Manitoba Hansard — 6 June 2001 (Sitting 42, 37th Legislature, 2nd Session)

37-2-42

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session -Thirty-Seventh Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The llonourable George llickes Speaker Vol. LI No. 42- 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, .June 6, 2001 ISSN 0542-5492

Member AGUJGUB, Cris ALLAN, Nancy ASIITON, Steve, lion. ASPER, Linda BARREn·, Becky, lion. CALDWELL, Drew, Hon. CERILLI, Marianne CIIOMIAK, Dave, lion. CUMMINGS, Glen DACQUA Y, Louise DERKACH, Leonard DEWAR, Gregory DOER, Gary, l-Ion. DRIEDGER, Myrna DYCK, Peter ENNS, Harry FAURSCHOU, David FRIESEN, Jean, lion. GERRARD, Jon, Bon. GILLESHAMMER, Harold IIELWER, Edward IIICKES, George JENNISSEN, Gerard KORZENIOWSKI, Bonnie LATIILIN, Oscar, Hon. LAURENDEAU, Marcel LEMIEUX, Ron, Hon. LOEWEN, John MACKINTOSH, Gord, lion. MAGUIRE, Larry MALOWA Y, Jim MARTINDALE, Doug McGIFFORD, Diane, Bon. MIIIYCIIUK, MaryAnn, Bon.

MITCHELSON, Bonnie MURRAY, Stuart NEVAKSJIONOFF, Tom PENNER, Jack PENNER, Jim PITURA, Frank PRAZNIK, Darren REID, Daryl REIMER, Jack ROBINSON, Eric, Bon. ROCAN, Denis RONDEAU, Jim SALE, Tim, lion. SANTOS, Conrad SCIIELLENBERG.IIarry SCIIULER. Ron SELINGER. Greg. li on. SMITII, Joy SMITII, Scott. lion. STEFANSON, lleather STRUTIIERS. Stan TWEED, Mervin WOWCIIUK, Rosann. lion. MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Thirty-Seventh Legislature Constituency The Maples St. Vital Thompson Riel Inkster Brandon East Radisson Kildonan Ste.

Rose Seine River Russell Selkirk Concordia Charleswood Pembina Lakeside Portage Ia Prairie Wolseley River Heights Minnedosa Gimli Point Douglas Flin Flon St. James The Pas St. Norbert La Verendrye Fort Whyte St. Johns Arthur- Virden Elmwood Burrows Lord Roberts Minto River East Kirkfield Park Interlake Emerson Steinbach Morris Lac du Bonnet Transcona Southdale Rupertsland Carman Assiniboia Fort Rouge Wellington Rossmere Springfield St. Boniface Fort Garry Brandon West Tuxedo Dauphin-Roblin Turtle Mountain Swan River Political Affiliation N.D.P. N.D.P. N.D.P. N.D.P. ND .P. N.D.P. N.D.P. N.D.P. P.C. P.C. P.C.

N.D.P. N.D.P. P.C. P.C. P.C. P.C. N.D.P. Lib. P.C. P.C. N.D.P. N.D.P. N.D.P. N.D.P. P.C. N.D.P. P.C. N.D.P. P.C. N.D.P. N.D.P. N.D.P. N.D.P. P.C. P.C. N.D.P. P.C. P.C. P.C. P.C. N.D.P. P.C. N.D.P. P.C. N.D.P. N.D.P. N.D.P. N.D.P. P.C. N.D.P. P.C. N.D.P. P.C. N.D.P. P.C. N.D.P.

2669 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Wednesday, June 6, 2001 The House met at 1:30 p.m. PRAYERS ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS PRESENTING PETITIONS Kenaston Underpass Mr. John Loewen (Fort Whyte): Mr. Speaker, I beg to present the petition of I. Steele, C. Steele, R. Huggan and others, praying that the Premier (Mr. Doer) of Manitoba consider reversing his decision to not support con struction of an underpass at Kenaston and Wilkes. Manitoba Hydro Lines Routes Mr. Ron Schuler (Springfield): Mr. Speaker, I beg to present the petition of M. Wasylin, C. Wasylin, D.

Cox and others, praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba request that the Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro (Mr. Selinger) consider alternative routes for the additional 230kV and SOOkV lines proposed for the R.M. ofEast St. Paul. Kenaston Underpass Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charl eswood): Mr. Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Jeff Maxwell, Michelle Wiebe, Yolande Jouletle and others, praying that the Premier of Manitoba (Mr. Doer) consider reversing his decision to not support construction of an underpass at Kenaston and Wilkes. Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): Mr.

Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Debbie Wilson, Dana Thiessen, Ken Cowie and others, praying that the Premier of Manitoba (Mr. Doer) consider reversing his decision to not support construction of an underpass at Kenaston and Wilkes. READING AND RECEIVING PETITIONS Manitoba Hydro Lines Routes Mr. Speaker: The honourable Member for Springfield (Mr. Schuler), I have reviewed the petition, and it complies with the rules and practices of the House. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read? Some Honour able Members: Yes. Mr. Speaker: Clerk, please read.

Madam Clerk (Patricia Chaychuk): The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba humbly sheweth: THAT the R.M. of East St. Paul has the highest concentration of high voltage power lines in a residential area in Manitoba; and THAT the R.M. of East St. Paul is the only jurisdiction in Manitoba that has both a SOOkV and a 230kV line directly behind residences; and THAT numerous studies have linked cancer, in particular childhood leukemia, to the proxi mity of power lines.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY THAT the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba request that the Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro consider alter native routes for the additional 230kV and SOOkV lines proposed for the R.M. of East St. Paul. Kenaston Underpass Mr. Speaker: The honourable Member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Loewen), I have reviewed the petition, and it complies with the rules and practices of the House. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read? Some Honourable Members: Yes. Mr. Speaker: Clerk, please read.

2670 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 *(13: 35) Madam Clerk: The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba humbly sheweth: THAT the intersection at Wilkes and Kenaston has grown to become the largest unseparated crossing in Canada; and THAT the volume of traffic for this railroad crossing is twelve times the acceptable limit as set out by Transport Canada; and THAT vehicles which have to wait for trains at this intersection burn up approximately $1. 4 million in fuel, pollute the environment with over 8 tons of emissions and cause approxi mately $7.3 million in motorist delays every year.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY THAT the Premier of Manitoba consider reversing his decision to not support construction of an underpass at Kenas ton and Wilkes. Mr. Speaker: The honourable Member for Charleswood (Mrs. Driedger), I have reviewed the petition, and it complies with the rules and practices of this House. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read? An Honourable Member: Yes. Mr. Speaker: Clerk, please read.

Madam Clerk: The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba humbly sheweth: THAT the intersection at Wilkes and Kenaston has grown to become the largest unseparated crossing in Canada; and THAT the volume of traffic for this railroad crossing is twelve times the acceptable limit as set out by Transport Canada; and THAT vehicles which have to wait for trains at this intersection burn up approximately $1. 4 million in fuel, pollute the environment with over 8 tons of emissions and cause approximately $7.3 million in motorist delays every year.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY THAT the Premier of Manitoba consider reversing his decision to not support construction of an underpass at Kenas ton and Wilkes. Mr. Speaker: The honourable Member for Morris (Mr. Pitura), I have reviewed the petition, and it complies with the rules and practices of the House. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read? An Honourable Member: Yes. Mr. Speaker: Clerk, please read.

Madam Clerk: The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba humbly sheweth: THAT the intersection at Wilkes and Kenaston has grown to become the largest unseparated crossing in Canada; and THAT the volume of traffic for this railroad crossing is twelve times the acceptable limit as set out by Transport Canada; and THAT vehicles which have to wait for trains at this intersection burn up approximately $1. 4 million in fuel, pollute the environment with over 8 tons of emissions and cause approxi mately $7.3 million in motorist delays every year.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY THAT the Premier of Manitoba consider reversing his decision to not support construction of an underpass at Kenas ton and Wilkes. * (13:40) Mr. Speaker: The honourable Member for Tuxedo (Mrs. Stefanson), I have reviewed the petition, and it complies with the rules and practices of the House. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read? An Honourable Member: Yes.

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA 267 1 Mr. Speaker: Clerk, please read.

Madam Clerk: The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba humbly sheweth: THAT the intersection at Wilkes and Kenaston has grown to become the largest unseparated crossing in Canada; and THAT the volume of traffic for this railroad crossing is twelve times the acceptable limit as set out by Transport Canada; and THAT vehicles which have to wait for trains at this intersection burn up approximately $1. 4 million in fuel, pollute the environment with over 8 tons of emissions and cause approxi mately $7.3 million in motorist delays every year.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY THAT the Premier of Manitoba consider reversing his decision to not support construction of an underpass at Kenas ton and Wilkes. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Minnedosa Area Chemical Fire Hon. Oscar Lathlin (Minister of Conservation) : Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a statement to the Assembly. Mr. Speaker, shortly after the start of the fire near Minnedosa, local authorities contacted officials at the Dangerous Goods Directorate at Transport Canada, who advised that the fire would be best addressed by letting it burn out.

The Rural Municipality of Minto and the Town of Minnedosa took responsibility for the local management of the situation and continue to manage the situation today. Support from the Province of Manitoba was provided by staff from the Department of Conservation Environmental office, the Fire Commissio ner's office under the Department of Labour, the regional medical office of Health and the Manitoba Emergency Management Organ ization. Yesterday, local authorities made a decision to evacuate eight families from nearby homes while also cautioning residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed.

The Medical Officer of Health has advised that the potential health effects ofthe fire include eye and nose irritation, itchy and scratchy throats and coughing, especially for people with respiratory conditions. The volume of chemical fumes is not considered life threatening. There is always a concern with contamination of soil and water. I am told that these elements are retained with a containment area at the facility. As soon as clean-ups can commence, the Department of Conservation will provide assistance for disposal of this and any other remaining chemicals.

Discussions have started with the manufacturer of the chemicals to help determine what contamination might result from the fire. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the local authorities in Minnedosa for their work in managing this situation. People from the R.M. of Minto, the town of Minnedosa, and the Yellow head Fire Department have provided a joint response to this situation, and their planning and training has provided a very effective response. Even though evacuations are still in effect, my understanding is that this fire is under control.

Provincial staff will continue to be available for assistance if needed, and I will report back to the House as the situation warrants. Thank you. Mr. Harold Gilleshammer (Minnedosa): Mr. Speaker, I thank the minister for his timely response to this situation. I would report that the fire is now out and that the local emergency preparedness plan proved very, very effective. I would point out that these are municipal officials and volunteers that had put together this plan.

It serves as, I think, an example for many communities that you never know when these emergencies are going to take place, and it is very, very important that a plan be put in place, that it is tested from time to time, and when the plan is really needed, the people are trained and they know their responsibilities.

2672 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 I, too, would commend the staf f with the R.M. of Minto, the Town of Minnedosa and in particular, the emergency fire department in Minnedosa, who I know train and practise from time to time at facilities that we have built at the Brandon Fire College at the airport in Brandon. When situations like this do occur, they are prepared and trained and were a very effective response to what could have been a disastrous situation yesterday. Thank you. * (13:45) Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, I ask leave to speak on the member's statement. Mr.

Speaker: Does the honourable member have leave? [Agreed] Mr. Gerrard: thank the Minister of Conservation (Mr. Lathlin) for his statement done in a timely fashion. The quick response both of the minister and of the local people in the community is really to be complimented. It really stands in stark contrast to the recent situation in East St. Paul, where there are still some questions about how quickly people were notified and when. So, I think that today we should congratulate the minister for his timely action and congratulate the local people in Minnedosa and area for acting so promptly.

TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table the Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the year 2000. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 24- The Liquor Control Amendment and Consequential Amendments Act Hon. Scott Smith (Minister charged with the administration of The Liquor Control Act): Mr. Spea ker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Education, Training and Youth (Mr. Caldwell) that leave be given to introduce Bill 24, The Liquor Control Amendment and Consequential Amendments Act (Loi modifiant Ia

Loi sur Ia n!glementation des alcools et modifications correlatives), and that the same be now received and read a first time. Motion presented Mr. Smith: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to put forward at this time amendments which create additional opportunities for operators of licensed establishments, while balancing the public's concern for responsible sale of these licensed premises.

The most significant amendment in Bill 24 allows for Sunday opening of beverage rooms, private clubs, including veterans' associations and off-sale of liquor on Sunday on retail premises such as hotel beer vendors, liquor vendors and liquor stores. Mr. Speaker, we have kept the wants and needs of the community in mind when making these amendments and added a provision to allow municipalities to pass a by-law to prohibit this newly provided service of liquor on Sunday in licensed areas, liquor vendors and liquor stores if they so desire.

In addition and in consideration of the declining numbers of veterans able to support their legion activities, the local membership requirements for veterans' associations to hold a liquor licence has been reduced from 100 to 50 adult members. Mr. Speaker, this act also allows the interests of the public to be taken into account at hearings when an existing licensed operation is being reviewed and adds new offence sections regarding the use of false or altered identi fication, as well as the consumption or pos session of liquor by intoxicated persons inside licensed premises. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Motion agreed to. Bill 35- The Improved Enforcement of Support Payments (Various Acts Amended) Act Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister responsible for the

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA 2673 Status of Women (Ms. McGifford), that leave be given to introduce Bill 35, The Improved Enforcement of Support Payments (Various Acts Amended) Act (Loi visant a faciliter Ia perception des paiements alimentaires (modi fication de diverses dispositions legislatives), and that the same be now received and read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Mackintosh : Mr. Speaker, primarily this bill amends The Family Maintenance Act to provide for the more effective enforcement of maintenance orders in several respects.

Motion agreed to. * (13:50) Bill 37- The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Mr. Speaker, I move. seconded by the Minister of Family Services and Housing (Mr. Sale), that leave be given to introduce Bill 37, The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act (Loi sur l'etablissement et !'execution reciproque des ordonnances alimen taires ), and that the same be now received and read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Mackintosh : Mr.

Speaker, this bill repeals and replaces The Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act to streamline the process by which support orders are obtained, varied and recognized in inter-jurisdictional cases between Manitoba and designated recipro cating jurisdictions in Canada and elsewhere. Motion agreed to. Bii1301-The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company and National Trust Company Act Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Selkirk (Mr.

Dewar), that leave be given to introduce Bill 301, The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company and National Trust Company Act (Loi concernant Ia Societe de Fiducie Banque de Nouvelle-Ecosse et Ia Compagnie Trust National), and that the same be now received and read a first time. Motion agreed to. Introduction of Guests Mr. Speaker: I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the Speaker's Gallery, where we have with us today Mrs. Allison Molgat, Mrs. Joan Malcom, Mrs. Jean Saul and Mrs. Pat McLaughlin.

Also, we have with us in the public gallery, from Keewatin Public School from Kenora, Ontario, 27 Grades 7 and 8 students under the direction ofMr. Dave Stepanik. Also in the public gallery we have, from Nellie McClung Collegiate, 24 Grade 11 students under the direction of Mr. Grant Caldwell. This school is located in the constitu ency of the honourable Member for Pembina (Mr. Dyck). Also in the gallery we have, from Deerwood School, 31 Grade 5 students under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Monias.

This school is located in the constituency of the honourable Minister of Transportation and Government Services (Mr. Ashton). On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you all here today. ORAL QUESTION PERIOD Essential Services Act Amendment s-Health Care Workers Mr. Stuart Murray (Leader of the Official Opposition) : Mr. Speaker, yesterday we heard in the House that the Premier said there was no proposed health essential services legislation, yet he then went on to talk about this alleged non existent legislation. This is typical of that party. They want to have it both ways.

I would like to table if I could, Mr. Speaker, two letters. The two letters I tabled, I would like to make reference to the May 14 letter from WRHA VP of Human Resources, Wayne Byron

2674 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 to the Deputy Minister of Health, Mr. Milton Sussman, and I quote: May 14. Further to your announcement regarding the proposed health essential services act, and the letter goes on. I would also like to quote from the letter I tabled, which is May 22. That letter is a memo that Mr. Byron sent to all personal care homes, and I quote : This is to advise you that Manitoba Health has asked urban facilities to provide feedback on the proposed essential services legislation. Mr.

Speaker, this comes down to the fact that this Premier has broken his promises on health care. He has broken his promises, and it is all about a hidden agenda. So my question very simply to the Premier is: Why is the Premier trying to mislead Manitobans by saying there is no proposed draft legislation? * (13:55) Hon. Gary Doer (Premier): Mr. Speaker, proposed draft legislation. There is nothing on the Order Paper. There is literally- Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Doer: Mr.

Speaker, literally dozens and dozens of proposals are being referred to various bodies and citizens and groups all the time. The reason for that is, unlike members opposite that brought in the profit home care proposal and then got their proverbial-! should be careful here. They got in trouble with the public. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Doer: Mr. Speaker, we seek advice and consult with people, and there is considerable advice.

There are also a number of letters from nurses, by the way, lots of letters from nurses talking about the unfairness of the existing legislation, so this is not an issue to assume anything on. I would point out to the member opposite, though, the only misrepresentation of this process has actually taken place in this House by him. Last week he said on page 2496 of Hansard: Why are you allowing the Labour Boa rd to make the final decisions on your proposed essential services legislation? Mr.

Speaker, I want to table the bill for the member opposite, because, under the existing legislation which he probably has not read, the Labour Board is the final decision-making body. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. I am sure we all want to hear the question. Mr. Murray: It is very clear that there is draft legislation that is out there. The Premier may want to hide from the questions. He may want to run and hide from it, but it is his legislation. There is reference to the proposed legislation in the memos, Mr. Speaker, and he should be accountable and start providing some answers.

Did Cabinet give direction to the Deputy Minister of Health to go out with this Govern ment's proposed health essential services act legislation to elicit feedback or did that come from the minister or the Premier? Who directed the deputy minister to go out and consult, Mr. Premier? Mr. Doer: I hope the member opposite reads sections 8(7) and 8(8) of the existing Essential Services Act and goes back to page 2496 where he says he is totally opposed to the Labour Bo ard making decisions on the intensive care units or ERs in Manitoba health care facilities. When he reads, Mr.

Speaker, he is arguing for us to change the bill, because when he reads the existing act, the board order, the Labour Board order is binding on the employer, the union and employees. He does not know what he is talking about. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. May I remind all honourable members when the Speaker rises, all members should be seated and the Speaker should be heard in silence. I would ask the co operation of all honourable members, please. Mr. Murray : The biggest issue around this is that the Premier will not answer the question.

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA 2675 Yesterday, the Premier informed the media that the draft legislation that we made public last week was outdated and that it has progressed since the May 14 letter that was tabled in this House. My question is very simple to the Premier: Who directed the deputy minister to go out and talk about this proposed legislation? Mr. Doer: I would be shocked if people who are involved in the responsibility of looking at various proposals are not asking their staff to go out and listen to health care management, health care employees and health care staff.

I know this is a cultural change for members opposite. I know a cultural change is they used to sit in the back rooms and have Jules Benson design all the health care policies for Manitoba, or Connie Curran down in Chi cago, Mr. Speaker. We go to Manitoba people. We listen to their advice. We give them draft proposals. Ultimately, if there is a bill- Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. *(14 :00) Mr. Doer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it is appropriate to listen to nurses, health care management, health care professionals, a num ber of other people who are in the front lines of health care.

I can assure the member opposite we are taking his advice. Last week he said, and I quote: The Labour Bo ard should not have the final word on who would be responsible in the intensive care units or the emergency wards of Manitoba. Under the existing 19 96 law, the Labour Boa rd of Manitoba has the final binding authority. He is asking us to change a law. Essential Services Act Amendm ents-Health Care Workers Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, last week the Premier and the Minister of Health (Mr.

Chomiak) tried to convince Manitobans that when there is a conflict between patient safety and union bosses they were on the side of patients, but in 1996 they loudly sup ported union bosses who jeopardized the life and limb of 99 percent of home care patients in this province. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mrs. Driedger: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister of Health if he could explain why his party supported the union bosses who ignored some of Manitoba's most vulnerable citizens in their irresponsible refusal to provide essential services. Hon.

Gary Doer (Premier): For those members opposite who were not part of this debate, let me refresh some memories. This was a hidden proposal submitted by one Jules Benson, that well-known individual who led the health care policy of members opposite, regrettably for too many years. You might know him from a different movie, Mr. Speaker, but we know him from the home care movie. No. 2, this- Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Doer: Mr.

Speaker, this proposal to privatize home care, contrary to the advice of their own home care advisory committee, contrary to the advice of experts that were working for the Department of Health, including Dr. Evelyn Shapiro, contrary even to the advice they had received from high-priced consultants, contrary to the advice they had from the disabled community, contrary to the advice they had from the Manitoba seniors, Dr. Mary Pankiw.

I recall the people who led the fight against the privatization and profiteering of home care was an individual named Evan Bums, who gave one of the most wonderful speeches I have ever heard in front of this Legislature, and Mrs. Duval, another individual whose husband was receiving home care services, and Mr. Bums who was receiving home care services. I really regret the insults the member opposite just levelled at Dr. Mary Pankiw, the

2676 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 Manitoba Society of Seni ors, Evelyn Shapiro, Evan Bums and Mrs. Duval. That is why they failed and that is why they retreated, because they were not with the people. I do not apologize for us being with the people on that issue. Mrs. Driedger: I would like to ask the Minister of Health (Mr.

Chomiak) if he could explain, if the Premier will trust him to answer the question, why Manitobans should believe them when they and their party voted against measures to protect patient safety in both 1996 and 19 97, and instead supported the labour bosses, the union bosses, instead of patient safety. Mr. Doer: Mr. Speaker, obviously the member opposite who poses the question is not talking with her leader, who last week said, and I would quote this because it shows the inconsistency of their position: How can you have the Labour Bo ard deal with matters of ever-changing needs in our hospitals, the ICUs and ERs?

He goes on for two or three questions, claiming that we were going to change the law dealing with the Labour Board. The Labour Board now has the final, binding say. On the one hand. the members opposite say they are not experienced enough on health care matters to deal with the ERs, and on the other hand it is in the existing law. That is-[interjection} Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Doer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The member opposite talks about being nailed. He still has not asked questions on the follow-up of his question on the illegal Crocus Fund. We are waiting for that question.

Maybe some- Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker : Order. Mr. Doer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So here we have a total inconsistency on the status quo versus criticisms of the status quo made by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Murray). I dare say he is not-no, I will not go there. Secondly, last year when we came into office-[interjection} Mr. Speaker: Order. Mrs. Driedger: Mr.

Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Health to guarantee to Mani tobans that he will not change The Essential Services Act, a good one in Manitoba right now which protects patients first, patient safety, in an attempt to win applause at the next MFL convention. Mr. Doer: Mr. Speaker, first of all, again last year in Estimates the Labour critic asked the Labour Minister whether the Labour Minister was responsible for The Essential Services Act. She said: In my capacity as Minister of the Civil Service Commission I am responsible for the act, not in my capacity as Minister of Labour.

That speaks to a broader issue which members opposite have also been misrepre senting this week that any issues such as this go way beyond just the Ministry of Health. There is some consultation going on in the Ministry of Health. Let me continue, Mr. Speaker, because- Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Doer: You know, the noise from across the way, Mr. Speaker. If I can continue- Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Doer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Last summer, when we were confronted with wages for the technical, lab and X-ray staff that was equal to or lower than P.E.I. for last place in Canada, a fact that was contributing consider ably to both labour relations and patient care tension, and, on the other hand, a situation where we were not able to recruit and retain enough of our professional staff, we were given manage ment advice of how many people would be essential on the basis of a potential strike, and 95

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE AS SEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2677 percent of the employees were declared by management under the legislation to be essential. Having said that, there was no remedy. There was no remedy. For example, when 100 percent of the police officers in Winnipeg-or I dare say less than 100 percent because manage ment would be excluded from it-when they are declared essential in Winnipeg, they have the right of arbitration. When firefighters are declared essential in Manitoba, they have the right of arbitration.

Here we have a group of people certified under The Labour Act who are deemed to be essential in 95 percent of the cases with no remedy. Mr. Speaker, we raised the same issue with members opposite about patient care when it came to ambulances, because the ambulance attendants wanted arbitration not this kind of proposal. They felt they could provide much better care to people. So the legislation has weaknesses, as pointed out by members opposite, on the Labour Board. It has weaknesses in terms of having a 95% application without a remedy.

It has weaknesses for purposes of employees in health care, but there is nothing on the Order Paper right now. We are not- An Honourable Member: Right now. * (14:10 ) Mr. Doer: Right now there is nothing on the Order Paper, and we know there are weaknesses. There are deficiencies in existing legislation, but we are spending our time, and we are going to continue to spend our time to continue to consult with patients, with employees. Life-and-limb situations, bottom line, will not be in jeopardy with anything we will do in government. Essential Services Act Amendm ents-Health Care Workers Mr.

Leonard Derkach (Russell): Mr. Speaker, what we have heard from the Premier is an absolute insult to the patients of this province with regard to essential services. The Premier has stood in his place as though he is the new Minister of Labour. We have asked questions of the Minister of Labour (Ms. Barrett), the Minister of Health (Mr. Chomiak), and on each and every question the Premier has gotten up to answer the question.

My question is directed specifically to the Minister of Health, because it is Manitoba patients who depend on the direction of this Minister of Health with regard to essential services for them. I want to ask the Minister of Health, because the letter here from Mr. Byron was directed to his deputy minister, and I want to quote from this letter. I quote: Further to the announcement regarding the proposed health essential services act- Mr. Speaker: Order. The honourable Government House Leader, on a point of order. Point of Order Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Government House Leader): Mr.

Speaker, the member opposite knows full well that a question must be brief. A

preamble need not exceed one carefully drawn sentence. The member is going on and on and on. Surely he has come up with a question by now. Mr. Speaker: On the same point of order, the honourable Member for Russell. Mr. Derkach: Mr. Speaker, with the greatest of respect for the House Leader, on the same point of order, I was simply ending my

preamble with a quotation from a letter when the House Leader stood up. I would ask that he would at least give the dignity to Manitobans to hear what it is the representative of RHAs is saying to Manitobans. Mr. Speaker: On the point of order raised by the honourable Government House Leader, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all honourable members that according to Beauchesne's Citation 409(2) a

preamble should not exceed one carefully drawn sentence. * * * Mr. Derkach: I thank you for your ruling, but I would like to ask the Minister of Health whether he can indicate to this House whether it was under his direction that his deputy minister made

2678 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 the announcement on May 9, 2001, regarding the proposed health essential services act to the RHAs of this province. Hon. Dave Chomiak (Minister of Health): Mr. Speaker, just to respond to the member's specific question, I basically have a two-part answer to that response. Firstly, we do not want to do what happened during the home care debacle when members opposite secretly tried to privatize home care and secretly, behind closed doors, put in place a plan to privatize home care, which the Member for Charleswood (Mrs.

Driedger), I am shocked and surprised, clearly obviously is supporting. The second part of the answer-[interjection] Mr. Speaker: Order. The honourable Member for Turtle Mountain, on a point of order. Point of Order Mr. Mervin Tweed (Turtle Mountain): Mr. Speaker, it is interesting that the Minister of Health, the Premier (Mr. Doer) would not let him answer the question for the Member for Charleswood. Now when he gets his chance to stand on his haunches he does decide to answer her question. Call him to order. Mr. Speaker: The honourable Minister of Health, on the same point of order. Mr. Chomiak: Mr.

Speaker, it is interesting we hear about proposed draft legislation. We hear about rules that are being invoked when there is even no reference to Beauchesne's, but what we do hear is members opposite going back to the home care debate and trying to make their position on the home care debate. I am happy to debate that any time. Mr. Speaker: Order. On the point of order raised by the honourable Member for Turtle Mountain, I would like to remind all honourable members when rising on a point of order it should be a breach of the rules or unparlia mentary language.

I would have to say under this point of order it is a debate over the facts. * * * Mr. Chomiak: Mr. Speaker, the second part to my answer, I can indicate to members opposite, again, because of that experience during the '90s, we canvass and we seek consultation and advice on a whole variety of issues across the province. We go out, we talk to people, and we seek consultation and advice on a whole variety of areas in the health care field. Mr. Derkach: Mr.

Speaker, can the Minister of Health indicate to this House and to Manitobans, whom he has met with, who have asked for this legislation, when in fact the professionals, the experts in the field, the people who run the RHAs, have expressed significant concern about who is going to make the decisions as they relate to Emergency Services? I want to quote from the letter. I quote: The determination as to which services constitute essential services in the health context requires expertise which, with all due respect, is beyond the usual experiences of the board. Mr.

Chomiak: I think it is very interesting that the member opposite quoted a particular criticism of the present act that we have in essential services, and he has quoted the difficulties with using the Labour Board to determine essential services, and I receive his advice. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. The honourable Member for River East, on a point of order. Point of Order Mrs. Bonnie Mitchelson (River East): That kind of an answer from the Minister of Health is a slap in the face to the professionals that were quoted by my colleague in his question. Mr.

Speaker: The honourable Minister of Health, on the same point of order. Mr. Chomiak: It is quite clear the member opposite does not have a point of order. It is quite clear that the members opposite do not even have an argument. Mr. Speaker: On the point of order raised by the honourable Member for River East, she does not have a point of order. It is a dispute over the facts. * * *

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE AS SEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2679 Mr. Derkach: Mr. Speaker, can I now ask the Minister of Health if he would finally come clean with Manitobans and people in the professional field of health and tell Manitobans whether or not he is going to be bringing forth this proposed legislation that is referred to in Mr. Byron's letter? Mr. Chomiak: Mr. Speaker, I think that members opposite have indicated they have concerns with the present Essential Services Act insofar as they have concern about utilizing the Labour Relations Boa rd with respect to this act.

So we will take the advice from members opposite, but there is no bill on the Order Paper concerning that matter the member is referring to. Essential Services Act Amendme nts-Health Care Workers Mr. Darren Praznik (Lac du Bonnet): Well, Mr. Speaker, the Premier (Mr. Doer) and the minister both know that for a deputy minister to begin an intensive consultation process, they would require the political direction of that minister and that Premier. Mr.

Speaker, I want to ask the Minister of Health or the Premier if the reason why they will not be forthcoming with the people of Manitoba is because their plan is, and I quote from the letter of Mr. Byron, to dilute the provisions of the current Essential Services Act. Is this about diluting the current bill? * (14:20) Hon. Dave Chomiak (Minister of Health): Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my previous response, the Department of Health consults on a variety of issues. There is no bill on the Order Paper. Mr. Praznik: Mr. Speaker, I want to ask this minister how he can expect Manitobans to believe him.

I know, as a former minister, that deputies do not consult unless they are directed by their minister. I want to ask him again: Is the reason he is denying his Government's initiative because their intention was not to fix essential services or make it better, but to dilute it to serve the union interests in this province? And I would ask the Minister of Health why then is it the proposal that he instructed his deputy to take for consultation does nothing but dilute the current bill at the expense of patients? Why is that the proposal that he authorized to go forward? Mr. Chomiak: Mr.

Speaker, what I do note is the members opposite are focussing on the utilization or non-utilization of the Labour Bo ard in matters dealing with essential services. I note that members opposite brought in a bill that in fact utilizes the Labour Boa rd for determination with respect to- Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Point of Order Mr. Praznik: Mr. Speaker, Beauchesne's 417 indicates that members should not provoke debate. At no time in my question did I reference the Labour Board.

I simply wanted to know why their proposed bill, as their own Health officials indicate, was designed to do nothing but dilute the current bill at the expense of patients in our province. Mr. Speaker: The honourable Minister of Health, on the same point of order? Mr. Chomiak: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Members are talking about a proposed draft bill, they have been doing it for a week, and a proposed draft bill that- Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Chomiak: Mr. Speaker, I think part of the difficulty they are having is their conflicting views on the bill between the Leader of the Opposition (Mr.

Murray) and the Member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr. Praznik). They do not even have their own act together on this which is causing difficulty in terms of asking questions. Mr. Speaker: On the point of order raised by the honourable Member for Lac du Bo nnet, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all honourable ministers Citation 417 : Answers to questions should be as brief as possible, deal with the matter raised and to not promote debate. * * *

2680 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 Mr. Speaker: The honourable Minister of Health, to conclude his answer. Mr. Chomiak: As I indicated, there is a whole variety of issues that the Department of Health discusses and seeks information on. Mr. Speaker, that is called consultation, something that was sorely lacking when we saw Connie Curran come in, when we saw frozen food come in, and we saw the SmartHealth experiment. Mr. Speaker: The honourable Member for Lac du Bonnet, on a new question. Mr. Praznik: Mr.

Speaker, is the minister now telling the people of Manitoba that he accepts no responsibility for what his deputy is doing, that he never saw this, that he does not know what his deputy is doing, that he does not know that his deputy minister is going out meeting with health officials about diluting, in the words of those health officials, legislation that is essential to patient care in Manitoba? Is he telling the people of Manitoba he does not know what is happening in his own shop? Mr. Chomiak: No, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Praznik: Mr.

Speaker, I want to ask the Minister of Health now that he has sort of, kind of, maybe accepted responsibility: Was it his plan to dilute essential service agreements that protect the life and limb of patients because that was demanded of health care unions in this province? Be honest, Mr. Minister. Mr. Chomiak: The members opposite have raised a variety of issues, a whole plethora of issues concerning proposed draft legislation. In the member's question he talked about maybe, perhaps, et cetera. He is dealing in a hypothetical universe. At this point, there is no legislation on the Order Paper. Mr.

Praznik: I would like to ask this Minister of Health: Does he believe it is hypothetical that his deputy minister has gone out and announced to all health care leaders in this province that their Government would be bringing in legis lation which those health officials upon examination have said dilutes the current bill to the detriment of patients? Is he telling us this is just being imagined, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Chomiak: There is a variety of issues, a variety of initiatives, a variety of plans and other matters that we consult with on a regular basis with the community and throughout the province.

Some of these come to fruition; some of them do not. Mr. Speaker, the only useful and accurate information that I have received from members opposite is the fact that they do not like the Labour Relations Boa rd being involved in the essential services matter, whose advice we will take. Black Bears-Riding Mountain Area Report Release Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, on a day when we will be honouring Gil Molgat, my question to the Minister of Conservation deals with issues that Gil Molgat would have been concerned with: openness in government, wildlife and the region not far from Ste. Rose.

I ask the Minister of Conservation whether he will publicly release a report, which was apparently squelched by the previous govern ment, done by Paul Paquet which was entitled "Bla ck Bear Ecology in the Riding Mountain." Will the minister provide us today with an update on the status of the black bear in the Riding Mountain and what the status of the implementation of the recommendations of the Paquet report is? Hon. Oscar Lathlin (Minister of Conservation): In fact, Mr.

Speaker, just this morning, in my morning meeting with staff, that was one of the subject items that I inquired about, not just that report though but other reports that apparently had been done previously. The governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba apparently had done a report at one time. I am currently trying to get all those reports together with a view to maybe revisiting that area, particularly the Riding Mountain park area.

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA 2681 Tuberculosis Outbreak-Wildl ife Status Report Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): My supplementary to the minister. I asked for more details on the status of the black bear, and in particular, given the concern with tuberculosis expressed yesterday and the finding of tuber culosis in black bears in Michigan, has the minister's department been involved in testing of black bears for tuberculosis? Can the minister give us an update? * (14:30) Hon. Oscar Lathlin (Minister of Conservation): Mr.

Speaker, I can indicate to the member that we in the Department of Conservation, of course, are very concerned about the health of wildlife in the Riding Mountain area. It was for that reason that our Government approved a $200,000 program over a five-year period that would enhance the management program. As an example of what is contained in the program, we have instituted, enhanced a surveillance program. We are monitoring, for example. the elk population, the bear population, the deer population. We are also putting in fencing to reduce the contact between the wild animals from the domestic animals.

In addition to that, Mr. Speaker, we are doing research on the movement of elk, deer and bear, particularly on the edges of the mountain area. Black Bears-Riding Mountain Area Impact on Tourism Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): My supplementary to the Minister of Tourism: Given the importance of black bear in a number of different ways to tourism in Manitoba, I would ask the Minister responsible for Tourism if he can tell us about his plans in relationship to black bear and tourism. Hon. Ron Lemieux (Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism): I thank the member for the question.

I do appreciate the fact that tourism is really important and certainly the largest growing area that we will see in the next decade and further on. I often have had a chance to hike and bike in Riding Mountain National Park and certainly the wildlife is plentiful and the black bears as well. We respect that. I know a lot of our friends south of the border, as well, come up to Riding Mountain National Park and the Russell area to fish trout and so on. I just want to thank that member for the question because tourism is really important to the province, and we respect all the wildlife in the province.

We know that this is really important to people coming to Manitoba to spend their dollars from the U.S. They really appreciate the wildlife we have here. Thank you. Mr. Speaker: Time for Oral Questions has expired. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Marion Clemens Mr. Ron Schuler (Springfield): Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in this Chamber today to welcome Marion Clemens from Oakbank. Marion has been a pillar of the Springfield area for over four decades. Today, she has joined us for the first time in the press gallery.

For the past 10 years, Marion has worked for the Clipper, The Beaver Magazine and The Carillon news papers. covering happenings and events for all of Springfield. Whenever something happens in Oakbank, Dugald, Anoia or Hazelridge, people can count on Marion to be there to cover it. Every week she keeps residents of Springfield up to date on the accomplishments and sorrows of their neighbours. Marion's Coffee Comer column keeps people up to date on the local gossip and upcoming events. Springfield has been blessed to have someone with Marion's hard work and dedication play such an important role in our community.

Marion began her career working for the Kanada Kurier, the national German language newspaper. She has taught generations of children in Springfield how to play musical instruments at Marlow's Music and has operated

2682 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 rabbit and goat farms on her property near Birds Hill Park. Before Birds Hill Park came along, Marion even operated a restaurant and go-cart track for Springfield families to come and relax at. Mr. Conrad Santos, Deputy Speaker. in the Chair Today, Mr. Deputy Speaker, on behalf of all the residents of Springfield, both past and present, I would like to extend thanks to Marion Clemens for her years of service to our com munity. I, for one, do not know what Springfield would be like without her. Thank you, Marion. John Taylor Collegiate Teachers Mr.

Jim Rondeau (Assiniboia): Mr. Deputy Speaker, I rise today to bring all members' attention to the efforts of two remarkable teachers who have taught for a combined total of 62 years and have worked at John Taylor Collegiate for a combined total of 43 years. Mr. Jim Stewart and Ross Shaver have been the band, choir, drama, jazz and theatre instructors at John Taylor for many years and have worked with literally thousands of students in classes and in producing musicals and performances during their tenure at JT.

I had the pleasure of attending the finale and farewell for these dedicated individuals at their final performance at the Lyric Theatre in Assinib oine Park this last Sunday. There was a total of nine groups of performers at this event, including five different jazz bands, four choirs in concert and symphonic bands. Their perform ance was excellent, with hundreds of people in attendance to hear their students and bid a fond farewell to these dedicated teachers. Franklin Delano Roosevelt once stated that the most impo rtant legacy we can leave is not a monetary one, but instead, a human one.

I can assure all my honourable colleagues that the legacy Mr. Jim Stewart and Mr. Ross Shaver leave to Assiniboia and this province is truly very rich, indeed. The wonderful memories for the high school plays and performances, the increased confidence and self-assurance of their students, and the lifelong friendships that were created by the efforts of these two men will indeed be a rich legacy that will last in the minds for thousands of John Taylor students and graduates. I would like to publicly thank both Ross and Jim for caring and giving their students 100 percent.

Teachers can and do make a difference every day, and as a government and as an individual MLA, I do appreciate the special efforts that are made on behalf of students in this province. We, indeed, have a very bright future if we can continue to have teachers such as Ross Shaver and Jim Stewart in Manitoba. Thank you very much for your efforts. Fort Garry Legion Poppy Trust Fund Mrs. Joy Smith (Fort Garry): Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is my great pleasure to, once again, attend the Fort Garry Legion Poppy Trust Committee's presentation of five generous dona tions from the Poppy Fund last evening, on June 5.

These recipients received a financial contri bution in recognition of their valiant efforts to improve the quality of life for patients receiving care in our health care facilities. The recipients of this year's donations include the Victoria Hospital Chronic Care Support, the Riverview HC Chronic Care Support, Misericordia Chronic Care, specifically Eye Care, the Manitoba Nursing Research Institute at the University of Manitoba, speci fically for research in care enhancement for cancer patients and quality of life in long-term care and the Joint Hospital Sick Visiting.

I would like to point out to all members that the Joint Hospital Sick Visiting program involves legionnaires visiting patients in Winnipeg hospitals. This program, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is very actively supported by the Fort Garry Legion and is most appreciated by the patients who are visited in the hospital. * (14:40) I would like to congratulate all of these programs for their invaluable effort to enhance the care the citizens of Manitoba receive in our health care facilities.

I would encourage all members to join with me in extending our gratitude to the men and women of the Fort Garry Legion Poppy Trust Comm ittee for their

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE ASS EMBLY OF MANITOBA 2683 significant contribution to health services in their community through both their fundraising and volunteer efforts. Mr. Brian Cutts, the chairman of the Poppy Trust Fund and all the Fort Garry Legionnaires, should be commended for their great work on behalf of all Manitobans. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. High School Credit Requirements Mr. Cris Aglugub (The Maples): Mr. Deputy Speaker, I was pleased to be present recently at Maples Collegiate with the Minister of Education (Mr.

Caldwell) to announce new flexibility and choice for Manitoba's high school students. The changes will allow high school students to obtain credits for more locally developed courses, distance education courses, post-secondary courses and community service. These changes are necessary to better recognize the new environment of high school education. These changes were made following province-wide consultation on proposed changes to course credit requirements, including input from local school boards, the Manitoba Teachers' Society and parent councils.

Through consensus, changes have been made in order to increase choices and offer opportunities for Manitoba high school students. Maples Collegiate already of fers flexibility of this kind to its students, and I am glad to see this being expanded across the system. The key changes to course requirements include a simplification of categories for compulsory and optional credits, greater recog nition for distance learning and post-secondary courses, along with course credit being given for community service to begin in 2002-2003.

Providing course credit for community service fulfils an election commitment, while giving credit for post-secondary courses will strengthen linkages between high schools, universities and colleges. The added flexibility in this system will allow individual schools to develop spe ciality areas in courses representing local interests and address areas of high demand. Our Government is renewing hope for the young people of Manitoba by providing the best possible educational opportunities. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Pharmaceutical Products for Children with Cancer Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I rise today to talk briefly about concerns in relation to access to pharmaceutical products for children with cancer. This is an issue that I have raised on a number of occasions over the last several weeks and has been a result of the institution of a form of service at Misericordia and various other institutions which has been sort of a shuffle service, shall we say. Mr. Speaker in the Chair I understand there have been some quite positive movements in the last few days and positive meetings.

I would like to compliment the minister on what appears to be an emerging resolution to the concerns which have been raised. Mr. Speaker, I, and the families of children with cancer, will await the final announcement and the final resolution of this issue. There is one matter, however, where I would caution the minister. Children with cancer have for many years had their chemotherapy and other critical medications covered by the provincial government. There is a wide variety of reasons for this which I will not go into here.

Indeed, at one point the former Conservative government made a move to change this and there was such a broad protest and recognition as a result that the policy was appropriate and a good one. So I would indicate to the minister the importance of continuing in this respect the existing policy. ORDERS OF THE DAY House Business Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, before proceeding to the condolence of the late Senator Molgat, I would like to announce that the Standing Comm ittee on Law Amendments will meet on Monday, June 11 , at I 0 a.m. to deal with bills referred. Mr.

Speaker, I neglected to list the bills that are being ref erred: Bill 8, The Mines and

2684 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 Minerals Amendment Act; Bill 9, The Vital Statistics Amendment and Consequential Amendments Act; Bill 12 , The Real Property Amendment Act; Bill 13, The Social Services Appeal Board and Consequential Amendments Act; Bill 14, The Consumer Protection Amendment Act; Bill 15 , The Mortgage Amend ment Act; Bill 29. The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act; Bill 30, The Securities Amend ment Act. Mr.

Speaker: It has been announced that the Standing Commit tee on Law Amendments will meet on Monday, June 11 , 2001, at 10 a.m., to deal with the following bills: Bill 8, The Mines and Minerals Amendme nt Act; Bill 9. The Vital Statistics Amendment and Consequential Amendments Act; Bill 12, The Real Property Amendment Act; Bill 13, The Social Services Appeal Boa rd and Consequential Amendments Act; Bill 14, The Consumer Protection Amend ment Act; Bill 15, The Mortgage Amendment Act; Bill 29, The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act; Bi ll 30, The Securities Amend ment Act. Motion of Condolence Gildas Molgat Hon.

Gary Doer (Premier): I move, seconded by the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party, the Member for Minnedosa (Mr. Gilleshammer), that the House convey to the family of the late Gildas Molgat, who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, its sincere sympathy in their bereavement and its appreciation of his devotion to duty in a useful life of active community and public service, and that Mr. Speaker be requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the family. Motion presented. Mr.

Doer: I rise to reflect on the life of Senator Molgat, and I would like to express my sympathy to his wife Allison and the family members who are here today. I think it is saf e to say, Mr. Speaker, that this condolence discussion today is a deeply moving one for all of us with the absolute sincerity and dedication in which Senator Molgat pursued his public life, his public contributions and his public profile.

This is an individual that many of us knew and all of us respected, and I, too, respected the life of Senator Molgat and held him in very high esteem for the contributions that he provided to his province, to his community and to Canada. I actually had the pleasure of going to a political science class at the University of Manitoba and listening to Senator Molgat present his views as Leader of the then Liberal Party of Manitoba.

I was quite impressed with his passion, with his articulation of the issues, with his ability to take a dry course, if you will, take it from its antiseptic analysis to make it real-life issues of importance not only to the students who were at the university class at the time but also to all of us in terms of what it really meant to him and therefore to many others to be involved in public lif e.

We were all very, very impressed with his presentation, and, as I recall it, the questions and answers continued to flow for well beyond the ordinary period of the class and well beyond the structured time at the university. There were not very many people or students rushing to leave that opportunity and that ability to be informed so directly on the issues that face us as politicians of the day and policy for the future. Mr. Speaker, I also recall Senator Molgat often talking about the Laurier community and the need for adequate and decent and sustainable funding for Francophone education services.

He talked to us directly about the trailer and the school and what it meant to have, what he believed to be, a second-class facility, which he believed should be first class because of the people in that community and the language needs he had. * (1 4:5 0) He never tired of having this vision for a bilingual Canada and having bilingual services available where numbers warrant and where tradition and cultural and heritage warrant here in the province of Manitoba.

He always presented these views in such, again, informed ways, in passionate ways for his belief, and in ways that allowed us to move ahead as opposed to stalling. I remember, Mr. Speaker, and I am speaking from personal experience, when I learned from

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE ASSE MBLY OF MANITOBA 2685 the federal Defence Minister the issue of reserves. There was a number of reserves that were at risk here in Winnipeg and across Manitoba. I recall being a member of the all party committee, with the Member for Minnedosa (Mr. Gilleshammer), the Member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Loewen) and the Member for River Heights (Mr.

Gerrard), talking about the whole issue of the reserves in Canada and their role in our province of Manitoba, and who better to advise the federal Defence Minister and to advise all Canadians on the historic and community strengths of our reserves, on the military essence of why we have them and the need to find ways to keep them relevant into the future.

In other words, this was not a report just to protect the status quo, but it was a report to celebrate the history of our reserves, to celebrate the traditions and the battles that the reserves had won or the forces had won over the decades that Canada was engaged in war, but make those reserves relevant for our future. Finally, Mr. Speaker, in February, I was with the Prime Minister in Team Canada, and we made a point of departing from the official tour to visit the cemetery of the slain Canadian War Veterans in Hong Kong. It was very, very moving for me.

Doug Nairn, from the Fort Garry Horse, who is known to members in this Chamber, was the Commanding Officer in charge of this remembrance. We participated with members of the Hong Kong Veterans Association, but it was very clear to me, listening in late February to the veterans, to the regiments that still maintain a presence in Hong Kong, to the school children and others, that they recall the anniversary of that war and of those deaths. They recall that Senator Molgat led the Canadian presence to honour the dead and honour the brave at Hong Kong on behalf of all of us.

So I just mentioned three or four examples over a number of years where I had the absolute privilege to meet a charming, warm, passionate, dedicated individual. I think all of us know that any time we met with Senator Molgat and any time we had the opportunity to listen to him, we came away from it wiser, perhaps a little more reflective, and always with a strong sense of Canada and a strong sense of Manitoba with our multicultural and Francophone makeup in our country. It is certainly impor tant to mention that Senator Molgat served in this Legisla ture for five terms-five terms.

Very few people are granted that privilege. He served from 19 53 to 19 69. From 19 61 to 19 69, he was the Leader of the Liberal Party of Manitoba, and he served as Leader of the Official Opposition. He was appointed to the Senate in 19 70. I think it is safe to say that his terms in the Senate were not terms that disallowed him from participating in Canadian decision making and Canadian life. I am not a fan of the Senate, but there are some senators that I am big fans of.

Senator Molgat was one of those individuals that carried on his public duties after he was appointed to the Senate and carried them on again with dignity and with class. He served in the Senate for two terms as Speaker, and he served, I believe, with distinction. He touched many lives of people in Manitoba. I mentioned the military community where he was very involved as the Honorary Colonel of the Winnipeg Rifles, and I know the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and I know the Fort Garry Horse considered him also very, very important for their history as well.

His former colleagues in the Legislature will remember his contributions. There is one indi vidual who was in the Legislature when Senator Molgat served, and I am sure the Liberal Party will remember his dedication to public life and to improving the working lives of all Manitobans. It has been said that Senator Molgat never forgot his roots, and I can attest to that. Ste. Rose, Laurier, that community was always very much part of his inquiries, of his interests, of his advice whenever we had an opportunity to meet.

I knew that he and Allison lived in the city of Winnipeg and often travelled to Ottawa for his duties and internationally on behalf of the Government of Canada or the people of Canada, but he always maintained a keen interest in his roots and his community.

2686 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 2001 I know prior to being appointed Speaker in the Senate, he would give tours in the Senate to visiting Manitoba delegations, and he would point to his desk in the Senate Chamber which read the Senator from Ste. Rose, again very consistent with his roots and his values from that community. I know he kept in touch with a lot of friends and relatives and people in Winnipeg and Manitoba. I know he kept in touch with the local issues because, again, he raised them all the time. Senator Mo lgat contributed much to our country and our province.

I was saddened I was out of town when his tragic death took place, his unexpected death took place. I know he was looking forward to retiring with Allison, but I want to say to Allison and the family that Senator Molgat will always be remembered by me and by this Legislature and by his home town, and we are proud of his public service to Manitoba and to Canada. He is a model of leadership and dignity for all of us to follow. We celebrate his life. and we offer our condolences to his family. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, I rise to follow the Premier (Mr.

Doer) in providing and extending my sympathy to Gildas Molgat's wife, Allison, who is here, the members of the family, Joan Malcom and Jean Saul, and to friend Pat McLaughlin. It is fitting that today we pay tribute to Senator Gil Molgat for a life during which he made from day to day, from week to week, from month to month, from year to year a ma jor contribution to Manitoba and to Canada. I would like to, in paying this tribute, review briefly Senator Mo lgat's life, his birth in 19 27, attending Ste. Rose School, St. Paul's College, the University of Manitoba.

He graduated in 19 47 with a Bachelor of Comme rce, Honours, and a Gold Medallist, clearly an outstanding student and an achiever at a young age. Senator Molgat served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles starting in 1946, the year before he graduated and continuing till 19 66. He became an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in 19 66 and an Honorary Colonel in 19 85, and he continued his interest in the Armed Forces and the reserves day to day throughout his career, and I think in some respects perhaps even particularly when he was in the Senate.

It is noteworthy that he was founding president of the Manitoba Army Cadet League in 19 71. Senator Molgat was the president of the Army Cadet League of Canada from 19 77 to 19 79, a time that he was in fact in the Senate. To go back and look at his political career, go back to his first election in 19 53 in Ste.

Rose and his election as an MLA, it is interesting that, as a newly elected MLA, he was immediately recognized for having a promising future because he was the one who was asked to move the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. *( 15: 00) He did this, of course, as a backbencher, but as a particularly promising backbencher. Early on in his first year he spoke in the Legislature on causes which he felt strongly about and which were important to his constituency. He spoke up on behalf of young farmers and the need for support for young farmers.

He spoke of the need for better drainage during the session of 19 55, the problems ofthe spring flooding in 19 56. Again and again, his concerns for farmers spoke through. In 19 56, he supported a resolution calling for the introduction of crop insurance on a federal and provincial basis. In 19 56, he had a good sense of humour; he was reported as commenting in the press that politicians should find out what they are talking about before they open their mouths. That was a maxim that Senator Molgat followed in his career.

When he spoke up, he usually knew what he was talking about, he had done the research, and he knew his subject very, very well. In 19 58, Senator Molgat was married to Allison. He was re-elected that same year, and then again, of course, in 19 59. In 19 61, Senator Molgat was elected Leader of the Liberal Party. In a convention in April, there were four who sought the leadership. Senator Molgat emerged triumphant and spoke of the very promising future before a gathering of some 12 00 Liberals

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE AS SEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2687 at the Marlborough Hotel, heading off his leadership and winding up the convention of that year. Senator Molgat, in his acceptance speech, started off in his traditional, in a sense, quick, short, concise and humble fashion. We have held a contest, and I quote: You have spoken. He was talking to the delegates. I humbly thank you. Shortly after Senator Molgat had spoken, D.L.

Campbell, who had just stepped down from the leadership, came to the stage, and he noticed that one of the other candidates, the mayor of Portage Ia Prairie, Lloyd Henderson, had jumped forward, in providing a unified view of wh�t was happening with the Liberal Party, had giVen a generous kiss on the new leader's wife, Allison Molgat. So D.L. Campbell said, and I quote: You know, said D.L. Campbell, as he leaned this is how it was reported in the press the next day-confidingly toward the delegates, the wif e of a leader meets many penalties.

That becomes obvious to all of you when it involves kissing such characters as Lloyd Henderson. If she had known that this would happen, she probably would have persuaded Gildas not to run. Anyway, I think it is quite clear that Allison has been a very important figure all the way along in Senator Molgat's career, a tremendous support and a lot of ups and downs. I think the partnership was a tremendous political partner ship for all of Manitoba. I think Senator Molgat was the first fully bilingual Leader of the Liberal Party.

I think it is worthwhile going back to his first address in the Legislature as Leader of the Opposition, and I quote from his address: I accept this post of great responsibility in all humbleness. It is my hope that I can follow in the tradition of past leaders of the opposition and contribute to the welfare of the province of Manitoba. I will endeavour to do my work in a conscientious way above personal recrimination on the basis of policies. I think it is a tribute to Senator Molgat that throughout his career he managed to rise above the personal recriminations.

He rose above the petty things that can happen in politics. He rose above those kinds of situations. He achieved a tremendous respect from people of all political stripes, and he managed in his speeches to sprinkle them well with humour. In his first speech to castigate the Roblin government for their Throne Speech of 19 62, he commented on the fact that there was little overall vision but rather it was kind of a motley mix of initiatives. Senator Mol gat, leader at that point, said: The most persistent ima�e i.s one �f ministers running about hurriedly sttckmg their fingers in the dike.

He was referring to the fact that they were trying to cover up for the problems here, there and everywhere which were emerging, but that sort of image and that sort of picture were typical of Senator Mol gat. The senator then fought, as Leader of the Opposition, the elections of 19 62 and of 19 66, and continued as leader until he resigned in early 19 69, then moving on to become a senator in 19 70. As has already been mentioned, his career in the Senate was not one of standing idly by but one of getting very much involved.

Senator Molgat served on the Special Joint Committee of the Senate in the House of Commons on the Constitution of Canada, a committee which produced the MacGuigan-Molgat report. He was on the committee looking at the reform of the Senate in Canada in 19 82, the Molgat-Cosgrove Report. He was Deputy Speaker of the Senate in 19 83 to 19 84 and then re-elected Deputy Speaker 19 89 to 19 91.

In 19 87 to '88, he served as chairman of the Senate Committee of the Whole on the Meech Lake Constitutional Accord, and in 19 91 he was appointed Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, becoming Deputy Leader of the Government in 19 93 and then later the Speaker of the Senate. Throughout his career in the Senate, Senator Molgat made day-to-day, week-by-week enor mous contributions. I can speak from personal experience.

When I was elected and appointed initially to the federal Cabinet, Senator Gil Molgat was extraordinarily helpful to me on a personal level and to my family at the time of my appointment, helping to guide me through some difficult situations, to provide wise counsel. He did this periodically during my tenure as a member of Parliament, and more recently, during my leadership of the Liberal Party in Manitoba.

2688 LEGISLATIVE AS SEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 I think it is particularly noteworthy that, even though he had not been MLA for Ste. Rose since 19 69, he had kept right up until his death in very close contact with constituents in the area who spoke fondly of him, and who, when they had a problem, knew that they had somebody who would pay attention in the federal government. Senator Molgat played a number of roles, not all political. He was the founding chairman of the St.

Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, an institution which has grown in importance and in stature and in contributions to the community over the years since it began in 19 71. There was Senator Molgat helping to get it started and to begin an institution, a research foundation which has made an extraordinary contribution to our province. * (15: 10) Senator Molgat was a contributor to the Francophone community in Manitoba in many different ways. He was a member, of course, of the Societe franco-manitobaine. II a fait des contributions enormes a notre province au point de vue des Francophones du Manitoba.

C'est extraordinaire ce qu'il a fait depuis longtemps pour les gens de Ia communaute francophone de notre province. Translation He made enormous contributions to our province from the point of view of Manitoba's Francophones. It is extraordin ary what he did over a long time fo r the people of the Francophone community of our province. English Senator Molgat played, from time to time, an important political role-president of the Liberal Party in 1973.

He was chairman of the Manitoba federal Liberal campaign in 19 72 and played an important role in many, many other election campaigns, not only those in which he himself was running for office. He was a man of tremendous wisdom and experience. Senator Molgat's passing is an extraordinary loss for me personally, for us who are legislators, for people in Manitoba. I would like to close with just an extension of my very best wishes to Allison Molgat and the family and a recognition of the extraordinary role that Allison herself has played in Manitoba, along with Gil, for many years. Mr.

Stuart Murray (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Allison Molgat and the family that accompany her here on the special day that we talk about a wonderful Manitoban and a wonderful Canadian. Senator Gildas Molgat. Mr. Molgat was born and raised in Ste. Rose du Lac, the child of French immigrants who ran a general store in that community. He went on to attend the University of Manitoba, where he won the gold medal in commerce at the age of 20 years.

After serving with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Militia unit, he went into small business. Shortly thereafter he entered the political arena. Senator Molgat's record of service to Manitobans is clearly well documented by the Premier and by the Liberal Leader today. He served as the Liberal MLA for Ste. Rose from 19 53 to 1969, and he also served as Leader of the Liberal Party of Manitoba from 19 61 to 19 69. As well, he served as the national Liberal Party president. I think, as the Premier made comments, there was a member of our party, the Member for Lakeside (Mr.

Enns), who had the honour to sit in this Chamber with Senator Mo lgat. The Member for Lakeside unfortunately could not be here, but he asked if we would personally extend our condolences to Mrs. Molgat on his behalf. He regrets not being here, but he said he enjoyed very much the opportunity to sit in this Chamber with Senator Mol gat. I should also say to Mrs. Molgat that I, too, have a relationship with Senator Molgat. That, of course, is through my father-in-law, Senator Douglas Everett, who himself was a senator. Through many times, I can tell you that he would share stories with me.

I think he might even take credit for some of the successes that Senator Molgat had, whether it was running for the Liberal Party president. He certainly speaks

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE AS SEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2689 very fondly about his personal relation with Senator Molgat. In 19 70, Sena tor Molgat was appointed by Prime Minister Trudeau. He was the Senate's second-longest serving member and had just completed a rare two terms as Speaker, a role for which he was very well respected. As someone once said, the world is divided into people who do things and people who get the credit. Senator Molgat was a member of the former camp. He knew how to get things done, and he did not seek recognition for his selfless efforts.

Upon Senator Molgat's untimely passing, Prime Minister Jean Chretien noted: He was a man of great warmth, good humour and a raconteur par excellence. I was impressed by his deep commitments to public service and to making Canada a better place to live. This, Mr. Speaker, is a sentiment that has been echoed today in this Chamber as well as by many other Manitobans. Senator Molgat was known as a gentleman politician who rose above partisan issues. He also had a reputation as a man of great calm and great admiration. Given the thrust and parry of politics, this is clearly a quality to be admired.

Senator Molgat was held in particularly high regard in his hometown of Ste. Rose, to which he remained connected throughout his political life. He was praised for being able to maintain his roots while serving Manitobans in Ottawa. He never let an opportunity go by to brag about the benefits of being a Manitoban. Political friends and foes remember Senator Molgat was a hardworking patriot who loved his job and loved his country. He was a gentleman and a diplomat.

He was known to treat everyone with an equal degree of respect, whether they were a head of state or a young person involved in a favourite charity or organization such as the Cadets. Senator Molgat was respected by his peers and had friends of all ages in all political parties world-wide. He was proud to be a Franco Manitoban and a westerner. He will be remembered as a true Canadian who served his country well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon.

Greg Selinger (Minister of Finance): Monsieur le president, je prends Ia parole aujourd'hui pour reconnaitre le grand devouement du Senateur Gildas Molgat qui est decede le 28 fevrier demier. II etait respecte de tous ceux et celles qui l'ont connu comme colh!gue et comme ami. L'honorable Gildas Molgat, qui venait juste de quitter ses fonctions comme president du Senat, avait servi les Manitobains et les Canadiens depuis pres de 50 ans. Son entree sur Ia scene politique s'est faite quand il a ete elu comme depute liberal de Sainte-Rose a la Legislature du Manitoba en 19 53.

Suite a sa premiere election, il a ete reelu cinq fois, ce qui prouve qu'il etait un depute a l'ecoute des citoyens et qui s'est devoue a les representer. Entre 19 61 et 1969 il a servi sa province en tant que chef du parti Liberal du Manitoba et chef de !'opposition. Ses qualites de leadership lui ont valu !'admiration des Manitobains et Manitobaines. En 1970, Gildas Molgat est nomme au Senat par le premier ministre de l'epoque, Pierre Elliott Trudeau. II est nomme president du Senat en 1994. Au cours de sa longue carriere politique, il a fait preuve d'un engagement profond envers !'interet public.

En septembre je suis aile visiter le Sena teur Theriault a Sainte-Anne au Nouveau-Brunswick. La premiere personne qu'il a mentionnee du Manitoba etait le Senateur Molgat. Reconnu pour son integrite et sa sincerite, il etait vu comme un grand defenseur des droits des minorites francophones, tant au niveau national que dans sa province natale. Cette automne je suis aile a Laurier et a Sainte-Rose faire des consultations sur le Budget avec mon fils Pascal et j'ai visite les families de Laurier, ou on a mis en place une nouvelle ecole pour les Francophones.

Je sais qu'il en a parle avec le premier ministre du Manitoba et qu'il a apprecie les choses qu'on a fait pour les Franco Manitobains. * (15: 20)

2690 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 Justement, j'ai eu l'honneur le 16 fevrier demier, de signer conJomtement avec Ie Senateur Molgat une nouvelle entente Canada Manitoba sur Ia promotion des Jangues officielles. II a represente Ia ministre du Patrimoine, Mme. Sheila Copps Iors de cette occasion, et j'etais Ia en rna capacite de ministre responsable des services en langue fran�aise. Je l'ai trouve tres abordable. Je voyais qu'il etait heureux de participer a un evenement qui marquait !'engagement de nos gouvemements a bien servir les Francophones du Manitoba.

Le Senateur Molgat etait aussi un expert reconnu en procedure parlementaire, ce qui lui a merite le respect de ses collegues au niveau nationa l et meme international. Quand j'ai assiste aux funerailles du Senateur Molgat, j'ai pu voir et entendre jusqu'a que! point il avait touche Ia vie de bien des gens. On est venu en grand nombre pour lui dire un demier adieu. J'ai ete particulierement touche par les temoignages de ses deux enfants, Anne et Mathurin, qui nous ont raconte de fa�on simple et personnelle des anecdotes de leur vie de famille.

En ecoutant leurs temoignages j'ai ressenti que le Sena teur Molgat etait un homme pour qui Ia famille avait une grande importance. Son deces laisse un vide dans le coeur des Manitobains et des Manitobaines, car !'honorable Gildas Molgat etait un de nos meilleurs ambassadeurs. Nous voulons dire combien nous apprecions sa contribution a notre province. Pour conclure, je veux dire que mes collegues se joignent a moi pour offrir nos plus sinceres condoleances a sa famille, a son epouse Allison et a leurs deux enfants. Anne et Mathurin. Translation Mr.

Speaker, today I would like to recognize the great devotion of Senator Gildas Molgat, who died on Februa ry 28 of this year. He was respected by all who knew him as a colleague and as a friend. The Honourable Gildas Molgat, who had just left his position as Speaker of the Senate, had served Manitobans and Canadians fo r nearly 50 years. His first entry into the political scene was in 1953 when he was elected to the Manitoba Legislature as the Liberal Member fo r Ste. Rose.

After that first election, he was re-e lected five more times, which shows that he was an MLA who listened to citizens and who was devoted to representing them. Between 1961 and 1969, he served his province as Leader of the Liberal Party of Manitoba and as Leader of the Opposition. His qualities of leadership earned him the admiration of all Manitobans. In 197 0, Gildas Molgat was called to the Senate by the Prime Minister of the day, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, and named Speaker of the Senate in 19 94. Throughout his career, he showed a profound commitment to the public interest.

In September, I went to visit Senator Theriault in Ste. Anne, New Brunswick, and the first person from Manitoba that he mentioned was Senator l11"olgat. He was recognized fo r his integrity and his sincerity, and was seen as a great champion of Francophone minorities, both at the national level and in the province of his birth. Last fa ll I went to Laurier and Ste. Rose with my son, Pascal, to conduct budget consultations and I visited several families from Laurier, where there had been a new Franco-phone school put into place. I know he had spoken with the Premier of Manitoba (Mr.

Doer) and that he appreciated the things that had been done fo r Franco-Manitobans. On February 16, I had the honour of signing a new Canada-Manitoba agreement on the promotion of official languages jointly with Senator Molgat. He was representing Canadian Heritage Minister Sheila Copps, and I was there as Minister responsible fo r French Language Services. I fo und him very approachable. I saw that he was pleased to participate at an event underlining the commitment of our governments to serve the Francophones of Manitoba well.

Senator Molgat was also a recognized expert in parliame ntary procedure, which won him the respect of his colleagues across the country and even internation ally. When I attended Senator Molgat's fu neral, I was able to see and hear to what degree he had touched the lives of many people. They came out in great numbers to say one last adieu to him.

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE AS SEMBLY OF MANITOBA 269 1 I was particularly touched by the eulogies given by his two children, who recounted, in a simple and personal manner, anecdotes about their family life. When I listened to their tributes, I fe lt that Senator Molgat was a man who placed a great deal of importance on the family. His death leaves a void in the hearts of Manitobans because the Honourable Gildas Molgat was one of our best ambassadors. We want to say how much we appreciate his contribution to our province.

To conclude, I would like to scry that my colleagues join with me in offering our sincerest condolences to his family, his wife Allison and their two children, Anne and Mathurin. English Recently, I also had the chance to go to the closing ceremonies of the Royal Winnipeg Rifle Army Cadets where my son Eric is a member, and I noted that Allison was continuing in her role as being one of the official people presiding at the ceremony.

I hope to see the Molgat family continue to make a contribution to Manitoba, whether it is with the cadets or the Catholic Health Association or in many other events that contribute to the well-being of this province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mrs. Louise Dacquay (Seine River): Mr. Speaker, I want to put a few brief remarks on the record regarding my personal association with Gil. Although he was a long-standing St.

Boniface resident and well known in the community and in particular by my husband's parents and family, I did not have, obviously because of my political persuasion, a real intimate relationship with Gil, but he was certainly well respected. However, when I became Speaker, Gil became a true friend. I remember shortly after I became Speaker I went to Ottawa for an orientation session, and Gil hosted a luncheon in honour of my being a Manitoban and a Manitoba Speaker and ensured that all of the Manitoba Senators were invited and were at the luncheon. I was extremely impressed.

His door was always open, and he provided excellent advice for any Speaker who wished to speak to him on any issue. He had a wealth of knowledge and expertise in terms of the procedures of the House, and he was very willing to share his views on any of the procedure issues. Gil was a very community minded individual and a strong proponent of the uniqueness and the historic value of St. Boniface, but in particular he was one of Manitoba's strongest and best ambassadors.

He displayed a joie de vivre that was unequalled, and we had many serious business sessions together through the Commonwealth Parlia mentary Association, but we also had many, many fun evenings and social events that we attended, at which Allison, generally, was always present, as well, and I will vividly recall Gil's real true love of wine. Gil was a true gentleman; he was a friend. He was a friend to all Manitobans, and he will be truly missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. * (15: 30) Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin-Roblin): Mr.

Speaker, it is a pleasure today to rise and put a few words on the record concerning the life and the career of Senator Gildas Molgat. As the person who represents the constituency neigh bouring the riding of Ste. Rose, you learn a lot about the people who have served time here in the Manitoba Legislature. Much of the infor mation that I have obtained concerning Senator Molgat is obtained from the people whom he represented. From that information, it is my hope that all of us here in the Legislature enjoy as good a reputation as what Senator Molgat did with his constituents.

Much of the information that I got, as well, comes from my in-laws. My wife's family operated Scott's hardware across the road from Molgat's store on Main Street in Ste. Rose. The families knew each other well, and I have to say that if I did not tell you that Yvonne Scott sends her condolences and her best wishes to Allison, if my mother-in-law did not know that I had said that, I would be in trouble, so I have passed that along now.

2692 LEGISLATIVE ASS EMBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 Through my in-laws, I have developed very much of an admiration for Senator Molgat, as well. The Premier (Mr. Doer) mentioned earlier that the senator had a sign on his desk saying that he was the senator from Ste. Rose. That is common knowledge around Ste. Rose and Laurier, and people really admired the fact that Gildas never really forgot about the community in which he was born and raised and which he represented, not just here in the Legislature but in the Senate itself.

I want to say, too, that despite the fact that Senator Molgat had not been the MLA for about 28 years, when Michelle's dad died in a car crash, we got a letter, my mother-in-law got a letter from Senator Molgat expressing his condolences. The letter began by saying that he was going through his Dauphin Herald and had come across Sandy Scott's obituary.

That told me a number of things about Senator Molgat; number one, he was still keeping in touch with what was going on back home, and he still thought enough of his former constituent that he would take the time to write a beautiful letter, which my mother-in-law still refers to even today. I want to say that Senator Molgat's example should serve as a role model for all us who enter elected political public life and that the things that he has done have made a positive influence on his communities of Ste. Rose and Laurier and the province of Manitoba and the country that we all love.

So on behalf of my constituents and my in laws and myself, I want to express my condolences to Allison and to Senator Molgat's family. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Glen Cummings (Ste. Rose): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join members of this House in expressing sincere condolence to the family of Gildas Molgat.

Having the unique position of now representing most of the area that he represented so well for so many years, I would like to comment on the fact that not only was he a good senator and remembered everywhere in his most recent work as a senator, he was also and continues to be remembered by the people of Ste. Rose as someone who took the time to be a good MLA, took the time to be interested in people.

But I think the real secret was that he was interested in the people themselves, not just the community, not just the ambience of the community which he sincerely relished but the fact that it was the kind of people, the nature of the people that he represented that he was so much a part of, and the fact that he was so proud of them and the fact that he was so proud that he came from Ste. Rose. He never forgot those rural roots, Mr. Speaker. He was known for his honesty, his integrity and his honest interest in people.

I say that in a repetitive sense because to me that was the Gildas Molgat that I knew and that I came to respect as I began to make an attempt and ultimately had the opportunity to represent the area that he formerly represented. He never forgot Ste. Rose or the people and he never forgot the province of Manitoba when he was acting in a national capacity.

When you think about it, he rose to be not only one of the senior statesmen, one of the senior unelected officials, if you will, but one of the senior officials in the government of this country from his roots right here in Manitoba and from his beginnings in this Chamber. Anytime I had an association with Gildas or an opportunity to have a discussion, I think there was little doubt that his wife, Allison, was not only his partner, his adviser and his confidante but one who provided a lot of excellent advice and support to Gildas.

Although I did not know their children well, their son did tell me a story, and there were other places where he told it as well, but I think it bears repeating in this Chamber, even though it was some 30 years since Gildas represented the Ste. Rose area. There was a filing cabinet and it probably had about three generations of families represented in it, keeping the records of the work that he did for the people in the area, the communication that he had with them.

He was a consummate politician in that respect, and regardless of the fact that he was a formidable political force, and, unfortunately, he and I were not aligned on the same political lines, but I can tell you that while I saw him as a formidable political adversary, he was always a gentleman.

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2693 He was always on topic, if you will. He talked about policies. He talked about principles. He talked about action. He used to take a little bit of fun in poking fun perhaps at the country bumpkin who was now the local MLA for the area.

In fact, it was almost a badge of distinction at gatherings in the community when Gildas and I happened to end up at the same place and an approach and repartee which I respected and appreciated frankly, because it meant that both he and I had the best interests of the people in the community at heart, and those political sparrings, if you will, had to be set aside for the betterment of the community.

I think if you look around in a community that you represent, every once in a while there is something that happens, and you say, hmm, I wonder where that came from; I wonder what was behind that activity or what was behind that achievement that occurred in the community. It did not take long, though, for the light to come on, for me to realize that very often when I asked myself that question, I did not need to look too far. It was probably Gildas who was behind it or involved somewhere in support and helping with whatever project the communities were involved in.

For that he was always respected and appreciated in the community. Something else on a personal note, Gildas' son mentioned to me as we were saying our condolences at Ste. Rose, he said, you know, in our family not having an opinion on a topic was unacceptable. I am paraphrasing a little bit, but that was the context of his statement. I think that is truly the mark of a man who respected honest debate.

If you disagreed, fine, but here are the facts and you may have your facts, but not having an opinion and letting the world go by was not an acceptable position for those of us who have a responsible position in a democracy. As I said, I believe that Gildas' support ongoing respect in the community that he represented. I am talking about the local com munity as well as the larger community, but it was based on his respect for people, his respect for their desires, their wishes, their goals.

Just as the people of the community had loyalty to him, he had loyalty to that community about, not only his choice of names as in the community that he represented, the Senator from Ste. Rose certainly had a unique approach, one probably not taken often enough by many of our senators as they toil in Ottawa.

The fact is that he demonstrated right from the start that that was where his roots were and that is were his loyalty lay, even though he was serving the larger community. * (15 :40) I also should add that one thing that was of significance in Gildas' respect in the community was his close relationship with the Ste. Rose Hospital with the St. Boniface connection, and that was always appreciated. He was always there when community events occurred to support the organization. That, I think, speaks more about the nature of the man than most other comments we could make here today.

So I want to add my condolences on behalf of Heather and myself. As was said at Gildas' funeral, he made us proud. Mr. Harold Gilleshammer (Minnedosa): Mr. Speaker, I would like to also have an opportunity to associate myself with the comments that have been made by the Premier (Mr. Doer), my Leader (Mr. Murray) and the Leader of the Liberal Party (Mr. Gerrard). I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Molgat in 19 88. when I attended a Commo nwealth Parlia mentary Association meeting in Charlottetown, and I reflect on the comments just made by my colleague from Ste. Rose.

I recall his son making that comment at the time of Mr. Molgat's funeral that, in their household, they were always challenged to have an opinion. The conference I attended was one with some social time built in, and I can recall that one afternoon we were taken out on a boat onto the ocean and given an opportunity to fish for a couple of hours. I found myself standing beside Mr. and Mrs. Molgat at that time. Sooner or later, the con versation turned to the Meech Lake Accord that he was very involved in.

I had just been through my first election a few months before that and really, I guess, was trying to form my own opinions on that issue, but I soon found out, in my discussions with Mr. Molgat, that he had very strong opinions of that particular piece of legislation and was quite prepared to challenge

2694 LEGISLATIVE AS SEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 me to do some deep thinking about it and to understand what this country was all about and to be able to back up my opinions with some facts and some feeling and some understanding. It was, I guess, the first time I had been challenged that way to think about our country and to think about that legislation in that particular way.

It was one of those memorable occasions to me where you meet people who are in another Chamber in this country, representing another political party, but, at the end of the day, it probably was a better venue for honest debate than we sometimes see in our own Legislature, where discussions like that break down along party lines. I will always remember that challenge. Since that time, I have had the opportunity on a number of other occasions to be at the same functions as Mr. Molgat. As has been said earlier, he was a very, very personable man.

I felt a warmth there when we discussed other issues that I will always remember. He was a very principled man. Truly, as politicians, we are often criticized for what we do and what we do not do, what we think, what we say. Mr. Molgat was one of those people in politics who gave politicians a good name. I was very proud to make his acquaintance and, on a number of occasions, had the opportunity to discuss provincial and national events with him. We, as a province and a country, are certainly poorer of f now that he is no longer with us. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Ms. Bonnie Korzeniowski (St.

James): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak and pay tribute to this great man. Thank you also, Mr. Speaker, for providing the opportunity for meeting him at the Presiding Officers' Conference here in Winnipeg in the year 2000, which you hosted. Although it was a short time spent getting to know him, it was long enough to recognize what a gentleman and stately person he was and what a contribution he made to our country.

The last time I met him briefly was at the tattoo where he cut a very dashing figure in his full Royal Winnipeg Rifles regalia, a dignified and gracious last image I will remember him by. I offer my respect and condolences to his wife and his family. Mr. Denis Rocan (Carman): Monsieur Ie president, a travers vous a nos visiteurs tres distingues qui sont parmi nous cet apres-midi dans Ia tribune du president, Mme. Allison Molgat et Ia famille de M. Gildas Molgat. Le 28 fevrier demier, Ia communaute francophone du Manitoba a perdu un de ses plus grands defenseurs de Ia langue fran�aise.

Le Senateur Gildas Molgat est decede a l'Hopital general d'Ott awa, emporte a Ia suite d'une embolie cerebro-vasculaire a !'age de 74 ans. Gil etait le fils d'Ade!e Abraham et de Louis Molgat, epoux d'Allison depuis 19 58, et le pere d'Anne et de Mathurin. Nous offrons tous nos condoleances sinceres a sa famille. II est ne a Ste-Rose-du-Lac le 25 janvier 19 27. Monsieur Molgat a etudie au College Saint-Paul et a I'Universite du Manitoba, ou il a re�u Ia medaille d'or de Ia licence en commerce en 1947.

La triste nouvelle du deces a frappe Ia province entiere, mais surtout Ia communaute francophone qui a beneficie depuis longtemps de son ambition pour son travail et de son amour de Ia culture franco-manitobaine. La Societe franco manitobaine a bien exprime Ia perte que ressentait cette communaute quand elle a dit : "S on integrite, son authenticite et son devouement exemplaires envers notre communaute ont fait en sorte que le Senateur Molgat participe activement au developpement de notre communaute au cours de ses nombreuses annees en politique . . . .

Nous etions et serons toujours tiers de lui, de sa personnalite chaleureuse et de sa bonne humeur . . . . Son depart subit laisse un grand vide chez nous au Manitoba et egalement dans toute Ia francophonie canadienne, ou il comptait de nombreux amis." Monsieur Molgat appreciait les plaisirs simples. II aimait Ia nature et Jes gens. II comptait de nombreux amis dans tout le pays a cause de sa generosite et de sa personnalite bienveillante. II avait aussi un grand amour des jeunes et il a contribue ses connaissances et son

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE ASS EMBLY OF MANITOBA 2695 expertise a ameliorer l'avenir des jeunes Canadiens et Canadiennes. 11 etait fier de son regiment, les Royal Winnipeg Rifles, "The Little Black Devils", avec lequel il a fait son service militaire, de 19 46 a 19 66. II etait nomme Lieutenant-Colonel honoraire de 19 65 a 19 85, et etait Colonel honoraire depuis 19 85. En 19 71, Monsieur Molgat a fonde Ia Ligue des cadets de l'armee, Manitoba, et il est devenu president de cette I igue en 19 77.

Son amour de son pays, de sa province et de sa communaute se montrait a travers de nombreux services benevoles qu'il a accomplis. Monsieur Molgat etait fondateur de Ia Fondation pour Ia recherche de l'Hopital Saint-Boniface en 19 77. II etait directeur de Canards Illimites Canada, du Corps des Commissio nnaires de Canada et du Conseil Canadien des Chretiens et des Juifs. II etait membre de Ia Legion royale canadienne, du Canadian Club, du Manitoba Club, de Ia Societe franco-manitobaine, de Ia Fondation canadienne des droits humains et de Ia St. Andrews Society.

Ses accomplissements extraordinaires montrent Ia passion que le Sena teur Molgat ressentait pour Ia societe manitobai ne. Nous sentirons tous une grande perte, non seulement pour les profondes contributions qu'il nous a faites, mais aussi pour Ia personne unique qui donnait volontairement et librement d'elle. Dans une declaration qui a suivi l'annonce du deces de Gildas Molgat, le premier ministre du Canada lui-meme, M. Jean Chretien, a dit de lui : "Gil etait un bon ami qui me manquera beaucoup.

Pendant pres d'un demi-siecle, i1 a servi Ia population du Manitoba et du Canada avec une competence et un devouement exemplaires. J'ai toujours adm ire son profond engagement envers !'interet public. C'etait un homme attachant et enjoue, doue d'une personnalite chaleureuse et reconnu pour sa bonne humeur et ses dons de raconteur." En entendant Ia sombre nouvelle, le depute federal de Saint-Boniface, Monsieur Duhamel, lui aussi a dit : "C'etait un homme tres honnete, tres integre, tres authentique. II cherchait toujours a aider ses collegues, sa communaute et son pays . . . .

J'ai perdu un grand ami aujourd'hui." Monsieur Molgat a commence sa carriere politique en 19 53 quand i1 a ete elu pour Ia premiere fois ici a l'Assemblee legislative du Manitoba. Par Ia suite, i1 a ete reelu cinq fois. Monsieur le president, entre 19 61 et 19 68, Monsieur Molgat a ete chef du Parti Liberal du Manitoba et a servi comme chef de !'opposition officielle. En 19 70, le premier ministre de l'epoque, M. Pierre Elliott Trudeau, l'a appele au Senat canadien, ou i1 s'est interesse a Ia Constitution et aux droits des minorites.

En 19 71, il a co-preside Ie Comite special mixte sur Ia Constitution et il a aussi preside le Comite plenier sur !'Entente constitutionnelle du lac Meech. Durant sa carriere, le Sena teur Molgat a egalement servi comme vice-president du Senat, whip du gouvemement, president du parti Liberal du Canada et leader adjoint du gouvemement au Senat. En 19 94, Monsieur Molgat a ete nomme president du Senat par M. Jean Chretien, et renomme a cette fonction en 19 97. Avant son deces, le senateur etait content de ne plus avoir les responsabilites du president du Senat, et il attendait avec impatience sa retraite en 2001.

II a dit : "Je ressens une enorme satisfaction de ce que j'ai pu faire, surtout depuis que je suis senateur. Je pourrai dorenavant repondre plus rapidement a mon courrier et passer plus de temps au Manitoba. " Au nom de tous les Manitobains et Manitobaines, et surtout au nom de la communaute franco-manitobaine, j'aimerais dire merci et adieu a un homme tres honorable, M. Gildas Molgat. Votre sagesse et genti llesse resteront avec nous toujours. Merci. * (15: 50) Translation Mr. Speaker, through you to the very distinguished visitors who are among us this af ternoon, Mrs.

Allison Molgat and the family of Gildas Molgat. On February 28 of this year, the Francophone community of Manitoba lost one of its greatest

2696 LEGISLATIVE ASS EMBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 champions of the French language. Senator Gildas Molgat passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital fo llowing a stroke at the age of 74. Gil was the son of Adele Abraham and Louis Molgat, the husband of Allison since 1958, and the fa ther of Anne and Mathurin. We all offer our sincere condolences to his family. He was born at Ste. Rose du Lac on January 25, 1927. Mr. Molgat studied at St. Paul's College and at the University of Manitoba where he received the gold medal in Commerce in 19 47.

The sad news of his death was a blow to the entire province but particularly to the Franco phone community which had benefited fo r a long time from his ambition fo r his work and his love fo r Franco-Manitoban culture. The Societe franco-manitobaine clearly expre ssed the loss that this community fe lt when it stated: "His integrity, his authenticity and his exemplary devotion to our community led Senator Molgat to participate actively in the development of our community throughout his many years in politics . . . . We were and will always be proud of him, his warm personality and his good humour ....

His sudden departure leaves a great void fo r us in Manitoba and throughout all of Francophone Canada where he had many friends." Mr. Molgat appreciated simple pleasures. He liked nature and people. He had many friends throughout the country because of his generosity and his kind personality. He also had a great love of young people, and he contrib uted his knowledge and his experti se to impro ving the fu ture of young Canadians. He was proud of his regiment, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, the "Little Black Devils". with which he did his military service from 1946 to 19 66.

He was named Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel from 1965 to 1985, and had been Honorary Colonel since 1985. In 197 1 Mr. Molgat fo unded the Ar my Cadet League of Manitoba and he became president of that league in 19 77. His love fo r his country, his province and his community showed through the many volunteer services that he undertook. Mr. Molgat was a fo under of the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation in 19 77. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Ducks Unlimited Canada and of the Commissionaires of Canada and the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews.

He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Canadian Club, the Manitoba Club, the Societe franco-manitobaine, the Canadian Human Rights Foundation and the St. Andrews Society. His extraordinary accomplishments show the passion that Senator Molgat fe lt fo r Manitoban society. We will all fe el a great loss not only fo r the great contribution s that he made to us, but also fo r the unique person who gave of himself voluntar ily and freely. In a statement that fo llowed the announce-ment of the passing of Gildas Molgat the Prime Minister of Canada.

Jean Chretien himself, said of him: Gil was a good friend, and I will miss him greatly. For almost half a century he served the population of Manitoba and of Canada with exemplary competence and devotion. I have always admired his prof ound commitment to the public good. He was a like-able and a playful man who was a gifted storyteller, and who always had a good sense of humour . On hearing the sad news. the fe deral Liberal member fo r St. Boniface, Ron Duhamel, also said: "He was an honest man, a man of integrity and of authenticity.

He was always looking to help out his colleagues, his community and his country. 1l ost a great friend today". Mr. Molgat started his political career in 1953, when he was elected fo r the first time to the Manitoba Legislature. Following that, he was re-electedfive times. Mr. Speaker, between 1961 and 1968, Mr. Mol gat was Leader of the Liberal Party of Manitoba and served as Leader of the Ojjicwl Opposition. In 197 0, the Prime Minister of the day, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, appointed him to the Canadian Senate, where he took an inter est in the Constitution and in the rights of minoritie s.

In 197 1, he co-chaired the Special Joint Committee on the Constitution and he also chaired the Committee of the Whole on the Meech Lake Accord. During his career. Senator Molgat also served as Deputy Speaker of the Senate, as Government Whip, as President of the Liberal Party of Canada and as Deputy Leader of the government in the Senate. In 1994, Mr. Molgat

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIV E AS SEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2697 was appointed Speaker of the Senate by Jean Chretien and was re-appointed to that position in 1997. Bef ore his death, the senator was happy to take a break from his Senate responsibilities, and he was anxiously awaiting his retirement in 2001 . He said: "I fe el a great sense of satis faction about what I have been able to do, especially in the time since I became a senator. Now I will be able to reply to my mail more quickly and spend more time in Manitoba.

" On behalf of all Manitobans, and especially on behalf of the Franco-Manitoban community, I would like to say thank you and fa rewell to a very honourable gentleman, Mr. Gildas Molgat. Your wisdom and your kindness will always remain with us. Thank you. Ms. Linda Asper (Riel): Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my family and my constituents in Riel, I would like to offer condolences to Allison Molgat, present here today, and to her family. Our family was deeply shocked when Senator Gil Molgat passed away, in particular Aubrey, my husband, and Babs and Israel Asper. I hope I can get through this.

I know that Gil and Isr ael shared many a moment over the years and I do not think, Allison, that we should share them with the House here today. It is more for a fireside chat. Izzy was very honoured to be a honorary pallbearer at Gil's funeral. Our family had a great respect and love for Gil Molgat, as a friend, a person, a politician and a Canadian. In Riel constituency, there is a widespread admiration for Senator Molgat, a Manitoban who made friends of all ages, in all political parties and throughout the world.

I want to express sympathy to Allison and her family on behalf of the Francophone community in Riel who so admired Senator Molgat as a Franco-Manitoban who played such an important role in our province and our country. Les Franco-Manitobains et Franco- Manitobaines de Riel sont tres fiers du Senateur Molgat et celebrent sa vie et sa carriere. Ils offrent leurs prieres a sa famille et ils sont particulierement fiers de sa contribution a Ia communaute francophone. Translation The Franco-Manitobans of Riel constituency are very proud of Senator Molgat and celebrate his life and his career.

They offer their prayers to his family, and they are particularly proud of his contribution to the Francophone community. English My colleagues in this House have referred to many of Senator Molgat's accomplishments. One aspect of his life that I would like to highlight was his involvement as a veteran. He was proud of his regiment, as some of my colleagues have mentioned, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, for which he was Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel from 19 66 to 19 85, and Honorary Colonel from 19 85 on. Even at a young age, Gil Molgat was introduced to war.

He was a survivor of the Athenia, the first vessel torpedoed in the Second World War. It was sunk off the coast of Ireland on day one of the hostilities. Gil was on his way home from visiting his grandmother in Brittany. Because my father, Harold Barker, was wounded at Vimy Ridge in World War I, his brother buried in the Sanscoeur Military Cemetery and another brother commemorated on Menin Gate in Ypres, I have spent some time in military cemeteries. In 19 95, Aubrey and I were on the Normandy Coast a year after the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

On the beach at Courcelles-sur-mer, where Canadians came ashore in World War II, is a historic marker commemorating the Canadians who fought, many of whom lost their lives. We were very proud to read Gil Molgat's name, recognized on the plaque, as he represented the Canadian government at the ceremony. This is but one example of Senator Molgat's involvement with veterans over the years and how he represented us around the world. Let me conclude by offering condolences again to Allison and her family on behalf of my family and my constituents in Riel.

Senator Molgat was a Manitoban who rose above parti san politics in his earnest quest to serve his province and his country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2698 LEGISLATIVE AS SEMBLY OF MANITOBA June 6, 200 1 Mr. John Loewen (Fort Whyte): Mr. Speaker, I wish to offer my condolences to Mrs. Molgat and her family and friends that are with us today. I had the good fortune of meeting Gil Molgat in the mid-'60s, when my parents first got involved in a serious way in political activities in Manitoba. It was with the Liberal Party, under the leadership of Gil Molgat, that my parents first became involved in politics. I think a particular indication of the respect that Gil held within my family was the decision my father made, in 1966, to run for the Liberals.

He was part of the ginger group, which I am sure Allison will remember, that consisted of my father and people like Scott Wright and Frank Muldoon [phonetic] that ran in 1966 under the leadership of Gil Molgat. It was a very interesting time and one that my parents still talk about. It was a time when we learned, and I learned a lot about politics and a lot about Mr. Molgat just at conversations around the kitchen table. Many of my colleagues today have spoken at length about the great contribution that Senator Molgat has made to life, not only in Canada, but particularly to the province of Manitoba.

I want to just pass on some personal comments on the life of Mr. Molgat that have been passed on to me and I learned at the kitchen table. Certainly, his interest in ensuring that women took their rightful role in terms of the political action in Manitoba was one that was felt very strongly by my mother. In 1967 he asked her to co-chair a committee on behalf of the Liberal Party to help to identify the role that women could play, not only in the political realm of the Liberal Party, but in terms of the role that women could play in politics in Manitoba and throughout Canada.

It was a role that she took on with a lot of dedication and one that she was supported with over the years, and it extended over a number of years, the support that Gil provided to her. * (16:00) I know, from talking to her, she was very grateful for the opportunity. She also was grateful for the support that Gil provided her as she sought to become the first female president of a recognized political party in the province of Manitoba. She was successful in 19 72 of becoming the president of the Liberal Party of Manitoba and shared the same time that Gil was the president of the Liberal Party of Canada.

I know that they worked quite closely throughout those times on issues that they were both involved in. That interest in women in politics continued throughout Gil's life. In fact, my mother indicated that just a year ago, or a little over a year ago, I guess, on the last Persons' Day, the unveiling of the statue of the "Famous Five," the five women who took to the Supreme Court of England the case to ensure that women were recognized as persons. Gil played a big

part in ensuring that the "Fa mous Five", the legacy that they developed in the 19 20s and '30s was preserved and carried on. He took the time to write my mother, to send her literature and to keep her apprised of what was going on, and for that she is extremely grateful. He was also very supportive to her when she was appointed as the western vice-president for the Commit tee on the Status of Women, and I know she also appreciates throughout that support. More than that, to my family, Gil was a good friend and a man that was very well respected and always talked of fondly in our family.

He was a very dedicated politician. I know my father, even though he was unsuccessful in his attempt to be elected, he carried on as a volunteer with the party and did a lot of research with Mr. Molgat. It certainly struck him how Gil wanted to make absolutely sure that, when he spoke to an issue in the House, he was well versed and the research was well done, and he knew his facts before he spoke. I think that was recorded earlier by the Leader of the Liberal Party (Mr. Gerrard). He was a dear friend to the family. He was an individual who always showed great concern for the people in his life.

I know that he always took time to keep in touch, that whenever he ran into my mother, whether it was at the Safeway at Kylemore and Osborne as he was picking something up to go home or whether it was the St. Vital Shopping Centre, he always took the time to stop and chat and ask her about her life

June 6, 200 1 LEGISLATIVE ASS EMBLY OF MANITOBA 2699 and about her family. He carried a very genuine interest for the people and the friends th

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Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	37-2-42
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	37th 2nd hansardpdf 42.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
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