Manitoba Hansard — Sitting 29B (42nd Legislature, 4th Session)

42-4-29b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXVI No. 29B - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 24, 2022 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Second Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALTOMARE, Nello Transcona NDP ASAGWARA, Uzoma Union Station NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian Keewatinook NDP CLARKE, Eileen, Hon. Agassiz PC COX, Cathy Kildonan-River East PC CULLEN, Cliff, Hon. Spruce Woods PC DRIEDGER, Myrna, Hon. Roblin PC EICHLER, Ralph Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne, Hon. Lac du Bonnet PC FIELDING, Scott, Hon. Kirkfield Park PC FONTAINE, Nahanni St. Johns NDP FRIESEN, Cameron, Hon. Morden-Winkler PC GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib. GOERTZEN, Kelvin, Hon. Steinbach PC GORDON, Audrey, Hon.

Southdale PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC GUILLEMARD, Sarah, Hon. Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg, Hon. Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek, Hon. Interlake-Gimli PC JOHNSTON, Scott, Hon. Assiniboia PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan, Hon. Selkirk PC LAMONT, Dougald St. Boniface Lib. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib.

LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya Notre Dame NDP MARTIN, Shannon McPhillips PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC MOSES, Jamie St. Vital NDP NAYLOR, Lisa Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PEDERSEN, Blaine Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle, Hon. Turtle Mountain PC REYES, Jon, Hon. Waverley PC SALA, Adrien St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron Springfield-Ritchot PC SMITH, Andrew, Hon.

Lagimodière PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Vérendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP WHARTON, Jeff, Hon. Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant Fort Whyte Vacant Thompson

1031 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, March 24, 2022 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 227–The Turban Day Act Mr. Diljeet Brar (Burrows): I move, seconded by member for The Maples (Mr. Sandhu), that Bill 227, The Turban Day Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Brar: As the first turban-wearing Sikh elected to the Manitoba Legislature, I am honoured to present Bill 227, The Turban Day Act. Sikh Canadians represent a growing and dynamic population in Manitoba.

Sikhs in Manitoba and around the world continue to face violence and dis - crimination because of their religious identity. The turban is not only a symbol of Sikh heritage and culture, but also a symbol of courage and equality. Bill 227 will recognize April 13th as turban day and allow us all to celebrate the rich culture of the Sikh com munity in Manitoba, and educate Manitobans on the importance of the turban, helping combat racial discrimination. I look forward to unanimous support for this bill. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Committee reports?

TABLING OF REPORTS Madam Speaker: And I do have a report to table. In accordance with

section 28 of The Auditor General Act, I'm tabling the Auditor General's report entitled Aging Infor mation Systems, dated February 2022. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honour able Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in ac - cordance with our rule 26(2). Would the honour able minister please proceed with his statement. Spring Break Hon.

Wayne Ewasko (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): Madam Speaker, spring break is next week, March 28th to April 1st, and I want to wish all educators, students, principals and administrators, school staff and bus drivers a wonderful and safe week off. The commitment and resilience you have demonstrated have resulted in a safe and healthy learning environment for our children. You have been able to react and adapt to changes while maintaining continuity of learning for your students.

I also want to pay tribute to all the child -care workers that I have worked diligently–that have work- ed diligently to keep our child-care centres a safe and supportive environment. Your efforts are significant and very much appreciated. It is an exciti ng time in Education and Early Childhood Learning as we are investing in our most precious resource in Manitoba, our children.

With records amount of funding into education, I am pleased to stand up today and say that Manitoba has the second-highest spending per pupil in Canada at $15,412 and we are maintaining this position at the national level with a further investment of $120 million this year alone, Madam Speaker. As announced in February, funding for the Manitoba school system has increased by 120, which includes $43-million increase in annual funding, plus one-time funding of $77 million, to address incremental wage costs and other measures.

Our government will continue to consult with school divisions, school staff, parents and students to hear wh at is working and what we need to do to support them as we move forward to continuously improve and strengthen the education system. In addition, in 2016, our government committed to building 20 new schools over 10 years across Manitoba that will provide nearly 13,000 new class - room spaces along with 1,450 child- care spaces, at a total investment of over $550 million in capital costs.

1032 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 Six of these schools have been completed, and several more are in progress and ahead of schedule. This in- vestment will ens ure that more students have the opportunity to learn and grow in high-quality learning environments and minimizes transportation costs and overcrowding of existing schools in growing communities. Our government has listened to the struggles schools have faced over the past two years and they've been on all Manitobans and educators.

This is why why we have increased funding to our education system by 17.2 per cent over the last two years, Madam Speaker. We will continue to listen to our education partners a nd strive for a better education environment for all. As a parent and former teacher, I understand and appreciate the dedication to students that our edu- cators have shown, and I thank you all for your hard work to ensure our children continue to be enga ged, supported and encouraged to do, and be, their best.

As we head into a well -deserved spring break, I hope everyone has the chance to relax, re-energize, and reconnect with friends and family, and, as always, we continue to encourage everyone to conti nue to follow the public health fundamentals to stay safe and healthy. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr. Nello Altomare (Transcona): Madam Speaker, we all remember counting down the days before spring break, feeling excited to hang out with our friends ou tside the classroom for a week.

We wish students all the best as they spend time outdoors in the warming weather, and hope that teachers, support staff at least get a bit of well-deserved time off. We also know that our custodians will be working extra hard this week to clean and ensure a safe learn - ing environment for our students.

We also hope that this government will use next week to reflect on their cuts to schools, cuts that have forced Seven Oaks School Division to cut eight teaching positions and 20 support staff, Brandon School Division to cut 10 teaching positions and programs for speech -language, psychology, reading recovery, to name just a few. Madam Speaker, it's a bit surprising to listen to the MLA for Lac du Bonnet wax eloquent about stu- dents when he continues to make their experience worse through callous cuts during the pandemic.

The PC record on this file is embarrassing, and one might assume they would want to avoid the subject entirely but perhaps he gave his ministerial statement because, due to his government's austerity agenda, words are all that he has to offer children. We hope that the Education Minister also takes some time next week to reflect on the damage this government has done to the system since 2016 and commit to re hiring the staff that have been cut over the past few years.

It will be nice to see kids, of course, having a much deserved break, but we'd like to see properly staffed classrooms and a system in place when classes resume on April 4th. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Madam Speaker, I ask for leave to speak in response to the ministerial statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Ms. Lamoureux: I'm happy to rise today just to share a few thoughts as schools head into spring break.

First and foremost, we are still in a pandemic, and although restrictions and people being diagnosed with COVID differ from place to place, schools have had to remain diligent, without breaks, for over two years now. And because of this, I want to thank our schools, and this includes teachers, students, administration, custodial staff, and everyone, Madam Speaker. Every single time I talk with a teacher I hear stories about how they have had to adapt their cur - riculums.

They've had to switch from virtual to in - person, sometimes both, sometimes from classroom to classroom, and having to make time in the curriculum to talk about public health, to talk about masks and educate students on safety precautions, Madam Speaker. Our schools have been absolutely incredible through the pandemic, and I think there are a few things that our Province can do to help alleviate some difficulties and show appreciation to our schools.

For example, funding for school supplies –many teachers have had to pay out -of-pocket, and this is an unfair request of our teachers and a position they never should have had to be put into, Madam Speaker. I also know all MLAs are aware, through MTS, Manitoba Teachers' Society, of the need for a nutrition plan in the schools. It's devastating that there are children going to school every day here in Manitoba with empty bellies. This is some thing our Province could help with.

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1033 * (13:40) Lastly, Madam Speaker, just this morning, we had a wonderful debate about the need for menstrual products in schools too. Menstruation is something all girls and women experience, and it should be treated the way our other basic needs are treated, and this means ensuring student s in schools have access to feminine hygiene products. Again, the Province could help with this. Madam Speaker, these are just a few ideas and ways that we can support our schools.

And just before wrapping up, I want to send a special shout-out to the seven schools in my constit uency: École Waterford Springs, Tyndall Park, Meadows West, Garden Grove, Prairie Rose, Shaughnessy Park and Stanley Knowles. I hope you all have a very well -deserved break. I hope you do lots of puddle-jumping, and this goes to t he teachers, too, even us MLAs. I think it could be very therapeutic at times. And I want to thank you, the schools, for all the work you're doing in support of Ukraine and fundraising too. Thank you, Madam Speaker. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS College Béliveau Girls Basketball Champions Hon.

Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): It gives me great pleasure to rise in the House today to recognize the 2022 Collège Béliveau girls varsity basketball team located in the Windsor Park neighbourhood of the Southdale constituency. After months of hard work and dedication, under the guidance of their coaches, Duncan Paterson and Ann Davey, the Collège Béliveau Barracudas varsity girls basketball team has won the champion - ship title for their athletic zone with an undef eated record of 11-0. The difficulty of achieving an unbeaten regular season record cannot be understated, Madam Speaker.

This legendary accomplishment is literally what little girls' dreams are made of. This championship title earned the team a berth int o the Manitoba High School Athletic Association provincial AAA basket- ball championship tournament held over the weekend of March 18th to 20th in Brandon, Manitoba. There was fierce competition as the Béliveau girls went into each of their three games over the weekend: first, against the Steinbach Christian School Flames; next, the St. James Jimmies; and finally, it was a challenging battle against the Neelin High School Spartans.

Each player should be proud of themselves for earning their spot in the AAA provincial cham - pionship and their strong fourth place prov incial ranking. The friendships and memories you made this season will last a lifetime. Thank you to the parents, family members and school community for support - ing the team throughout the seas on. I wish every player the very best during the off season. We look forward to you defending your title next year. Please join me to congratulate the 2022 Béliveau Barracudas girls varsity basketball team on an exem- plary season.

Félicitations aux fille s. [Congratulations to the girls.] Congratulations. Dauphin Kings Ukrainian Night Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Where can you find Ukrainian dancing, elite hockey and a kielbasa toss? Well, at the Dauphin Kings Ukrainian night, of course. Several of my NDP colleagues and I were proud to join with nearly 2,000 of our fellow Manitobans for the first Ukrainian night with a large crowd since the pandemic began.

Children's dance groups like Zirka performed on the concourse, ceremonial gif ts of wheat and salt were presented prior to puck drop, and, hey, the Bombers and the Grey Cup were there for good measure. The Dauphin Kings, wearing jerseys with the Ukrainian alphabet, sent their home fan happy with a 4-1 win. Given what's happening r ight now, Ukrainian night might have meant some thing bigger this year. Vladimir Putin is waging a brutal war right now based on his attempt to erase Ukrainian language, culture and inde pendence.

So when you see young kids practising the dance of their ancestors, when you hear the language of that nation spoken at the rink and when you feel the people's music in the form of the Ukrainian national anthem alongside Canada's, it's easy to understand why that matters. Manitoba has long been and must continue to be a safe haven for Ukrainian people as well as for the language, culture and identity that defines them, and if we can raise thousands of dollars, as the organizers whose names I will include in Hansard did, to help the heroes on the front lines as w ell as the refugees who

1034 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 deserve safe passage in Ukraine, then that is all the more important. For a com munity like Dauphin, which, like the rest of Manitoba, has felt the pressures of division these past few years, it's so im portant for us to be brought together, to be brought together for something bigger than ourselves, to be brought together against the common enemy and to be brought together by our national pastime. Slava Ukraini [Glory to Ukraine] , Dauphin and Manitoba.

Canada's National Ukrainian Festival board and volunteers: Kayla Gillis, president; Cory Lafontaine; Joan Smith; Britney Wilson Volunteers: Ashley, Brent, Bryce, Dan, Darnell Duff, Father Oleg, Stephen Jaddock, Larry, Livia, Nick Chad Posthumus Hon. Je ff Wharton (Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks): Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to honour Chad Posthumus, who lives in East St. Paul. Chad started playing basketball when he was a young child. From the beginning, Chad excelled in basketball court and also at the local rink where he played hockey.

At the age of 14, he chose to devote more of his time to basketball, even though he played hockey at a high level. Chad started playing university basketball in 2009 and has continued to play at a high level since. He's been playing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League since the summer of 2019 and won the league champion as a member of the Saskatchewan Rattlers that same year. In 2021, he played with the Ottawa BlackJacks and set a new leagu e record for 20 rebounds in one game.

Earlier this month, Chad was in Nicaragua, play- ing for the Edmonton Stringers, repre senting Canada in the FIBA Americas basketball cham pionship league. Canada was an underdog going into the tour - nament. However, Mr. Potamus [phonetic] and the teammates surprised everyone by coming out in the first round 1 -1 record, losing to Puerto Rico, but defeating Nicaragua on the–on their home turf, Madam Speaker. Chad was named player of the game against Puerto Rico, with 18 points, 14 rebounds and a shooting percentage of 82 per cent.

For Chad, playing basketball allows him to pursue his passion and see the world, Madam Speaker. He encourages kids to follow their hearts and pursue their love of the game. I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Chad Posthumus and wish him well as he continues to pursue his career as a professional basketball player. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Support for Refugees Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, Putin's war in Ukraine has created a moment that shines a light on numerous global challenges, not the least how we respond to refugees.

We must provide all of the possible support that we can. We must aid the millions of refugees from Ukraine, as well as the millions of refugees from other war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Myanmar, Venezuela–the list goes on. Support for refugees must not be based solely on an economic analysis and whether a refugee is able to immediately work, learn En glish or contribute to our bottom line. Refugee support must not be based on skin colour. We must apply a humanitarian lens and assist in settling all the world's refugees while global leaders and citizens work towards peace.

The war in Ukraine is but one global crisis, albeit a crisis that's bringing us on the brink of World War III. There are many critical issues requiring our full attention and action, like the climate crisis, food insecurity, the pandemic and the insatiable greed of multinational cor porations, and local priorities like violence against women, addictions and overdose, policing and community relations, health- care access, safe and adequate housing, clean water for Indigenous communities and protecting the right to reproductive services. All of this can be overwhelming, but we must rise to the challenge.

We have the ability to change systems of power, parti cularly those of us in this Chamber. For those that can, we can assist global NGOs supporting refugees. We can support local agencies doing critical work in our communities. No act is too small. Miigwech to all of the generous Manitobans vol- unteering and donating to all of these causes, in- cluding those donating to the crisis in Ukraine. Miigwech.

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1035 Support for Ukraine Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): The last two years have featured a continual onslaught of chal - lenges, from the pandemic to economic upheaval and now to war. It is now one month to the day that Russia invaded Ukraine, and the war in Ukraine is still very much on the minds of all of us and the minds of Manitobans. I had the pleasure of meeting with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities this morning, and they departed from their agenda to ask questions about the crisis.

We all know that this is an issue that has united people across Manitoba and Canada, of all political stripes, in support of our friends and relatives who are of Ukrainian descent here in Manitoba as well as their friends and relatives who are fleeing terror and who are so bravely fightin g back for their right to deter - mine their own destiny. * (13:50) At this time, the bravery, sense of humour and incredible toughness of Ukraine has been nothing short of inspirational, because it demonstrates a righteous defence of democracy against tyr anny, the importance of truth in reporting and solidarity in the cause of right.

It has resulted in an outpouring of help from every corner of Manitoba. In my own constituency of St. Boniface, resi - dents of Norwood have started a group in support of Ukraine. Ukrainian-born web designer Andriy Rudnyk and supporters have launched a website that guides people, through a single page, to donate to one of three causes, as well as petitioning MPs to advocate for support for Ukraine, and to several pro-Ukrainian news sources. That site, mbhelpsukraine.ca, lists those three causes as: financial aid, political aid and informational resources.

Callum Morrison was inspired to hold a fund- raising concert in Altona which raised an incredible $18,000 for the Mennonite Central Committee's humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. And of course, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress has been extraordinary and they, along with the MCC, are a trusted place to make donations for humanitarian aid. We all wish we could do more, and w e will. Ukraine, this is not your fight alone. To Ukrainians across Manitoba, Canada and around the world, we stand with you and we stand with Ukraine. In this dark hour, you have been a beacon of inspiration to the world.

Together, we will prevail; together, we will rebuild. Slava Ukraini. [Glory to Ukraine.] Merci. ORAL QUESTIONS Health-Care Spending Limits Pandemic Management Concerns Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, health care is so important. We just have to g et it right. And yet, over the past few years, Manitobans have learned that they just can't trust this gov ernment when it comes to health care. The former Health minister, who's now the PC Premier, is making it harder for our front -line health-care workers. Now we're starting to see more and more reasons why.

I'll table internal docu ments from the Stefanson government about the health -care budget in this current fiscal year. The spending is capped, Madam Speaker: a 1.4 per cent cap on health -care spending during a pandemic. Why did the Premier refuse to give our front-line health-care workers the resources they needed during COVID-19? Hon.

Heather Stefanson (Premier): Well, Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition will know that there was a settlement with the nurses union that–for many years of more resources for those people who have been working on our front lines, and we thank them for the incredible work that they've done. But the Leader of the Opposi tion is absolutely factually incorrect, as usual, Madam Speaker. In fact, over last year alone, we have increased the budget to Health by more than $156 million over last year. We have another budget coming up. Stay tuned for more good news.

Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, this past year has been one full of challenges for our health- care system. We've seen heroic efforts from nurses and physicians and health- care pro fessionals, health -care aides.

1036 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 Manitobans from all walks of life have been asked to sacrifice, have been told that we have to use any means necessary to combat the pandemic. And then, it turns out this gov ernment won't even provide the necessary resources to the front lines of that COVID-19 fight. We tabled a document that says this government put a cap on health-care resources of 1.4 per cent this year. That puts a limit on the resources devoted to the front lines, Madam Speaker. After everything that Manitobans have sacrificed, why can't this Premier simply match their commit - ment? Mrs.

Stefanson: Madam Speaker, the litany of false accusations in the members opposite –I think it's im- portant that we put the facts on the record. The fact is is that our government has investe d more than $1 billion more than the NDP ever did in health care, Madam Speaker –than the NDP ever did when they were in power. Madam Speaker, over last year alone, $156 million more in the budget for health care, $812 million more in a historic capital fu nding that was announced last year, $50 million more in the budget to address the surgical and diagnos tic back- logs.

Madam Speaker, the invest ments go on and on and on in terms of what we have invested in health care in the province of Manitoba. And st ay tuned for more good information in the upcoming budget. Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: We tabled a gov ernment document that shows they put a cap on the health- care system of 1.4 per cent. That's in the current fiscal year, Madam Speaker. They cannot disprove this. All they have are talk- ing points. Just like Brian Pallister, it's money before people.

Manitobans would be reasonable to ask, is this why our health-care system ran out of capacity during the third wave–because there was a cap on spending in the health -care system? Is this why we had such poor outcomes during the fourth wave? Madam Speaker, Manitobans deserve an answer. Why did this Premier cap the health -care sy stem during our time of need? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Order. Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition obviously doesn't understand the true numbers of what we're talking about: $156 million more spent this year in health care over last year.

Not only that, Madam Speaker, but we spent more than $500 million more in COVID relief and health-care-related expenses over last year as well, and that's something that the NDP is not taking into consideration. These are the facts. These are the increases in the health-care budget that we have put into place to en - sure that those health -care services are there for Manitobans when they need it, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Mr.

Kinew: You know, Madam Speaker, I will just review the document that I tabled in the House today so that those folks watching at–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –home can see through the talking points, and can cut through the spin. What it says is that in the current fiscal year, 2021-22–that's right now–that there's going to be a cap of 1.4 per cent. That's a cap on health care during a pandemic, the same pandemic in which Manitoba was the first province to run out of health-care capacity. We see the impact today. We had a devastating fourth wave. That causes the surgical backlog to grow.

Why did they cap health -care spending? Why won't they do anything to fix the backlog? Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, these are not talking points. They're called facts. The Leader of the Opposition could learn something about facts. Madam Speaker, $156 million more expended in health care and invested in our health-care system just over last year alone, and more than $500 million ex - pended and invested in COVID-related relief in–when it comes to health care alone. Those are invest ments that are made to ensure that the health -care services are there for Manitobans when they need them.

Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: But, Madam Speaker, those health- care services were not there when Manitobans needed them.

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1037 We had to send ICU patients out of province. We didn't have the capacity to care for the si ckest Manitobans. We ran out before any other jurisdiction. That's why this is such an important question, Madam Speaker. It's right there in black and white. The fiscal year 2021-22: 1.4 per cent. A cap on health-care spending in the fiscal year in which our health-care system ran out of capacity. How does the Premier defend putting a limit on our ability to fight COVID-19? Mrs. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, there were no limits put on.

In fact, we spent–we invested more than $1.18 billion more in COVID-related expenses in last year alone. That is on top of the $156-million increase in ex- penditures and health-care-related expenses over last year as well, Madam Speaker. There are a whole litany of invest ments that have been made in our health-care system. We recog nize because of COVID that there is more work to be done. We will continue to work with those in the health -care system.

We will continue to make sure that health care is there for Manitobans when they need it. * (14:00) Madam Speaker: The hon ourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: I just want to make clear that the Premier is not able to refute the fact that there is a 1.4 per cent cap in the 2021-2022 fiscal year in the document that we tabled. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: What happened in that fiscal year during the third wave, Madam Speaker? Our health -care system ran out of ICU capacity. The proof is in the fact that we had to send 57 ICU patients out of province.

What happened during the fourth wave? What's happening–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –in the health -care system right now? Surgeries are not happening because we had to re - deploy–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –staff from surgical ORs to the ICUs. Put simply, Madam Speaker, we ran out of health- care capacity again during the fourth wave, and the proof is in the fact that we–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –had to cancel so many surgeries. This is n ot abstract. This is not talking points. These are Manitobans who are suffering and waiting in pain.

How does the gov ernment defend a 1.4 per cent cap on health care during Manitobans' time of need? Mrs. Stefanson: Well, Madam Speaker, the only thing that I am refuting is the false accusations by the Leader of the Opposition. The facts of the matter are–and I will reiterate this again for Manitobans so that they get the facts, Madam Speaker –$1.18 billion invested last year in COVID-related–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Stefanson: –expenses, Madam Speaker, $500 million of that alone in health care – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs.

Stefanson: –also an increase of $156 million to the health -care budget, Madam Speaker. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Stefanson: And what I can say to Manitobans is that on April 12th, we will–the Minister of Finance (Mr. Friesen) will be delivering a budget in this Chamber, Madam Speaker, and there will be more good news for Manitobans w hen it comes to health care. Madam Speaker: I just want to remind members again that, when your member is speaking, it's probably a good thing to support your member and not be heckling, to allow your member to get their point across.

So–and just a reminder to all members, give them a chance, please. Health and Education Management Apology Request from the Premier Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Yesterday, the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) finally admitted, when Manitobans have known all along. When a sked if

1038 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 the PCs have made some mistakes, she replied, I quote: Yes. That's an understatement, Madam Speaker. Let's count the mistakes this Conservative gov- ernment has made: they fired nurses and attacked doc- tors; they sent patients, including seniors, hours away from their families and loved ones; they let the sur - gical and diagnostic backlog get even worse, Madam Speaker. The first step would be an apology to Manitobans. Will the Premier get up in the House and apolo- gize for her mistakes to Manitobans? Hon.

Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I'm having a really difficult time with the line of dis - cussion that the members opposite have started on today. It's discrediting the good work of the health- care workers in this province, the indiv iduals that have returned to surgical activity at various sites throughout the regions, Madam Speaker–also, the good work that has been done to increase our baseline for ICU capacity to 110 from the previous pre -pandemic baseline of 92.

And, Madam Speaker, to support the maintenance of reliable critical- care beds, ad ditional staffing re - sources have been trained and recruited on an ongoing basis to ensure a long-term supply of trained critical- care nurses. Those are– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable member for St. Johns, on a sup- plementary question. Ms. Fontaine: The Premier wouldn't say yesterday what her mistakes are, but she should be open with Manitobans. that's real accountability here. We know that bill 64 was a mistake. A–failing on ICUs during the third wave was a mistake.

Forgetting to declare $31 million, even though it's a law, was a mistake, Madam Speaker. These are serious failings. Will the Premier be accountable to Manitobans in this House today and apologize for her mistakes? Ms. Gordon: Will the member for St. Johns apolo- gize to Manitobans for saying that there are no surgeries occurring? Her leader has said today that all the good health- care workers in the system who are performing surgeries a s we sit in this Chamber, Madam Speaker, is not doing any surgeries. That is factually incorrect.

And will the members opposite apologize to Manitobans: $70 million for the Brandon Regional Health Centre is what this gov ernment has invested; $32 million for the Bethesda hospital; $64.4 million– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –Boundary Trails; $31.6 million, Selkirk; $5 million, Dauphin; $127 million, Neepawa; $10.8 million in Ashern. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary. Ms.

Fontaine: In what may be the first moment of clarity citizens have seen from this Premier, she told us yesterday, and I quote: I will continue to make mis- takes. End quote. We've seen enough from this Premier and this government to know that nothing has changed since Brian Pallister–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: –left. It's just the same old, same old, Madam Speaker: cut health care, make life– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: –more expensive for Manitobans.

They could choose a different path if they wanted to: stop health-care cuts, stop hiking hydro, stop making the mistakes. And we will apologize to all Manitobans for their mistakes that have made so much struggle in the lives of Manitobans. Will the Premier get up today and do the same? An Honourable Member: He's got the list of mistakes. Madam Speaker: And I've got the list of members that are refusing to listen to me and be more consid - erate of people that are asking and answering ques - tions. [interjection] And I would call the hon ourable member for Concordia (Mr. Wiebe) to order on that.

I was stand- ing and I was expressing some concerns, and that is the most inappropriate time for somebody to throw

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1039 something back at the Speaker. That is totally uncalled for. So I'm going to ask for everybody's co-operation, please. Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade): And here we are again, the NDP with the campaign of fear, cam - paign of slander,

preambles are completely dishonest, made up and completely misleading. Madam Speaker, our gov ernment is focused on delivering what Manitobans has asked us to deliver on. We're committed to making those–making things positive for Manitobans. We know there's work ahead of us. We know the NDP are fixated on the past, they're fixated on the negatives, but I can tell you, under this Premier's leadership, Manitoba's best days are ahead. Collective Bargaining Negotiations Government Record MLA Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): This gov ernment bargains in bad faith. They interfere.

They interfere in collective bargaining, clearly violate terms of con - tracts that have already been negotiated. Just yesterday, an inde pendent arbitrator sided with the workers again at Manitoba Hydro and against this government. They said the contract terms must be upheld. The gov ernment has repeat edly disrespected workers and their rights for fair bargaining. That's what the ruling said. Will the minister and the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) stop interfering in collective bargaining today? Hon.

Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services): Well, I'm sure the member opposite knows that we are not the employer. Manitoba Hydro is the employer. They are the body that negotiates with the union. Collective bargaining works, and we continue to follow down that path with all of the employers, that they follow the collective bargaining process, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question. MLA Lindsey: This gov ernment inter fered with workers' rights at Manitoba Hydro. They did the same thing at the University of Manitoba.

A court found this government undermined negotiations and interfered. The Premier has said she and her party made mistakes. Well, this is just one more example of the mistakes that this PC government continues to make. Will the minister and the Premier admit they are wrong to continue interfering in collective bargaining and stop interfering today? * (14:10) Mr. Helwer: Well, the member opposite seems to portray himself as an expert in collective bargaining, so I'm sure he knows that Manitoba Hydro is the employer, Madam Speaker.

The Manitoba gov ern- ment is not the employer of the individual union that he speaks about. We encourage–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Helwer: –the employers to continue the col - lective bargaining process, and we have faith in that process, Madam Speaker. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a final supplementary. MLA Lindsey: This government continues to inter - fere with Manitoba Hydro. They've once again found that they've disrespected contract terms at University of Manitoba. They've been ordered to pay millions for their interference.

Meanwhile, thousands of front -line health -care workers have been without a contract for five years because of this gov ernment's inter ference. They've been without a contract long enough. Enough is enough. Stop the interference. Get out of the way. Let collective bargaining do its job and work. Will this gov ernment get out of the way, stop interfering today? Mr. Helwer: Well, Madam Speaker, you know, the opposition can't have it both ways. They either want us to interfere or not interfere. So, it's clear, Madam Speaker, all of the unions he spoke about are employed by bodies outside of the government.

We are not the employer; they are the employer. We encourage them to follow the collective bargaining process, and we have great faith in that process.

1040 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 Northern Health Care Staffing Level Concerns Mr. Ian Bushie (Keewatinook): We all know what the minister refuses to acknowl edge: that northern health care is in crisis. I'll table docu ments provided through FIPPA. Right now, Gillam, Leaf Rapids, Lynn Lake and Snow Lake are all missing more than half of the nurses they need. This just confirms what we have been saying to the minister for months and n ow years: northern health care is in crisis. Why won't the minister give the North the sup- ports that it needs? Hon.

Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I want to correct the false infor mation that the member has placed on the record –$4.3 million for 37 ad di- tional nurse training seats at the University College of the North. In Budget 2021, our gov ernment has also committed $812 million, the largest health -care– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –commitment in Manitoba's history, to improve rural and northern health care. More good news to come. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Keewatinook, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Bushie: Again, no acknowledgement of the crisis that exists in northern health care. There aren't the doctors, health support staff or nurses needed to provide the support needed in the North. In the Thompson emergency room right now, the vacancy rate's 45 per cent. This is a regional hub for health care, and there's not another hospital just down the road. Nearly half the positions aren't there. This is dan- gerous and unacceptable. Why won't this minister take action? Ms. Gordon: The member is incorrect. We are taking action.

The $812 million will be used in the creation of a new intermedia te health -care hub in northern Manitoba; build and expand 38 health-care facilities– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –across rural and northern Manitoba; improve access, quality and reliability of care; reduce wait times. And Madam Speaker, I encourage the member to join me at the meeting that will be hosted where we will be looking at health–northern health-care sustain- ability in May. We are about solutions; they are about problems. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order.

The honourable member for Keewatinook, on a final supplementary. Mr. Bushie: Again, no acknowl edgement of the crisis. The Thompson emergency room is missing 45 per cent of the workers needed. Obstetrics in Thompson is also short 45 per cent. I'll say that again, Madam Speaker: 45 per cent. In Thompson, there's not another hospital just down the road if you're having a medical emergency or even having a baby. This situation needs to be fixed now. Why hasn't the minister listened to our concerns and the concerns of northern citizens and addressed this crisis in health care in the North? Ms.

Gordon: Ensuring that there are services to Manitobans living in the North is a priority for this government. That is why we've made this historic invest ment of $812 million, and initiatives under the clinical and preventative services plan sets a great–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –foundation for moving our system ahead, especially in northern areas, Madam Speaker. I'm in constant contact with stakeholders through- out the North, with the board of the northern regional health authority. We are talking about solutions. There will be a good meeting in May to look at more solu- tions.

I encourage the member to focus on the posi - tives and to support all Manitobans living in the North. Action on Climate Change Government Spending Concerns Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): Madam Speaker, last week we showed that, by this gov ernment's own admission, their tiny measures on climate change–or,

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1041 sorry, their tiny measures on stopping climate change won't have a meaningful impact to reduce greenhouse gases. In fact, emissions continue to go up. Now we've received new docu ments through freedom of information, which I table, that show that this government is just slow to take action. Nearly half of the funds allocated through the Low Carbon Economy Fund have not yet been spent. Why won't this gov ernment prioritize action to address climate change? Hon.

Jeff Wharton (Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks): Certainly, we'll take no lessons on the climate when it comes to members opposite. We know that members opposite, their plan was born on a napkin and continues to be on a napkin, Madam Speaker. And we're certainly working with stakeholders across this great province and across Canada to ensure, Madam Speaker, that we will be on the right path with the support of stake holders as we move forward to a green, clean economy. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a supplementary question. Ms.

Naylor: I hope the minister isn't planning to go out of town for spring break, because the deadline to allocate funds through the Low Carbon Economy Fund is eight days away. Tens of millions of dollars remain unallocated. These funds are languishing because this government is so slow to take action –so slow we have to wonder if they care about climate change at all. Madam Speaker, why won't this gov ernment prioritize action to address climate change? Mr. Wharton: Action is exactly what our gov ern- ment is doing when it comes to climate, Madam Speaker.

We–in 2018, the Expert Advisory Council, Madam Speaker, was developed to ensure that we en- gage all stakeholders as we move forward with climate. Madam Speaker, we know where the NDP was on climate when they dumped millions of litres of potash in Lake Winnipeg. That was their conclusion to end- ing the evasive species in Lake Winnipeg. Where they failed, we'll get it right. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a final supplementary. Ms.

Naylor: I will remind the minister that his expert advisory com mittee has directed his gov ernment to have a water plan, has directed his government to have a clean trans portation plan by the end of this year. There are so m any directions they've provided, and any of these could have been–had money allocated to them from the funds that this government is sitting on. The deadline is eight days away. So, Manitobans' emissions are increasing, they will continue to rise und er this gov ernment's ap - proach.

These are federal dollars that have been allocated that this government is just going to let slip through its fingers unless the minister moves his feet today and ensures that Manitoba takes real action to address climate change today. Mr. Wharton: As a resident along Lake Winnipeg, we know the record of the NDP when it comes to ensuring that our jewel of –freshwater lake, Madam Speaker, is protected. * (14:20) We know that, for the 17 years in power, that they kept kicking the can down the road when it came to the North End treatment plant in the city of Winnipeg.

We know that the City of Winnipeg –we know, Madam Speaker–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Wharton: –that the North End treatment plant has been an issue for years, Madam Speaker. Our gov ernment is taking action in ensuring that the City of Winnipeg is compliant, and we will move forward in a sustain able way to protect Lake Winnipeg and our water, Madam Speaker. Pandemic Spending Request for Audit Mr. Dougald Lamont (St.

Boniface): On Tuesday, I asked this gov ernment about three deals alone that cost Manitobans $35 million in emergency pandemic spending with nothing to show for it: millions of masks we couldn't use cost $26.6 mil - lion, $7.2 million on a non -existent vaccine and $1.2 million in unapproved hand sanitizer made from fuel ethanol. Now, the minister told the House the hand sanitizer was approved by Health Canada and then it revoked. The letter I table from Health Canada shows that that is not the case. It was never approved.

1042 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 How did the gov ernment end up spending $35 million on products that couldn't be used and sometimes were never even approved by Health Canada? Hon. Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services): Well, Madam Speaker, the member asked this question before, a couple times, and the answer is much the same. We work with Health Canada. We buy products that are on their approved list. And when we bought– brought the product int o Manitoba, it was approved, and then Canada rescinded their approval.

They are within their rights to do that; they are the body that checks the veracity of the product, and we work with them to make sure that staff are not at risk. We did put an order in for $35 million, the first province to do so, with PPE –for PPE from the prov - incial–federal government, and they couldn't supply, Madam Speaker. So we had to go work with local companies to provide PPE for Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for St. Boniface, on a supplementary question. Mr. Lamont: The hand –Madam Speaker, the hand sanitizers was from a Manitoba company; it wasn't brought into Manitoba at all.

And the fact that the –no masks were available from the federal gov ernment is no excuse to buy $35 million–or $26 million of –worth of masks that don't work. With three deals costing $35 million with nothing to show for it, we have to ask how much more this government spent –$1.2 million on hand sanitizers that the US FDA r ecommends has to be disposed of as hazardous waste. For 18 months, we've been calling for a public inquiry into the failed health response around the pan- demic, but it's also clear we need a thorough audit of pandemic spending. Will the Premier (Mrs.

Stefanson) ask the Auditor General to audit pandemic spending and busi ness supports, or do we need to do that? Mr. Helwer: Well, you know, the federal government was having trouble supplying PPE to all provinces in Manitoba, Madam Speaker. We asked them to help us do that, and they were not able to do so, so we went out and we bought on our own from all over the world and from Manitoba suppliers. In fact, when we finally did get masks from the federal government, the boxes were stamped: donated by the Red Cross. And they were expired.

I know the federal gov ernment had a tough time getting PPE, but perhaps they could've got –given us something that was effective. We worked with them to get other products and they were very helpful in some of those regards. They had challenges, as every- one in the world did, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary. Ukrainian Refugees in Manitoba Government Housing Plan Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I've received emails from several individuals who have identified vacant housing units , homes, townhomes and so forth all over Manitoba.

These homes could serve as a great place to help house Ukrainian refugees when they arrive in our province, and it provides the opportunity for the government to fix up some of these properties so they can be used as livable housing options. What is this government planning for housing dis- placed Ukrainians when they arrive in Manitoba? Hon. Jon Reyes (Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration): Our government continues to take action with the Ukraine situation. Our government does take a proactive approach to assist them as they consider making Manitoba their home.

Specifically, we are taking a whole-of-govern- ment approach in such areas as housing, health and mental health care, K -to-12 educa tion, child care, English language services and job placements. Madam Speaker, we'll always be the home of hope. That is why our gov ernment created a cen tral- ized website, the manitoba4ukraine.ca, to provide everyone with access to the necessary information and resources about the Ukraine situation and how great– our great province can assist at times of greatest need. I'd like to thank all Manitobans who have offered their help and assistance through the website.

I would also like to thank, most notably, my good friend Ab Chudley, who is actually registered and is offering help like many Manitobans are, Madam Speaker. North End Women's Centre Funding Announcement Mr. James Teitsma (Radisson): Substance use and mental health challenges are often at the forefront

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1043 when providing community programming at women's resource centres. That's especially the case for women and families struggling with the impacts of domestic violence. Can the Minister of Families, the Minister respon- sible for the Status of Women, tell this House what is being done to support these organi zations that help these women and children? Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): I thank my colleague for that question. Women helping women: that is one of many mantras that this government holds dear.

And to that end, yesterday we were very proud to visit the North End Women's Centre to provide them with $400,000 to maintain continuity at their eight- unit transitional housing space that they have. And one of the highlights of the day was meeting a woman named Stephanie, who shared her story of, after spending time in one of these transitional housing units, she not only got her children back that were in CFS care, she's 21 months sober, she's got a job and she's got housing, and that wouldn't have been made possible if it weren't for the wonderful efforts of the North End Women's Centre.

And I'd like to thank everybody involved in their efforts there for the job well done. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Small Business Community Government Record Mr. Jamie Moses (St. Vital): Madam Speaker, a new survey of Manitoba busi nesses showed nearly 80 per cent disapproval rating of this PC government's performance. That's the worst approval rating–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Moses: –since 2017. And it's no surprise. This gov ernment has simply abandoned small businesses. They failed to deliver the supports they needed. They failed to deliver sick pay.

And now, when inflation is at its highest, the gov ernment is silent. Will the minister give up the spin and finally admit their approach to small busi nesses is just one added to their long list of–record of mistakes? Will they admit their mistakes today? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade): We certainly recognize the challenges that the business community has faced over the last two years. That's why our gov ernment has invested more than $650 million in 38,000 busi nesses and organi - zations over the last two years.

We have offered direct financial assistance and tax relief–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Cullen: –to help businesses survive the pandemic and prepare for post-COVID. Madam Speaker, we're focused on getting people back to work. We're focused on helping employers find employees, and we're going to continue to work with business and academia and immigration services to make s ure those needs are fulfilled, and we will continue to invest in Manitoba busi nesses and Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Vital, on a supplementary question. Mr. Moses: Eighty per cent–80 per cent.

The survey says 80 per cent of business owners say this gov ern- ment is doing a bad job. They won't forget this govern ment's mistakes. They won't forget this gov ernment's failures when it came to pro gramming. And they especially won't forget $500,000 handed out to the gov ernment's Fort Whyte candidate, all while local busi nesses in Manitoba struggled to survive. Will the minister apologize for these mistakes to Manitoban small businesses? Mr.

Cullen: Well, Manitobans and Manitoba busi - nesses will not forget the $650-million investment that we made in 38,000 businesses and organizations. * (14:30) We've also set aside $50 million for ad ditional post-COVID recovery with Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. And the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) and I actually met with the Winnipeg Ch amber of Commerce board of directors this morning. We talked about the downtown recovery strategy that they have put forward. We're hoping that–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Cullen: –the business community and the federal government will get onside and help us move forward

1044 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 in downtown revitalization and continue the work in revitalizing Manitoba post-COVID. Madam Speaker: Just a reminder to members that it's not a very good idea to heckle down your own mem - bers that are trying to ask or answer questions. The honourable member for St. Vital, on a final supplementary. Mr. Moses: Now, 80 per cent of busi ness owners disapprove of this government's approach. This government refused to bring back paid sick leave or targeted sector-specific supports to help small businesses.

They ignored small-business owners dur- ing their pandemic response. And, in the last few weeks, they listened to convoys who blocked our borders and disrupted supply chains. This government isn't on the sid e of small busi - ness. So, will the minister today apologize to small - business owners of Manitoba for their mistakes? Mr. Cullen: Well, Madam Speaker, we're never going to apologize for a $650-million investment, the 38,000 businesses and organizations.

And speaking of businesses, the 'Manichober' of– Chamber of Commerce 2021 busi ness outlook service, over 400 businesses said–64 per cent say the provincial government responded well; 77 per cent of respondents say they believe Manitoba's on the right track. Madam Speaker, under this Premier's (Mrs. Stefanson) leadership, the best days in Manitoba are ahead. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Health-Care Coverage Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background to this petition is as follows: Health care is a basic human right and a funda - mental part of responsible public health. Many people in Manitoba are not covered by provincial health care: migrant workers with work permits of less than one year, international students and those un documented residents who have lost their status for a variety of reasons. Racialized people and communities are dis - proportionately affected by the pandemic, mainly due to the social and economic conditions which leave them vulnerable while performing essential work in a variety of industries in Manitoba.

Without adequate health- care coverage, if they are ill, many of the uninsured will avoid seeking health care due to fear of being charged for the care, and some will fear possible detention and deportation if their immigration status is reported to the authorities. According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, denying essential health care to u n- documented irregular migrants is a violation of their rights.

Jurisdictions across Canada and the world have adopted access -without-fear policies to prevent sharing personal health information or immigration status with immigration authorities and to give uninsured residents the confidence to access health care. The pandemic has clearly identified the need for everyone in Manitoba to have access to health care to protect the health and safety of all who live in the province.

We petition the Legislativ e Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to imme - diately provide comprehensive and free health -care coverage to all residents of Manitoba, regardless of immigration status, including refugee claimants, migrant workers, internat ional students, dependent children of temporary residents and undocumented residents. We urge the minister of Health and seniors care to undertake a multilingual communication campaign to provide information on expanded coverage to all affected residents.

To urge the minister of Health and senior care to inform all health -care institutions and providers of expanded coverage for those without health insurance and the details on how necessary policy and protocol changes will be implemented. To urge the minister of Health and seniors care to create and enforce strict confidentiality policies and provide staff with training to protect the safety of residents with precarious immigration status and en- sure they can access health care without jeopardizing their ability to remain in Canada.

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1045 This petition has been signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Foot-Care Services Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The population of those aged 55- plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson.

(2) A large percentage of people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

(3) A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes.

(4) The northern regional health author ity, the N-R-H-A, previously provided essential medical foot- care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program after the last two nurses filling those positions retired.

(5) The number of seniors and those with diabetes has only continued to grow in Thompson and the surrounding areas.

(6) There is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 foot-care centres.

(7) The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations.

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2022. And this petition, Madam Speaker, is signed by many Manitobans. Cochlear Implant Program Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background to this petition is as follows: People who suffer hearing loss due to aging, illness, employment or accident not only lose the ability to communicate effectively with friends, rela - tives or colleagues; they can also experience un - employment, social isolation and struggles with men- tal health. A cochlear implant is a life -changing electronic device that allows deaf people to receive and process sounds and speech, and also can partially restore hear- ing in people who have severe hearing loss and who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids.

A processor behind the ear captures and processes sound signals which are transmitted to a rece iver implanted into the skull that relays the information to the inner ear. The technology has been available since 1989 through the Central Speech and Hearing Clinic found- ed in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Surgical Hearing Implant program began implanting patients in the fall of 2011 and marked the completion of 250 cochlear implant surgeries in Manitoba in the summer of 2018. The program has implanted about 60 devices since the summer of 2018, as it is only able to implant about 40 to 45 devices per year.

There are no upfront costs to Manitoba residents who proceed with cochlear implant surgery, as Manitoba Health covers the surgical procedure, internal implant and the first external sound processor. Newfoundland and Manitoba have the highest estimated implantation costs of all provinces. Alberta has one of the best programs with Alberta aids for daily living, and their cost share means the patient pays only approximately $500 out of pocket. Assistive Devices Program in Ontario covers 75 per cent of the co st, to a maximum amount of $5,444, for a cochlear–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Gerrard: –implant replacement speech processor. The BC Adult Cochlear Implant Program offers subsidized replacements to aging sound pro- cessors through the Sound P rocessor Replacement program. This provincially funded program is avail - able to those cochlear implant recipients whose sound processors have reached six to seven years of age. * (14:40) The cochlear implant is a lifelong commitment. However, as the technology changes over time, parts and software become no longer functional or

1046 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 available. The cost of upgrading a cochlear implant in Manitoba of approximately $11,000 is much more expensive than in other provinces, as adult patients are responsible for the upgrade costs of their sound processor. In Manitoba, pediatric patients under 18 years of age are eligible for funding assistance through the Cochlear Implant Speech Processor Replacement Program, which provides up to 80 per cent of the replacement costs associated with a device upgrade.

It's unreasonable that this technology is inaccess- ible to many citizens of Manitoba who must choose between hearing and deafness due to financial constraints because the costs of maintaining the equipment are prohibitive for low -income earners or those on a fixed income, such as old age pension or Employment and Income Assistance.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide financing for upgrades to the cochlear implant covered under medicare, or provide funding assistance through the Cochlear Implant Speech Processor Replacement Program to assist with the replacement costs associated with a device upgrade. Signed by Bradon Carnegie, Karl Carnegie, Michelle Carnegie and many other Manitobans. Thank you. Abortion Services Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Manitoba women, girls, two -spirit, genderqueer, non-binary and trans persons deserve to be safe and supported when accessing abortion services.

(2) Limited access to effective and safe abortion services contributes to detrimental outcomes and con- sequences for those seeking an abortion, as an esti - mated 25 million unsafe abortions occur worldwide each year.

(3) The provincial government's reckless health- care cuts have created inequity within the health-care system whereby access to the abortion pill, Mifegymiso, and surgical abortions are less accessible for northern and rural individuals than individuals in southern Manitoba, as they face travel barriers to access the handful of non- urban health-care pro fes- sionals who are trained to provide medical abortions.

(4) For over five years, and over the admin istra- tion of three failed Health ministers, the prov incial government operated under the pretense that reproductive health was not the responsi bility of the Ministry of Health and Seniors Care and shifted the responsibility to a secretariat with no policy, program or financial authority within the health-care system.

(5) For over four years, the prov incial gov ern- ment has refused to support bill 200, The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, which will ensure the safety of Manitoba women, girls, two- spirit, genderqueer, non-binary and trans persons accessing abortion services, and the staff who provide such services, by establishing buffer zones for anti -choice Manitobans around clinics.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial gov ernment to imme - diately ensure effective and safe access to abortion services for individuals, regardless of where they reside in Manitoba, and to ensure that a buffer zones are immediately legislated. Signed by many Manitobans. Miigwech. Scrap Metal Legislation–Consumer Protection Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) The spike in catalytic converter thefts occurring across North America has hit Winnipeg. The price of precious metals in catalytic converters, like rhodium, palladium and platinum, are worth thousands of dollars an ounce. Scrap- metal recyclers have catalytic converters priced to the vehicle, with some catalytic converters worth $800.

(2) Organized groups of criminals are climbing under vehicles and cutting catalytic converters and selling them to scrap-metal recyclers for cash, without any record of these transactions.

(3) Catalytic converter thefts cost consumers about $2,000 for each replacement. Manitoba Public Insurance charges a betterment fee for new replace- ments, so insurance doesn't cover the full cost.

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1047

(4) Currently, sellers do not have to provide government-issued photo ID and recyclers do not need to record and retain this information, or record details of the transaction.

(5) Scrap-metal recyclers do not report to police any transactions involving catalytic converters.

(6) Provinces like BC and Alberta have scrap - metal-recycler legislation requiring businesses to keep proper records. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to bring in consumer protection legislation requiring scrap-metal recyclers to keep proper records so only legitimate sales are allowed and criminals can be caught. And this petition is signed by many Manitobans. Eating Disorders Awareness Week Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

The background of this petition is as follows: An estimated 1 million people suffer from eating disorders in Canada. Eating disorders are serious mental healt h issues affecting one's physical, psychological and social function and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. The dev elopment and treatment of eating dis - orders are influenced by the social determinants of health, including food and income security, access to housing, health care and mental health supports.

It is important to share the diverse experiences of people with eating disorders across all ages, genders and identities, including Indigenous, Black and racialized people; queer and gender -diverse people; people with dis abilities; people with chronic illness; and people with co- occurring mental health con di- tions or addictions. It is necessary to increase awareness and edu ca- tion about the impact of those living with, or affected by, eating disorders in order to dispel dangerous stereotypes and myths about these illnesses.

Setting aside one week each year to focus atten - tion on eating disorders will heighten public under - standing, increase awareness of culturally relevant resources and supports for those impacted by eating disorders and encourage Manitobans to develop healthier relationships with their bodies. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial government to support a declaration that the first week in February of each year be known as eating disorders week. This has been signed by Earl Coleman, Madison Vogan and Jo Anne Giesbrecht and many other Manitobans.

Madam Speaker: Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): So, I'm going to have a leave request on extending the Sessional Order that House leaders have been engaged in since the start of the pandemic and just extending issues regarding virtual sittings. So, in accordance with

section 36 of the Sessional Order passed by this House on October 8th, 2020, and subsequently amended, I'm seeking leave of the House to further amend that same Sessional Order so that in the first paragraph, April 4th, 2022, is replaced by June 10th, 2022. Madam Speaker: Is there leave to further amend the Sessional Order passed by this House on October 8th, 2020, and subsequently amended so that in the first paragraph, April 4th, 2022, is replaced by June 10th, 2022? Is there leave? [Agreed] * (14:50) Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (Official Opposition House Leader): On House business.

Pursuant to rule 33(8), I am announcing that the private member's resolution to be considered on the next Thursday of private mem- bers' resolution–or private members' business will be the one put forward by the honour able member for St. James (Mr. Sala). The title of the reso lution is Calling on the Provincial Government to Stop Raising Hydro Rates. Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the private member's reso lution to be considered on the next Thursday of private members' busi ness will be the one put forward by the honour able member for St. James.

The title of the resolution is Calling on the Provincial Government to Stop Raising Hydro Rates.

1048 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): I'd like to announce that the Standing Committee on Public Accounts will meet in the Chamber on Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 at 6 p.m. to consider the following reports: Auditor General's report, annual report to the legislator, dated March 2014,

chapter 4, Helicopter Ambulance Program,

chapter 7, Manitoba's Framework for an Ethical Environment; Auditor General's report, follow -up of the previously issued recom mendations, dated May 2014,

section 7, Personal Care Homes Program,

section 8, Pharmacare Program –Part 2,

section 23, Wireless Network Security; Auditor General's Report, Manitoba Home Care Program, dated July 2015; Auditor General's report, follow-up of the previously issued recommendations, dated May 2015,

section 10, Wireless Network Security; Auditor General's report, follow-up recommendations, dated May 2016, Wireless Network Security, Helicopter Ambulance Program; Auditor General's report, follow -up re - commendations, dated March 2017, Helicopter Ambulance Program, Manitoba Home Care Program; Auditor General's report, follow -up recommend- ations, dated March 2018, Helicopter Ambulance Program, WRHA's Management of Risks Associated with End -user Devices, Manitoba Home Care Program, Im proving Education Outcomes for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Aboriginal Students; Auditor General's Report, Forensic Audits, dated October 2018, Rural Municipality of De Salaberry: Audit of Financial Irregularities; Auditor General's Report, Management of Foste r Homes, dated November 2019; Auditor General's Report, Follow-up of Recommendations, dated March 2019, WRHA's Management of Risks Associated with End- user Devices, Manitoba Home Care Program, Improving Education Outcomes for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Aboriginal Students; Auditor General's report, follow-up recommendations, dated March 2020, Improving Education Outcomes for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Aboriginal Students, Rural Municipality of De Salaberry: Audit of Financial Irregularities; Auditor General's r eport, follow -up recommend- ations, dated March 2021, Rural Municipality of De Salaberry: Audit of Financial Irregularities.

The witnesses to be called are: Minister of Families (Ms. Squires) and the Deputy Minister of Families. Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the Standing Committee on Public Accounts will meet in the Chamber on Tuesday, April 19th– An Honourable Member: Dispense. Madam Speaker: Dispense. * * * Mr. Goertzen: Madam Speaker, could you please call for concurrence and third reading, followed by royal assent, Bill 4 and Bill 12? Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the House will consider concurrence and third readings of Bill 4 and Bill 12 this afternoon, to be followed by royal assent.

CONCURRENCE AND THIRD READINGS Bill 4–The Path to Reconciliation Amendment Act Madam Speaker: I will therefore start by calling concurrence and third reading of Bill 4, The Path to Reconciliation Amendment Act. Hon. Alan Lagimodiere (Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations): I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Goertzen), that Bill 4, The Path to Reconciliation Amendment Act, reported from the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development, be concurred in and now be read for a third time and passed. Motion presented. Mr.

Lagimodiere: The final report on the National Inquiry into MMIWG comprises the truths of more than 2,380 family members. The reclaiming place reports contain over 1,200 pages, with 231 calls for justice. They contain content on many areas, including chapters on Indigenous recognition of power and place, colonization, as gender oppression, right to cul- ture, right to health, right to security and right to justice.

Section 3 insists upon the need for self -deter- mined and needs-based solutions that work to combat violence and addressing healing. This is why it is so important for our government and all governments to implement the calls for justice and this is why, on November the 26th, 2021, I introduced the 231 calls to justice as an amendment to be included in the prov- incial Path to Reconciliation Act. Mr.

Andrew Micklefield, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair It is necessary that Manitoba acknowl edge the calls for justice within The Path to Reconciliation Act to shine further light on the importance of addressing the systemic causes of all forms of violence, including sexual violence, against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. We recog nize that there's lots of work that remains to end violence against

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1049 Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. All Manitobans must play a role in address - ing these harms. Our government is already actioning the 231 calls for justice. On December 14th of this –last year, our government introduced–sorry–announced that we are providing $3 million in funding to the Clan Mothers. The Clan Mothers is an Indigenous woman-led organ- ization. With this funding we are supporting the construction of a healing village.

This village will provide supports for women who hav e been victims of multi-generational trauma, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we don't stop there. On February 14th, we announced that our government is partnering with Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre to provide $130,000 in funding to support the co- dev- elopment of a provincial implementation plan to raise awareness and end violence against Indigenous, women, girls and 2- L–2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples in Manitoba.

Our government will continue working in collaboration with organizations such as the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, and the Clan Mothers, known for their strong relationship with our Indigenous organi - zations and leadership. Our collaboration with groups like these will help guide the co-ordination of impor- tant projects that will further calls to action of the 231 calls for justice. Projects like these are just the begin ning, and I look forward to working with organizations in the future that are going to help us address the 231 calls to justice.

It is up to every Manitoban to action the 231 calls to justice and to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. Thank you, miigwech. Mr. Ian Bushie (Keewatinook): Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for a chance to say a few words at third reading on Bill 4, the path to reconciliation. And I think it's worth noting that–and I will read verbatim the explanatory note of the bill: This bill amends The Path to Recon ciliation Act to include references to the National Inquiry in to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

In addition to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the calls for justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are to guide the Government of Manitoba's commit ment to reconciliation. And I would like to point out, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, that it's a start, but it's also very, very limited piece of legislation brought forward. * (15:00) The minister had made reference to the im - portance, and I think across all demogra phics and all Manitoba, it's very important to recognize the signifi- cance and the acknowl edgement and the recog nition of and the need to do more. So, this bill amends the fact of being able to get into the 231 calls to justice for MMIWG and incorporate that into, kind of, the frame- work of how this province is going to function, how this province is going to run on this path to recon- ciliation. And, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, when I see the word path, I mean, if you walk down a path in your life, you know, it may take your entire life to be able to do that. But it takes it one step at a time. And in this way, this isn't just a step, it's a baby step. And we need to do more. And there's so much more that needs to be done. And we've all been over the last year, I mean, we had this COVID pandemic, but there's still been a number of different Indigenous issues that have come to the forefront. And they haven't been secrets, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

It –these are issues that Indigenous people here in Manitoba, here in Canada, have known for a long, long time, have known for generations that are going on, that are impacting. And the MMIWG families have known this to be an issue for a long time. So, are their voices being heard through this piece of legislation? They are being heard, but they were being heard and being pushed because the families had called for that action.

So, let's get out there and let's be a province and a country that is now at the forefront, that is now proactive in getting that action established and getting that recog nition and getting solutions so that an MMIWG-affected family, community, individuals do not have to go through that anymore, do not have to scream at the top of their lungs to be able to say this is an issue, this is something that needs to be addressed. This is help that needs to be made available for me, why isn't anybody listening? Those voices should not be silenced. So, you hear the numbers: 231 calls to justice, 94 Calls to Action.

So, let's do that. Let's do that more

1050 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 than just baby steps. Let's do that in terms of real legis- lation and real actions. And we shouldn't have to just say our–we're going to put a piece of legislation before the House, before the Province, we're going to pass it and that's going to be the be all end all. We need to do more. So this piece of legis lation, like I said, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is a start, it's a step, but it is a baby step. So, we need to do more.

Earlier on in this fall, this winter, there's been a lot of talk, and in parti cular in September, around Orange Shirt Day and The Orange Shirt Day Act that I brought forth before this Chamber. So, again, that was a way to be able to take another step on the path to reconciliation. And I would like to hope –and it's still before the House, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that that this something that is something that encompasses all of us, that we can all take that.

And the point of that –and I have heard different comments out there, social media, in the public, to be able to say that it's about making a statutory holiday, and maybe that's not the words how we should have described that in terms of a statutory holiday. It's a day of acknowledgment. It's a day of education. We shouldn't be limited to just the one day, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but it is a start. It is a step. Is that a baby step also? I mean, we could argue whether that's a baby step or a bigger step; in the grand picture, it's a step in the right direction.

So, we need to be able to meet and maybe pass that piece of legislation. And will it be passed because it's brought up from a member of the opposition? Perhaps, perhaps not. But at the same time , Mr. Deputy Speaker, those days and those acknow - ledgments need to be used as a day to educate. We're not looking for it to recognized as a let's take the day off work, let's go close up the cottage.

We had those issue –had those discussions this past September, and there was even some confusion as to whether or not children were going to go to school or whether they're not going to go to school, or they're going to learn in school, or what they're going to learn, or if that–if the topic of Orange Shirt Day and the purpose and the events that led up to having that discussion were going to highlight and take over the day. And, rightfully, they should. They should take over that day.

So, that day is meant to be used as a day of edu - cation, of a day of i nformation, not just from Indigenous people but from Manitoba and society in Canada in general to be able to say, let's have this, let's talk about this atrocity that happened in society. Let's not say, oh, it happened years ago, it happened gen- erations ago. We need to discuss that always. We talk about intergenerational impacts of resi - dential school and 'intergeneratial' impacts of coloniz- ation here in Manitoba. Let's truly have that dis - cussion.

We're all going to have that, we're all going to h ave those discussions and be able to bring that forth and say this is what's there, because it is part of our history. When we talk about, you know, talking about things that happened genera tions ago, we talk about great things, we talk about awful things, but they're still part of our history. So we need to be able to ad- dress that, and bringing some thing forth like Orange Shirt Day is something that goes another step towards Bill 4 and that path to reconciliation.

In my earlier debate and comments during one of the other readings, we had talked about, and this has been in place now for a number of years, you know, five-plus years. And there's only been one amendment that was made by the gov ernment, and that was just the translation component of that. So we need to do more. And I think government, and I think the minis- ter also recognizes that more needs to be done. So I do ask that let's do more.

And whether or not everybody has seen the an nouncements, because I know in debate we had talked ab out the 2 and a half million dollars that was earmarked from the govern - ment to be able to search resi dential school sites for unmarked graves. And I know there's been now an organi zation and a com mittee and stakeholders and Indigenous leaders and community members and elders that are now going to be part of that process. And again, Mr. Deputy Speaker, a step. That's a step in the right direction. But let's do more.

And that's some thing I'll always insist on and Indigenous people will always insi st on and want to be able to do. Let's do more. There's been a lot of hurt and a lot of anger, but Indigenous people have been very resilient here in the –and they're very forgiving. And I can speak from exper ience in my com munity and my elders have been very forgiving. They just want to be able to share this knowledge, share the stories. But at the same time, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that cannot be taken for granted. That ability to forgive cannot be taken for granted. That ability to be able to

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1051 say let's w ork together cannot be taken for granted. Let's truly work with Indigenous people here in Manitoba, wherever you may reside, whether it be in southern Manitoba, the city of Winnipeg, northern Manitoba. Let's have those discussions. Let's truly do something. So the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Calls to Action, let's implement those. If we're going to sit there and throw out numbers and say, oh, this is Call to Action number whatever it may be, let's bring that forth, let's bring that, let 's discuss that thoroughly.

Because each Call to Action needs to be 'exacy' that, a call to action. Not just a report that gets filed away, that gets –gathers dust and is not –is only dusted off every time there's an Indigenous issue that's brought to the forefront in terms of a catastrophe or an emergency of the day that how people may view it, or a cause of the day, or news of the day. Let's do that always. Let's truly institute that in how we operate and how we function as society. So there's a–been a lot of the TRC Calls to Action, the 231 calls to justice, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Let's start imple - menting that in how we function and how we act in– not just how we act as government, but how we act as society. Let's truly have those discussions and bring those forward in a meaningful way. So as I mentioned, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the bill, Bill 4, The Path to Reconciliation Amend ment Act, it's a small amendment. It's a needed amendment, but a small amendment. But it needs to do so much more. So, the minister had been appointed to his role some time ago, now, and I understand the nature of government sometimes is to have those Cabinet shuffles.

So this minister, I don't want to use the word survived, but, you know, when the shuffle came, he kept his role. So, that says either two things, Mr. Deputy Speaker: one, that they're thinking they're –it's good enough and we're doing fine, and that may be the case in some issues; or the other

part is the potential is there. The potential is there in this minister to do the right thing by the portfolio. To do the right – [interjection]–To do the right thing by just the nature of the title of the portfolio: Indigenous relations and reconciliation. And let's do that right thing. Let's bring forth these kind of things. Let's work together, let's work collab- oratively on a number of different issues. Let's pass Orange Shirt Day, not just because it's from a member opposite, but because it's the right thing to do to edu- cate. Because that day should be about that, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

That day and every day should be about educating society, education Manitobans. I'm not going to sit here and say I'm the be all, end all knowledge keeper on Indigenous issues, because I'm not. I consider myself to be an elder in training, and I have been that way my entire life and I will be for my entire life. * (15:10) And I think that's the mentality that we need to take so that we can always learn. We're always learn- ing, we're always listening, we're always paying atten- tion and we're always looking to make that difference. So, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, with those few words, I do wanted to say I am ultimately in support of this bill because it is a step the right way, but it is a baby step. Let's take bigger steps. Let's take bigger positions to be able to say, let's truly get down this path of recon- ciliation. Let's jump down that path. Let's not just go limited, let's do things entirely. Let's do things not because you have to, but because you want to and because it's the right thing to do. So, with those few words, Mr. Deputy Speaker, miigwech. Ms.

Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I rise just to speak for a moment or two and just in appreciation of the remarks being made today on Bill 4, The Path to Reconciliation Amendment Act. And I'm really ap - preciative of what is being shared from all sides of the House, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And I don't want to repeat what has already been said. We want to get this legis lation passed very efficiently here. But I did want to share a couple thoughts that had not been vocalized specifically this afternoon, but I know are shared by all members in the House.

I really want to commend the incredible work that continues to be done by Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And some - times this work is with the gov ernments and some - times this work is not with the gov ernments, and this is governments at all level. We need our munici pal governments, our prov incial governments and our federal governments to support this issue. I also want to express gratitude for the Clan Mothers Healing Village as well as Elder Mae Louise Campbell and her daughter Jamie because they, very

1052 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 early on, understood the need for a he aling lodge. They ran Grandmother Moon Lodge for 18 years, and since that time, their work has expanded as the need for community was evident. And this is how we know that the need is evident and still true to this day, Mr. Deputy Speaker. We need more supports going into places of healing and at a provincial level, again, at a city level and federal level. We all need to be working together to create these supports.

We need to create tangible changes as well, and, you know, the member from Keewatinook started to make reference to this at the very end. This is a good piece of legislation that we're going to be supporting and we're happy to support. But it's just scratching the surface, and we're hopeful that a lot more is to come. So here we stand, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and we're very privileged to stand in this place and have the op- portunity to debate this legislation. And our caucus is going to be fully supporting it, and we hope that there is much more to come. Thank you.

MLA Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I want to put a few words out from a non-Indigenous person who has the honour and privilege of repre senting so many Indigenous people in the Flin Flon constituency. It's been a remarkable experience for me to learn from people throughout the North, and I would not, for one second, suggest that every one of those peoples have the same issues or are the same. There's different issues in so many of those communities that I have the privilege of representing. Prior to being elected, m y knowledge of issues related to recon ciliation, related to Indigenous peoples, was very slim.

So I appre ciate what the member from Keewatinook has said about every day we should be learning. And every day that I do this job of representing people in that constituency, I'd like to think that I'm learning some thing more on how to better represent the people that I've been elected to represent. So, when we look at this piece of legislation that's been introduced and it's more words on paper. But what I see from, certainly the current gov ernment, is a lot of words and very little action.

I know I've raised issues from some of those com- munities, whether it's assist ance with the hospital at Cross Lake, and we get nothing from this government; whether it's the com munity at Norway House that's trying to build a hospital, and they get nothing from this gov ernment. And this gov ernment says, well that's all the federal government's responsibility. Which is completely factually incorrect because both of those com munities have two commu nities.

One community is the First Nations com munity, the other com munity is a northern affairs com munity made up primarily of Indigenous peoples who have not been able to satisfy the requirements to get status because of past racist policies of federal governments that denied those people status. So in the process of saying, well, we're not going to help those com munities because that's a federal responsibility, this government is continuing the racist policies of denying helping people that are very spe - cifically this provincial government's responsibility.

And certainly when it comes to recon ciliation, actions–and particularly in the two cases I've cited – actions could very well sh ow that this gov ernment was interested in doing some thing different. But to date they have not. Now it would be easy to blame the minister of reconciliation that it's all his fault, but clearly every department of this gov ernment needs to consider re- conciliation when they make decisions about funding, about programs, about everything that they do.

And certainly we've written to any number of ministers – the health ministers, multiple health ministers –and asked for assist ance with different issues only to be ignored. You know, we talk about trying to create equality for people in the North and the government made big announcements about fibre optic, that they're going to turn over the dark fibre from Manitoba Hydro so that communities can ge t high -speed Internet, and they give it to a company. And when I talk to that company and say, so, when can we expect to receive high-speed Internet in Tadoule Lake?

And the answer's not any time soon because they have no inten tion of doing anything outs ide of rural Manitoba at this point in time. So why is that? Why does this government allow that company to focus on people in rural Manitoba and continue to ignore people that don't just have poor Internet in the North, but have no Internet in the North? Well, one could possibly suggest that there was a racial bias in deciding who was going to succeed and who was not. That's not reconciliation. That cer - tainly wouldn't be my under standing of what recon - ciliation is.

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1053 And that's what I was talking about–every minis- try, every de partment of this gov ernment needs to look at what they're doing with that reconciliation lens so that they're putting things in place to address the issues of inequality that exist for people in northern Manitoba. Health care is a disaster in northern Manitoba. I don't care what the Minister of Health (Ms. Gordon) says, and she can throw out numbers all she wants about how much money they're spending.

If she comes to any com munity in northern Manitoba, comes and talks to people in those northern com mu- nities, they will tell her exactly the same thing: it's a crisis. * (15:20) Leaf Rapids shuts down for weeks at time. And yet I learned after the fact that they actually had enough nurses scheduled, but they got reassigned to somewhere else because the people of that community didn't matter to this gov ernment. That's not recon- ciliation. We need to make sure that edu cation is equal throughout the province, and it is not.

Throughout this pandemic, parti cularly Fi rst Nations com munities, particularly First Nations commu nities in the North, have been locked down for months, have not been able to send their kids to school, and yet they don't have basic Internet services. How have they been able to keep up so tha t they can enter the world, enter the working world, on an equal footing with kids from the south, from non- Indigenous com munities? There's been no thought to how that's going to work out. There's going to be long-term implications to this gov- ernment's lack of resources for people in the North.

And people in Indigenous com munities in the North are still Manitobans and still need to be served by the government of Manitoba. And so far, particularly, this government is failing them. We talked some time ago about the augmented flow program that Manitoba Hydro has that parti - cularly affects com munities like South Indian Lake, O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, but also affects com- munities like Cross Lake, Norway House, when in a year like we saw this year, by this government allow- ing the Augmented Flow Program to not just continue but to actually grant a final licence that allows it to continue.

Those communities saw their river system, their lake system possibly at the lowest level that they've ever actually seen. Now, next year, the dams will open and levels have come up and all the erosion and all the negative effects will again change the quality of water, the levels of water. There has to be a way to listen to parti- cularly the elders of those communities that can talk about a better way of managing those flows so that the augmented flow program doesn't have the wild fluctuations that destroy those commu nities. But this government wouldn't listen to them, and they need to.

Those people, their knowledge needs to be recognized and respected and listened to. Now, I could go on for quite some time about specific issues that the people I represent in the North have to deal with, but I think particularly the minister– and I ap preciate that h e's listening intently to what's being said, and I hope he takes it to heart and con- vinces the government that things need to be done dif- ferently in order to do more than just put words on a paper towards reconciliation. So with those few words, thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker: Are there any other speakers?

Seeing–is the House ready for the –[interjection] Just wondering if we're having some technical–okay, the honourable member for St. Johns. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I'm pleased to stand up today and put a couple of words on the record in respect of Bill 4. Just before my colleague for –the member for Point Douglas (Mrs. Smith) comes on. I do really want to –I appreciate everything that my colleagues have put on the record here today.

And particularly the member for Flin Flon (MLA Lindsey), I really do appreciate the words, as a non-Indigenous person, to stand up in this House and talk about the importance of, you know, equitable, respectful relationships with Ind igenous peoples here in Manitoba. And so, I'm proud to work with the folks on this side of the House that know reconciliation is more than just –as I've said many, many times over the years, recon ciliation is more than just expressed breath. Recon ciliation demands action.

It demands that we dismantle the systems that perpetuate, you know, discrimination against Indigenous peoples, the systemic racisms against Indigenous peoples that im- pact on all aspects of our lives. Right from, you know, not having clean drinking water in 2022. We still have com munities that don't have access to clean drinking water. And sometimes,

1054 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 you know, Deputy Speaker, you know, you–it's al - most unimaginable the things that First Nation com - munities are forced to live in and deal with. And my mind is often, you know, at a loss of how we can be, you know, year after year, still dealing with these same issues. So again, access to clean water. We still have First Nation com munities in Manitoba that don't have all of the schools that they need for their students to be able to finish school in their community.

So we still have First Nation com - munities in Manitoba that families are forced to send their school–their children to the city to finish school. I know that, you know , if those were my sons, I don't know if I'd be able to do it, Deputy Speaker. I don't know if I'd be able to at, you know, grade 8 or 9, send my babies to the city to finish their education, which is actually a human right. It's a human right for everyone to be able to access education. I don't think I'd be able to do it.

And yet, we have parents, you know, every September for –and, you know, I don't think I'd be able to do it parti cularly as the granddaughter and niece of resi dential school survivors. But every September, we have First Nation par - ents who are also the survivors of residential–the resi- dential school survivors –or the grandchildren, or daughters, or sons or whatever it may be, of residential school survivors–and they have to ma ke that really difficult decision to send their children to the city, which we know is not safe for Indigenous peoples.

We know that when youth are forced to come to the city to finish education, they are put at greater risk. And so, you know, reconciliation means dealing with that issue. It means that Manitobans, Canadians and certainly members in this House fight for that right to access education, and not just with breath, not just with adding a couple of things to a bill, but with action. With str ategic action, methodical action and equitable action for the next genera tion.

So, you know, that's just one issue in respect of reconciliation. * (15:30) I know my colleague spoke about MMIWG2S, and I know my colleague for –the member for Point Douglas (Mrs. Smith) will probably talk about MMIWG2S as well. And, you know, reconciliation demands that we acknowledge that there is an ongoing genocide of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit in our own territories. Like I remind everybody, these are Indigenous territories. We have always been here since time immemorial, taking care of these lands, ensuring that we lived in a equitable, symbiotic re - lationship with the environ ment.

And, you know –so, in our own territories, we are at risk simply because we are Indigenous women, girls or two-spirited. And, you know, since 2016 we haven't seen sig- nificant action on the file of MMIWG2S. I actually don't even know if I've seen any member opposite and certainly the minister responsible or even, you know, the premier –the previous premier –and our current Premier (Mrs. Stefanson). I don't know if I've actually even heard or seen any of them get up in this House and acknowledge that there's an ongoing genocide of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit. I don't think I've heard that.

And so, you know, that's actually some thing pretty simple that you can get up in this House and denounce an ongoing genocide of citizens that you are supposed to represent equitably, and I haven't heard that. So, you know, Deput y Speaker–and I know my colleague for Point Douglas brings this up repeatedly: you know, we have seen the exponential rise in unsheltered Manitobans, who are pre dominantly Indigenous. And again, so I go back to this, you know, these are Indigenous territories, so if you're an Indigenous woman, girl or two -spirited, you're at risk for being stolen or murdered.

And then in the last many years, we–like I said, we've seen this exponential rise of unsheltered Manitobans, pre dominantly Indigenous, so we're unsheltered in our own territories, in our own lands. Like, it is some thing to behold and witness, day after day, seeing your people struggling, seeing your people, you know, recolonized space that was once ours, in bus shelters because there's nowher e for our people to stay. There's nowhere for our people to be safe. There's nowhere that our people can go to be sheltered in the dead of winter. Everybody knows Winnipeg is hell in winter.

Those of us that have cars and boots and warm jackets and heat an d all of this stuff, it's hard for us and here we are, year after year after year after year, those numbers of our unsheltered relatives go up and up and up and up to the point that bus shelters are now people's homes. And we see no action from this gov ernment, in the same way that I don't think I've ever seen the Premier or any member get up on that side to acknowl- edge the genocide.

I don't think I've really seen any member get up there except with, you know, again, expressed breath that really doesn't mean anything or platitudes about whatever. We've never seen them

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1055 really get up and talk about unsheltered Manitobans, which again, they have a respon sibility. They also represent. In fact, we've seen some politicians in the last little while–a municipal politician who went on social media to talk about our people in bus shelters. It's such a denigrating way. I'll never forgive that person for what they said about our people. We're on our territories.

These are Indigenous lands and for some non- Indigenous settler-politician to denigrate our people who are struggling because of the supports that are lacking is particularly grotesque. And in the same way, I haven't heard any of them get up. I haven't heard an apology from him. So, you know, it is di fficult as an Indigenous woman in this Chamber to get up to speak to these issues. It's im portant, obviously. That's why we're here.

That's why the Indigenous members of this caucus were elected, among other things, but certainly to get up in the House a nd talk on behalf of our peoples who will never have that opportunity to be in here or never have that op portunity to speak and say the things that they would like to speak, and say things to the government that is currently in place. But it doesn't mean that it's easy. It is in credibly difficult to stand up in here. And it is so frustrating, and it's so hurtful to see your people suffer so much, and to be so disregarded, and to be so silenced and erased by the colonial state, even in 2022.

But then, to stand up in here and to put words on the record of a bill in respect of recon ciliation that, quite honestly, you know, does the bare minimum. They added a couple of words but no substan tial action. And so, Deputy Speaker, those –with those final words, I just want to say miigwech. Mr. Deputy Speaker: Are there–yes, the honourable member for Point Douglas. Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I apologize. I was on, but I didn't have my camera on. So, it gives me great pleasure to put a few words on the record, you know, in respect to this bill that's being brought forward.

And as my sister colleague alluded to, like, we need to do more than just put words on a sheet of paper. Reconciliation, you know, means bringing truth forward. It 's truth and reconciliation. And until we start to, you know, really unpack–and, you know, as my sister colleague talked about, the genocide that's happening here in our province, in our country. We have, you know –the RCMP documented 1,180 missing and m urdered Indigenous women across Canada, but we know that that number is much, much, much higher than that.

We had a group that came through Manitoba in 2017, the Walk4Justice Walkers, and they walked from coast to coast. They stopped in every com mun- ity. They documented over 5,000 cases of loved ones either going missing or being murdered. And some of those cases where their loved ones were missing weren't even documented by the RCMP or the police. And certainly, that group started to advocate to have those numbers included.

And, you know, our province needs to do a better job at strategically creating a plan to keep Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit protected and [inaudible] We, you know, every day, open your social media. Police are putting out, you know, bullets about our women going missing. But our gov ernment is nowhere to be found on this file. You know, and I just want to talk about some of the things that our NDP gov ernment did while we were in government on this file. In 2008, when my sister went missing, we actually had the first Wiping Away the Tears the next year, in 2009.

And that, actually, was put on by family members. We got no funding from anywhere. Families just wanted to bring other family members together to support one another. And the last day, we invited government officials to come. And it was our NDP government; they sent– three MLAs came. Actually, it was the premier who came as well, and two MLAs. They were asked to sit outside the circle and listen to what families wanted. And they took that information. And the question that was asked of families is, what did you need before so that this could have been prevented?

What did you need while this was happening, if your loved one went missing or they were murdered? And what do you need now in terms of justice or continued support? And that government took that–those recommen- dations, and they went off and what came of it is there was a special adviser that was appointed to gov ern- ment to support families. And the member from St. Johns, my sister colleague, was actually the first – or, the fourth special adviser to women's issues. There were three others before my sister colleague.

1056 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 24, 2022 * (15:40) That is a hard position because you are supporting families who are going through grief, and we know there's, you know, many stages of grief. And one of those stages is anger. And I remember, you know, supporting some of these families and the anger that they felt, and the rage and, you know, the range of emotions that they felt. Well, this is, you know, they went through three special advisors because that position was so hard. So, my sister colleague was the one who had stayed the longest and had supported so many families, including my family.

And I probably wouldn't be in this Legislature today if it wasn't for the support that I received from her and many others. And even though, you know, she wasn't the special advisor –she's now an MLA –she–my sister colleague continues to support, you know, those families and stay connected to them and still puts on, you know, the Santa's coming gathering every year. We haven't had it for the past couple of years, we've been able to, you know, put together some hampers and send hampers out to families in lieu of. But this is a time for families to get together.

It's a tough time at Christmastime, you know, families are struggling. There's that place at the table that their loved one used to sit at. And, you know, many children are missing their mothers, you know, many mothers are missing their daughters, their –and it's a really, really difficult time. And, you know, the member from St. Johns continues to do that work and bring those families together and help them feel supported. You know, when I hear the members across say that the member from St. Johns did nothing.

Well, I can tell you from ex perience that from a family member, and if he spoke to any family member in this province, they would all tell you that Nahanni –or, sorry, the member from St. Johns has supported every single one of them. Whether that's going to court with them; whether that's, you know, going to sit and get a report from the police; whether that's advocating, you know, for the police to put out a media release; you know, on so many other things, and those just are to name a few. After our wiping away tears gathering, the gov - ernment continued those gatherings every year.

And thankfully, you know, this gov ernment has done the right thing because if they didn't, you know, there would be an uproar from c ommunity in terms of continuing to support Wiping Away the Tears gathering. So we now just, you know, had our 13th Wiping Away the Tears gathering. I, of course, attended it as a family member. And, you know, it's a time to bring families together to help them, you know, support one another, but also for self care.

They bring many experts together that, you know, on many different issues and, you know, help families in terms of, you know, finding their voice, creating space for them - selves, supporting t heir children or the children of those who have been murdered. Another thing that came out of that was the monument. You know the monument at The Forks, and I know a lot of members across the way have also, you know, visited that monument. That monument wouldn't have been, you know, a reality had the member from St. Johns not made that a reality because the member from St. Johns listened to the families.

When the families said I need somewhere to go, you know, my family member's buried outside the city, I don't have access to get to my com munity, I need somewhere to be able to go and put my grief here in the city. Or my loved one's still missing, I don't know where they are and I need to, you know, have someplace to go to honour them. A lot of our families have, you know, feasts there. A lot of our com munity members gather there, whether it's, you know, the memorial walk for –on Mother's Day or it's the February 14th day where families come together and com munity come together.

And The Forks, you know, was a place that was identified by families because that was a gathering place for thousands of years for our people. And that very stone in that very shape, every thing right down to every single decision that was made, was made by families because t he member from St. Johns listened to the families. And that's what needs to happen from this gov - ernment. This government needs to put the families at the front. They need to start listening to families.

And, you know, I hear members across the way sa y that they've, you know, invested money here, but they haven't invested money into supporting and really creating support for families. There is no longer, you know, that special advisor to women's issues. Where do families go to get the support? Where do they go to get the advocacy? You know, the government's not listening. This was a place

March 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1057 where someone can go and, you know, make sure that someone was advocating for them, because often families feel like they're alone, that they don't have the support. Victim Services was another area that our govern- ment opened up for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and two- spirit. At the time my sister went missing, we tried to access Victim Services, but because nobody was charged wit h a crime at the time, we couldn't access those services. So, we lobbied–at the time, it was–Andrew Swan was the Justice minister.

We'd had a meeting with him and he wasn't aware of it. He said, you know, we'll change that within 30 days. Well, even before the 30 days was up, and that was changed, and families who had someone missing were able to access Victim Services; families who had someone who was murder- ed but didn't have someone that was brought to justice was now able to access those services.

And those are just a few tangible actions, and that's all we're asking for from this government, is not to just simply put words, you know, on a paper and say that we're going to, you know, adhere to these 231 calls, but that you're actually going to put tangible actions in place. And, you know, my colleague from Keewatinook spoke about Orange Shirt Day. Well, that's one tan- gible action that this government can do. This govern- ment can support that day. They can make that day a day of education for Manitobans to understand the breadth and scope of what actually happened to, you know, children in those places.

You know, as Murray Sinclair said, you know, it was meant to kill the Indian in the child, and it had detrimental effects and still does tod ay. You know, there's intergenerational effects because of it, and we don't support, you know, those families that are going through that. You know, we have high incar ceration rates. It's a suppressive model. We should be doing rehabilitation. We should be having reconciliation circles and figuring out a way to help, you know, those who are struggling, get the skills that they need to, you know, make amends to what it is that they did.

We also, during our time in gov ernment, created a task force. I remember, you know, the member from St. Johns advocating for this because there was a young girl, Cherisse Houle, who was found in Rosser, Manitoba, just outside Winnipeg; she was murdered. And to this day, nobody's been charged for her murder. And there w as jurisdictional issues with the RCMP and the Winnipeg police.

Hillary Wilson was another young Indigenous girl who was also, you know, a cousin to my sister, Claudette [inaudible] Again, there were juris dictional issues and fam - ilies were, you know, calling for this gov ernment to support and to bring the two policing together so that there would be no jurisdictional issues. And our gov- ernment did that. Lots of tangible actions there. Another one, you know, the member from Keewatinook talked about, you know, these actions that could be put in place to ensure that, you know, members are kept safe in our province. Our numbers are rising.

We don't, you know, have –I don't open social media any day and don't see someone that's missing and, you know–or, hear someone that's been murdered. And a lot of those numbers are women. Those are someone's family members. Those aren't, you know, just numbers. Those are people. Those are women. So, I just wanted to take a few minutes just to, you know, say that we do support this, but there has to be tangible actions from this government and, you know, I just want to uplift the work that our NDP government did and especially my sister colleague, the member from St.

Johns, and implore the members across to do the right thing and start investing and ensuring that there's a strategic plan in this province to keep Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit safe. Miigwech. * (15:50) Mr. Deputy Speaker: Are there any other speakers? An Honourable Member: Question. Mr. Deputy Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 12–The Peak of the Market Reorganization Act Mr. Deputy Speaker: We will now move to concurrence and third reading of Bill 12, The Peak of the Market Reorganization Act. Hon. De

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Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	42-4-29b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	42nd 4th hansardpdf 29b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	8d1ad422592cca12e7ac1126021f275b86881700

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