Manitoba Hansard — 23 April 2026 (Sitting 47B, 43rd Legislature, 3rd Session)

43-3-47b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXX No. 47B – 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 23, 2026 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Third Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ASAGWARA, Uzoma, Hon. Union Station NDP BALCAEN, Wayne Brandon West PC BEREZA, Jeff Portage la Prairie PC BLASHKO, Tyler Lagimodière NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian, Hon. Keewatinook NDP BYRAM, Jodie Agassiz PC CABLE, Renée, Hon. Southdale NDP CHEN, Jennifer Fort Richmond NDP COMPTON, Carla Tuxedo NDP COOK, Kathleen Roblin PC CORBETT, Shannon Transcona NDP CROSS, Billie Seine River NDP DELA CRUZ, Jelynn Radisson NDP DEVGAN, JD McPhillips NDP EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FONTAINE, Nahanni, Hon. St.

Johns NDP GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC HIEBERT, Carrie Morden-Winkler PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake-Gimli PC KENNEDY, Nellie, Hon. Assiniboia NDP KHAN, Obby Fort Whyte PC KINEW, Wab, Hon. Fort Rouge NDP KING, Trevor Lakeside PC KOSTYSHYN, Ron, Hon. Dauphin NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail Ind. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib. LINDSEY, Tom, Hon. Flin Flon NDP LOISELLE, Robert St. Boniface NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya, Hon. Notre Dame NDP MOROZ, Mike, Hon. River Heights NDP MOSES, Jamie, Hon. St. Vital NDP MOYES, Mike, Hon.

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

WHARTON, Jeff Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt, Hon. Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant The Pas-Kameesak

1593 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, April 23, 2026 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The Speaker: Introduction of bills? COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development Second Report MLA Carla Compton (Chairperson): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the second report on the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development. Deputy Clerk (Mr. Tim Abbott): Your Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development– Some Honourable Members: Dispense. The Speaker: Dispense.

Your Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development presents the following as its Second Report. Meetings Your Committee met on April 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building. Matters under Consideration • Bill (No. 14) – The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les divulgations faites dans l'intérêt public (protection des divulgateurs d'actes répréhensibles) • Bill (No. 20) – The Manitoba Hydro Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'Hydro-Manitoba • Bill (No. 39) – The Manitoba Hydro Amendment and Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'Hydro-Manitoba et la

Loi sur l'administration des impôts et des taxes et divers impôts et taxes • Bill (No. 46) – The Securities Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les valeurs mobilières • Bill (No. 51) – The Public Sector Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Governance Act /

Loi sur la gouvernance de l'intelligence artificielle et de la cybersécurité au sein du secteur public Committee Membership • MLA COMPTON • Hon. Min. MOROZ • Mr. NARTH • Mr. OXENHAM • Hon. Min. SALA • Mrs. STONE Your Committee elected MLA COMPTON as the Chairperson. Your Committee elected Mr. OXENHAM as the Vice-Chairperson. Public Presentations Your Committee heard the following presentation on Bill (No. 14) – The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les divulgations faites dans l'intérêt public (protection des divulgateurs d'actes répréhensibles): David Grant, Private citizen Your Committee heard the following three presentations on Bill (No. 20) – The Manitoba Hydro Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'Hydro- Manitoba: Brett Kristjanson, 10013580 Manitoba Ltd. Guildo Theriault, Private citizen Geoff Hill, Private citizen Your Committee heard the following three presentations on Bill (No. 39) – The Manitoba Hydro Amendment and Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'Hydro- Manitoba et la

Loi sur l'administration des impôts et des taxes et divers impôts et taxes: David Grant, Private citizen Brett Kristjanson, 10013580 Manitoba Ltd. Guildo Theriault, Private citizen

1594 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 Your Committee heard the following presentation on Bill (No. 46) – The Securities Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les valeurs mobilières: David Grant, Private citizen Written Submissions Your Committee received the following written submission on Bill (No. 20) – The Manitoba Hydro Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'Hydro- Manitoba: James Beddome, Manitoba Eco-Network Your Committee received the following three written submissions on Bill (No. 39) – The Manitoba Hydro Amendment and Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'Hydro- Manitoba et la

Loi sur l'administration des impôts et des taxes et divers impôts et taxes: Dirk Wang, NewDecade Energy Ltd. Scott Brooker, Private citizen James Beddome, Manitoba Eco-Network Your Committee received the following two written submissions on Bill (No. 51) – The Public Sector Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Governance Act /

Loi sur la gouvernance de l'intelligence artificielle et de la cybersécurité au sein du secteur public: Denys Volkov, Association of Manitoba Municipalities Heather Fast, Manitoba Eco-Network Bills Considered and Reported • Bill (No. 14) – The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les divulgations faites dans l'intérêt public (protection des divulgateurs d'actes répréhensibles) Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. • Bill (No. 20) – The Manitoba Hydro Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'Hydro-Manitoba Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. • Bill (No. 39) – The Manitoba Hydro Amendment and Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'Hydro-Manitoba et la

Loi sur l'administration des impôts et des taxes et divers impôts et taxes Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. • Bill (No. 46) – The Securities Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les valeurs mobilières Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. • Bill (No. 51) – The Public Sector Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Governance Act /

Loi sur la gouvernance de l'intelligence artificielle et de la cybersécurité au sein du secteur public Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. MLA Compton: Honourable Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Kirkfield Park (Mr. Oxenham), that the report of the committee be received. Motion agreed to. * * * Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Sorry. Is there leave of the House to accommodate one of our ministerial statements, because our guests, which are ambassadors from French countries, are not here just yet?

Is there leave of the House to be able to do the ministerial or return to the ministerial after all of members' statements? The Speaker: Is there leave of the House to return to ministerial statements to accommodate the fact that the ambassadors have not yet arrived? Is there leave? [Agreed] Back to committee reports. Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs Fifth Report MLA Robert Loiselle (Chairperson): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the fifth report on the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs. Clerk (Mr. Rick Yarish): Your Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs presents the–

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1595 Some Honourable Members: Dispense. The Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs presents the following as its Fifth Report. Meetings Your Committee met on April 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 254 of the Legislative Building. Matters under Consideration • Bill (No. 15) – The Consumer Protection Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la protection du consommateur • Bill (No. 48) – The Real Property Amendment and Planning Amendment Act (Land Conveyed for Public Purposes) / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les biens réels et la

Loi sur l'aménagement du territoire (biens-fonds cédés à des fins publiques) • Bill (No. 49) – The Business Practices Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les pratiques commerciales Committee Membership • Mr. B RAR • MLA DEVGAN • Mr. GUENTER • MLA LOISELLE • Mr. NESBITT • Hon. Min. SANDHU Your Committee elected MLA LOISELLE as the Chairperson. Your Committee elected MLA DEVGAN as the Vice-Chairperson. Non-Committee Members Speaking on Record • Hon. Mr. KOSTYSHYN Public Presentations Your Committee heard the following seven presentations on Bill (No. 15) – The Consumer Protection Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la protection du consommateur: Anthony Rosborough, Private citizen John Graham, Retail Council of Canada Rick Vincent, Piston Ring Service Dean Harder, National Farmers Union – Manitoba Warrington Ellacott, Whirlpool Canada LP Denis Cloutier, Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba David Grant, Private citizen Your Committee heard the following presentation on Bill (No. 48) – The Real Property Amendment and Planning Amendment Act (Land Conveyed for Public Purposes) / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les biens réels et la

Loi sur l'aménagement du territoire (biens -fonds cédés à des fins publiques): David Grant, Private citizen Your Committee heard the following four presentations on Bill (No. 49) – The Business Practices Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les pratiques commerciales: Josh Tabish, Chamber of Progress John Graham, Retail Council of Canada Zainab Mansaray, Canada-Africa Relation Enterprises Inc. David Grant, Private citizen Written Submissions Your Committee received the following nine written submissions on Bill (No. 15) – The Consumer Protection Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la protection du consommateur: Emily Holtby, Automotive Industries Association of Canada John Pearce, Canadian Repair Coalition Lucas Malinowski, Global Automakers of Canada Rémi Moreau, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers Charles Bernard, Canadian Automobile Dealers Association Meagan Hatch, Electronics Product Stewardship Canada Alissa Centivany, Private citizen Ted Rother, Private citizen Jennifer Steeves, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association Bills Considered and Reported • Bill (No. 15) – The Consumer Protection Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la protection du consommateur

1596 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. • Bill (No. 48) – The Real Property Amendment and Planning Amendment Act (Land Conveyed for Public Purposes) / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les biens réels et la

Loi sur l'aménagement du territoire (biens-fonds cédés à des fins publiques) Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. • Bill (No. 49) – The Business Practices Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les pratiques commerciales Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. MLA Loiselle: Honourable Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Seine River (MLA Cross), that the report on the committee be received. Motion agreed to. TABLING OF REPORTS The Speaker: I have a document to table for the House. I am pleased to table the annual report of the Legislative Assembly Management Commission for the year ending March 31, 2026. Copies of the report will be sent to members directly by email. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Week of the Early Childhood Educator Hon.

Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): I rise today to recog - nize the 35th annual Week of the Early Childhood Educator, taking place next week from April 26 to May 2. This week is a chance to celebrate early childhood educators: their care, their professionalism and the difference they make for children, families and local communities across Manitoba. Established in 1992 by the Manitoba Child Care Association, this week has become a valued Manitoba tradition.

It recognizes the essential role that early childhood educators play in children's early years, building strong foundations for learning, confide nce and well-being. Early childhood educators bring skill, training and heart to their work. Every day, they create wel - coming spaces, indoors and outdoors, where children can explore, play and belong. Their work supports our shared goal that every child in Manitoba feels safe, respected, included and ready to succeed. Supporting ECEs is foundational to strengthening and expanding child care, and, Honourable Speaker, our support for ECEs is paying off.

Since 2023, the number of certified early childhood educators in the sector has grown by more than 40 per cent. These ECEs help to support the opening of new child- care spaces, and we will continue to build on that progress through our Higher Wages, Good Jobs, More Child Care workforce strategy. In partnership with Canada, our government is making historic investments in our ECE workforce, including the largest wage increase for front -line certified ECEs in Manitoba's history –[interjection] Thank you.

We have more training seats in uni - versities and colleges than ever before and additional professional development days to support their profession. Last fall, we were proud to host the very first Manitoba Early Childhood Educator Awards of Excellence, celebrating educators whose leadership and dedication inspires us all. We are also –pardon me–we also recently intro - duced a recruit -back incentive to welcome certified ECEs back to the profession, and in just our first few months, Honourable Speaker, it's working. We're welcoming talented, experienced ECEs back into the classrooms.

Within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning, we are proud to have 53 certified ECEs with a collective 700 years of experience in their field, and that expertise helps shape strong programs and services for families across Manitoba. And I'm so grateful to each and every one of them for their work and it's my honour to work for them. On behalf of the department and my colleagues in the Legislature, thank you to the ECEs across Manitoba. Your dedication, compassion and professionalism gives children the strongest possible start, and your impact is felt every single day.

Honourable Speaker, I would like to provide a list of the names of our guests joining us in the gallery today, including representatives from the Manitoba Child Care Association, department staff who are certified ECEs and some of the recipients of the 2025 Early Childhood Educator Awards of Excellence.

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1597 We are pleased to welcome you to the Legislature– [interjection] And we will include them in Hansard, yes, thank you. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Merci, miigwech, merci. 2025 award winners: Ioulia Berdnikova, Laura Remillard, Jean Sangalang, Ginette Simard. MCCA: Jodie Kehl, executive director; Karen Kowalski, assistant executive director; Tracy Cosser; Cathy Gardiner; Caryn LaFleche; Lynda Raible. Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Welcome to our wonderful guests in the gallery today.

Honourable Speaker, I rise today to mark the 35th annual Week of the Early Childhood Educator, which will begin on April 26, which is a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the extra - ordinary contributions of early childhood educators all across this great province of ours. Established in 1992 by the Manitoba Child Care Association following the national Caring for a Living study, this week has been proclaimed annually to honour those who care for a living.

It acknowledges the essential role early childhood educators play in supporting families, strengthening communities and contributing to the social and economic well-being of our province. Whether working in early learning and child-care centres or family child -care homes, these profes - sionals provide safe, nurturing and enriching environ- ments where children can grow and thrive. Their work extends far beyond supervision; they foster the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development our– of our youngest citizens during the most formative years of life.

The week provides an important opportunity to reflect on and recognize the dedication, compassion and expertise that early childhood educators bring to their work every day. They are on the front lines of our education system, helping to build strong founda- tions for lifelong learning and success. It actually is–a big kudos to former premier Heather Stefanson for amalgamating the two de partments, early child hood education with the De partment of Education, because it just makes sense. Our children are our future, and early childhood educators play a vital role in shaping that future.

Our former PC government took an important step to strengthen the early learning and child- care sector, including participation in the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, with investments such as expansion and renovation fund- ing for not -for-profit centres. Increased access to training and certification opportunities have helped expanded programs, including francophone educators and ECE upgrading.

As well, the introduction of more affordable child care, which made meaningful pr o- gress in supporting Manitoba families. * (13:40) To all early childhood educators, child-care profes- sionals and student volunteers across Manitoba, thank you. Your dedication, care and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families each and every day. Our economy grows when we're able to get to work. This week and every week, we recognize and celebrate your invaluable contributions. Manitoba works when child care works. Thank you, merci and miigwech, Honourable Speaker.

Groupe des Ambassadeurs et Ambassadrices francophones d'Ottawa French spoken Hon. Glen Simard (Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs): Je suis heureux de prendre la parole aujourd'hui pour souligner la visite officielle du Groupe des Ambassadrices et Ambassadeurs franco - phones d'Ottawa dans notre belle province. Translation I am pleased to rise today to mark the official visit of the Groupe des Ambassadrices et Ambassadeurs francophones d'Ottawa to our beautiful province. English Mr.

Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to mark the official visit of the Groupe d' Ambassadrices et Ambassadeurs francophones d'Ottawa to our beautiful province. French spoken Cette semaine, le Manitoba a l'honneur d'accueillir une délégation d'une quinzaine de dignitaires issus d'États membres de l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. Pour notre gouvernement, cette visite est l'occasion de faire connaître la vitalité de la francophonie manitobaine et de mettre en val eur nos institutions franco-manitobaines.

1598 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 Translation This week, Manitoba has the honour of hosting a delegation of 15 dignitaries representing the member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. For our government, this visit is an opportunity to affirm the vitality of our Francophonie and to highlight our Franco-Manitoban institutions. English For our government, this visit is an opportunity to affirm the vitality of our Francophonie and to high- light our Franco-Manitoban institutions.

French spoken Nous voulons dialoguer ouvertement avec des partenaires qui jouent un rôle clé au sein de la Francophonie internationale, puisque nous poursuivons activement les démarches pour devenir membre observateur de l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. Nous voulons faire rayonner le Manitoba et notre Francophonie bien au-delà de nos frontières. Translation We want to have an open dialogue with partners who play a key role in the Organisation de la Francophonie as we are actively pursuing becoming an observer member of this organization.

We want to make Manitoba and our Francophonie shine beyond our borders. English We want to have an open dialogue with partners who play a key role in the internal organization of the Francophonie as we are actively pursuing becoming a member of the international Organis ation of the Francophonie. French spoken La présence des dignitaires cette semaine démontre concrètement l'engagement de notre gouvernement à faire du Manitoba une province véritablement bilingue, où il est possible de vivre, de travailler et de recevoir des services dans la langue de son choix, et où la Francophonie continue de s'épanouir.

Translation Welcoming the dignitaries to our province this week concretely shows our government’s commitment to make Manitoba a truly bilingual province, where it is possible to live, work and receive services in the language of choice, and where our Francophonie continues to thrive. English Welcoming the dignitaries to our province this week concretely shows our govern ment's commit- ment to make Manitoba a truly bilingual province where it is possible to live, work and receive services in the language of choice and where our francophonie continues to thrive.

French spoken Monsieur le Président, je demande à tous les membres de l'Assemblée de se joindre à moi pour souligner cette visite exceptionnelle de son excellence Monsieur l'Ambassadeur Apollinaire Aya et de tous les membres du Groupe des Ambassadrices et Ambassadeurs francophones au Manitoba en ce mois d'avril. Merci. Translation I invite all members of the Legislative Assembly to recognize the exceptional visit to Manitoba of His Excellency the Ambassador Apollinaire Aya and all the members of the Groupe des Ambassadrices et Ambassadeurs francophones during this month of April. Thank you. Mr.

Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Honourable Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to warmly welcome the francophone ambassadors group here to Winnipeg. French spoken Notre province possède un riche héritage francophone qui continue de faire connaître ce que nous sommes aujourd'hui. De notre histoire à nos institutions culturelles, en passant par les 'nombreuseurs' communautés qui vivent et travaillent fièrement en français, cet héritage est quelque chose qu'un nous partageons et célébrons tous. Votre présence joue un rôle important dans la promotion de la l'angle – langue française.

L'en - couragement des échanges culturels et le renforce- ment de liens au sein d’une autre province est au [inaudible]. Translation Our province has a rich francophone heritage that continues to shape who we are today. From our

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1599 history to our cultural institutions, and the many communities that proudly live and work in French, this heritage is something we all share and celebrate. Your presence plays an important role in promoting the French language. Encouraging cultural exchanges and strengthening ties within another province is [inaudible]. English Your efforts help ensure Manitoba remains a place where linguistic duality is respected and where francophone culture continues to thrive for future generations.

Whether through education, community leadership or cultural promotion, your work enriches our social fabric and strengthens our collective identity. On behalf of this House, I extend our sincere gratitude for your commitment and leadership. We are proud to welcome you to Winnipeg and Manitoba and wish you a productive and inspiring visit. J’aimerais bien 'souhait la bienvue' [I would like to wish a warm welcome] –some names I would like to–or countries that are represented here today, Hon- ourable Speaker.

Of course, we have represen tatives and ambassadors from the Republic of Congo, Maroc [Morocco], France, Rwanda, Tunisie [Tunisia], Costa Rica, Tchad [Chad] , Côte d'Ivoire [Ivory Coast], Roumaine [phonetic] [Romania] , Thailand and OIF-REPAN. Thank you, merci, Honourable Speaker. And welcome to our guests, once again, today. The Speaker: Just for the infor mation of everyone, we no longer need to implement the leave request. We don't need to revert back because the member did his ministerial statement already. So now we'll move on to members' statements. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Ste.

Anne Students' Questions for Government MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): Good afternoon. By now, it's probably no secret how much I enjoy February, especially as it marks I Love to Read Month. Connecting with educators and meeting my youngest constituents is always a highlight. During this year's visits to schools in Ste. Anne, I had the opportunity to speak with students about my role as an MLA and the responsibilities that come with it. Students in grades 3 through 6 were then invited to share the changes they would like to see in our pro- vince.

Some of the initial suggestions were light - hearted, with students proposing that the honourable Minister of Education consider the following: week- ends should be three days instead of two; school days should start later and end earlier; summer, Christmas and spring breaks should be longer. They also raised thoughtful and practical questions: Could school catchment areas in rural communities be expanded, potentially supported by hiring more bus drivers? Could there be an option for busing to schools within towns, as children may not have safe sidewalks to walk on?

Then came some more serious and thought - provoking concerns: Can the government hire more police officers so my dad has more support and more time at home? Can the gov ernment regulate or limit AI, as it's becoming harder to tell what is real? Can there be rules restricting social media use for children under the age of 15? Can the govern ment better pro- tect animals by strengthening hunting regulations and increasing fines for poaching? Can food prices be lowered so everyone has access to healthy options? Listening to the voices of our children is incred - ibly important.

While many of these issues are already being discussed and, in some cases, acted upon, it is a powerful reminder that concerns we share as adults are also felt by the next generation. Times Change(

d) High & Lonesome Club Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): This year marks a remark - able milestone for one of Union Station's and down- town Winnipeg's most distinctive and enduring music spaces. The Times Change(

d) High & Lonesome Club is celebrating 25 years of bringing people together through live music, grit and storytelling. This legendary venue recently marked its 25th anniversary with a high-energy, sold-out appear- ance by four-time Juno winners, The Sheepdogs. * (13:50) The club is tucked into the historic Fortune Block, a building that has stood since 1882. It bears the name of Mark Fortune, a Winnipeg businessman who tragically perished in the sinking of the Titanic. In a poetic twist of history, the club marks its anniversary every year on April 15, the very day the

1600 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 ship went down. It is a story as distinctive as the setting itself, a space that remains a steadfast anchor in our changing times. The Times Change(

d) presents over 200 events annually, drawing more than 30,000 patrons to down- town to connect generations of music fans. At the helm is owner John Scoles. A born- and-raised Manitoban, husband to Megan Pearson, a proud father to Frances, John was recently named the 2025 western Canada music awards' Kevin Walters Industry Builder. The prestigious award recognizes his decades of commitment to nurturing the early careers of acclaimed artists such as Begonia, William Prince and The Bros. Landreth, and our own caucus favourite, the MLA for St. James.

John joins us today and is accompanied by his wife, Megan Pearson, and his relatives: Ted Scoles, Susan Fahy, Kristie Pearson, Steve Scoles and Patti Scoles. I invite all members to join me in recognizing the Times Change(

d) High & Lonesome Club for 25 years of community. Thank you for reminding us that when we create space for art, we create space for belonging. And here in Manitoba, everyone belongs. Thank you. Cowboys Mud Racing Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Honourable Speaker, I rise today to recognize an inspiring grass - roots initiative making a real difference in the lives of men across Manitoba, and now expanding across Canada: Cowboys Mud Racing. Founded by Ryan Ward alongside his mentor, Brian Brown, this group was born out of personal experience.

Following a serious brain injury in 2021, Ryan discovered what he calls throttle therapy. Time spent outdoors in the mud, behind the wheel, was not just recreation, but a powerful tool for healing and mental well-being. Rather than keep his experience to himself, Ryan chose to share it. Together with Brian, they created Cowboys Mud Racing to provide an outlet for men who may otherwise struggle in silence. It's a space where men can connect, talk and support one another without pressure, without stigma and in an environ- ment that feels natural to them.

Honourable Speaker, what makes this initiative so impactful is its authenticity. It meets people where they are. It recognizes that mental health support doesn't always look like a traditional setting. And that, for many, healing can begin with something as simple as community, shared experience and a sense of belonging. This work has not gone unnoticed. Cowboys Mud Racing has been featured in media across the prov - ince, and it is already expanding, with new chapters forming beyond Manitoba. Yet, its roots remain strong in the St. Pierre area, right in my constituency of La Vérendrye.

To Ryan, Brian, Dan and everyone involved: Thank you. Your leadership is changing lives, strengthening communities and proving that even in the mud, something powerful can grow. Please join me in recognizing Cowboys Mud Racing in the gallery today. Henry Guimond Hon. Ian Bushie (Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures): I rise today to uplift a truly remarkable talent from the Sagkeeng Anishinaabe Nation, Anishinaabe artist Henry Guimond. I have often spoken in this Chamber about the incredible gifts that exist within our Indigenous communities.

And today, I am in awe of how those gifts are reaching new heights, quite literally reaching for the stars. Henry was commissioned to design the personal mission patch for Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, for the historic Artemis II mission. This month, as we watched this breathtaking launch on April the 1st, we saw the spirit of Sagkeeng stitched on to a flight suit orbiting Grandmother Moon.

Working alongside Elder Dave Courchene III of the Turtle Lodge, Henry created a heptagonal design representing the Seven Sacred Laws: the buffalo for respect, eagle for love, bear for courage, Sabe for honesty, beaver for wisdom, wolf for humility and turtle for truth. These are not just symbols; they are the Anishinaabeg guiding principles for living in relationship with the Earth and each other. The patch is laden with profound meaning. It depicts the Fisher, Ojiig, to remind us that humanity has always looked to the stars for direction.

It features a five-pointed North Star, Giidwedin-anang, represent- ing the five members of the Hansen family, and a thin blue line symbolizing the light and spirit within all living things. By launching the Orion capsule from Turtle Island, Henry has ensured our stories and our ways of understanding the world are represented on a celestial stage. Honourable Speaker, our ancestors sat under this night sky, passing down star teachings that have

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1601 guided us for generations. In 2023, those ancient paths converged with the future of explanation–exploration at Sagkeeng's Turtle Lodge. It was there that Jeremy Hansen went on a vision quest, seeking a deeper connection to the land, and it was through a c hance encounter with Henry that a powerful collaboration was born, one that carried our star teachings all the way to the moon. This is a reminder to our youth that our heritage belongs everywhere, here on earth and beyond.

I ask all members to join me in honouring Henry Guimond for this historic contribution to our com - munity and to the world. Miigwech. Darcy Malcolm Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): Honourable Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding educator and a community leader, Darcy Malcolm of Ebb and Flow First Nation. Darcy's inspiring journey is one of the purpose and belief of the power of education. After high school graduation, he worked for several years in the construction with his father before finding his calling in 1999 as an educational assistant at Ebb and F low School.

While working full -time, he pursued his own education at the Brandon University and graduated in 2008 with a teaching degree. He overcame challenges including supporting his son during a serious illness. Darcy has served as a teacher, guidance counsel- lor, principal, now a director of education for the Ebb and Flow First Nation. Darcy led major school infrastructure projects that created opportunities for students. His champions First Nation culture and language ensures Indigenous students feel seen, valued and proud. In 2015, Darcy suffered a major heart attack.

With the support of the Elder, the culture ceremonies, he began his journey of healing, including traditional medicine and the powwow circle. Darcy is respected as a powwow emcee across Treaty 2 and Treaty 4, using his voice to bring people together through culture and the community. He believes these traditional practices helped him heal and shaped the person he is today. His life reflects the true spirit of education. He leads with 'humality' and believes that we succeed working together for a team approach. I also want to acknowledge people in the gallery that are here today.

Unfor tunately, I ran out of time, but I also want to acknowledge 800 students are watching right now on video of this ceremony that's taking place at the Leg. Congratulations, Mr. Malcolm. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Order, please. Before oral questions, as it turns out, there are some guests in the gallery that I would like to introduce.

I draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery, where we have with us today Darcy Malcolm; Elaine Malcolm, Darcy's wife; Lucy Campbell, his mother; Cayla Houle, daughter; April Malcolm, daughter; Myrna Malcolm, sister; Mitchell Malcolm, nephew; Derek McCorrister, Modern Clan Media; and a group of staff and students from Ebb and Flow First Nation School, who are watching live online, and they are guests of the honourable Minister of Agriculture. * (14:00) And I'd like to draw the attention of all honour - able members to the public gallery where we have with us today members of the Cowboys Mud Racing: Ryan Ward, Dan Lamboo, Brian Brown, Bill Marsh, Gary Hora –who, as it turns out, is joining us in celebrating his birthday today; Alissa Martens – [interjection]–along with Alissa Martens and Nash Guindi, who are guests of the honourable member for La Vérendrye (Mr.

Narth). And we welcome you all here today as well. And now, oral questions. ORAL QUESTIONS Residential Tenancies Amendment Act Deferred Maintenance–Concern for Renters Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): Manitoban families, workers and associations are all raising red flags when it comes to this NDP gov ern- ment and their poorly thought-out legislation. Now yet another association has come forward.

The Winnipeg Construction Association is coming forward and wrote a letter on April 8 to the Minister of Public Service Delivery (MLA Sandhu), raising more red flags, and yet no response from this minister.

1602 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 Unlike the Premier (Mr. Kinew) and his entire NDP government, we on this side of the House are listening to Manitobans affected by their poorly thought-out legislation that will make their living con- ditions unsafe, fall into disrepair and will negati vely affect Manitobans working here at the trades, causing them to lose their jobs. The experts have warned that if this government proceeds with their agenda, and I'll quote Ron Hambley, president of WCA: deferred maintenance becomes the norm, creating unsustain- able living conditions for tenants. End quote.

When will the Premier listen to Manitobans and reverse his decision on this poorly thought-out legislation– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): I want to make very clear that, on this side of the House, we have a government led by a phenomenal Premier who cares about all Manitobans and cares about all Manitobans having what they need in order to have the best outcomes possible in this province. And we have, on this side of the House, the best Finance Minister in the entire country, sitting right to my right.

And Budget 2026 has a number of measures to make life more affordable to support, spe cifically, renters, and that is after seven and a half years, two and a half–two terms, back to back, of a PC gov ern- ment who only worked to make life less expensive and more difficult for renters here in Manitoba. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Manitoba Jobs Agreement Transparency in Fee Collection and Use Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): The Premier won't even stand up and answer the question.

Renters are coming forward and saying that they– living condi tions will become unsafe if they pass Bill 13. And this isn't the only industry coming for - ward. Other industries have also been vocal in raising their concerns about the NDP job- killing Manitoba jobs agreement and the political slush fund that this NDP government is funding by funnelling your tax- payer dollars to their union bosses. Let that sink in.

This NDP govern ment has put forward an agreement that would take 85 cents of every hour worked by every Manitoban working in this province and put into a slush fund, with no accountability, no trans parency and no reporting to Manitobans. That is just wrong. Will the Premier reverse his decision today and stop the NDP job -killing agreement and commit to a fully–and trans parent process so Manitobans know what they're doing with their money? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): Honour- able Speaker, everybody in Manitoba knows that we are a government that stands with workers. Everybody in Manitoba knows that.

We are the party of workers. We are the party of working people. That's who we are. Everybody in Manitoba also knows they can't trust a single thing that comes out of the Leader of the Opposition's mouth. The Leader of the Opposi tion was at the Cabinet table when they were making life more expensive for renters, when they were making life more expensive for everybody across this prov- ince and doing nothing, not even doing the basics, to make life more affordable. So on this side of the House, we're making life more affordable. We're standing with workers.

We're making sure that in this province you have a little bit more so you can get a little further ahead. That's the commitment we made to Manitobans after seven and a half years of a failed– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Contract Awarded to US Company Request for Premier to Apologize Mr.

Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): By the Deputy Premier's own admission, they are not listening to 88 per cent of Manitobans that are affected by this NDP's job- killing agreement; 88 per cent of Manitobans that work in this industry have come forward and said they do not support this. They are not a listening government, Honourable Speaker. This NDP government also has not secured a major project from this federal government, the only province in all of Canada that has not secured a major project. Manitobans would have hoped that at le ast this NDP government would have supported local companies.

And yet, this NDP government has chosen to funnel $36 million of your taxpayer dollars to a company based in the United States of America. Will the Premier do the right thing and admit he was wrong, apologize to Manitobans for betraying them and commit to spending that $36 million here in Manitoba instead of Philadelphia?

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1603 Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): Honour- able Speaker, the only person who owes Manitobans an apology is the Leader of the Opposition. It would serve him well to finally get to doing that. On this side of the House, we're focused solely and squarely on Manitobans and making life better for them across the province.

I want to be clear that the company he's refer - encing is a Canadian-based company, but I also want to point out that he's jumping around a lot this ques - tion period, and I think that's because he knows if anybody pays attention to what he's saying too long enough, you can't trust or believe anything that comes out of his mouth, Honourable Speaker. On this side of the House, we're going to keep taking steps to strengthen our economy. Our Premier (Mr. Kinew) works very hard on behalf of all Manitobans to build relationships at every level of government to move Manitoba forward.

That's some- thing the leader– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Number of Paramedics Hired Concerns Regarding Workforce Levels Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): Three questions on growing the economy and not one answer from this NDP government, so let's switch gears here. Today, the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals corrected the Premier and this NDP gov- ernment's disastrous health-care record.

The Premier and his colleagues encouraged all of us to listen to workers and their unions yesterday, so we encourage the Premier to take his own advice today and listen for once. These workers on the front lines say things are getting worse. In November, this government said that they had hired 231 net-new paramedics–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Khan: –when in reality, it was only 18. That's not math; that's error, that's deception and that's flat -out wrong.

The Premier promised to hire 200 new para - medics in his first term, so why, in his first two and a half years, is there a net loss of 34 paramedics? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Deputy Premier): Honour- able Speaker, you can tell by the tepid applause on that side of the House, they don't even believe him. His own caucus doesn't believe anything he has to say. You want to talk about health care? Let's talk about health care. When the PCs were in government, they lost a net loss–net loss of 90 paramedics here in Manitoba. What's our record on this side of the House?

A net gain of 41 paramedics in our health- care system, Honourable Speaker. That's ACPs, that's PCPs, we're bringing back EMRs, we're looking at ICPs and we know there's more work to do. Seven and a half years of cuts and chaos, we're getting it done on this side of the House. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Khan: More false information by this NDP govern- ment. There's a net loss of 34 paramedics according to Jason Linklater, Honourable Speaker.

In December of 2023, when this NDP government was in charge, there was 519 paramedics available to attend emergencies in rural Manitoba. In December of 2025, there was only 485. That is a net loss. The Premier can't deny these facts and he can't call the union a liar. Jason Linklater, president, says paramedics and Manitobans they serve are tired of the number game being played by this government. End quote. He's right. This is Manitoba's health we're talking about and this NDP government needs to stop playing games. In two and a half years, there's been a net loss of paramedics.

When will the Premier come forward and admit that he has no plan for hiring paramedics and that health care is getting worse under his watch? * (14:10) MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, I am thrilled to be talking about health care again in the Chamber. I really and truly am. The Leader of the Op position was around the Cabinet table when they were firing paramedics. They fired over 90 paramedics from rural Manitoba. They wouldn't let advanced-care paramedics even practise, even get a job in rural Manitoba.

Not only have we hired net-new paramedics here in the province in two years, but we, for the first time in Manitoba's history, have advanced-care paramedics working across rural Manitoba, showing up when you need them across rural communities.

1604 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 We are working directly with municipalities to stand up more ERS services. They closed 23 EMS stations. They cut EMS hours across rural Manitoba. Shame– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Khan: This Deputy Premier loves living in the past. The fact is, they are at the Cabinet table now. They are making decisions now.

And health care is worse now than it ever was. [interjection] You can hear by their applause that they are endorsing that health care is worse now than it's ever been in in the history of this province. And I don't blame the unions. I don't blame front- line workers. This government has been caught, once again, gaslighting Manitobans on multiple occasions. This government wields misinformation like a weapon and uses it to keep people confused and guessing. Manitobans don't believe this govern ment and front-line workers don't believe this government.

The unions are calling this govern ment out for their misrepresentation of the numbers of net -loss para - medics. And I'll quote: Manitobans are paying the price in longer waits for life -saving paramedic care. End quote. When will this Premier (Mr. Kinew) stop playing with games with people lives and reveal his plan– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. MLA Asagwara: Honourable Speaker, the Leader of the Op position is correct: I am at the Cabinet table now. That is correct.

And I tell you what, I'm proud to sit at a Cabinet table and to sit in an NDP caucus that understands health care and stands with workers. And when I stood with workers this morning at CUPE's AGM, you know what I heard loud and clear? They never, ever want to see a PC government in power again here in Manitoba. And you know what, Honourable Speaker? They never, ever will see a PC government ever in power here again in Manitoba. We're fixing health care. We're investing in making it stronger. The members opposite would do them - selves a favour and fix the damage in their own house as it stands today.

Manitoba's Regulatory Environment Impact on Economic Growth Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Yesterday, I asked the minister whether he believes that regulatory burden in this province is holding back economic growth. His answer was no, yet the latest report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business states very clearly that excessive regulations are discouraging entrepreneurship, undermining com- petitiveness and impeding on innovation. Businesses are saying it. The economists are saying it. Why is this minister the only one that can't see it? Hon.

Jamie Moses (Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation): Well, it's unanimous around businesses, the No. 1 threat to our economy is Donald Trump's tariffs, right? The US tariffs, the threats to our Canadian and Manitoban economy, the same tariffs that members opposite were thankful for. Now, the member opposite should do Manitobans a favour and state clearly, does he support Donald Trump's tariffs, or does he support Manitoba busi - nesses?

On this side of the House, we know we stand with Manitobans, we stand with businesses and we stand with workers, workers who work hard each and every day to grow our economy, businesses–small businesses that employ more Manitobans with good-paying jobs. And we're so happy that there's 11,000 new jobs right here in Manitoba just this month. That's how we grow an economy that works for everyone and stand up for Manitoba businesses. The Speaker: The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Narth: Honourable Speaker, on this side of the House, we'll dwell on our potential, not dwell on Donald Trump like the minister chooses. In Estimates yesterday, the minister tried to defend his record by selectively quoting from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business report, but what he didn't mention is that, in the very same report, it gives Manitoba an F on red tape and regulation. That's not my opinion, that's the voice of Manitoba job creators. So I'll ask again: Why is this minister ignoring the very evidence that he's trying to rely on? Mr.

Moses: Honourable Speaker, the fact that the member opposite couldn't just stand in this place and

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1605 say that he stands with Manitoba busi nesses and workers instead of Donald Trump and the Americans tells a lot to Manitobans right now. That's very, very telling. But, Honourable Speaker, maybe he's too worried about his own constituency to clearly call out Donald Trump and his tariffs, but while he's busy figuring out his position, I'll stay focused on Manitobans.

I'll stay focused on workers right here, growing our economy, breaking down barriers, making new agreements with international and national partners, making sure we have the right supports, like our export support pro- gram, which we doubled to help new–more businesses reach international markets. That's how we grow our economy right here in Manitoba, how we make our supply chains more resilient and how we double– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Narth: Honourable Speaker, that minister's right: I represent my con stituents and my constituents are leading the province in economic develop ment. The difference between this side of the House and that side is simple: here, we listen to businesses; and there, they're ignoring them. We have a solution: A single -desk permitting system, one point of contact, clear timelines and account- ability. Other provinces are stream lining approvals and attracting new invest ment while Manitoba's falling behind. Why won't this minister implement a single-window system to actually get projects approved and grow our economy?

Mr. Moses: Once again, members opposite continue to be off -base and not understand and listen to busi - nesses. We listen to businesses, not only from south- east Manitoba, but from Pembina Valley, the-Westman, Winnipeg, Interlake, northern Manitoba, to grow one Manitoba economy. That's going to be powered by the incredible Port of Churchill Plus project, which is going to put more Manitobans to work with energy projects, working in collaboration with First Nations and the federal gov- ernment. We're going to get that project done, some- thing that members opposite ignored again.

Maybe they're too busy trying to kowtow to Donald Trump and his rhetoric to focus on the Port of Churchill. But instead, we're going to focus on growing our economy right here, growing an economy strong for Manitoba businesses, workers and help to support our entire Canadian economy. Assault Near Safe Consumption Site Request to Close Facility MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): Yesterday, a young Manitoban– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. Order. The honourable member for Portage la Prairie.

MLA Bereza: Yesterday, a young Manitoba–a Manitoba who operates a business near the consumption site at 631 Main was assaulted. Their crime? Asking individuals actively selling drugs to vacate the premises in advance of some people trying to enter their business. For their community efforts they were punched in the face and left with a one- inch gash that likely needed stitches. The minister's fixation on promoting drug consumption has endangered innocent Manitobans. Will this minister commit to closing this site until an investigation is concluded? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I want to extend our sympathies to individual who has been assaulted. Certainly we want to ensure that every Manitoban is safe in com munity and the steps that we're taking as govern ment are working directly toward that.

This includes, just in Budget 2026, an enhance - ment to our Downtown Com munity Safety Partner - ship funding, our partnership with WPS to ensure that they have the resources that they need to ensure that Manitobans are safe, an expansion of our bail super - vision program, more electronic monitoring, more funding for law enforce ment, not just in Winnipeg, but across this province. All told, Honourable Speaker, a $19 million– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Portage la Prairie, on a supplementary question.

MLA Bereza: Staff from Sunshine House eventually intervened to blame the victim and say she provoked the dealers. That certainly doesn't sound like the tough on crime, no drug dealing allowed that the minister promised Manitobans. * (14:20)

1606 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 There was nothing safe about this consumption site for the local community. A woman was assaulted, and the minister paid people to blame her while she was bleeding from a head wound. This is happening every day with not only the minister's awareness, with her active support. The minister can choose between community mem- bers providing programming for youth or dealers. Which is it? Mr. Wiebe: You know, I'm not sure where the mem- ber is getting his information.

If he has some informa- tion he wants to table for the House, I encourage him to table his notes here today and share with the House the particulars of what he's talking about. What I can say is, is that our government is getting tough on those who are bringing toxic drugs into our communities. As I said, that's a partnership with law enforcement, but, impor tantly, that's also bringing together all of the voices at one table with our drug task force table that's bringing together the resources, the horsepower, to be able to solve this issue upstream and also support people in community.

It's about getting tough on crime. It's also about getting tough on the causes of crime, and that's why our government is being successful in starting to bend the curve that went up under their watch. The Speaker: The honourable member for Portage la Prairie, on a final supplementary question. Mobile Overdose Prevention Site Request to Shut Down Operation MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): This is unacceptable. The minister needs to commit to protecting Manitobans. It wasn't long ago that a woman was assaulted and robbed while trying to assist with an overdose.

Clearly, Sunshine House has failed to operate in a responsible manner and neighbourhood residents have become the collateral damage. I am calling today for the minister to immediately suspend operation of MOPS. There is a real security plan in place that needs to be prioritized for all Manitobans, not just users of our drug consumption site. Why won't this minister make these commitments today? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): It's incredibly frustrating, Honourable Speaker, that Manitobans have to listen to the kind of rhetoric that the member opposite is using today, attacking community partners, attacking those who are serving the most vulnerable in our society, all the while completely ignoring their record when they were in office. Crime went up every single year under members opposite. And I haven't gotten many questions on public safety lately, and I can tell you why, Honourable Speaker.

It's because the homicide rate is the lowest it's been in 20 years in the city of Winnipeg. Crime is coming down under our watch. The crime severity index, it's down 4 per cent; youth crime, down 8 per cent; reported crimes, down 4.5 per cent. We are seeing it in central– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Safe Consumption Sites Community Safety Concerns Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): When this young woman was assaulted in broad daylight, she tried to get help from emergency services, calling five times to no avail. That is downtown Winnipeg under this NDP government.

You can be actively bleeding from a head wound and you're on your own. And I want to be incredibly clear: the work that the emergency services do here and the efforts that they give every single day is greatly appreciated. But it's the rejection of the members opposite, who created this situation, that we want to bring to the forefront. Can the minister explain, if her safety plans were in place, why was this woman left without support? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): You see, this is why Manitobans can't trust the PC Party here in the Legislature.

We know that under their watch, crime went up year over year over year, and what was their response? What was their reaction to crime going up? Well, they cut funding to law enforcement. They froze funding across the province. In fact, in the city of Winnipeg alone, 55 officers were cut under their watch while crime was going up. Now, we're starting to turn the corner, Honour - able Speaker, because we've hired 36 new officers here in the city of Winnipeg, more officers coming in Budget 2026.

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1607 We're getting the job done. They failed every single year. Mr. Balcaen: Winnipeg Police Service call takers are receiving countless calls every day, and that's reality of life under this NDP gov ernment. Resources are stretched absolutely thin. We knew this would be the case around a consumption site. At the community consultation, when asked about the safety plan, the officials from the WPS said, honestly, that, quote, there is no plan, end quote. Individuals were dealing illegal drugs yesterday at the minister's drug site and assaulted a Manitoban.

So can the minister explain why her funded staff joined the fray to yell at that victim? Mr. Wiebe: Again, Honourable Speaker, he's just making it up. Call volumes have come down with the WPS because we're starting to see the crime rate come down. We have cut the crime–the homicide rate in Winnipeg in half, Honourable Speaker, the lowest level in 20 years; and finally, some progress for the rest of downtown.

All crime in downtown down by 9.5 per cent; violent crime down by 5 per cent and nonviolent crime down by 4 per cent; knife crime dropped by 14 per cent and it was identified by the WPS that it was our legislation that helped to make the difference. These are the changes we can make. Members opposite have no leg to stand on. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order, please.

I would caution the member that the language he used is coming dangerously close–when he's suggest- ing that someone is just making it up, it's dangerously close to suggesting they're lying, so I would caution the member to be more careful with his language in the future. Mr. Balcaen: It doesn't surprise me that this minister doesn't follow the rules. This is exactly what com - munity advocates said would happen when the minister's other site at 366 Henry street.

Basic economics tells us that the minister is creating a demand and the market will provide a supply; and when push comes to shove, the minister has no plan to provide safety and it's the public that is brutally assaulted if they try to keep their doorways safe of drug dealers. How many more victims does the minister need to create before she cares about community safety? Mr.

Wiebe: You know, since day one we have been partnering with the WPS and working with them around the safety and security around the safe consumption site, and that's because we come to them in a straightforward, honest way–we come with fund- ing, we come with support–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Wiebe: –and we take their lead in safety and security. What have members opposite done? They have disrespected law enforcement every step of the way. The member opposite calls them window dressing or makes light of them.

In fact, they–in a sad attempt to gain political points–they created a video and shared it of a Winnipeg Police officer who was working with community, that was talking to them about the plan for the supervised consumption site. They make fun of law enforcement. We support law en forcement, and we're going to do that every single day– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Post-Secondary Education Campus Manitoba Closure Mrs.

Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): Honour- able Speaker, for 35 years, Campus Manitoba has played a critical role in connecting students across our province to secondary–post-secondary education. This is especially important for students in rural and northern Manitoba who rely on flexible learning options. Now, this government has chosen to cut all fund- ing and shut it down entirely. At the same time, we are seeing instability and closures affecting institutions like MITT in Winnipeg. Can the minister explain to this House how cutting learning resources improves opportunities for Manitoba students? Hon.

Renée Cable (Minister of Advanced Education and Training): Honourable Speaker, I am proud every day to get up in this House and talk about advance - ments in post -secondary education. I want to thank Campus Manitoba for their years of service and acknowledge the good work that they've done in the past.

1608 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 As the member well knows–we've had this discus- sion–many institutions now have their own online resources, and we are committed to and working towards saving all of those valuable assets that exist within Campus Manitoba. However, I want to point out something that I think the members here sometimes forget. The impact of the federal government's decision to cut international students has cost the Manitoba economy– based on the most recent data that I have –a billion dollars– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

The honourable member for Morden-Winkler, on a supplementary question. * (14:30) Mrs. Hiebert: I'll remind the minister that she had two and a half years to prepare for this. Affordability is one of the biggest barriers facing students today. Campus Manitoba's OpenEd program has saved students more than $6 million, at a time when young Manitobans are already struggling with rising tuitions, cost of living under this NDP government. Yet this government has chosen to eliminate that program with no clear plan to replace it.

How can the minister justify decisions that make education unaffordable and put it further out of reach of our Manitoba students? MLA Cable: Honourable Speaker, I want to remind the member opposite that she sits along folks who were at the Cabinet table when, year over year over year, they cut funding to all of our post -secondary institutions. That is seven and a half years of not enough, frankly, not enough. And on this side of the House we've invested record amounts into post - secondary edu cation. We have great relationships.

We're working together with all of our institutions to ensure that Manitoba students have the best possible opportunities. I invite the member, if she would like to have a discussion about Campus Manitoba, I would invite her to come to my office to have that discussion. But I can assure all Manitobans that the resources around post-secondary education are being directed into the places– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Morden-Winkler, on a final supplementary question. Mrs. Hiebert: Honourable Speaker, what's most concerning here is the lack of planning and trans - parency.

Students, faculty and staff were blindsided by the sudden closure of Campus Manitoba, an organization with over three decades of proven success. This is the second time in three months that this government has closed an education institution by revoking funding. Even now, there is no clear answer on what will happen to its resources or how students will navigate the system going forward. Why does this government continue to make cuts to education without a plan? MLA Cable: Honourable Speaker, I will repeat myself: There is a plan.

And the pieces of value will continue on, active discussions happening with our other partners. And I want to again remind the House here, that it was their government that year over year over year underfunded and cut post -secondary institutions. It was their government who refused to make invest - ments in any assets related to post-secondary. We are funding programs across the province. There are more students studying in post -secondary institutions than ever before. And, Honour able Speaker, quite frankly, I will take no advice from the members opposite.

Francophone Community in Manitoba Language, Culture and Economic Investments French spoken MLA Robert Loiselle (St. Boniface): L'Honorable Président, le Manitoba compte sur notre gouvernement devenir une province véritablement bilingue. Est-ce que le ministre des relations municipales et du Nord pourrait, s'il vous plaît, nous en dire plus au sujet de comment le Manitoba travaille pour assurer que notre province avance avec ce projet d'importance manitobaine, pancanadienne, internationale ? Translation Manitoba is counting on our government to help it become a truly bilingual province.

Could the minister for municipal relations and the North please tell us more about how Manitoba is working to ensure that our province moves forward with this project, which is of importance not only to Manitoba but to Canada as a whole and internationally?

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1609 French spoken Hon. Glen Simard (Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs): Je voulais commencer la parole pour souhaiter la bienvenue à nos visiteurs de l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, en si grand nombre, sans précédence. Translation I would like to begin by welcoming our visitors from the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, who are here in such unprecedented numbers. English Their visit is without precedence.

French spoken Le gouvernement continuera de renforcer la communauté francophone en 'invistant'–en investissant dans l'éducation en français et investissant dans les initiatives culturelles et économiques qui permettent les francophones ici au Manitoba de vivre une vie en français. Translation The government will continue to strengthen the francophone community by investing in French- language education and in cultural and economic initiatives that enable francophones here in Manitoba to live their lives in French.

English I can honestly say the effort of our government to elevate the francophone culture and language here is just an example how we bring people in, where people can live their lives –their authentic lives –something that the opposition never did. They shut– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Canada-Manitoba Child-Care Agreement Timeline to Meet Child-Care Space Targets Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Honourable Speaker, economic growth and affordability is the only way that we're going to try to increase what is happening in this province.

But, unfortunately, the NDP continues to fail at that each and every day. We signed an agreement with Canada, the Canada-Manitoba child-care agreement, to the tune of $1.2 billion. We'd like to ask this Minister of Education: What is her plan to get to that 23,000 child-care spaces? Hon.

Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): In advance of next week, which is the week of the early childhood educator, it gives me great pleasure to stand up and talk about the incredible progress that our government is making on child care here in Manitoba Honourable Speaker, you don't have to take my word for it: the Manitoba Child Care Association was here on budget day when they heard Budget '26, the best budget that's ever been written in the history of Manitoba, and what did they say?

I will table it f or the House in case I don't get through the whole post because it was so lengthy in their praise of our government. The MCCA is pleased with Budget 2026. It's evident that the government of Manitoba is listening in its commitment to prioritizing early learning and child care: 2.9 per cent increases to wages; 1 per cent increase to operating; 21 new child-care facilities– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Lac du Bonnet, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Ewasko: In fact, the truth to the whole story, honourable story –Honourable Speaker –is that the – [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –Progressive Conservatives had actually brought forward a plan to–this past March would have opened 14,000–that's 14 ,000–child-care spaces. The Auditor General says himself that this government is not going to make the 23,000. Why is that, Honourable Speaker? Because this minister has no plan and she should stand up and apologize to all those Manitobans that desperately want to go to work and increase our economy– [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr.

Ewasko: –and affordability measures by getting to work because Manitoba works when child care works, Honourable Speaker. MLA Schmidt: The member opposite talks about the Office of the Auditor General and their report, and the officer of the Auditor General did say that Manitoba had no plan –had no plan, Honourable Speaker. That report covered the previous failed PC government's time in office.

1610 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 But Manitobans know. The Manitoba Child Care Association knows, Honourable Speaker. Manitobans know that they have elected a government that understands child care, that values ECEs, and that is making progress. Just today in the PembinaValleyOnline, what was reported from the ECEs' mouths them selves? I definitely believe that since we've started, we are definitely now respected– The Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable member for Lac du Bonnet, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Ewasko: It's just tough, you know, like, each and every day here in the Manitoba Legislature when the NDP are constantly heckling as they continue to do. Honourable Speaker–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –there's many school divisions, post - secondary institutions that are still waiting for their child-care centres. To name a few out in my area, Sunrise School Division and, of course, the Whiteshell School Division's waiting to hear when their child-care centre is actually going to be able to go and get the shovels in the ground.

It's unfortunate that this Education Minister has not brought forward any new plans. The 22 child-care centres that she continues to pat herself on the back were all opened because of our government, Honour- able Speaker. The Speaker: Member's time has expired. MLA Schmidt: Honourable Speaker, I think Manitobans will note that there was no question in there, and it's okay, because while the member from Lac du Bonnet gets up day after day and talks about himself, what we're doing as a government is we get to work every day on behalf of Manitobans.

What did –but, since the member wants to talk about his record, let's talk about it. What were the PCs doing with the valuable tax dollars that were intended to be–to benefit Manitobans and open new child-care spaces? What did they do with that money, Hono ur- able Speaker? They siphoned $3 million to their campaign manager, Marni Larkin. That's what–that's his record, Honourable Speaker. Manitobans deserve those child- care spaces– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. [interjection] Order. Order. Canada-Manitoba Child-Care Agreement Timeline to Meet Child-Care Space Targets Mrs.

Colleen Robbins (Spruce Woods): Well, the Auditor General has determined that the NDP government is going to miss the 23,000 new child- care spaces target by a long shot. Manitoba families were promised timely access, not a decade-long delay. * (14:40) Why– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order, please. Stop the clock. [interjection] Order, please. The NDP bench needs to come to order because I can't hear a word that's being said at the moment. Mrs. Robbins: Why does this minister not have a long-term plan to get child -care spaces built and staffed in–across Manitoba? Hon.

Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): Every single Manitoban in this province that wants child care deserves child care, and there is –there's been much accomplished. There is much more to do, Hon ourable Speaker, we know that for sure. And I've been to every corner of this province, including to the member's own constituency, the member from Spruce Woods. I've spent much time in Souris trying to get alive the project that she's failed to promote. We've been meeting with the Southwest Horizon School Division.

We've been meeting with the executive director of the child -care centre– [interjection] The Speaker: Order. MLA Schmidt: The member for Lagimodière (Mr. Blashko) has been there. The member for Keewatinook (Mr. Bushie) has been there. We're going to get it done, something that she failed to do. But, Honourable Speaker, we know the member from Spruce Woods stands with Donald Trump. I would like to ask her today: Does she stand with the member for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt)? She wants to stand here and talk about kids? She wants to talk– stand here– The Speaker: The member's time has expired.

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1611 Mrs. Robbins: Honourable Speaker, are repackaged promises the best that this minister can offer Manitoba families? Parents want to be able to get back to work so they can support their families, but they need accessible child-care spaces to do so. Can the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning explain how she's going to meet her 23,000 space target, or will this simply be another missed NDP target? MLA Schmidt: Honourable Speaker, again, all you have to do is look at Budget 2026 to see what our plan is on child care: 2,000 spaces this year alone.

Much accomplished, much more to do and certainly much to lose if the PCs ever, ever get back into power. So I'll ask the member again. We know that the member from Spruce Woods stands with Donald Trump. She wants to stand here and talk about supporting kids and families? Does she stand with the member for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt) who bailed out a child s ex offender? Manitobans deserve an answer. [interjection] The Speaker: Order, please. The time for oral questions has expired. And–[interjection] Order, please. The Speaker is standing.

Introduction of Guests The Speaker: We have seated in the public gallery from Pineview Mennonite School 14 grade 8 students under the direction of Philip Brubacher, and this group is located in the con stituency–I'm not sure which constituency. We welcome you here today. * * * The Speaker: Petitions? Grievances? House Business Ms. Jodie Byram (Deputy Official Opposition House Leader): On House business. The Speaker: The honourable member for Agassiz, on House business. Ms.

Byram: Pursuant to rule 34(8), I'm announcing that the private member's resolution to be considered on the next Thursday of private members' business will be the one put forward by the honourable member for Morden-Winkler (Mrs. Hiebert). The title of the resolution is Calling on the Provincial Government to Prioritize the Struggles Facing Manitoba Families.

The Speaker: So it has been announced that, pursuant to rule 34(8), that the private member's resolu tion to be considered on the next Thursday of private members' business will be one put forward by–[interjection] I would remind honour able members that the Speaker is standing and needs to be heard in silence. The private member's resolution to be considered on the next Thursday of private members' business will be one put forward by the honourable member for Morden-Winkler, and the title of the resolution is Calling on the Provincial Government to Prioritize the Struggles Facing Manitoba Families.

The– ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Honourable Speaker, I would like to announce the Standing Committee on Justice will meet Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 8, The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Amendment Act; Bill 9, The Street Weapons Control Act; Bill 34, The Interprovincial 'suppenia'–Subpoena Amendment Act; Bill 38, The Public Schools Amend- ment and Manitoba School Boards Association Amend- ment Act; Bill 40, The Elections Amendment Act; Bill 42, The Motor Vehicle Statutes Amendment Act; Bill 44, The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2026.

I would also like to announce the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development will meet Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 26, The Health System Governance and Accountability Amendment Act (Eliminating Mandatory Overtime for Nurses); Bill 27, The Declaration of Principles for Patient Health Care Act and Amendments to The Health System Governance and Accountability Act; Bill 28, The Health System Governance a nd Accountability Amendment Act (Nurse-to-Patient Ratios); B ill 32, The Improving Access to Breast 'canster' –Cancer Screening Act; Bill 50, the pharmaceutical amend ment, regulated health 'professials' amendment and public health amendment act.

1612 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 I would also like to announce the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development will meet on Thursday, May 7, at 2026, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 6, The Sign Languages Recognition Act; Bill 36, The Child and Family Services Amendment Act.

I would also like to announce the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs will meet Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 33, The Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act; Bill 41, The Promoting Inclusion in Amateur Sport Act; Bill 43, The Highway Traffic Amendment and Drivers and Vehicles Amendment Act.

I would also like to announce the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development will meet on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 16, The Mental Health Amendment Act; Bill 18, The Waste Reduction and Prevention Amendment Act (Strengthening Enforce - ment); Bill 37, The Environmental Statutes Amend- ment Act.

I would also like to announce the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs will meet on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 11, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Sick Notes for Employee Absences); Bill 19, The Animal Care Amendment Act; bill 19, The University of Winnipeg Amendment Act; Bill 35, The Adult Learning Centres Amendment Act; Bill 45, The Yellowquill University College Act and Amend- ments to The Advanced Education Administration Act. Sorry, Bill 29–correction, Honourable Speaker. Bill 29, The University of Winnipeg Amendment Act.

And can you please call for Committee of Supply. The Speaker: So it has been announced that the Standing Committee on Justice will meet on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6 p.m., to consider the following bills: Bill 8, Bill 9, Bill 34, Bill 38, Bill 40, Bill 42 and Bill 44. Also been announced that the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development will meet on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 26, Bill 27, Bill 28, Bill 32 and Bill 50.

Further, it's been announced that the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Dev elopment will meet on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6 p.m., to consider the following: Bill 6 and Bill 36. * (14:50) Further, the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs will meet on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. to consider the following: Bill 33, Bill 41 and Bill 43. The Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development will meet on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. to consider the following: Bill 16, Bill 18 and Bill 37.

Further, the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs will meet on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. to consider the following: Bill 11, Bill 19, Bill 29, Bill 35 and Bill 45. * * * The Speaker: And now the House will resolve into the Committee of Supply to consider Estimates from Public Service Delivery in the Chamber; Busi ness, Mining, Trade and Job Creation in room 254; and Justice in room 255. The deputy will now take the Chair.

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY (Concurrent Sections) ROOM 254 BUSINESS, MINING, TRADE AND JOB CREATION * (15:00) The Chairperson (Rachelle Schott): Will the Committee of Supply please come to order. This

section of the Committee of Supply will now resume consideration of the Estimates for the Department of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation. Questioning for this department will pro- ceed in a global manner. The floor is now open for questions. Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Maybe to ease us into it, I think the minister was in the middle of describing the number that the government is fore - casting for the real GDP growth for the coming year in our budget–or their budget. Hon.

Jamie Moses (Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation): So I'll, you know, talk about our real GDP number as the member has asked about. As I said yesterday when we were having our first block of discussions on this, our real GDP for 2025 is a forecast because it is –won't be complete until 11 months after the year, which would be in November of 2026. And so we are currently at the

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1613 forecast of 1.6 per cent, the real GDP growth. And so that is based on an average of seven inde pendent institutions. What we do is we do a respon sible approach to calculating our GDP forecast. So we take an average of those seven independent organizations, in addition to our Manitoba Bureau of Statistics, and come up with that average of 1.6. So that's our approach to doing it. In addition, I'll have note that the Canadian average is 1.7 per cent, so that's their number they're putting out. So we're right on par with the national average for our GDP growth.

So I'd note to the member that, you know, his–the rhetoric we've been hearing from him frequently around Manitoba being last or behind the pace on GDP growth is just completely off base. It's not backed in the reality of the stats. When we look at the GDP growth forecast and Manitoba being at 1.6, based on our average and Canadian average being 1.7, we're in line with other jurisdictions; we're in line with the average. We know that there's tough, challenging economic times because of the uncertainty caused by US tariffs and Chinese tariffs, and so I think that's hampering GDP growth numbers across the country.

So, I think, you know, the narrative around us being the last in the country, the worst in the country, is just completely off base; it's actually an unhelpful narrative. It's not based in reality or on–the stats don't back that up. And so I would encourage t he member to make sure that he updates his stats, uses more accurate information and, you know, continues to use rhetoric that's in line with what the stats say.

I'd also say that, you know, we talked a little bit yesterday around GDP as a metric, and I think it's very helpful to continue to look at all the other metrics that we use to measure economic success, like partici - pation rate, like unemployment rate, like people, like stats in the labour market and like, you know, even vacancies right now or new building starts, construc - tion opportunities–those are all really positive things that we can use to measure an economy in a more fulsome way. And I'll just use an analogy because I spent a lot of time over the last few weeks watching the Artemis II mission.

You know, the member might have heard me mention it in the Chamber once or twice, and, it's like saying what's the hardest –what's the most difficult challenge with going to space. People say, oh, well, there's no air up there. Well, yes, that's one challenge, but there's a lot of other things to consider, right? It's like, how are you going to overcome the gravity and the radiation and all th e other things? How are you going to get back safety with the heat shield, right? And so there's lots of things to think about.

And so we do a good job of both monitoring GDP growth and those numbers, but in addition to a host of other factors that we want to ensure help portray a healthy economy here in Manitoba. So I just want to put that into the perspective of the member opposite when we think about how we build a healthy economy, how we work to encourage investment.

I also want to put that out there in terms of the numbers and the actual stats we're seeing from Stats Canada, from inde pendent in stitutions who measure GDP and how we make sure that we are using rhetoric that reflects the actual stats and the most recent and updated numbers that we're actually fore- casting for GDP growth here in Manitoba. * (15:10) Mr.

Narth: As much as I appreciate that the Minister responsible for Busi ness, Mining, Trade and Job Creation puts on the record that he spent much of his time in the past two weeks following the Artemis II space mission, while many businesses across Manitoba are signalling the alerts of concern around a weakening economy and business growth in our province–as I stated yesterday, more businesses are now closing in Manitoba than opening, and that should be a concerning alarm to not only the minister, his government, but all Manitobans.

So my question will follow, you know, the previous question and those that were asked yesterday, more focusing on the real GDP growth per capita. So I noted yesterday in the final question, prior to the one where we were interrupted with time, that the minister had updated us on the real GDP per capita at approxi- mately $52,000. The document that he was quoting from–I couldn't help but realize that it signals–that the real GDP per capita has actually decreased since 2022-2023.

Just like the minister to clarify for us that the real GDP per capita for Manitobans has actually decreased, and, as many of us know, many economists do identify as real GDP per capita as a strong indicator of the health of our economy. Mr. Moses: So, it's very important to first go back to the original, you know, comment that a member made.

1614 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 Artemis II was an inspiring event, right? I think it inspired people around the world, right? I know my kids are inspired, and I think it's important to acknowledge. We had an incredible Canadian, Jeremy Hansen, on the mission. Not only that, but we've played a role as Manitobans there. We saw it in the Chamber. Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures (Mr. Bushie) read an incredible member's statement today where he honoured a person who helped to design the patch that our Canadian astronaut wore on the mission.

So we play a little role here in humble old Manitoba. But also, you look it from a standpoint of inspiring people, inspiring young people to reach those new ideas, those new heights, right? And so I'm excited about the people who are going to say, yes, something cool is happening out there and we want to go into STEM. I want to study more in school so I can be the next Canadian astronaut that goes not only to circle the moon and see the dark– the backside of the moon, but maybe land on it one day. Maybe go even further into space.

So I'm excited for the next people who get inspired by that and create the next tech –set of tech- nologies that evolve out of the fantastic research they're doing to help understand, you know, radiation better in outer space that it can apply to us back home: new propulsion 'meshchanisms' that can help to apply to us here in our Canadian economy; new w ays to understand. An Honourable Member: Relevance? Mr. Moses: You–it's a part of your question. You said it, so I'm answering your question.

And these are all things that applied back home here in Manitoba, so I'm really inspired by that and I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to happen over the next generation of people who are inspired by Artemis II and, of course, in the future, Arte mis III and the subsequent missions that will come from it. Member also mentioned an important aspect of this as well–is around, you know, quoting people – businesses leaving Manitoba, again, with this glass - half-empty narrative.

But, you know, I'll push back on that and say that, look at the track record over the former government where we saw an outmigration–record numbers of Manitobans leaving the province, right? Manitobans who are here. We've got them in Manitoba, and they would flee to the tune of 10,000 Manitobans would be leaving the province every year to see greener pastures because of a government that wasn't setting up things right for busi ness, for edu cation, driving people out because of cuts, closures, frozen wage s–you know, those sort of things, right?

And so I think there's a strong impact and turning the tide on that, changing course. We saw a complete reversal of that trend where instead Manitobans leaving, we're actually bringing more Manitobans back in. More Manitobans are staying and actually more Canadians are actually coming to Manitoba. And the significant reason I bring that up and with relation to your question of GDP growth per capita, is that that, largely, is the reasoning why you're seeing the differences there between the 2023 number and 2024 and 2025.

Obviously, as you mentioned, GDP per capita is relation to GDP per the number of people in our province. And we– The Chairperson: Order. Just a friendly reminder to all the members, all questions and responses need to go through the Chair. Thank you. Mr. Moses: Thank you very much, Chair, for the reminder. Regarding–back to the question, GDP per 'crapita' is very much based on the amount of people in Manitoba. So we did see a population increase, particularly between 2023 and 2024, which impacted the GDP numbers.

Now, what we've seen is, you know, a GDP growth per capita change relative to 2023, 2024, back when, you know, I think people started to see a government that was more welcoming to Manitobans and people started to–stopped leaving and fleeing the country to other parts of the country, started staying in Manitoba and putting down roots. * (15:20) Obviously, that had a impact on the GDP per capita. We continue to see a real GDP growth, but the per capita number changed there between 2023-2024.

However, I'm happy to say that between 2024 and 2025, we continue to see growth and, actually, an increased growth there compared to relative other years. So we're actually back on a positive trend of that GDP growth per capita also increasing between 2024 and 2025. So we're happy to say that we're seeing very positive GDP per capita growth numbers.

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1615 And we're hoping to continue those –that trend as we move forward. Mr. Narth: Unlike the minister, I don't like to refer to Manitoba as humble old Manitoba. I think we more appropriately could be considered the proud new Manitoba and we have every opportunity to do so. But, unfor tunately, when we see economic numbers as we do that –as the minister is trying to discount as not concerning for his department, himself or other Manitobans –unfortunately, we may need to accept the fact that we are humble old Manitoba. And I don't want to see that.

So that's why me and many other Manitobans, along with our team, see the value in fleshing out these types of questions. Manitoba currently–and this is statistic driven – ranks 62nd out of 65 when comparing GDP per capita across Canadian provinces and also US states. Only the Maritimes are lower. I'd like to ask what this minister has to say to the reality that, under his govern ment, the buying power of Manitobans is equal to that of the poorest US state, which is Mississippi, and what this minister plans to do to turn that around. Mr. Moses: So the member opposite refers to buying power.

And I think that's an important point. So we, you know, think about those conversations as well, and we think about affordability. And I think we've done significant amounts on affordability for Manitobans in the last two and a half years. First, when we got into office, we fulfilled our campaign commitment to lower the fuel tax, so we took it completely off. That was a campaign commit- ment, and we fulfilled it early on in our mandate, removing the fuel tax for an entire year. I think that significantly increased Manitobans' buying power by making everything a little more affordable: (

a) gas prices, transportation costs went out–down across the board, (

a) for people's personal vehicles, but also for the transportation industry, meaning tha t all goods going to any store that's going there by truck or by vehicle is going to have a little lower costs. And that it had a broad impact in lowering prices across the province. As a result, for that entire year, Manitoba had the lowest inflation number. We were seeing that coming off of skyrocketing inflation numbers under the former government. So we had the lowest fuel tax in the country, lowest inflation rate for a year, and as a result, what happened?

Well, we saw, finally, the Bank of Canada, towards the end of that year, lower those interest rates, which meant that, again, our impact of dragging down the national average of inflation helped to then give the confidence for the Bank of Canada to say, look, we're going to now decrease those interest rate numbers, which then made, you know, any home - owners or folks who are relying on those interest rates for their mortgage to help those –make that more affordable. So I think Manitoba played an outsized role in impacting affordability, not only for Manitobans but effectively for Canadians. We didn't stop there.

We did a strong job of improving affordability when it came to freezing hydro rates as well, and continue that with this budget, where we made a significant impact by taking off the PST off of grocery. So we're taking a significant role in terms of buying power for everyday Manitobans. On the business side, we do that as well, and for workers as well.

Obviously, you would have seen our ability to take the PST off of manufacturing equip- ment, to front-loading a credit to businesses, meaning that they have more capital to invest in their busi- nesses, helping them to expand more, to grow more, to reinvest in hiring more Manitobans. That's our approach to making sure that we have and can keep up with our ability to have that impactful buying power, as the member refers to it, and make sure that we can remain as competitive as possible.

I'll also point out to the member opposite, in terms of Manitobans' ability to have buying power across our province and across our country, is that we have a stat here about our average weekly earnings. Our average weekly earnings year over year has gone up by 3.5 per cent. So that's the average weekly earning. It's gone up by 3.5 per cent year over year. That's way ahead of the CPI number. So people are earning more here in Manitoba, meaning that we have more buying power and we can actually put our dollars to good use.

That's what we talk about when we say we're not only– our economy is not only built on getting Manitobans more jobs, but good jobs. So we're very proud about the fact that we're working to– with businesses to –collaboratively with the business community to implement activities like that, but also bringing forward initiatives like Manitoba jobs agreement, which ensures that we have more good jobs for Manitobans in sectors like the con- struction area, and working to ensure that they have

1616 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 good jobs, safe workplaces and that they can have the right training to train not only the generation of workers today, but the generation of workers for tomorrow. Mr. Narth: Yes. Unfortunately, we didn't get much of a clear answer there, but par for the course, so we'll keep going with some stats that are also shared within the NDP budget, that states the relation between public-sector employment and private-sector employ- ment and the claim that public –or private -sector employment is still outpacing public sector, which we would expect.

As I mentioned in debate early this morning, the– you know, the majority of the economy is not only held in in the private sector but it's held in in small business, so we need to be we need to be mindful in the government's representation of that. * (15:30) We've discussed the meagre growth of the GDP in Manitoba and whether we use the projected external numbers that we've seen published or whether we use the budget's projections. That's a difference between 1.1 per cent, which is speculated, and the 1.6 per cent that the minister has stated.

Either -or, when we compare it to the size of government and government spending, we've seen a 5.7 per cent increase in the size of government. So my question to the minister is whether or not he sees that to be sustainable, and at what point should we expect to see– under his leadership and this gov- ernment–that GDP growth will meet and hopefully outpace the size of government spending room? Mr. Moses: So I just want to maybe get clarity also. The member mentioned 5.7 per cent. Is that referring to just government? That was in the–5.7 per cent, you said public growth of government employees?

Is that what you're quoting, or is it public-sector employees? If you–I'll just answer really quick, I won't wait. Mr. Narth: That's the increase of government spending. Mr. Moses: Thank you for that clarification. Okay, so what we look at often is–we look at our private sector and public sector throughout our entire economy. So, not just, you know, what may be listed as core government employees. Obviously, the –our broader public sector include a lot of folks part of health-care agencies or other organizations that are more broadly considered part of the public sector.

And then, separate from that, we look at just the private sector. So , depending on how the number – member might be considering it, might be just core government employees, which might be slightly dif - ferent. But what we have here is we look at the broad entire Manitoba economy. So, I just have some few numbers for the member to look at. Comparing both the public and private sectors, for 2023, roughly the private -sector employ- ment growth was roughly triple –sorry, maybe–what would that be–quick math here. That'd be maybe five times, actually, higher than the public -sector growth.

The–in 2024 it would be over double; the private sector would be over double the public-sector growth. And in 2025 the private sector would be about five times higher than the public -sector growth. So we' re seeing significant increases over –in private -sector growth over public-sector growth. So, the narrative that the only job growth is being increased is public-sector wages is completely a false narrative. And an example of that is just the job growth in the last month. We said there's just under 11,000 new jobs created, about 10,800.

Almost 100 per cent of those jobs were in the private sector; nearly 100 per cent of those jobs were in the private sector. The largest category of jobs is in the con- struction sector which, as member opposite would know, would be, again, by and large, private-sector jobs. So, the narrative that only jobs are being created in the public sector is just a–is an inaccurate narrative. And so I think members should really dive into some of those numbers before putting forward that sort of a commentary.

Having all–said all that, I'll also just, you know, stand up for, I think, the really good work that folks in the public sector do. Those jobs are really im portant. They're really im portant, particularly the jobs in education that educate the next generation of people who are going to be entering into our labour market, the jobs that are caring for people in our economy, people who aren't able to get full employment or the people who are retired and trying to live out their golden years, or caring for the people who are sick and in our health-care system.

Those are really important not only to the fabric of our society and not only to our ability to say, yes, this is who we are as a–having a proud public health-care system, something–who we are as Canadians and as Manitobans. I think it's really important to put a shout -out to all those people who do that good work.

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1617 And to all the folks who do really important work throughout all of our public sector areas, whether that's people who work in our Department of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation or whether that's the folks who are fighting wildfires when the times get tough or fighting floods or are working really hard to make sure that we stay strong in a variety of areas throughout our government and our society. So, I want to shout-out all those folks too.

And linking it back to private -sector jobs, I've heard from many, many, many business leaders who've said having strong public services is actually a value- add to their business, to their private business, because if they know they can attract employees from other parts of the country and tell them, yes, you're going to have a good education system here in Manitoba, that's really an added bonus. They can say, yes, you're going to have a good health- care system if you come to Manitoba, that's an even better sell. And I think that's really important.

So, I want to make sure that we get on the record that, yes, we're having incredible record numbers, No. 1 in the country when it comes to job growth, by and large mostly driven by private-sector job numbers. But at the same time we're very proud about the public sector that is doing in credible, really hard and really important work for Manitoba. Mr. Narth: Unfortunately, I wasn't given the oppor - tunity to clarify my question before the minister burned five minutes to explain absolutely nothing.

So, honourable Chair, I'd apologize if my question was misrepresented because it had nothing to do with private-sector employment versus public-sector employ- ment. I highlighted that the minister, within the budget, had highlighted growth in the private sector, which we all can appreciate, knowing the strength of our economy is built on private -sector employment. I never said anything of comparing one to the other. * (15:40) What I was comparing is general economic growth in our province, so using the GDP number as economic growth.

So I'd like to highlight the growth of our economy in comparison to government spending. So, my question was if the minister views it as sustainable that we can have 5.3 per cent increase in the growth of government spending in comparison to the 1.1 per cent–or he'll argue 1.6 per cent, whatever number he wants to pick, 2 per cent, 3 per cent–of GDP growth, which is represented as economic growth. The basis of my question is: Is it sustainable for Manitoba to see a government spending far outpace the growth of our economy, and how long is that sustainable? Mr.

Moses: So, yes, the number forecast for our GDP is 1.6. That's a responsible forecast that we put forward. I've said it a couple times now, so member can just stick with that number moving forward. It's right on average with, you know, the Canadian average, and we are doing on pace with other provinces. So I just want to clarify that point for the member.

In terms of whether we think it's sustainable to have, you know, increased spending in the govern- ment and in terms of our growth, we certainly, in our budget, forecasted in addition to the increased spend- ing on government, is also an increase of revenues of approximately $1.8 billion. I think the question is really: What is sustainable? Is it to have –is to have a path towards getting to balance? And what we've shown every year is that we've put forward budgets that have seen us decreasing the deficit every single year, and I think that's what makes our plan sus tainable.

And it's been backed up by credit rating agencies; Moody's, DBRS have shown–said clearly that they see us on the path to balance. That's what makes our plan sus tainable, and that's what I believe is sustainable about our plan. So, we look at both, you know, obviously the spending, but the revenue side as well. And like I said, when we look at revenue and we look at our forecasts, we look at it very reasonable level, right? We look at an average of independent private -sector institutions that forecast our GDP. We take an average of them; we don't take the highest, we don't take the lowest, right?

That's a responsible approach. That's how we come up and help to build the forecast for what our revenue is going to look like. We saw a revenue forecast projected in this year's budget of bumping up by about $1.8 billion, which means that, you know, we're on track to continue to gradually work towards getting towards that balanced budget. Obviously, this year, we see that we've reduced again–once again reduced our overall annual deficit on our budget, and we'll do a really strong job of being able to deliver on that for Manitobans, as we have–as our track record suggests.

1618 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 And so I think it's really important to understand that sustainability question as one that's not just based on expenses only, but it's based on the full picture of how we plan for our expenditures, our revenues, what our GDP and our growth is going to look like as an economy, as a province, how we make sure we plan for sustaining good services that Manitobans rely on and how we, at the same time, make sure that we have strong economic opportunities for businesse s and workers to find success.

So we do that all together, and I think that's what makes our plan sustainable, where we can find and build those really important strategic investments in economic development, where we can invest in the services that we Manitobans count on and rely on, all while delivering on what we have a–what are some of our commitments, like reusing the fuel tax, like freezing the hydro rates and like working towards a balanced budget, which we've shown a track record year over year of actually bringing that deficit number down–by the way, the deficit number that was left in a huge fiscal mess from the last government.

But I won't touch on that much because I –you know, want to make sure we can get to all the ques - tions the member would like to. But just suffice it to say that that's what I look at is sus tainable, our plan that encompasses all those factors and builds on some- thing to create a plan that is going to be able to put Manitoba on a more sustainable path. Mr. Narth: I'm going to start jamming a few questions into a single here so that we're able to get through some more because, you know, what I was leading to with that question is identifying that it's not sus tain- able.

And I think anybody who balances their personal balance sheet for their household income can realize that when you have expenses that outpace your income by nearly three times it's not sus tainable; something else needs to make up for that revenue, you know. And the minister looks over to me as though that's confusing, but it's the facts that are portrayed in the budget that the minister, together with his govern - ment, has presented to Manitobans. It's clear as day: the money comes from somewhere else, so th at is feasible to carry on day -to-day operations of the government.

I would argue that it isn't sus tainable. But I'll update the minister where that money comes from, and it comes from transfer payments and equalization from the federal government. That's something that's grown by over 30 per cent within the last yea r alone and some thing that's grown, or ballooned, I should say, by $1.8 billion, making up 37 per cent of the Province's revenue. I think we can all identify that that is what con - siders us a have -not province and I think clearly explains the difference between economic growth and government spending and how that's feasible.

But I would argue that it is not sustainable. So, we've heard the minister; we've seen it por - trayed in the budget. We've heard the Premier (Mr. Kinew) speak to making Manitoba a have prov- ince. So I'd like to ask the minister: At what rate do we need to see the economy grow?

So, you know, the GDP growth at 1.6, 1.72, what- ever the minister portrays it to be, could he highlight for us, because it's only going to come through busi - ness dev elopment and job creation that we can increase that economic growth number, so that we can claw our way out of the dependency that we see on transfer payments from the federal government.

So, could the minister please inform this commit- tee as to what rate of economic growth we need to see so that we can eliminate our dependency on federal transfers, because I think the more globally acceptable and recognized indicator for have or have -not prov- inces is the dependency on transfer payments. So, if the minister could update this committee on what percentage of growth we need to see to turn our province from a have-not to a have, and at what point does this minister foresee that being a reality? * (15:50) Mr.

Moses: So, certainly, I want to just clarify a point that a member opposite made that, just to clarify, I believe our transfer agreements are, yes, about one third, roughly, as a percentage for total revenues, which is roughly in line with the former government's as well. So, I just want to make that point to clarify that this is roughly in line with what has happened in previous years as well. I'll be crystal clear on that point.

In regards to our economic plan to grow our GDP to be both a have province, it's –the challeng e there is to also indicate what the GDPs are going to be looking like in other provinces as well, right? So, we are certainly going to be planning on growing our GDP to outpace our neighbouring prov- inces, but the challenge around giving a sort of concrete number to that is that a concrete number is– can only be effective if it is relative to what is hap - pening in other jurisdictions.

April 23, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1619 So, I wouldn't be able to provide a concrete number to this discussion today, but certainly would want to be able to tell you that this is our goal. This is our goal as part of our economic development strategy, to grow our GDP, grow our economy in a real and meaningful way. So we've outlined a number of important strategies, important steps that we're taking as part of that economic development strategy. So, we are certainly looking at –and first and foremost, looking at the Churchill 'progidij' as a significant economic boost for our economy.

We've put in, along with the fe deral government, hundreds of millions of dollars over the past few and committed to that over a multi-year plan to help the Arctic Gateway Group continue to revitalize the port, boost the infrastructu re around their railway and the port infrastructure, giving them opportunities to advance their sales and exports. On top of that, we're working hand in hand with the Major Projects Office and the Prime Minister's office and the minister of natural resourc es of Canada to further advance the project, and working with them.

As we do that, we're building out strong partner - ships and relationships with First Nations and Métis to ensure that they have a key and critical role in the success of that project from an economic standpoint, and at the same time, working with northern partners, rural partners at different levels of government. Then most importantly–or I wouldn't say most importantly, but also impor tantly–we're working with private - sector individuals to ensure that we can make sure that we have the economics of the project and the port–the Churchill Plus project covered so that this can be an economic success.

And then, therefore, go to the mem- ber's question around growing our GDP at a faster rate than other jurisdictions. And at the same time, we're–as part of economic development strategy, we've also launched a number of initiatives that help to boost our GDP faster than other provinces, things like removing the PST off of manufacturing equipment to help manufacturers and those exporters put more capital into advancing and growing their business. We've changed and modified and improved and expanded our SBVCTC program.

That's the Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit, which ensures that more innovators and small companies have the tools and resources they need to get that –get those dollars and those seed dollars and to help stimulate their creative idea, getting it from the level they're at right now to the next level, where they can become the next great Manitoba success story. We've also ensured that we've brought in more capital financing through our Trade Growth Invest - ment Financing Program, TGIF.

This is a financing program to help get more capital dollars out to busi - nesses and ensure that they have the resources they need and that capital is not going to be the barrier for businesses to grow in Manitoba. On top of that, we're bringing together a numerous tables around– particularly around the connection between education and people getting into a labour market, to help address the needs of skill gap. We're also working to improve our apprenticeship system, not only through a modernization plan, which we've been rolling out, but also through increased funding.

An additional $7.2 million into the apprenticeship branch so that more skilled people can get their training right here at home. That means–in fact, I believe it was the largest investment in the apprenticeship system in the last decade. So that means that more people can get trained. Our track record is actually up in 2025 that we had a record number of apprentices go through our training program–a record number. Highest level of apprentices getting training this year. And on top of that, we put $7.2 million into our apprenticeship system to train even more in the future.

So all these things together help to boost our GDP and, hopefully, outpace our competitors so that we can eventually become a province where we see our economy really thriving in the national scene. Mr. Narth: You know, these questions come from a place where we and I can identify the significant growth potential of the economy of Manitoba. We see it in so many different sectors that we can be leading our province. But instead, we see–you know, the–and the minis- ter has highlighted, referring to Manitoba as humble old Manitoba and numbers that are weak but stable.

You know, and that's concerning when we see the potential for growth in Manitoba. When we see how significant the dependence on the federal government and transfer payments from other provinces is, and comparing that to a neighbouring province like Saskatchewan, who's really been–their economy growth has been led by only a couple things –that's a govern- ment that has a willingness to reduce red tape in the regulatory process and getting out of the way of business growth and development and potash, right? * (16:00)

1620 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 23, 2026 So, then, when we hear from the minister, who is responsible for mining, the great potential that we have for mineral development in Manitoba com - parable to the potash reserves and extraction develop- ment of that resource in Saskatchewan, it leads me to think that, you know, potentially, there's some con- sideration as to the trade -off between federal dependency and economic growth in our province.

So, I'd like to pose the question, quite blatantly, that, is the minister, when he's considering changes that industry calls on for eliminating or limiting some of the barriers to growth, is the dependency right now on federal support a consid eration? Are we drafting budgets and policies around the trade -off that we'd have to give in the short term between economic growth and federal dependency?

Because if we grow –if we slightly grow our economic position in the –in Manitoba, we slightly reduce the amount of transfers that –an equalization payment that is fed to us each and every year by the federal government. So does the amount of dependency that this Province is receiving from the federal government contribute to decisions that are being made in the drafting of the provincial budget? Mr. Moses: I want to say a few things clearly. First, I want to just add on as I –you know, five minutes seems like a long time, but sometimes you don't get enough.

I want to also just clearly say, as part of our –my last response on our economic develop- ment strategy and plan to really boost our economy higher than our peers across the country, part of that is also to ensure that we build a more inclusive and productive work environment and workforce. So, that's a really important aspect. We want to really also focus on building up more Manitobans to increase their skills, therefore increase their productivity, get more people trained and into these–the workforce; people who might be on the sidelines of the workforce, get them in.

That will help to continue to build our economy and outpace some of our peers–to add and conclude onto my previous response. As this question the member asked, and just to touch on a couple of points, I think being–I think humility is very important. And so I think I would tell any young person: Stay humble and work hard. I think that's a really important key to getting ahead. When it comes to potash and other resource development projects, it's important for us. We're actually having incredible success in our resource development and mining projects here in Manitoba.

Part of our focus is–as part of our economic–or, sorry– our critical mineral strategy is to really advance many of these projects. And we have, I think, a record number of projects that are moving ahead over the next 24 months. And so–including a potash project here that is –we're incredibly proud of and is going to be doing great things this year and moving ahead. And so we're taking advantage of our natural resources, whether that's potash, whether

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Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-3-47b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 3rd hansardpdf 47b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
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