those in the Interlake -Eastern Regional Health Authority.

(3) During the 2011 election, the provincial government promised to provide every Manitoban with access to a family doctor by 2015.

(4) This promise is far from being realized, and Manitobans are witnessing many emergency rooms limiting services or closing temporarily, with the majority of these reductions taking place in rural Manitoba.

(5) According to the Health Council of Canada, only 25 per cent of doctors in Manitoba reported that their patients had access to care on evenings and weekends. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government and the Minister of Health to ensure that the Beausejour District Hospital and primary -care centre have a primary-care physician available on weekends and holidays to better provide area residents with this essential service. This petition is signed by R. Chorney, J. Smolus, N. Wittmeier and many, many more fine Manitobans, Mr. Speaker.

Province-Wide Long-Term Care– Review Need and Increase Spaces Mr. Cliff Graydon (Emerson): Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And this is the background to this petition:

(1) There are currently 125 licensed personal - care homes, PCHs, across Manitoba, consisting of less than 10,000 beds.

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 993

(2) All trends point to an increasingly aging population who will require additional personal - care-home facilities.

(3) By some estimates, Manitoba will require an increase of more than 5,100 personal-care-home beds by 2036.

(4) The number of Manitobans with Alzheimer 's disease or another dementia -related illness who will require per sonal-care-home services are steadily increasing and are threatening to double within the current generation.

(5) The last personal -care-home review in many areas, including the Swan River area currently under administration of the Prairie Mountain regional health authority, was conducted in 2008.

(6) Average occupancy rates for personal -care homes across the province are exceeding 97 per cent, with some regions, such as the Swan River Valley, witnessing 100 per cent occupancy rates.

(7) These high occupancy rates are creating the conditions where many individuals requiring long- term care are being displaced far away from their families and home community. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to consider immediately enacting a provin ce-wide review of the long- term-care needs of residents of Manitoba.

(2) T o urge the provincial government to recognize the stresses placed upon the health- care system by the current and continuous aging population and consider increasing the availability of long-term-care spaces, PCH beds, in communities across the province. And this petition is signed by M. Bidzinski, C. Hart and R. Hart and many, many more fine Manitobans. Minnesota-Manitoba Transmission Line Route– Information Request Mr. Dennis Smook (La Verendrye) : I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The Minnesota-Manitoba transmission line is a 500- kilovolt alternating -current transmission line set to be located in southeastern Manitoba that will cross into the US border south of Piney, Manitoba. * (13:40)

(2) The line has an in -service date of 2020 and will run approximately 150 kilometres with tower heights expected to reach between 40 and 60 metres and be located every four to five hundred metres.

(3) The preferred route designated for the line will see the hydro towers come in close proximity to the community of La Broquerie and many other communities in Ma nitoba's southeast rather than an alternate route that was also considered.

(4) The alternate route would have seen the line run further east, avoid densely populated areas and eventually terminate at the same spot at the US border.

(5) The Progressive C onservative caucus has repeatedly asked for the information about the routing of the line and its proximity to densely populated areas and has yet to receive any response.

(6) Landowners all across Manitoba are concerned about the impact hydro line routing could have on land values. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro to immediately provide a written explanation to all members of the Legislative Assembly regarding what criteria were used and the reasons for selecting the preferred route for Minnesota-Manitoba transmission line, including whether or not this routing represented the least intrusive option to residents of Taché, Springfield, Ste. Anne, Stuartburn, Piney and La Broquerie.

This petition is signed by M. Carriere, A. Saindon, S. Saindon and many more fine Manitobans. Mr. Cliff Cullen ( Spruce Woods ): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows: The Minnesota -Manitoba transmission line is a 500-kilowatt alternating-current transmission line set to be located in southeastern Manitoba that will cross into the US border south of Piney, Manitoba. The line has an in- service date of 2020 and will run approximately 150 kilometres with tower heights

994 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 expected to reach between 40 to 60 metres and be located every four to five hundred metres. The preferred route designated for the line will see hydro towers come in close proximity to the community of La Broquerie and many other communities in Manitoba's southeast rather than an alternate route that has also been considered. The alternate route would have seen the line run further east, avoid densely populated areas and eventually terminate at the same spot in the US border.

The Progressive Conservative caucus has repeatedly asked for information about the routing of the line and its proximity to densely populated areas and has yet to receive any response. Landowners all across Manitoba are concerned about the impact hydro line routing could have on land values.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro to immediately provide a written explanation to all members of the Legislative Assembly regarding what criteria were used and the reasons for selecting the preferred routing for the Minnesota - Manitoba transmission line, including whether or not this routing represented the least intrusive option to residents of Taché, Spr ingfield, Ste. Anne, Stuartburn, Piney and La Broquerie. This petition is signed by S. Jarvis, M. Jamirsu, C. Forbes and many other fine Manitobans.

Province-Wide Long-Term Care– Review Need and Increase Spaces Mrs. Bonnie Mitchelson (River East): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) There are currently 125 licensed personal - care homes, PCHs, across Manitoba, consisting of less than 10,000 beds.

(2) All trends point to an increasingly aging population who will require additional personal - care-home facilities.

(3) By some estimates, Manitoba will require an increase of more than 5,100 personal-care-home beds by 2036.

(4) The number of Manitobans with Alzheimer 's disease or other dementia-related illness who will require personal -care-home services are steadily increasing and are threatening to double within the current generation.

(5) The last personal -care-home review in many areas, including the Swan River Valley area currently under administration of the Prairie Mountain regional health authority, was conducted in 2008.

(6) Average occupancy rates for personal -care homes across the province are exceeding 97 per cent, with some regions, such as Swan River Valley, witnessing 100 per cent occupancy rates.

(7) These high occupancy rates are creating the conditions where many individuals requiring long- term care are being displaced f ar away from the ir families and home community. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to consider immediately enacting a province -wide review of the long- term-care needs of residents of Manitoba.

(2) T o urge the provincial government to recognize the stresses placed upon the health- care system by the current and continuous aging population and consider increasing the availability of long-term-care spaces, PCH beds, in communities across the province. And this petition is signed by L. McKay, R. McCleary, J. Eisher and many, many other fine Manitobans. Mr. Stuart Briese (Agassiz): I'd like to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

And the background for this pe tition is as follows: There are currently 125 licensed personal -care homes, PCHs, across Manitoba, consisting of less than 10,000 beds. All trends point to an increasingly aging population who will require additional personal - care-home facilities. By so me estimates, Manitoba will require an increase of more than 5,100 personal-care-home beds by 2036.

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 995 The number of Manitobans with Alzheimer 's disease or another dementia -related illness who will require personal -care-home services are steadily increasing and are threatening to double within the current generation. The last personal -care-home review in many areas, including the Swan River Valley area currently under the administration of Prairie Mountain regional health authority, was conducted in 2008.

Average occupancy rates for personal -care homes across the province are exceeding 97 per cent, with some regions, such as Swan River Valley, witnessing 100 per cent occupancy rates. These high occupancy rates are creating the conditions where many individuals requiring long- term care are being displaced far away from their families and home communities. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: To urge the provincial government to consider immediately enacting a province -wide review of the long-term-care needs of residents of Manitoba.

And t o urge the provincial government to recognize the stresses placed upon the health- care system by the current and continuous aging population and consider increasing the availability of long-term-care spaces, PC H beds, in communities across the province. This petition has been signed by T. Forsachuk, C. Harris, E. Bordian and many, many other fine Manitobans. Mr. Speaker: Committee reports? Tabling of reports? Ministerial statements? Introduction of Guests Mr. Speaker: Prior to oral questions, I have a number of guests who are with us here this afternoon in the galleries.

First, I'd like to draw the attention of members to the Speaker's Gallery where we have with us this afternoon Austin Amy, who was a former page of the Manitoba Legislature and is now currently a page with the Senate in Ottawa. Welcome back, Mr. Amy. And also, I'd like to draw the attention of honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us today Halli Krzyzaniak, who is the guest of the honourable member for Agassiz (Mr. Briese).

And also in the gallery today we have with us Carolyn Nazervich, a vice- principal at Salisbury Morse Place School, and Jason Neiser, parent council chair at École George V, who are the guests of the honourable member for Concordia (Mr. Wiebe). And also seated in the public gallery we have with us today from Pine River country school eight grade 3 to 7 students under the direction of Andy Schellenberg, and this group is located in the constituency of the honourable Minister of Agriculture.

Also in the public gallery we have with us today from Winnipeg Mennonite Elementary school, Agassiz, 18 grade 4 students under the direction of Mr. Wes Krahn, and this group is located in the constituency of the honourable Minister of Family Services (Ms. Irvin-Ross). * (13:50) And also seated in the public gallery, from Collège Churchill we have 14 grade 9 students under the direction of Chantelle Bilodeau, and this group is located in the constituency of the honourable Minister of Education and Advanced Learning (Mr. Allum). On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome all of you here this afternoon.

ORAL QUESTIONS Provincial Deficit Manitoba's Credit Rating Mr. Brian Pallister (Leader of the Official Opposition): Some of our guests will remember, and we all will remember, back in the latter part of last year when there was a bit of a rebellion within the government, and a number of members of the NDP government decided to publicly declare their resignations from Cabinet. One of the members actually declared that the Premier's priorities were being placed above Manitobans', and this is a concern to all of us, I'm sure.

Some weeks prior to that, Moody's international, a respected bond rating agency, issued i ts first negative outlook for our province in 28 years as a result, in part, of a 50 per cent increase, under this Premier, in the debt burden being placed on us and our future.

996 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 Both of these instances I cite demonstrate a Premier incapable of listening, and this is demon - strated by a seventh consecutive deficit budget, 20 per cent higher than last year's estimated deficit, which risks hurting Manitoba's credit rating in the future. Would the Premier admit that this lack of management capability places our front -line services in this province at risk? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, our debt servicing costs in Manitoba are down again this year. They are 5.6 cents on every dollar we spend.

When the member opposite was in office, the debt servicing costs were 13.2 cents on every dollar that they spent. Our debt costs have come down to less than half of when he was in office. Our economy has doubled. We are considered to have one of the best growth rates in the country for the economy year–this year, with one of the best job creation rates, Mr. Speaker, and one of the lowest unemployment rates. Those facts speak for themselves. Manitoba is prospering at a time of economic fr agility and uncertainty around the world.

Our debt servicing costs are less than half of when he was in office, and we are moving in the right direction on all the key variables, including reducing the deficit year over year after 10 years of balanced budg ets–10 years of balanced budgets–the largest single streak in modern times. Mr. Pallister: Well, the children in our gallery will know that interest rates are currently about a fifth of what they were in the 1990s, and the Premier cites a comparison which demonstrates his lack of financial acumen yet again.

The Premier speaks of forecasts, yet fails to recognize that his record as Premier places our province at ninth among all the provinces in terms of economic growth during his term. The Premier has s topped listening to our advice, not just mine; that's what the member for Fort Rouge (Ms. Howard) said during the rebellion photo op just prior to the last session's ending. He's not listening to people like Moody's either, who warned him that further debt reduces our credit rating.

And he's also not listening to Manitobans, who know that his risky and reckless approach to money management or mismanagement is placing their services at risk. He even went so far in this budget as to raid Manitobans' rainy day fund, yet claims it's sunny days, Mr. Speaker. Now, a credit rating will take millions of dollars away from our front -line services, and I know the Premier has no degree in economics, but I know that he can estimate for us what a 1 per cent –what a 1 per cent–increase in borrowing costs would do to– Mr. Speaker: Order, please.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition's time has expired. Mr. Selinger: It's always unfortunate the member puts false information on the record, which he unfortunately does every single day. We have in Manitoba, of all the –six of the nine forecast organizations predict that Manitoba will be in the No. 1 growth position for economic growth in Canada this year, six out of nine. The member opposite obviously hasn't read any of those other forecasts. He likes to focus on one that puts things in the worst possible light. We take the overview, Mr. Speaker. We see more people working in Manitoba.

We see more people living in Manitoba. We see that 89 per cent of the jobs that ha ve been created in the last 78 months were in the private sector. We've seen wage growth in Manitoba above the Canadian average. Mr. Speaker, w hen the member opposite was in office, people's disposable income was going down. Manitobans, on a net basis, w ere leaving the province. Now we have 16,000 more coming to Manitoba, the largest single increase in population since the 1960s. The member opposite should get his head out of the sand, look at the facts and acknowledge Manitoba's– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Mr.

Pallister: I used to play quite a bit of ball, Mr. Speaker, and the guys who talked about the home runs they were going to hit next year never competed with the guys who actually hit home runs in the current season. The Premier's oh for six on keeping us in balance in this province; he's oh for six on keeping his promises too. He hasn't even got a batting average when it comes to balancing the books of our province, and the only people he's making happy with the misinformation he puts on the re cord are moneylenders in Toronto and New York City.

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 997 But here in Winnipeg, people are concerned. Here in Winnipeg, people are very concerned about the lack of common sense from a Premier who tries to frighten people who have common sense with his mismanag ement. Working Manitobans and seniors know that they can't borrow their way to prosperity, but the Premier doesn't understand that. Working Manitobans know they have to balance the books, but the Premier doesn't understand that either.

We understand that this Premier places his re - election hopes at the top of his priority list, but does he admit today that his debt doubling has put our hopes for our own children and grandchildren in this province at greater risk? Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, let's start by acknow- ledging that the economy has doubled since we've been in office. It's forecast to be $66 billion this year. Our debt as a proportion of the economy is less than when the members opposite were in office. They were over 31 per cent, Mr. Speaker. The y were over 32 per cent. We're less than that.

We took it down during the good times when the economy was well to about 23 per cent. During the difficult times, we have increased spending to keep the economy going well. During the difficult times when th ey were in office, they sold off the telephone system and deliberately ran a deficit. During the good times when we were in office, we built up a cash surplus of $800 million, and that has been used to reduce deficits and to keep the economy going.

We have more jobs, we have better wages, we have lower debt servicing costs, we have lower debt as a proportion of the economy, more people living and working in Manitoba than ever in the history of the province, something the member opposite is green with envy about. Budget 2015 Manitoba's Credit Rating Mr. Cameron Friesen (Morden -Winkler): And what the Premier doesn't mention is that the fact that the debt has doubled under this NDP government. Mr.

Speaker, when Moody's Investors Service reviewed Manitoba's financials last August, they changed their outlook on Manitoba to negative and they noted several conditions that could cause a credit rating downgrade. They said reduced likelihood that the N DP would return to balanced budgets in 2016 could affect the credit rating. We now know there's no likelihood that they will return to balanced budgets in 2016- 17. They noted that a reduced commitment to stabilize the debt burden could affect the credit rating, and we know now that they will be adding a pile of debt indefinitely.

And they noted that a loss of fiscal discipline could affect the debt rating. This year's budget shows no fiscal discipline. Will the minister admit that his budget is risky and p uts Manitoba's credit rating at risk of a downgrade by Moody's? Hon. Greg Dewar (Minister of Finance): I'll admit no such thing, Mr. Speaker. Reality is that our credit rating is two steps higher than it was when we came into office. Both Standard & Poor' s and Dominion Bond both affirmed our ranking, Mr. Speaker, as one of the best in the nation.

We still maintain a AA rating, and as the Premier has said, we have one of the strongest economies in Canada, and we will continue with that. Mr. Speaker, t hey h ave a different approach. They want to kill our plan. They want to lay off 70,000 Manitobans. That is not our plan. They want to make reckless cuts to health care, education, family services and jobs. That is not our plan. Our plan is to grow the economy; theirs is to kill it. Mr. Friesen: Mr.

Speaker, when Standard & Poor's rating services reviewed Manitoba's financials last November, they based their opinion, in large part, on the expectation that Manitoba's budgetary results would strengthen. We now know that the budgetary results are worsening. They also based their opinion on the expectation that the NDP could achieve a balanced budget by fiscal 2016. And we know there is now no plan to balance the books by 2016, by 2017, by 2018. Will this minister admit that his budget is risky and puts Manitoba's credit rating at risk of a downgrade by Standard & Poor's? * (14:00) Mr. Dewar: Mr.

Speaker, I remind the House that it was the opposition, under the current leader –or I guess it was a previous leader, w ho said that their plan was to balance the budget in 2018. You know, the members are full of hypocrisy.

998 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 And I remind the members and remind the House that this –under our government, we have one of the strongest economies in Canada, Mr. Speaker, not only –[interjection] The Conference Board of Canada has predicted that Manitoba will lead the nation in 2015- 2016. The Bank of Montreal has affirmed that. Recently, the Conference Board of Canada said the city of Winnipeg will be leading the country. This can be leading the–all the major cities in western Canada. Again, they deny that. You know, they're deniers when it comes to us growing the economy.

But we have a plan to grow the economy. We have a plan to create– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable minister's time for this question has elapsed. Mr. Friesen: Mr. Speaker, when the Dominion Bond Rating Service reviewed Manitoba's financials last October, they set the rating at stable and based their opinion on the expectation that the GDP of Manitoba would grow at 1.9 per cent; it grew by half that amount. DBRS also based their opinion on the expectation that the government would keep its word and get into balance by 2016- 17. The government broke its word and has no plan to balance the budget.

They based their opinion on the expectation that the deficit last year would be $357 million, and it was 20 per cent higher than that and this year higher again. Will the minister admit that his budget is risky and puts Manitoba's credit rating at risk of a downgrade by Dominion Bond Rating Service? Mr. Dewar : The–when it comes to risk, Mr. Speaker, members opposite are going to put our plan to create 70,000 jobs in this province at risk. I want to say the only ones who don't –or the only ones who are disappointed that we're leading the nation are the members opposite.

The only ones who are disappointed with the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada are the members opposite, the gloom-and-doom party across the way. We want to grow this economy. Wa nt we to grow this province. We are, Mr. Speaker. Manitobans reject their strategy. Mining Industry Effectiveness of Policies Mr. Cliff Cullen ( Spruce Woods ): It's painfully obvious the NDP government has chosen to ignore the real issues in Manitoba's mining sector. The NDP's perspective on this morning's mining resolution was really an embarrassment. The NDP's approach to mining has put this industry at risk here in Manitoba.

Mr. Speaker, I ask: Why has the NDP taken a head-in-the-sand approach to the mining sector? Hon. Dave Chomiak (Minister of Mineral Resources): Well, Mr. Speaker, talking to the economic geniuses across the way, you know, they had a private member's resolution that quoted from a Calgary school of economics that criticizes Manitoba and that actually said we should reduce and eliminate taxes on min ing companies.

And the –you know, it's not working in Alberta where today they've announced an increase in the unemployment rate, and it's certainly not going to work in Manitoba where we have, according to their right -wing institute, the Fraser Institute, the second best mining regime in the country. Mr. Cullen : Well, Mr. Speaker, the NDP continue the political spin without recognizing today's reality. Statistics from Natural Resources Canada point to a risky future in this sector.

If we look at the exploration sector, which is, of course, the lifeblood of the industry, we see that less than 1 per cent of the Canadian deposit appraisal dollars are coming to Manitoba. Why does the NDP refuse to move forward with effective policies that would benefit this sector? Mr. Chomiak: I'm sorry, Mr. Speaker, we only opened two mines last year, which was two more than across the country. And today I'm happy to announce a major acqui- sition of a mining company, a major acquisition announced in Manitoba, of Mega Prec ious Metals by a worldwide company known as Yamana.

And they're pleased to announce Yamana has concluded its due diligence satisfying the conditions, satisfied with the company and the province, a major acqui - sition, only another major acquisition in Mani toban announced today. They do not know what they're talking about. Mr. Cullen: Well, Mr. Speaker, we on this side of the House applaud the people of HudBay for opening those two mines. Mr. Speaker, I hope the minister will take the time to listen to a ll stakeholders, including the

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 999 First Nations community. These stakeholders are frustrated by this government's lack of direction. This lack of direction is putting the industry at risk, and it's clearly having an impact on Manitoba's economy. Why is the government refusing to deal with today's reality? Why are they ignoring their respon- sibilities? Mr. Chomiak: Mr. Speaker, I will pay attention when PDAC, the prospectors of Canada, say we have the best incentive program for mine exploration in the country.

I will listen to the chiefs who trained 10 First Nations people to do drilling projects at Sagkeeng. I will listen to the chief over in Nelson House who has now had more employment at Vale Inco, which was going to close and we managed to keep open now that they have a large percentage of their force which is now First Nations. I will listen even to the right -wing Fraser Institute, which says, of the mining jurisdictions in the world, in the mining jurisdictions in the world, Manitoba is No. 4 around t he world and Canada No. 2. I will listen to them rather than members opposite who can't even do the math.

Children in Care Missing Youth Numbers Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): Mr. Speaker, last year nearly 6,500 people went missing in the city of Winnipeg. According to the Winnipeg Police Service, the vast majority are vulnerable youth who are in the care of Child and Family Services. The Department of Family Services' own policy manual defines any youth that is missing as a youth at risk. What is the minister's explanation for allowing these youth in the care of CFS to be put at risk? Hon. Kerri Irvin -Ross (Minister of Family Services): Mr. Speaker, one child missing is one too many.

We have worked with all of our agencies, with all of the authorities to provide the resources that they need to support the children. It is a complex issue. It is about services that are safe. It's about psychological and mental health and addiction treatment centres being made available to them. We are working with the youth; we are supporting them. Our $2- million youth mental health strategy is an example of our commitment. What we need to talk about is what the action we're taking when a child is notif ied missing. StreetReach is going out, they are looking for the youth.

They were successful in bringing 450 youth back into a safe environment. Mr. Wishart: Well, Mr. Speaker, according to the numbers out now, we're on track to break the record of last ye ar, so I don't think we're having much effect. Mr. Feaker –Speaker, according to federal statistics, Manitoba leads the country in missing children on a per capita basis. Worse yet, the Canadian numbers are trending down at a rate of 20 per cent while we are showing a 22 per cent increase. Can the minister offer any explanation to Manitobans as to why this NDP government con- tinues to put more children in risk in the care of CFS?

Ms. Irvin-Ross: Mr. Speaker, as I stated earlier, we are working with the agencies. We are working with the families. We are working with StreetReach and Winnipeg Police Service and bringing the children home. Our commitment to child protection has more than tripled. What happened when they were in government? It was cut by $4.5 million. Shame on them. Missing Youth Mr. Wishart: Mr. Speaker, we are by far the worst in Canada on missing children and youth. In fact, in that critical group of teenage girls who are at risk for sexual exploitation, we are six times more likely to have them reported missing, six times.

In fact, in the area of runaway girls, our numbers are up nearly 40 per cent as compared to the Canadian trend, which is down 20 per cent. Can the minister explain why this NDP government's mismanagement is putting s o many young girls at risk? Ms. Irvin -Ross: Mr. Speaker, we are taking action to work with the agencies and the authorities and the families and communities to address the needs of young men and women across this province.

1000 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 We have a $10 -million investmen t every year into Tracia's Trust, which deals with sexually exploited youth, that is working with StreetReach, that is pervading –or providing safe havens for children outside of the city. We are working with the service providers. We are training individua ls. We are working to identify what are the risk factors, investing in those risk factors, and we are working to make a difference. We do not disagree we have more work to do, but this is the government that will do that work. Emergency Rooms Scheduled Appointments Mrs.

Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, Winnipeg ERs are in crisis, and mismanagement and broken promises by this NDP government is making it much worse. * (14:10) ERs are supposed to treat patients in need of emergency care. However, this NDP government allows ERs to act as doctors' offices and allows scheduled appointments for routine care. Eleven years ago, the emergency task force strongly recom - mended that scheduled ER visits end immediately. Can the Minister of Health tell us w hy she continues to allow this misuse and inefficiency of our ERs, 11 years after they were told to stop the practice? Hon.

Sharon Blady (Minister of Health): I thank the member for the question. We all know that emergency rooms are for emergencies, and that is how we expect them to be used. I'd also like to remind the member that scheduled ER visits make up less than 5 per cent of the total visits each year. Now, there are still some procedures that patients may get scheduled in the ER, such as abnormal lab values and removing staples or sutures or checking a wound. The RHA has implemented a number of measures to bring down the number of scheduled ER visits.

And I can say that it was very nice to, yesterday, be at the HSC ER and see the wonderful way that folks are not only being greeted but being triaged and dealt with. And I really want to thank all front -line providers in emergency rooms for the excellent work that they do. Mrs. Driedger: Mr. Speaker, despite the clueless rhetoric from this Minister of Health, this practice is putting patients at risk. Mr. Speaker, Winnipeg has the longest ER wait times in Canada, and this problem is being made worse because this government still allows scheduled appointments in ERs for nonemergencies.

In 2010, almost 13,000 scheduled visits were allowed; today it is 16,500. The numbers have skyrocketed despite the rhetoric just put on the record by this minister. They're going in the wrong direction. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Health explain to Manitoba patients why she continues to put ER patients at risk with her incompetence? Ms. Blady: As I was mentioning, the WRHA has implemented a number of measures to bring down the number of scheduled visits in ERs down, whether it's the administration of IV antibiotics and wound care, which has now been centralized at Lions Place and ACCESS Transcona.

Wound care is also now being delivered in the community, again, including through home visits. And cast checks are done at the Pan Am Minor Injury Clinic for kids referred from community hospital emergency departments. We also do things at the WRHA where they've now got a protocol where anticoagulation clinics set up at sever al sites for follow -up patients with deep vein thrombosis, and a 23- hour surgery unit was established at the HSC for orthopedic and other surgeries where previously patients were going to the HSC ER. So work is being done, Mr. Speaker. Mrs. Driedger: Mr.

Speaker, Donald Lepp, father to a six-year-old boy who has had a heart transplant, is in the gallery today. Yesterday he and his son were forced to wait five hours at the Children's Hospital ER for a scheduled appointment for an injection. So not only are emergency patients being forced to wait for emergency care, over 16,000 scheduled patients have been forced to wait in Winnipeg ERs this past year. Mr. Speaker, no wonder the ERs are in crisis.

So I'd like to ask this Minister of Health: What excuse does she have today for this colossal failure of her government that was supposed to end this practice 11 years ago and it's still continuing and getting worse? Ms. Blady: To the Lepp family, if there are any details that they feel that my office needs

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1001 to know, as members opposite understand– [interjection] Members opposite need to–members in the opposite know, but folks in the gallery may not be aware that we do not discuss individual cases within the Chamber. We preserve the privacy and health information privacy of all Manitobans. So if there's any details that the family would like to speak to me directly, after question period, I welcome the opportunity, because any opportunity that we have to make the system better, I will take that opportunity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. St.

Eustache Dike Repairs Property Damage Case Concern Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): Our flood infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. Laurent Ponsin of St. Eustache recently took me on tour of dikes behind his property, in pa rticular a 100-foot section. As these pictures show, and I'll table them, Mr. Speaker, approximately one third has fallen into the river, while another third has separated and sunk several feet. Why is the NDP ignoring this damage and risking a breach? Hon. Steve Ashton (Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation ): Mr. Speaker, we've been investing very significantly in flood mitigation.

In fact, post the '97 flood, throughout the Red River Valley there was very significant investments as part of the $1-billion investments that were put in place. I can indicate that we are already now engaging on the next round of this. In fact, there have been meetings throughout the province. Many of the impacts are in the member's constituency, and we've been addr essing that, Mr. Speaker, the Assiniboine dikes, for example. So we take very seriously and we are, in fact, moving towards further enhancements and working with both existing dike owners and properties that could be further protected.

So we're moving ve ry aggressively on this. Mr. Martin: Should read his own budget. It shows a 40 per cent cut in flood protection financing. Mr. Speaker, the NDP have known about this situation for over two months but have done nothing to correct it. If the minister put as much effort into fixing these dikes as he does toppling his leader, we wouldn't have these problems. When will this dike be repaired? Mr. Ashton : Well, you know, Mr. Speaker, again, you know, it took one question and we see that for them it's all poli tics all of the time.

For us it's about flood mitigation, and I can tell you we are investing in a major way throughout this province. I would note, Mr. Speaker, that no constituency has been more impacted in a positive sense than the member's constituency. No–much of it is at stake in terms of the Assiniboine River. So the real question I would ask–it's a rhetorical question, the member opposite probably won't choose to answer it. Why, when he's so–says he's so concerned about flood mitigation, does he vote against the budget that implements flood mitigation time and time again? Mr. Martin: Mr.

Speaker, the $670,000 political payoff of the NDP staff would go a long way in repairing these damages. Is the NDP prepared to be financially and legally accountable for the damages occurred if this dike breaches, or are they planning to pass the buck to Mr. Ponsin and his neighbours? Mr. Ashton: Mr. Speaker, if the member's interested in asking questions about severance pay, he may want to ask his leader who's collected it twice, so the hypocrisy of members opposite shows no bounds. And, again, Mr.

Speaker, you can see by the tone of the question that the members opposite are really not interested in the reality of flood mitigation. We've put in place $1 billio n in terms of flood mitigation in this province. We're now engaged in the second batch. We're already out there working with communities in terms of the Assiniboine River, many of the communities that the member opposite represents. We're moving in terms of Morris in terms of flood mitigation, flood protection for the town of Morris. We're working with the southwest.

In fact, we'll be making an announcement on Friday on impacts in terms of improvement in terms of flood protection in the southwest. But, again, Mr. Speaker, we're moving ahead; they vote against it. Manitoba Conservation Environmental Protection Funding Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, Bartley Kives recently wrote that today's NDP have

1002 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 been whittling away at environmental funding at the same time they portray themselves as responsible stewards of Manitoba's lakes, rivers, forests and diminished grasslands. Indeed, the Premier is the provincial equivalent to Mr. Harper on the critical environment file with the drastic cuts to Ma nitoba Conservation's roles important to environmental protections, water quality testing, fish habitat pro- tection and wildlife surveys and enforcement. Why is the Premier not a supporter of a better environment for Manitoba? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premie r): Mr.

Speaker, the member will know that we've made very significant investments in the environment in Manitoba. First of all, we've supported the continuation of the Experimental Lakes region in terms of research. We are the largest contributor to the International Institute for Sustainable Development. We have in front of the Government of Canada – they're leading with us on this, well, in partnership with First Nations –declaring the Pimachiowin Aki on the east side of Lake Winnipeg as the largest protected area of boreal forest in North America.

All of those things go along with expanding–it goes along with expanding more parks in Manitoba, which we are–have $100 million to invest in that and we're seeing very good results out of that. * (14:20) More parks, more –the only UNESCO large landscape being protected in North America now, Mr. Speaker, investments in the international institute of sustainable development, protection of the Experimental Lakes Area, and I'll give him more initiatives that w e are furthering in Manitoba on the environment. Climate Change Greenhouse Gas Targets Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr.

Speaker, a recent survey shows that Manitobans are very concerned about climate change. The increased flooding events in recent years are likely in part a result of climate change, but today's NDP don't seem concerned. They broke their promise and their legislated commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and, indeed, today's future NDP has not even set future targets for gre enhouse gas reductions and the ones on their websites are 2012 targets which they broke years ago and still haven't met.

Indeed, in the last few years, today's NDP haven't even provided an updated plan to address climate change issues in Manitoba. Why has the Premier done so little to address climate change in our province? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): During the decade, the last decade from 2000 and 2010, our greenhouse gas emissions were flat at a time when the economy was growing at a record amount, Mr. Speaker, one of the best records in the country. And we have brought in some very significant innovations. We brought in an ethanol mandate to reduce the amount of emissions from gasoline.

We brought in a biodiesel mandate to reduce the amount of emiss ions from diesel. Our hydro exports alone are worth 62.6 megatons of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in other regions of the Midwest, the equivalent of taking 12 and a half million vehicles off the roads. That's just our hydro exports. We have a peat moss moratorium going on in Manitoba, and, of course, we're investing over $1 billion to protect Lake Winnipeg from nutrification. Our environmental initiatives are widespread, Mr. Speaker. I'd be happy to inform him in his next question of other initiat ives we're taking in Manitoba.

Energy East Pipeline Clean Environment Commission Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Last week I asked the Premier when he was going to call the Clean Environment Commission review into the Energy East Pipeline. The Premier, instead of answering the question, referred to the National Energy Board review. A significant concern about the Energy East Pipeline is its impact on climate change and green - house gas production.

The National Energy Board will not look into this, so I ask again: When will the Premier call the Clean Environment Commission review of the Energy East Pipeline to adequately consider issues surrounding greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, or is the Premier, as many suspect, not really concerned about climate change or our environment? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, I recommend the member check in with the federal Liberal Party, who are supporting the Energy East Pipeline.

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1003 The reality is this: When it comes to the Energy East Pipeline, w e want to make sure we protect our water, we want to make sure we protect the environment, we want to make sure we have safe communities, and that is the reason we have applied for full intervenor status in the National Energy Board hearings. The premier s of the country are working together on an overall energy management as well as climate change strategy for the country, Mr. Speaker. Policy should be made in the legislatures; that's where we're doing it.

We've got some of the better recycling programs going on in the country with producer responsibility. I've indicated to him our fuel initiatives; I've indi - cated to him our park initiatives; I've indicated to him what we're doing to protect the boreal forest; and I've indicated to him what our hydro exports are valued at in terms of over 62 megatons of reductions, 12 million vehicles off the road. We believe there are other innovations: Power Smart programs, some of the best in the country.

Every home that enters into a Power Smart program can reduce up to five tons of emissions by installing a geothermal system– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable First Minister's time for this question has elapsed. Trades and Technology Careers Skills Canada National Competition Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Despite the doom and gloom from this side of the House, Mr. Speaker, we know that our economy is growing, and it's growing because we're training our young people and engaging them in the jobs of the future– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: The h onourable member for Concordia has the floor.

Mr. Wiebe: Today, at Kildonan- East Collegiate in my community, I got a chance to meet an incredible group of young people who are learning trades and showing us what they can do when they are trained and they' re given the opportunities and given the platform to succeed in their lives. Can the Minister of Jobs and the Economy share with the House today the accomplishments of these amazing students and the exciting event that will be taking place in Manitoba in 2017? Hon.

Kevin Chief (Minister of Jobs and the Economy): I was glad that I was joined by the member from Concordia, the principal, educators, a group of young people, all throughout Manitoba, for a very exciting announcement today. Rosemary Sparks from BuildForce Canada had this to say, Mr. Speaker: There has never been a better time to get involved in the trades in Manitoba. We couldn't agree more and neither could young people. Their message was clear today. They're proud of who they are. They'r e proud of their home - towns.

They're proud of their home communities, and they're going to have the opportunity to showcase those talents, those skills, at a national competition in Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, we're proud as a government that we're trained . We've tripled the amount of active apprentices, 10,000, over 10,000 in total. We have incredible ambassadors, incredible young people. I've always said the most talented young people in the country live in Manitoba– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The honourable minister's time for this question has elapsed. Assiniboine Valley Farmers Flooding Compensation Mr.

Doyle Piwniuk (Arthur-Virden): Mr. Speaker, for four out of five years, farmers on –along the Assiniboine valley down from the Shellmouth Dam were unable to seed a crop. Not only does the NDP government mismanage the lakes and waterways, they created financial hardships on producers. This is creating emotional hardships and straining multi - generational farm families' relationships. Mr. Speaker, when is this NDP government going to start relieving some of this hardship and start compensating some of these producers as they promised? Hon. Steve Ashton (Minister responsible for Emergency Measures): Well, Mr.

Speaker, it's important to know that there's been very significant flooding on the Assiniboine River that's impacted all parts of the Assiniboine, and the situation with the Shellmouth Dam is there are special provisions put in for where there is artificial flooding. There are programs that deal with crop impacts from ongoing flooding. And what we have done as a government is put in place specific legislation where there's actually additional impacts from artificial flooding.

1004 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 I point out again for the member opposite, and he certainly knows from many other communities he's represented, there's been very significant natural flooding all over Manitoba, and, again, there are programs in place for that, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Piwniuk: But they definitely caused this year's flood. This NDP government has promised flood com - pensation and flood protection for producers, yet they have broken more promises and failed to provide compensation. These producers face uncertainty year after year.

They have the same output costs when they put the crops in. This govern- ment's mismanagement and –has put undue stress in relationships on many producers. Mr. Speaker, when will this NDP government stop mismanaging our lakes and waterways, and when will they start compensating our hard- working family–farm families? Mr. Ashton : You know, Mr. Speaker, I point out again that we've had significant flooding, natural flooding. It didn't just impact in Manitoba; it impacted in Saskatchewan; it impacted in North Dakota; it impacted in Alberta.

It's impacted across the entire basin, and I point out again that what we have done in response to that is put in place very significant supports, both through disaster financial assistance. In the 2011 flood, Mr. Speaker, we put in place $1.2 billion of programs and mitigat ion, much of it which also impacted in terms of supports for the southwest; 2014, much the same. And I hope the member would recognize the degree to which it's this government and the staff of our government that's working around the clock dealing with a l ot of the damages that occurred in 2014 and continuing into 2015.

So we are very concerned about flood mitigation, Mr. Speaker; it's a major priority because it's a major priority for Manitobans. Lake Manitoba Flood Protection Mr. Blaine Pedersen (Midland): Mr. Speaker, this past Tuesday I asked the Minister of Agriculture about the overland flooding around Lake Manitoba. In his non- answer, the minister said, and I'll quote: "We talk about flood retention," end of quote. Why is this government talking about flood retention instead of flood protection? Why does this NDP government continue to put the farm community, First Nations and homeowners at risk by their mismanagement?

Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development): It's my pleasure to reply back to the question from the member opposite. * (14:30) Let's go back to 2011 and let's go back to 2012 when we talked about Lake Manitoba. We talk about the member opposite, the Leader of the Opposition party, showed up at a hall, and he asked the crowd: Who in the audience here would like to flood out the city of Winnipeg because we're [inaudible] Who was the minister –who was the member opposite that brought that forward? I would question the member opposite about bringing that forward.

But let me remind the member opposite as well, what did Minister Ritz say when he indicated we do not pay for flooding events from the federal government or repeat flood events that happened in one particular year? And that is my answer to the m ember opposite when we talk about the 2011 flood. Mr. Pedersen: Well, moving forward to 2015, Mr. Speaker, this government continues to flood out producers around Lake Manitoba with their mismanagement, promises of a second outlet, but no plans to do it. And then the same question on Tuesday, Mr. Speaker.

The minister said, and I'll quote: The sad reality is that we are working with the federal government. Unquote. One time they talk about working with the federal government and then the minister says it's a sad reality. Where are they here? Mr. Kostyshyn : Obviously, members opposite are well aware of the environmental rules and regulations that we have to work with the federal government in order for the opportunity for that to move forward.

The sad reality is the members opposite choose not to support our budget, and that's a sad reality, of moving forward for jobs, and to agriculture producers in the province of Manitoba that are part of our GDP, which is 9 per cent. That's where we need to be focused on, on the importance of economics, jobs and infrastructure development that all people respect in the province of Manitoba.

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1005 Mr. Speaker: Time for oral questions has expired. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Mr. Speaker: It's now time for members' statements. EMS Awareness Week Mr. Jim Rondeau (Assiniboia): Good day, Mr. Speaker. Our communities would not be the same without the dedication and skills of paramedics. This year, Emergency Medical Services Awareness Week is taking place from May 24th to May 30th. In preparation I'd like to recognize our first responders and the life-saving work that they do.

Emergency Medical Services Awareness Week recognizes EMS professionals who help Manitoba's– in many ways. Whether you' ve had a car accident, heart attack or other medical emergency, paramedics will rush to the scene to help you when you need it most. Paramedics put themselves in harm's way every day to help us. We need to acknowledge the men and women who do this tough work on the front lines to save lives. EMS Awareness Week helps raise public awareness about safety issues such as how we can prevent injuries and what we do during medical emergencies.

For example, their kickoff event at Weston School will have an ambulan ce and a MIRV set up to–for children to take a tour. Crews will also be teaching children how the 911 system works and when to call. When I had the opportunity to volunteer as an EMT in Cranberry Portage, I learned first-hand many of the challenges facing paramedics and the role they play in protecting the safety of our communities. That's why it's important to provide our EMTs with high-quality education. In September, Red River College will start a new advanced care paramedic program.

This will give our EMS teams the best opportunity to further their skills. Our government is dedicated to working with paramedics across this great province to make more effective and co-ordinated EMS system. I'd like to ask all members in the Legislative Assembly to joi n me today in thanking the Paramedic Association of Manitoba, who join us in the gallery today, as well as the paramedics across Manitoba who risk their lives for our safety and make our society a better place to be. Halli Krzyzaniak World Champion Hockey Player Mr. Stuart Briese (Agassiz): Mr.

Speaker, I rise today to honour Halli Krzyzaniak, an elite, young, talented athlete. Ms. Krzyzaniak was one of four Manitoba female athletes selected to represent Team Canada at the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championship in Malmö, Sweden, this part March 28th to April 4th. Halli is currently a sophomore defenceman for the University of North Dakota, where she was named to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's All-WCHA Third Team fo r her efforts during the 2014- 2015 season.

Halli most recently received Defensive Player of the Year award and named team captain for UND women's hockey team. Krzyzaniak ended the season with a total of 13 points, scoring two goals and 11 assists. Her time and experience with the University of North Dakota teammates assisted in preparation for her national debut with the senior Team Canada. She is the second youngest defenceman to play in the Canadian National Women's Team in at least eight years. Halli represented Canada in November in the 2014 Coronation Cup in BC.

Krzyzaniak and her teammates defeated the US and won gold medals at the tournament before heading off to the world championships in Sweden. Despite being one of the youngest players on the team, she recorded her first international career point when she assisted on a game -winning goal against the US in preliminary action. At the world championships in Sweden, Team Canada won three out of five games. The first–team's first loss to the tournament was to the US, whom they would face again in the gold medal game on April 4th.

Unfortunately, Team Canada came up short in the gold medal game and was defeated by Team USA. Krzyzaniak played five games in Sweden, earned two points with two assists. At 20 years old, Krzyzaniak also holds gold medals in the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation, under-18 women's world championships and the 20–as well, which were held in the Czech Republic, as well as the 2013 world championship held in Finland. Krzyzaniak also earned many accolades and has clearly proven herself to be hard -working, energetic and confident, both on the ice and off. A student

1006 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 athlete, she manages her intense training, travelling, international championships and still maintains an above-average grade point average. A quote from Halli on what her ultimate goal is, to represent Canada at the Olympics. Krzyzaniak's work ethic, incredible dedication to the sport certainly prove her potential to one day make her dream come true. She was one of the best young female athletes in our country, and I'm proud to say her hometown is Neepawa, Manitoba.

I hope to see Halli's dream come true, one day as a future Olympian when she represents Canada at the Olympics. Her parents and her community ar e incredibly proud of her as we all are today. She joins us in the gallery today, and we all wish her the best of luck and success in her future. Danae DesJardins Student Citizenship Award Hon. Thomas Nevakshonoff (Minister of Conservation and Water Stewa rdship): Mr. Speaker, volunteers are vital to organizations, in that they have an enormous impact on the well -being of communities and make a difference in people's day - to-day lives.

Here in the Interlake we have an amazing young volunteer, Danae DesJardi ns, who always gives her time to local organizations. In March, Danae received the Student Citizenship Award, which is given to young people throughout Manitoba who get involved in their schools and communities. Danae is a great example of someone who always lends a helping hand. During her middle - school years, she was the student council vice - president. She continued playing an active role at Fisher Branch Collegiate, serving as the student council president for three years running.

Danae also helped wi th the yearbook, grad committee and as a peer support worker for Fisher Branch Collegiate. Danae also has an outstanding reputation of giving her time to many local organizations around Fisher Branch. Despite her busy school commitments, she volunteered wi th the breakfast program at Fisher Branch early years school Fisher Branch rec centre, Fisher Branch Community Hall and Fisher Branch Curling Club, serving breakfast to young children, helping organize provincial hockey tournaments, fundraising for the local curling club.

Danae will be graduating from Fisher Branch Collegiate this year and moving on to the next stage of her life. In the fall, Danae is moving to Winnipeg to take a hairstyling course and continue to volunteer there. She is, of course, nervous and excited to start this new

chapter in her life. Many of us know how hard it can be to juggle multiple commitments in our busy lives. That is why it's important to take the time to recognize people like Danae, who give so much of their time. Congratulations, Danae, on your Student Citizenship Award. Thank you for all the hard work you do in your community, and I look forward to seeing what you can accomplish in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker: The honourable member for Portage la Prairie, I believe. * (14:40) Portage Terriers Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): Mr.

Speaker, I am very honoured to say that on May 17th, 2015, the Portage Terriers became the 2015 RBC Cup Junior A national champions. The Terriers captured the RBC Cup in front of their home crowd, with a 5 -2 win over the Carleton Place Canadians on Sunday night at the PCU Centre in Portage la Prairie.

Portage's RBC Cup win is the first time in a–first time a Manitoba team has captured a Junior A national championship since the 1973- 74 Selkirk Steelers won the cup, and that was one year after the Portage Terriers organization last won the national title–the–this–the–and last won the national title was '72-73 Centennial Cup. Previous titles include the Memorial Cup in 1942-43. Portage la Prairie is a great hockey town, and I want to acknowledge the incredible support the team received from the community and to thank the hundreds of volunteers who have made this event a huge success.

Three of the Terriers players were Po rtage la Prairie natives: Zack Waldvogel, Garick Gray, Dean Stewart, and had the opportunity to experience an RBC Cup win at home. The Portage la Prairie Terriers have had a season for the history books, being crowned national champions caps a historic se ason for the Portage Terriers, where they went 53 -3-4 in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League season–regular season–setting records for the fewest regulation losses, overall losses and wins percentage. The Terriers had a

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1007 perfect 12 and oh through the MJHL pla yoff to capture the Turnbull Cup, a feat that hasn't been accomplished in the league since '85-86. Portage la Prairie also became the first host team to win the RBC Cup since the Weyburn Red Wings turned the trick in 2005. The Terriers finished the season, '14 -15, with an overall record of 74-5-5. Leave it –I ask leave for the names of the winning team to be read into the record, and, Mr. Speaker, I ask all honourable members to join me in congratulating the Terriers in winning the 2015 RBC Cup. Mr.

Speaker: Is there leave of the House to include the names of the Portage Terriers in today's Hansard? [Agreed] Zac Robidoux (96); Justin Laforest (95); Dean Stewart (98); Mackenzie Dwyer; Brett Orr (96); Davis Ross (95); Kevin Pochuk (95); Matt Alexander (94); Taylor Friesen (94); Brad Bowles (95); Jaryd Wiebe (95); Grant Valiquette (94); Tanner Jago (94); Andrew Zerban (96); Shawn Bowles (95); Garick Gray (94); Carson Perreaux (94); Ryan Swier (96); Zack Waldvogel (94); Tyler Jeanson (97); Jordyn Boyd (94); Dane Schioler (96); Landon Peel (94); Chase Faulkner (96); Head Coach/GM, Blake Spiller; Assistant Coach, Paul Harland; Assistant Coach, Eric Delong; Goaltender Coach, Jim Tkachyk; Equipment Manager/Trainer, Geno Romanow; Director, Player Personnel, F rank Harding; Team Chaplain, Harry Funk.

École George V School and Salisbury Morse Place Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Mr. Speaker, 1915 was a big year for the communities of East Kildonan and Elmwood. One hundred years ago, Salisbury school opened their doors to students and George V School laid their official cornerstone. This year both Salisbury Morse Place and École George V School had a great time marking their 100th year milestones. The official celebrations at École George V School are taking place on June 5th and 6th.

They are looking forward to hosting a music concert with a repertoire of songs spanning the last 100 years; a come-and-go tea room in the gym for students and families to mingle with alumni; and a community carnival with lots of fun activities. Students and staff at Salisbury Morse Place celebrated back in April with special performances. They also opened time capsules for 25 years ago. To celebrate the school's 75th anniversary in 1990, students wrote letters to their future selves to s ee if they could predict their future.

The former students had the chance to come back and visit the school and read those letters that they had written to themselves. At both schools, teachers have worked hard to integrate the hundredth anniversary into the classroom. Students have been taking time to learn about different historical events over the past 100 years to see how our neighbourhood, the school and Winnipeg has changed since students first started at that school.

Over the years, École George V has had various additions to its space, including a modern, accessible gym and the original Salisbury Morse Place School has been completely replaced, so the school's exteriors don't look much like the original buildings anymore. Enrollment numbers have al so fluctuated as the neighborhood has changed a lot over the century. What has remained the same is the passion for learning that both teachers and students share. Congratulations to Salisbury Morse Place and École George V school on 100 fantastic years. Here's to 100 more. Mr.

Speaker: I believe that concludes members' statements and we'll now call for grievances. ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Mr. Speaker: Seeing no grievances, we'll move on to orders of the day, government business. But before I get to that, I'd like to recognize the honourable leader of the –Official Opposition House Leader, on House business? House Business Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Official Opposition House Leader): On House business. Mr. Speaker: On House business. Mr. Goertzen: Mr.

Speaker, in accordance with rule 31(9), I'd like to announce that the private member's resolution that would be considered next Thursday is the resolution on improving Manitoba's long-term personal-care-home strategy, brought forward by the honourable member for Emerson (Mr. Graydon). Mr. Speaker: It has been announced that in accordance with rule 31(9), that the private member's resolution to be considered next Thursday is the

1008 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 resolution on improving Manitoba's long-term personal-care-home strategy , sponsored by the honourable member for Emerson (Mr. Graydon). Mr. Speaker: Now, the honourable Government House Leader, on government business. Hon. Dave Chomiak (Government House Leader): Yes, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to announce that, at the request of the committee members, the meeting of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, scheduled to meet this evening at 7 p.m. in room 255, will now start at 6 p.m. instead. Mr.

Speaker: It has been announced that the –that a request of committee members to attend the meeting–the Standing Committee Meeting on Public Accounts, scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight in room 255, will now start at 6 p.m., just for the information of members. * * * Mr. Chomiak: Yes, Mr. Speaker, on House business, I'd like to call Bill 71, The Animal Diseases Amendment Act, report stage. REPORT STAGE AMENDMENTS Bill 71–The Animal Diseases Amendment Act Mr. Speaker: Now, call under report stage amendments Bill 71, standing in the name, I believe, for the honourable member for Midland.

Title of the bill is The Animal Diseases Amendment Act. Mr. Blaine Pedersen (Midland): I move, seconded by the member for Lakeside (Mr. Eichler), THAT Bill 71 be amended in C lause 9(5) by striking out "and" at the end of Clause 9(5)(

a) and by adding the following after Clause 9(5)(b): (

c) by adding the following after the proposed clause (b): Before entry, the director or inspector must take the biosecurity measures necessary to comply with any biosecurity standards or protocols in place in respect of the place, premises or vehicle. Mr. Speaker: It's been moved by the honourable member for Midland, seconded by the honourable member for Lakeside, THAT Bill 71 be amended in C lause 9(5) by striking out "and" at the end of Clause 9(5)(

a) and by adding the following after Clause 9(5)(b): (

c) by adding the following after the proposed clause (b):–dispense? An Honourable Member: Dispense. Mr. Speaker: Dispense. The amendment is in order. Mr. Pedersen: The Bill 71, The Animal Diseases Amendment Act, seeks to clarify some of the language within the act as an amendment to the existing act. And one of the concerns that we had, and, as we spoke to stakeholders that we had–that it was the, again, from the NDP 's point of view, it's top-down bureaucracy here, in that they seem to know what's best. They're not respecting property owners and the biosecurity that the producers have in place right now.

And, with the recent outbreak of PED in the hog industry, the–I–my guess is the minister would like to stand up and take credit for controlling PED across Manitoba, but, in fact, it was the producers across Manitoba who managed to control it to–I believe it was something like five premises. The trucking industry has been very involved in this.

I want to give a public thank you to Steve's trucking and their Blue Water Wash in that they have been very aggressive on bringing in the latest technology in order to sanitize trucks so that to minimize the chance of spreading PED from barn to barn. * (14:50) And this is what this amendment speaks to is that it takes into account the efforts that local producers are doing on their own farms. And the amendments to Bill 71–or the Bill 71, as The Animal Diseases Amendment Act, do esn't take into account the efforts that our local producers –that the producers on the ground are doing.

And the hog industry in particular, although the cattle industry is now into more biosecurity, we also see in the feather industry right now the avian flu which has been spreading through Ontario and into some of the states just directly to the south of us. It's a concern for our feather industry here in Manitoba, that they are able to control the spread of avian flu.

But again it will still come down–no matter what kind of legislation you intend to try to write, it still comes down to local producers having control of their own premises and controlling access and egress and the potential for viruses to spread on their premises.

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1009 And so I want to give a big shout -out to all our producers who particularly run the confinement barns where these types of diseases are most likely to be of significant threat to their livelihoods. And while I'm at it, Mr.

Speaker, I just want to again take particular attention to federal Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz, the Manitoba Pork, Manitoba Beef Producers, the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, the Canadian Pork Council, for their tireless efforts in bringing the United States –taking United States to the World Trade Organization to battle against their country of origin labelling, this unfair trade restriction that's on there.

This–the United States–within the United States, many of the lawmakers just didn't realize the damage that they did to their own economy when they brought in the COOL legislation, as it closed down a number of packing plants that actually relied on Canadian beef and pork to supply raw material for their plants. It was the retail industry–it hurt the retail industry, the meat trade within the US. And so now after –I believe it's four times to the World Trade Organization –the United States is now in the process of amending their legislation.

And it is my understanding it has passed through the House of Representatives. It now goes to the Senate. But it–the Americans still haven't got this figured out, that they have to obey world laws. In the meantime, our Canadian government is actively–will actively now seek tariff barriers on products such as chocolate and wine.

And they've been very selectiv e in targeting products that will come into Canada out of the US and–but, however, they have to apply to the WTO to make sure that they are not in themselves over –if I can call it over tariff on the effect that COOL has had on Canada and Mexico–I should add Mexico has been in there as well. So we certainly applaud the federal government for–and all our trade organizations for pushing very hard on this. I should give a shout -out to our ambassador, Canadian ambassador in the US, Gary Doer, has been very adamant and very helpful on this file, as well, within the American government.

So it's taken a lot of people and a lot of time. The cost to the Canadian industry has been very significant, but we can hope that the US finally comes to their senses and pass es the legislation so that we do not have to get into the trade –or trade tariff war with them. That's not a –that doesn't help economies. And we're–Canadians are believers in free trade. Even, you know, something like the New West Partnership would be amaz ing thing for Manitoba, too, but –in trade.

So perhaps this government can talk to the new Notley government after they're sworn in on Sunday, if they're–if Manitoba would be allowed to join the New West trade partnership, Mr. Speaker. So, again, back to this amendment on this bill – we feel that this is the right step for this bill, to take this amendment, and it empowers the local producer to keep up their biosecurity within their premises.

It's still–this amendment does not impinge upon the veterinary–Manitoba veterinary –government veter - inaries to come in to a premise should there actually be a disease threat, but, at the same time, we cannot underestimate the efforts that our local producers continue to be vigilant against diseases because, ultimately, it's producers who pay the price when diseases come into their barns. It's –so they are very diligent on this.

So I would really like to see –I know that the Ag Minister did have his own amendment where they talked about doing this, but they said they would write them in regulations, and we have a problem with that because there's not the input from the ag community on that.

We want to see input from the actual–this puts it in writing in the bill that they would have to respect to the biosecurity procedures in place, not only in–on the barns but also in vehicles because as I mentioned, Steve's trucking and their Blue Water Wash, there's –we all know that there's a lot of livestock transported across –both across Manitoba and across the country, really, and into the US, and those trucking companies also have very strict biosecurity protocols. So we want to make sure that if there is an inspection on the road, of trucks, that it's respecting what the company has put in place.

And, as I said, this is very important for the economy of the livestock industry, and we just certainly would like to see this amendment passed in this House to add, to further add –I–we believe it certainly strengthens this bill as it is being proposed now, and we would certainly like to see t he support from the government to take a bill that in general we can support, but this makes this bill even better. So, with that, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development): I'd like to thank the

1010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 member opposite for bringing this item forward. Obviously, Mr. Speaker, as you're aware of, we brought this bill in in last fall's session, and we knew the importance of it, and we were somewhat taken back by the acceptance from the members opposite to deal with. At that time, the PED had spread and numerous other biosecurity issues that we were challenging. But, obviously, I'm very pleased today that members opposite and that –are in agreement of the importance of Bill 71 being brought forward when we talk about the disease amendment act.

And I do want to, hopefully, also acknowledge the fact, and I'm glad the members opposite shows respect to our chief veterinarian officer and the hard -working government people that were very instrumental of keeping the PED virus at the state it is and the hard work that they continue to do on behalf of agriculture in the province of Manitoba.

But I also want to share with members opposite, when we talked about working with commodity groups, the truth be known, when we had the discussion about Bill 71 last fall, and not passing the motion, as we talked to the Manitoba Pork Council, and we talked to a number of other agencies that were somewhat mystified by the choice of members opposite not to move forward with acceptance of the bill. And I guess today we're still very happy to hear that they've finally come forward with the importance of the disease.

We do have the importance of –the biosecurity continues to be a challenge throughout Canada, US and other provinces. But I think Manitoba definitely is the lead when we talk about making sound investments in a number of opportunities to minimize sanitation, transportation trucks. And I do want to acknowledge that when I was out at Blumenort, and we had the opportunity to do the official opening of the blue bay wash, which I think Steve's hauling has done a great job and continues to work with the federal and provincial government in attracting this.

But I do want to acknowledge the fact that, you know, we will continue to work with industry and we always have, regardless who it is, whether it's the beef industry, the chicken, the turkey industries; the dairy industry is very supportive of this bill, and they've been long waiting for this Bill 71 to be brought forward.

Regarding the amendments that the member opposite has brought forward, we've had–we had a meeting with the members opposite, with some of his fellow MLAs, and we addressed the issue by adjusting the original amendment, and we've now put it into the context that do es address the issue as the member forward is trying to bring forward. * (15:00) So I would say that we've worked collaboratively on the opportunity to address the biosecurity issue, and we do know, basically, on biosecurity entering premises, there is a very good security system that addresses the issue.

Even if it's the government representative or a government veterinarian, they are very well in tune of the necessary of biosecurity and the opportunity to minimize the spread regardless which livestock industry they enter. But I do want to share a couple other things that it's very concerning, I guess, as we move forward with the challenges we face in the biosecurity. Maybe members opposite weren't aware of this, but a few Canadians know about this.

As of April 1st, 2014, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency stopped taking numbers of steps to spread of rabies, including collecting and submitting samples for testing, investigating and quarantining domestic animals suspected of having rabies, paying an indemnity to livestock that dies due to rabies. This was all a result of provinces and territories have to pick up slack. This legislation includes amendments that will help to fill the gap that was left by the federal government. Mr.

Speaker, as we all kn ow, CFIA plays a very important role, and we talk about biosecurity, regardless of whether it was transmittable, traceability opportunities –and you know what, industry has done a great job. The BSE crisis was a great example of the due diligence we have do ne with industry, we've done it with producers. Traceability is going to be the new norm of providing an opportunity to market livestock whether if it's domestically or internationally regardless of where we are. But it is what industry has been asking for.

That is why the government of Manitoba has been working with commodity groups and we have their blessing. We continue to work with them on a number of actions, but we do recognize the importance of 9 per cent of our GDP comes from agriculture, and this i s an opportunity that we continue to work on new emerging challenges we face in biosecurity. One of the things I think that members opposite tend to recognize is the hard work that the CVOs do

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1011 and the challenges we've now been faced with with certain crit eria that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is continuing to challenge our provincial Treasury department to carry on traditional inspec - tions that would normally be handled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. So, when we talk about the disease amen dment act that's being introduced today, hopefully, for a third and final reading, is a sign that we're working with the industry, but we also want to minimize overloading of working–of individuals whether it's from the federal or provincial.

We're prepared to take this on, but we need to work with producers and we need to have an understanding with commodity groups of the importance of this bill passing today. Because we know for the betterment of minimizing of the spread of PED, the avian flu that we're hearing about – serious, serious consequences in the US side –and it's a matter of time, opportunities of that coming in.

The importance of sanitation and working with Border Services–as the member opposite alluded to, the wash bays–we need to have a continuation of present regulations that we have, the Province of Manitoba has with the federal government with CFIA, because we need to be very vigilant. And our successes, Mr. Speaker, is we were able to contain the PED virus as one of many great examples that w e've done with the hog industry. I've talked to the chair –past chair –numerous times, and he compliments not only their producers, but it's a partnership, Mr.

Speaker, that needs to exist, regardless what commodity group we talk about. We need to have that partnership. We work together for the betterment of the agriculture industry in the province of Manitoba. The Province of Manitoba is here; we have laboratory testing that's done at the university. When we had the outbreak of the PED virus, we were going through thousands of samples. That was hard work that was being done.

That is money that's been generated from the commodity groups, but it's also provincial tax dollars, because the importance that we see that is invested when we talk about biosecurity –and we continue to work. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, this is the new norm of agriculture, of biosecurity.

But, as long as we communicate, we work together and we have the bill, 'idease' amendment act, Bill 71 in place, that does give us clear directions wh ere we have minimum security opportunities that we risk the opportunity of someone not co- operating when we have to enter a premise to prevent a continuing spread of disease that will have a hardship on other commodity groups similar in that perspective.

So I encourage members opposite to reconsider the amendments because, obviously, we have addressed it in the meeting we had prior to today's deliberation, and we continue to work in united force for the betterment of agriculture in the province of Manitoba. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the moment. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, just to notice that I believe this is a reasonable amendment and we'll support it. Mr. Speaker: Any further debate on the amendment? House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. Mr. Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the amendment?

Some Honourable Members: Yes. Some Honourable Members: No. Mr. Speaker: I hear a no. Voice Vote Mr. Speaker: All those in favour of the amendment will please signify by saying aye. Some Honourable Members: Aye. Mr. Speaker: All those opposed to the amendment will please signify by saying nay. Some Honourable Members: Nay. Mr. Speaker: In the opinion of the Chair, the Nays have it. Recorded Vote Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Official Opposition House Leader): A recorded vote, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker: A recorded vote having been requested, call in the members.

The question before the House is the amendment proposed by the honourable member for Midland (Mr. Pedersen) to The Animal Diseases Amendment Act. Division A RECORDED VOTE was taken, the result being as follows:

1012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 Yeas Briese, Cullen, Driedger, Eichler, Ewasko, Friesen, Gerrard, Goertzen, Graydon, Helwer, Martin, Mitchelson, Pallister, Pedersen , Piwniuk, Rowat, Schuler, Smook, Stefanson, Wishart. Nays Allan, Allum, Ashton, Bjornson, Blady, Caldwell, Chief, Chomiak, Crothers, Dewar, Gaudreau, Irvin-Ross, Jha, Kostyshyn , Lathlin, Lemieux, Mackintosh, Maloway, Marcelino (Logan), Marcelino (Tyndall Park), Melnick, Nevakshonoff, Oswald, Pettersen, Robinson, Rondeau, Saran, Selinger, Struthers, Swan, Wiebe, Wight. Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Yeas 20, Nays 32. Mr.

Speaker: I declare the amendment lost. * * * * (16:10) Mr. Pedersen: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for Spruce Woods (Mr. Cullen), THAT Bill 71 be amended in Clause 10(

d) by adding the following after the proposed clause (e): Before entering a place under c lause (

a) or a vehicle under clause (b), an inspector must take the bio- security measures necessary to comply with any biosecurity standards or protocols in place in respect of the place or vehicle. Mr. Speaker: It's been moved by the honourable member f or Midland (Mr. Pedersen), seconded by the honourable member for Spruce Woods, THAT Bill 71 be amended in Clause–dispense? An Honourable Member: Dispense. Mr. Speaker: Dispense. The amendment is in order. Mr. Pedersen: Mr. Speaker, we'll try again with this government. Under their existing legislation that's being proposed here, in

section (

e) it says, conduct or arrange for testing of an animal or anything else detained under clause (d). So what we're asking here is that you already have the permissio n to enter a building or vehicle or whatever the case may be in terms of suspected animal diseases, but what this is doing is just respecting the property rights of people to respect their biosecurity that–the current biosecurity protocol that's been put in place by the owner. Now, the bill itself allows them to enter. This is just further ensuring that there is no spread of animal diseases by the director or the inspector in place.

And it's –what we're doing here is we're protecting property rights, and we're asking for respect from inspectors to–when they come on to private property. That's not too much to ask, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Kostyshyn : I'd like to acknowledge the members opposite, as well, first and foremost of bringing forward the Bill 71 for final, hopefully, consent as we move forward into the new age of biosecurity in the province of Manitoba and Canada, but worldwide as well. Basically, the amendment has been dealt with in the revised amendment that we've discussed previous–last fall.

And I want to ensure the import - ance of the biosecurity continues as we talked about last fall. And I want to say again, it's my pleasure to see members opposite realizing the importance of the Bill 71 as we move forward. I do want to stress the fact that, you know , the main message is that the disease–Animal Diseases Act will help protect animal health in the province of Manitoba. These amendments will improve the existing act by enabling government to be more proactive when responding to emergency animal diseases.

The Manitoba pork industry producers to the transporters to the processors should be commended for their efforts to contain the spread, an example being is the PED virus spread. We are working together in partnerships with commodity groups such as the Ma nitoba pork industry, also with the feather industry, and we will continue to work with all commodities for the better interests of the economic benefit of the province of Manitoba through agriculture and Bill 71. Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, I've looked at t his amendment. I think it's a very reasonable one, and it should be supported. Mr.

Speaker: Any further debate on the amendment? An Honourable Member: Question. Mr. Speaker: Question? Question before the House is the amendment proposed by the honourable member for Midland to Bill 71, The Animal Diseases Amendment Act.

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1013 Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the amendment? Some Honourable Members: Yes. Some Honourable Members: No. Mr. Speaker: I hear a no. Voice Vote Mr. Speaker: All those in favour of the amendment will please signify by saying aye. Some Honourable Members: Aye. Mr. Speaker: All those opposed to the amendment will please signify by saying nay. Some Honourable Members: Nay. Mr. Speaker: Opinion of the Chair, the Nays have it. * (16:50) Recorded Vote Mr. Goertzen: A recorded vote, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

Speaker: Recorded vote having been requested, call in the members. The question before the House is the amendment proposed by the honourable member for Midland (Mr. Pedersen) to The Animal Diseases Amendment Act, Bill 71. Division A RECORDED VOTE was taken, the result being as follows: Yeas Briese, Cullen, Driedger, Eichler, Ewasko, Friesen, Gerrard, Goertzen, Graydon, Helwer, Martin, Mitchelson, Pallister, Pedersen , Piwniuk, Rowat, Schuler, Smook, Stefanson, Wishart.

Nays Allan, Allum, Ashton, Bjornson, Blady, Caldwell, Chief, Chomiak, Crothers, Dewar, Gaudreau, Irvin-Ross, Jha, Kostyshyn , Lathlin, Lemieux, Mackintosh, Maloway, Marcelino (Logan), Marcelino (Tyndall Park), Melnick, Nevakshonoff, Oswald, Pettersen, Robinson, Rondeau, Saran, Selinger, Struthers, Swan, Wight. Clerk: Yeas 20, Nays 31. Mr. Speaker: I declare the amendment lost. * * * Hon. Dave Chomiak (Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, asking leave of the House not to see the clock at 5 o'clock until a third reading has been completed on this particular bill. Mr.

Speaker: Is there leave of the House not to see the clock at 5 p.m. to ensure that this House receive – this bill receives third reading? [Agreed] Mr. Pedersen: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen), THAT Bill 71 be amended in C lause 11 by adding the following after the proposed subsection 6.5(2): Biosecurity standards or protocols to be followed 6.5(2.1) The director or inspector entering a place, area or vehicle under this

section must take the biosecurity measures necessary to comply with any biosecurity standards or protocols in place in respect of the place, area or vehicle. Mr. Speaker: It's been moved by the honourable member for Midland (Mr. Pedersen), seconded by the honourable member for Steinbach, THAT Bill 71 be amended in Clause 11 by adding the following after the proposed subsection 6.5(2) – dispense? Some Honourable Members: Dispense. Mr. Speaker: Dispense. The amendment is in order. Mr. Pedersen: Well, maybe third time lucky that this government will respect property rights.

Under this bill, under 6.5(2), they already have the power to enter a place under this le gislation. All we're asking for is that you respect property rights, respect the biosecurity that our hard- working producers have in place to protect their businesses. Mr. Kostyshyn: Thank you to the member opposite to debate on amendments that we felt we dealt with when we met last fall with the issue. Let me remind member opposite, Bill 71 will allow the Province and industry to better deal with the threat of animal diseases and have a potential to do great harm to agriculture industry and the Manitoba economy.

The bill will make us more nimble and flexible when handling a potential outbreak. It's a great move to move forward with the bill that has received much great support from industry.

1014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 21, 2015 The Province and the CVO worked closely with commodity groups, and we have seen the results working with Pork Council and the pork industry to stop the spread, an example, of the PED virus. The bill will allow better animal care during instances of disease and will allow quicker action to protect the industry and Manitoba's economy, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, I believe this is a reasonable amendment and I'm prepared to support it. Mr. Speaker: Any further debate on the amendment? House ready for the question? An Honourable Member: Question. Mr.

Sp eaker: Question for the House is the amendment proposed by the honourable member for Midland to Bill 71. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the amendment? Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Some Honourable Members: No. Mr. Speaker: I hear a no. Voice Vote Mr. Speaker: All those in favour of the amendment will please signify by saying aye. Some Honourable Members: Aye. Mr. Speaker: All those opposed to the amendment will please signify by saying nay. Some Honourable Members: Nay. Mr. Speaker: In the opinion of the Chair, the Nays have it. Mr. Goertzen: On division. Mr. Speaker: On division.

On division, so ordered. CONCURRENCE AND THIRD READINGS Bill 71–The Animal Diseases Amendment Act Hon. Dave Chomiak (Government House Leader): Mr. Speake r, I move, seconded by the Minister of Agriculture, that Bill 71, The Animal Diseases Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les maladies des animaux, reported from the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development and subsequently amended, be concurred in and be now read for a third time and passed. Motion presented. Mr. Speaker: Is there any debate? Mr. Blaine Pedersen (Midland): Mr. Speaker, I'm glad after 14 months the government has finally got around to calling this bill. You would think if it is that urgent they would have called back the Legislature and get a bill like this through. But, you know, we understand when family feuds take precedent over biosecurity and the animal health of the province.

We understand how that works within the NDP family. So–but having said that, I just once again want to congratulate federal Ag Minister Gerry Ritz, the Canadian Cattlemen's Asso ciation, the Canadian Pork Council and all the other affiliated producer groups on their continuous push to bring the US in line under their misguided COOL legislation. And it took four tries at the World Trade Organization to finally get this pushed thr ough the World Trade Organization.

We hope that the US Senate now will –now that it's gone through the House of Representatives, that the House –Senate–in the US Senate will pass the bill to dispense with COOL legislation. This has hurt our livestock industry across Canada. There is tremendous potential, in spite of an NDP government here, there's tremendous potential with our livestock industry. And getting rid of COOL will be another step towards getting that. So thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am glad that the minister has finally called session back.

He's finally got this bill through, and we can have security in the livestock business. * (17:00) Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, just a few comments at third reading here; this is an important bill for our livestock producers and for the security and biosecurity of farms in our province. I'm supporting this legislation, even though it might have been amended a little bit to improve it, but that being said that, you know, this was first introduced I think it was May the 13th or thereabouts of last year. It could have been given a priority.

But certainly one would have expected that the government would've called us back in September to make sure that this was passed. They didn't do that.

May 21, 2015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1015 One would have expected that if they didn't call us back in September, they would've called us back in October to get it passed. And in the event they called us back so late in November that there wasn't time to deal with this legislation as well as with the Throne Speech, we could've been called back in January but we weren't called back to deal with this. We could've been called back in February but we weren't called back and so this was delayed again. And we could've been called back in March, but it wa sn't called back in March.

And then finally it was late April, so after many, many, many months we're finally going to get to this and it's too bad that it wasn't quicker and there wasn't a government a little bit more on the ball. But we're glad that it's going to be passed today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker: Any further debate on concurrence and third reading of Bill 71? Is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. Mr. Speaker: Question before the House is concurrence and third reading of Bill 71, The Animal Diseases Amendment Act.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] I believe that concludes the business of the House for this afternoon. The hour being past 5 p.m., this House is adjourned and stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday.

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, May 21, 2015 CONTENTS ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Petitions Province-Wide Long-Term Care–Review Need and Increase Spaces Wishart 991 Graydon 992 Mitchelson 994 Briese 994 Rights of Manitoba Children Rowat 991 Provincial Trunk Highway 206 and Cedar Avenue in Oakbank–Pedestrian Safety Schuler 992 Beausejour District Hospital–Weekend and Holiday Physician Availability Ewasko 992 Minnesota-Manitoba Transmission Line Route–Information Request Smook 993 Cullen 993 Oral Questions Provincial Deficit Pallister; Selinger 995 Budget 2015 Friesen; Dewar 997 Mining Industry Cullen; Chomiak 998 Children in Care Wishart; Irvin-Ross 999 Emergency Rooms Driedger; Blady 1000 St.

Eustache Dike Repairs Martin; Ashton 1001 Manitoba Conservation Gerrard; Selinger 1001 Climate Change Gerrard; Selinger 1002 Energy East Pipeline Gerrard; Selinger 1002 Trades and Technology Careers Wiebe; Chief 1003 Assiniboine Valley Farmers Piwniuk; Ashton 1003 Lake Manitoba Pedersen; Kostyshyn 1004 Members' Statements EMS Awareness Week Rondeau 1005 Halli Krzyzaniak World Champion Hockey Player Briese 1005 Danae DesJardins Student Citizenship Award Nevakshonoff 1006 Portage Terriers Wishart 1006 École George V School and Salisbury Morse Place Wiebe 1007 ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Report Stage Amendments Bill 71–The Animal Diseases Amendment Act Pedersen 1008 Kostyshyn 1009 Gerrard 1011 Concurrence and Third Readings Bill 71–The Animal Diseases Amendment Act Pedersen 1014 Gerrard 1014

The Legislative Assembly of Manitoba Debates and Proceedings are also available on the Internet at the following address: http://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/hansard/hansard.html

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	40-4-34b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	40th 4th hansardpdf 34b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	7d5c60cda02f4cbffec1d655fd359c3e669b839c

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