Manitoba Hansard — Sitting 2 (43rd Legislature, 2nd Session)

43-2-2

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXIX No. 2 - 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2024 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Third Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALTOMARE, Nello, Hon. Transcona NDP 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 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 JACKSON, Grant Spruce Woods PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake-Gimli PC KENNEDY, Nellie, Hon. Assiniboia NDP KHAN, Obby Fort Whyte PC KINEW, Wab, Hon. Fort Rouge NDP KING, Trevor Lakeside PC KOSTYSHYN, Ron, Hon. Dauphin NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom, Hon. Flin Flon NDP LOISELLE, Robert St. Boniface NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya, Hon. Notre Dame NDP MOROZ, Mike, Hon. River Heights NDP MOSES, Jamie, Hon. St.

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

WHARTON, Jeff Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt, Hon. Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC

11 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Wednesday, November 20, 2024 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom, know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.

We acknowledge we are gathered on Treaty 1 territory and that Manitoba is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk. We acknowledge Manitoba is located on the Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit. We respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration. Please be seated.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The Speaker: Introduction of bills? COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Public Accounts Fourth Report MLA Jim Maloway (Vice-Chairperson): Honour- able Speaker, I wish to present the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. Clerk (Mr. Rick Yarish): Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts– An Honourable Member: Dispense. The Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following as its Fourth Report. Meetings Your Committee met on November 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building.

Matters under Consideration • Auditor General's Report – Archives of Manitoba: Preservation and Access to Records dated February 2024 • Auditor General's Report – Management of Provincial Tourism dated January 2020 • Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Recommendations dated March 2023 o Management of Provincial Tourism • Auditor General's Report – Follow Up of Previously Issued Recommendations dated February 2024 o Management of Provincial Tourism Committee Membership • Mr. B RAR • MLA CHEN • MLA DELA CRUZ • MLA DEVGAN • Mr.

GUENTER (Chairperson) • MLA KENNEDY • MLA LAMOUREUX • MLA MALOWAY (Vice-Chairperson) • Mr. NESBITT • MLA SANDHU • Mrs. STONE Substitutions received prior to Committee proceedings: • MLA COMPTON for MLA DEVGAN • Mr. KING for Mrs. STONE • Mrs. SCHOTT for MLA KENNEDY Officials Speaking on Record • Tyson Shtykalo, Auditor General of Manitoba • Jeff Hnatiuk, Deputy Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism • Angela Cassie, Chief Operating Officer, Travel Manitoba • Scott Goodine, Archivist of Manitoba

12 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 Reports Considered and Passed Your Committee considered and passed the following reports as presented: • Auditor General's Report – Archives of Manitoba: Preservation and Access to Records dated February 2024 • Auditor General's Report – Management of Provincial Tourism dated January 2020 Your Committee completed consideration of the following chapters as presented: • Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Recommendations dated March 2023 o Management of Provincial Tourism • Auditor General's Report – Follow Up of Previously Issued Recommendations dated February 2024 o Management of Provincial Tourism MLA Maloway: I move, seconded by the honourable member for River Heights (MLA Moroz), that the report of the committee be received.

Motion agreed to. TABLING OF REPORTS The Speaker: I have some reports to table. First off, I am pleased to table the Report of the Amounts Paid or Payable to Members of the Assembly for the year ended March 31, 2024. And I further table, in accordance with

section 19 of the Legis lative Building Centennial Restoration and Preservation Act, I'm pleased to table the long- term restoration and preservation plan, which includes the current annual 'implemashtation' plans for the fiscal years 2024-2025 to 2029-2030. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Transgender Day of Remembrance Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): Transgender Day of Remembrance is marked every year on November 20, honouring the memory of transgender, two-spirit and gender-diverse people around the world who have lost their lives because of transphobia.

The first trans day of remembrance was held in 1999 to honour the memory of Rita Hester. Every year, we gather to recog nize trans people who have lost their lives because of transphobia. We say their names, and we say their names out loud, because their lives mattered. Transphobia is not inevitable. It is something fos- tered by people who have turned their own ignorance into fear and hatred instead of curiosity, compassion and understanding. It is a tactic employed by people who want to pit us against each other, choosing div- ision over unity.

They make trans, two- spirit and gender -diverse people scapegoats for their own unwillingness to address real issues. They target trans kids instead of working towards a better future for everyone. Honour- able Speaker, they even run for office under a hateful banner targeting trans kids. We saw this with every single member of the party opposite during the last election. This morning, the Minister for Families hosted an event here in the Rotunda to recognize trans day of remembrance.

There were folks from our community at that event who shared that in recent weeks, they've been receiving phone calls from concerned pare nts, from com munity members, from people outside of our own borders who are afraid. They've been receiv- ing those calls directly related to moments where leaders who should be championing the rights of all Manitobans instead choose a path of meanness, of putting people against each other and targeting the vulnerable. They saw those same calls at their clinic during the previous PC election campaign. The impacts of those choices are real.

Trans - phobia exists today because people continue, unfor - tunately, to target trans people. People choose to share harmful misinformation. But on a day like today, where we mourn those who we have lost and those who we love, Honourable Speaker, we also find hope; hope in a province where citizens voted in a govern ment that not only lifts up trans and gender-diverse folks but has them as members of their own caucus; hope in a province where the first trans MLA passes a law that enshrines the identities of two-spirit and gender-diverse Manitobans and trans folks.

And on March 31 of 2025, we will celebrate Manitoba's first official two -spirit and trans day of visibility, thanks to legis lation passed by our col - league, the MLA for Kirkfield Park; and hope in a province where our Premier (Mr. Kinew) often says: Manitobans show us all the time that we can do hard things, and the way we get hard things done is by doing them together.

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 13 And together, we can do the work to root out transphobia from our communities. Sunshine House, Klinic, Rainbow Resource Centre, Two-Spirited People of Manitoba, Parents and Relatives Allied with Trans Individuals, advocates, community members and allies who are working every day and working with us to do this heavy lifting, this important work: We thank each and every one of you.

To all trans, two -spirit, gender -diverse and all people seeing the rising tide of transphobia around the world, we want you to know that , here in Manitoba, we see you, we hear you and we support you. And we've taken real steps to protect and support you across the province. We're improving gender-affirming health care in Manitoba because we know that this saves lives. * (13:40) We've updated The Change of Name Act to remove the requirements to publish names in the Manitoba Gazette because we know this affirms lives.

We are pleased to be supporting the Place of Pride, providing housing and services to 2SLGBTQ+ seniors so they can age in place in their communities and in our com- munities. Because 2SLGBTQ+ seniors also helped build our province and deserve to age with dignity. So yes, today is about remembering those we've lost, but it's also about committing to doing the work we need to, to ensure that more trans, two- spirit and gender-diverse Manitobans can live and thrive across our great province.

And to all those in our communities who identify as gender diverse, as trans, as two-spirit, we want you to know that your lives are beautiful, your lives are valued. We see you, we love you and we need you. And we will keep working to make sure that you have the support that you need in order to be your true self. Honourable Speaker, I'd ask that, at the end of any remarks on this, we all stand for a moment of silence for those we've lost over the past year to transphobia. Thank you.

The Speaker: Is there leave for a moment of silence after members have spoken in response to the minister's statement? [Agreed] Ms. Jodie Byram (Agassiz): I rise today to respond to the ministerial statement recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance. This day, first observed in 1999 by activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith, was created in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was brutally murdered in 1998. Rita's tragic death drew attention to the pervasive violence faced by transgender individuals.

November 20 is now observed worldwide as a day of–memorialize those who have fallen victim to transphobic violence. However, Honourable Speaker, it is deeply dis - appointing to see the government politicize what should be a day of reflection, mourning and lifting up the transgender community. This day is not about partisan posturing, attacks on your opposition or hollow platitudes; it is about honouring the memory of lives tragically taken too soon.

As vigils and memorials take place across the country today, we must focus not on political oppor - tunism but on meaningful remembrance and unwavering commitment to building a future free of transphobic hate and violence. Thank you. The Speaker: The honourable member for Kirkfield Park. An Honourable Member: It's still ministerial. Mr. Logan Oxenham (Kirkfield Park): Oh, my bad. Sorry. The Speaker: All rise for a moment of silence. A moment of silence was observed. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Before moving on, there are some guests in the gallery that I would like to introduce.

We have with us seated in the public gallery from Balmoral Hall 36 grade 6 students under the direction of Lori Anderson, and they are guests of the honour - able member for Wolseley (MLA Naylor). MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Transgender Day of Remembrance Mr. Logan Oxenham (Kirkfield Park): Honourable Speaker, I stand here today feeling a lot of sorrow. Today marks 25 years of the international Transgender Day of Remembrance. Transgender Day of Remembrance, or TDOR, is a time where the community comes together to reflect and to mourn and to remember those lives who were

14 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 brutally and violently taken from us, taken from those who loved them. Honourable Speaker, I stand here as a transgender man with a great amount of privilege as I present as a white cisgender male. I walk through this world and people don't look twice at me, but for my transfem - inine sisters and siblings, their story is much more different. Misgendering someone, for example, can do a real amount of harm. It can break someone's spirit to the point where they don't even know how they're going to get through their day or even maybe their life.

Looking someone in the eye and saying to them, I know your soul better than you do is the first step toward dehumanizing and oppressing them. This day is an important reminder of the attacks on legislation that could under mine fundamental human rights and freedoms for gender -diverse folks, like what we're seeing all around us. Transgender people want to live our lives, we want to love and lift up our families, go to work, pay our taxes, have access to affirming care just like every single member in this Chamber expects from their government.

Honourable Speaker, there's so many grassroots , community-led organizations that are working hard to keep us all accountable. Manitoba Moon Voices, Trans Manitoba, 2Spirit Manitoba just to name a few organizations that are trans-led and informed. Trans people exist. Trans people are unapolo- getically ourselves. Trans people deserve a good life. No matter what part of the province or the country we live in, you'll find someone who breaks the binary. To trans youth who are watching online: You are loved, you are valid–valued and you are valid. We see you. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Leanne Taylor Mrs.

Lauren Stone (Midland): I am thrilled today to welcome and congratulate Leanne Taylor, who won bronze at the Paralympics in Paris this past summer. From the small town of Oak Bluff, she became the first Canadian woman to ever win a medal in the Paralympic triathlon. This involves a 750-metre swim, 20K ride on a hand cycle, and 5K wheelchair race. She is also joined today by her in-laws, Patty and Albert Dyck, and her husband, Scott Dyck, who has been by her side, not only throughout her recovery and rehab, but also at every event. Scott serves as Leanne's handler during training and races.

In 2018, at the young age of 25, Leanne was paralyzed from the waist down in a terrible biking accident. She spent several days in hospital recovering from major spinal cord surgery, and six weeks at a rehab facility, undergoing intensive physio and occu- pational therapy, while learning how to use a wheelchair. An incredibly motivated and positive young woman, she said: I couldn't change what happened to me, but I realized that I had so much power to change how I reacted to it. So she challenged herself and found healing in sport.

She began with wheelchair racing, then tried biking, swimming and finally set her sights on triathlon, a goal she has more than achieved. She competed in her first para triathlon just eight months after being injured, using only her arms to swim, bike and race. In addition to her success in Paris this past summer at the Paralympics, throughout her five -year career she has earned three victories, 10 medals, including a gold in June at the ITU World Series circuit in Wales. She has now become one of the top ranked para triathletes in the world.

In speaking with Leanne and Scott earlier, I am such in awe with their outlook on life, love and their future goals together. Leanne continues to challenge herself, and her journey is truly inspiring. She is a disability advocate and motivational speaker. Leanne, Scott, Patty and Albert, thank you so much for coming today. Thank you for sharing your journey and your message with Manitobans and people across Canada and the world. Thank you for representing our beautiful province at the Paralympics, and our beautiful country.

Congratulations on your success, and I cannot wait to see where the next stop on your journey leads to. Congratulations. * (13:50) Good Neighbour Brewing Co. Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I rise today to tell you about Morgan Wielgosz and Amber Sarraillon, owners of

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 15 Good Neighbour Brewing Co. in Wolseley. Amber and Morgan opened the first all-female and LGBTQ- owned brewery in Manitoba. It was rare to see women as leaders in the brewing industry at the start of their careers, so their vision was to own a brewery where they could eliminate barriers that they faced and open doors for diverse folks to enter the industry. I'm convinced that Morgan and Amber's success has come from their focus on creative solutions and community collaboration.

These strengths have played out from their relationship with Oxus Brewing, where they were contract brewers and launched their first products, to their collaboration with The Beer Can, a pop-up summer patio in the Wolseley constituency. Good Neighbour brewery and tasting room opened on Sherbrook in 2023, and right next door is their restaurant called Next Door. Joined by a beautiful patio, these businesses are an inviting community gathering spot for local beverages and a menu that is also a collaboration with other local businesses.

At the national Brewers Choice Awards earlier this year, Good Neighbour won best new brewery of 2023. We are so proud to have local businesses celebrated on a national stage and especially one that is such a standout business here at home. Joining with other local businesses, they have hosted West Broadway Pride parties. At their pay - what-you-can Thanksgiving meal, neighbours from all backgrounds come together to donate, volunteer and sit down to eat turkey and all the fixings.

Their annual holiday market in December includes wreath making and a local makers market while sharing holiday-inspired food and beverages around firepits. Morgan and Amber have worked hard to build a thriving business, paving their own way as women in the industry and then holding space and jobs for other women, non-binary and queer Manitobans who were excluded from the brewery industry in the past. Please join me in a round of applause for Good Neighbour, the absolute best neighbours. Garden of Eden Mr.

Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Thank you, Honourable Speaker, for the opportunity to recognize the wonderful things that the great people of La Vérendrye are doing on a daily basis. Mel and Helen Kachur are two of these great people. The retired farming couple, who are now in their 70s, have made it their mission to fight hunger. They have developed what they call Garden of Eden in Pansy, Manitoba , at their home.

The more -than- two-acre plot isn't your normal backyard garden, and with it comes a lot of work, but Mel and Helen make it look easy through their natural ability to success - fully grow an abundance of produce while also managing the many volunteers needed. The Garden of Eden greatly impacts the commu- nity, and this year alone, thousands of pounds of pro- duce went to organizations such as the Grunthal MCC, Steinbach Family Resource Centre, Soup's On, South East Helping Hands and Agape House.

The passion to help people has been lifelong for Mel and Helen, but the creation of Garden of Eden began with a desire to help people affected by war in Ukraine. The sale of produce grown allowed the couple to donate thousands of dollars to an orphanage in Ukraine while also supporting the refugee settlement of hundreds of Ukrainians into Manitoba. What is most amazing about the Kachurs' Garden of Eden is that it isn't just a handout for those less fortunate. Mel and Helen have actively involved recipients of the produce to volunteer as they teach the valuable life lessons of growing healthy food.

This 'coumple' has shown us that the things we do in our spare time can touch the lives of hundreds of people. Unfor tunately, Helen has suf - fered a stroke recently and is unable to be here today, but we pray for her speedy recovery. Joining us today, though, is Mel Kachur, together with his daughters, Sheri and Melissa, as well as their friends and volunteers, Harry and Sylvia Hawrysko. Thank you for everything you do. Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): It's my honour to rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the South Winnipeg Family Information Centre– The Speaker: Order, please.

Just remind the honourable member for Fort Garry that his turn to have a member's statement is week 2, and we're presently in week 1. An Honourable Member: Leave. The Speaker: Is there –the honour able Op position House Leader. Mr. Derek Johnson (Official Opposition House Leader): Is there leave for the member to complete his statement?

16 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 The Speaker: Is there leave for the member to com - plete his statement? Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Some Honourable Members: No. The Speaker: Leave has been denied. Give us a minute, please. Just for the member for Fort Garry, the weeks reset at the begin ning of a new session, so this is actually week 1. Is there leave for the member to give his statement? Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): I would ask we'll grant leave if the member will forgo next week.

The Speaker: Leave has been requested for the mem- ber to forgo giving a member's statement next week if he does his member's statement this week. [Agreed] South Winnipeg Family Information Centre Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): My honour to rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the South Winnipeg Family Information Centre. For five decades, SWFIC has been a steadfast pillar of support, empow- ering families and individuals throughout Fort Garry and greater Winnipeg with essential resources, know- ledge and guidance to build healthier, more resilient communities.

Since its founding on February 25, 1974, SWFIC has championed community well-being by offering a wide range of services, including parenting classes, youth programs, senior activities, food security initia- tives and vital resources for families. Originally known as the Fort Garry Family Life Centre, it's grown into a central support network, serving individuals at every stage of life and fostering a community-wide ethos of strength and connection.

SWFIC also provides invaluable services through Dress for Success Winnipeg, a program that last year alone helped over 350 women and– employment clothing, mentorship and skill building to support their career aspirations. This initiative is a shining example of SWFIC's commitment to fostering self - sufficiency and dignity in every person it serves. SWFIC's executive director, Tricia Robinson, and board chair, Marnie Jackson, along with countless staff, board members, program facilitators and volunteers, have been instrumental in driving its mission.

Their dedication has enabled SWFIC to impact the lives of over 105,000 individuals across community, from training nearly 40,000 young babysitters to empower- ing women with employment resources and providing over 112,000 hours of volunteer service. As an Imagine Canada -accredited organization and a United Way partner since 1982, SWFIC exem - plifies the highest standards of non- profit integrity, transparency and service. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on countless families, individuals and volunteers, affirming their place as a cornerstone of community support.

I extend my deepest congratulations to SWFIC for its unwavering commitment to Fort Garry and the greater Winnipeg area. May SWFIC continue to inspire and support our community for many more years to come. And I'd ask that my colleagues rise and help me celebrate SWFIC's 50th anniversary. * (14:00) ORAL QUESTIONS North End Sewage Treatment Plant Throne Speech Funding Commitment Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): A big shout -out to Leanne and Scott, and, of course, Mel . And please pass along, Mel, to Helen, thank you for everything that you and the team does out in Pansy.

A nd, of course, SWFIC. I'm glad that we were able to get through a private member's statement. Honourable Speaker, on this, marking the 25th year for trans remembrance day, we know that here in Manitoba there is no place for hate and for violence and really, every Manitoban should feel safe right here in this great province of ours and country, no matter their gender, race or their cultural background. I do have a quick question.

Post -Throne Speech yesterday, Honour able Speaker, is the Premier pre- pared to put dollars to fund the priority of Winnipeg's North End water treatment plant, or is he just going to do more verbiage and talking as he usually does? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): We're going to get the North End Water Pollution Control Centre built. I'm spending my time with the federal gov ernment advocating for this. I'm talking to the mayor about it all the time. Where the PCs failed, we're going to deliver for you, the people of Manitoba.

In yesterday's Throne Speech, our govern ment committed to you, the people of Manitoba, that we're going to build on the savings you realized when we cut the provincial gas tax by freezing your hydro rates

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 17 for a year. Plus, we're going to crack down on anti - competitive behaviour in the grocery industry. Plus, we're staffing up health care. Plus, we are reopening emergency rooms. We're fixing health care. We're making life more affordable. And what did the PCs have to say about it yesterday? What was their big reaction here in this esteemed Chamber? Did they talk about you? Did they talk about health care? Did they talk about afford- ability? No. They could only talk about themselves. They can keep doing that; we're focused on you and making your life better.

The Speaker: Member's time is expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Ewasko: Honourable Speaker, it looks like the Premier's put on his angry eyes today. Honourable Speaker, yesterday, and I quote from the mayor of Winnipeg, His Worship: No capacity means no homes can be built, no commercial or indus- trial. And this was a concern shared by His Worship. Currently, Winnipeg should hit 1 million residents by 2046, but this target is in jeopardy with the neces- sary sewage capacity to facilitate that growth.

And, of course, yesterday's Throne Speech offered nothing more than vague phrases with zero actual commit - ment. So instead of promises to make progress, will the Premier commit to the necessary funding in the upcoming budget to prevent the economic catastrophe? Mr. Kinew: We're going to get the North End plant built, and wh–I'm the Premier for the entire province, so we're going to build infra structure everywhere, in southern Manitoba, the Pembina Valley, Eastman, Westman, the Interlake, the North. The building crane is no longer an endangered species as it was under the PCs.

And if they thought this North End plant was such a great idea, why didn't they build it within their two terms here in office? Nothing got done. No single picolitre of water was purified in a new North End plant. And, of course, we come here with ideas to save you money, ideas to fix your health care, a plan to get this North End Water Pollution Control Centre built. And what is their response? How do they use the op- portunity that they have before the Lieutenant Governor, the King's repre sentative to Canada, to Manitoba? What is their response? Waah, look at us. Let us talk about ourselves.

Keep talking about our –yourselves; we're going to keep talking about– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mr. Ewasko: Again, Honourable Speaker, things that the Premier does is unbecoming of a Premier. And Manitobans, people watching, the hundreds of people watching today, are going to hold him to account. I quote again: We are at risk of putting up a closed-for-business sign up in terms of future development and future invest ment. Who said this? Lanny McInnes, president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.

Imagine that the driver of our economy, the heart of our continent, is at risk, and the best thing the NDP can offer up is a single sentence in their Throne Speech. More delays will only result in more costs; more delays will only result in more damage to our lakes and streams, Hon ourable Speaker; and more delays were only cement that the NDP's legacy as environ - mental duds. Will the Premier end the delays and add a dollar sign to his Throne Speech commitment, or is he willing to jeopardize all of our future? Mr. Kinew: Is everybody following along at home?

The person who just asked the question came out of two terms in government in which no North End water pollution control facility was built. They failed. We are going to build it. We're working with the federal gov ernment. We're working with munici pal government. We're working with private sector. We're working with workers. We're talking to the people in the hard hats, something that they never ever did and still refuse to do to this day. We're standing up for you, the people who go to work each and every day. We're making it easier for you by cutting the cost of the provincial gas tax.

We're saving you money, we're fixing your health care, we're making sure that the water and air and land is going to be beautiful for the next generation. And that's why we invited a group of schoolkids here to sing O Canada. We were going to make them the stars of the show. And how do the PCs respond? No, put the spotlight on us instead. Listen to us complain about ourselves. We say no. We're focused on you–

18 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Grace and Brandon Hospitals Emergency Room Services Mrs. Kathleen Cook (Roblin): The Grace Hospital ER is in chaos. Dr. Doug Eyolfson, an ER doc at the Grace, described the situation to the media as, quote, a catastrophe, with 52 active patients crammed into a space designed for 30, and another 40 waiting for care. He warned, quote: There's no way you can safely care for that many active patients.

Grace Hospital wait times are out of control: a median 5.5 hours in September, up from last year, and one in 10 patients waiting over 11 hours. This Premier failed to deliver on his promise of more beds at the Grace by March, and he has let ER wait times climb under his watch. Why is the Premier failing the people of west Winnipeg? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Just for the full context of everyone, the member who asked that question thought it was a good idea to run under the banner of Heather Stefanson, the most damaging Health min- ister that this province has ever seen.

I invite members opposite to read the entire

article to see Dr. Doug Eyolfson's entire contributions to the public discourse. What did Dr. Eyolfson say? He said consolidation was a mistake. It is going to take a decade for us to fix the damage. What is consolidation, you might ask? It was the plan to close emergency rooms launched by Heather Stefanson and Brian Pallister. People across the province –west Winnipeg, of course, but people in every region of Manitoba –are worse off because the PCs cut nurses, they cut hospital beds and they closed emergency rooms both here in the city and in rural Manitoba. Here's the good news for you, for Dr.

Eyolfson, for everybody in the province: We're staffing– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Roblin, on a sup- plementary question. Mrs. Cook: The Grace isn't the only emergency de - partment in chaos, thanks to the NDP. The Premier boasted that the minor injury clinic was a solution to ER pressures in Brandon, promising publicly that it would, quote, function like an urgent care centre and allow patients to walk up to the clinic and be in and out in 20 minutes.

Instead, as confirmed by front -line workers in Brandon this week, the clinic doesn't accept walk-ins, lacks diagnostic tools and isn't fully staffed. They told me directly that this clinic is no replacement for urgent care and that it will not help ea se pressure on the Brandon ER. They also shared that, as of today, for December, the minor injury clinic is fully staffed for just six of 31 days. How can the Premier justify so directly mis - leading Manitobans? Mr.

Kinew: Well, I would just like clarity from the PC side of the House : Do they still support Heather Stefanson and Brian Pallister's plan to close beds and to close emergency rooms? * (14:10) Because again, I have to say it's pretty difficult for us to sit here and watch them, who still hold the match in their hands, complain about us not bringing the firehose quick enough.

And again, if their entire approach to op position is to look at the great work of our Health Minister and to say, these wonderful new health-care initiatives that you're bringing in–why aren't you bringing them in more quickly, then I invite them to continue to do so. But first, put on the record today: Do you still sup- port the plan to close emergency rooms in Manitoba, yes or no? The Speaker: Order, please. I would just caution members that using words such as directly misleading are dangerously close to being deemed unparliamentary, so please watch your language. Mrs.

Cook: Medical professionals in Brandon have sounded the alarm, describing their ER as unsafe and unsustainable, with a 34 per cent vacancy rate among emergency physicians that will rise to 42 per cent in January. In a letter sent to the Minister of Health, which I'll table, they state, quote, we are frankly on the brink of collapse, end quote; we are witnessing levels of burnout and exhaustion that we have never witnessed previously. They end the letter with, quot e: In our current conditions, we will ex perience a catastrophic outcome that could have been prevented.

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 19 The Grace and Brandon hospitals need help now. What is the Premier doing today to address the immediate crisis in our emergency rooms? Mr. Kinew: Here's the thing that the PCs get wrong on health care. Our team understands that you deserve to have access to an emergency department when you need it. And so that's why we're working with doctors. That's why we're working with nurses, allied health, nurse prac titioners, support workers, to be able to serve you in your time of need.

But what the PCs get wrong is that if they wanted more physicians in the emergency room in Brandon today, they needed to be training them seven years ago. If they wanted a nurse at the bedside in Brandon or the Grace tomorrow, they needed to be training them years ago. Who was in office during those times? It was Heather Stefanson and Brian Pallister. And where they made cuts, where they closed emergency depart- ments, we continue to see the multi-year damage. The good news: you actually have a capable Health Minister today. You have a team that is com - mitted to investing in health care.

We are reopening emergency– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Sustainability of Lake Winnipeg Establishment of Stakeholder Working Group Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Honourable Speaker, in 2013, the Global Nature Fund declared Lake Winnipeg as the threatened lake of the year. That is the legacy of the NDP. But suddenly, we find out the minister has a renewed interest in Lake Winnipeg.

Can the minister advise if her new Lake Winnipeg stakeholder working group will combine grassroots membership and the expertise of science advisers to focus on advancing evidence-based solutions to reduce phosphorous loading? Hon. Tracy Schmidt (Minister of Environment and Climate Change): I thank the member opposite for a question on Lake Winnipeg. I am a little bit surprised on the member's sudden interest in Lake Winnipeg consid ering that he was responsible for seven and a half years, or at least for a portion thereof, and took absolutely no action on the protection of Lake Winnipeg.

On this side of the aisle, we are so proud–and I'm so glad to hear that he was paying attention during the Throne Speech –to hear about the newly announced Lake Winnipeg stakeholder group, and–[interjection] Thank you. Yes, it deserves a round of applause. We're a listening government. We've been listening to Manitobans for just over a year now. We've been working with experts. We've been working with First Nations, Indigenous com munities, municipalities all across our province, who I know are going to be great partners and contributors– The Speaker: Member's time has expired.

The honourable member for Riding Mountain, on a supplementary question. Mr. Nesbitt: Honourable Speaker, all Manitobans agree that the sus tainability of Lake Winnipeg is of paramount importance. What Manitobans take issue with is an NDP government that fails to recognize the efforts and advocacy of an organi zation that has for the last 20 years worked to ensure that policy and practices informed by evidence are imple mented and enforced. The Lake Winnipeg Foundation is a membership- based environmental charity that is doing the work the minister is now waking up to.

I'll table the Lake Winnipeg Foundation's board and staff list, including credentials. Can the minister share who on this list fails to meet the credentials that could qualify them as a mem- ber of a stakeholder working group? MLA Schmidt: Contrary to the member opposite's suggestion, on this side of the aisle we welcome the partnership and the advice and the expertise of the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, also, other groups, like the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium, who we've had a great luxury of getting to visit with them.

Many–not just myself, Hon ourable Speaker, many members of our caucus were able to visit with the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium and spend time on their amazing research 'veshel' –vessel, the MV Namao that provides critical research and analysis and science- based evidence to teach us on how to respond to the problems on Lake Winnipeg. We are happy to work with them, happy to work with the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, happy to work with all of our partners. On this side of the aisle, we are a listening– The Speaker: Member's time's expired. Mr.

Nesbitt: Honourable Speaker, if there is one thing this Throne Speech offers Manitobans in terms

20 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 of environmental awareness, it is recycling, as that is a consistent theme throughout. But instead of reinvent- ing the wheel in order to garner some misplaced credit, I would simply urge the minister to reach out to the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, set up a meeting and find out how to ensure the sus tainability of our precious lake. Will this minister make that call today, or is she content with starting from ground zero?

MLA Schmidt: If the member opposite is so inter - ested in this new Lake Winnipeg stake holder group, I would urge him to provide us with the list that he had for his stake holder group. Oh, wait, Honour able Speaker, that's right. They didn't have one. For seven and a half years this province had zero leader ship on the environmental file. Now Manitobans had the good sense to elect a new govern ment, one that cares about the environ- ment, one that cares about working with stake holder groups and communities. We're going to get it done. You know what else we're going to get done?

The North End waste pollution control plan, some thing that they did not do in seven and a half years. Flood Protection Plan Interlake Channels Project Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Much of Manitoba has experienced its first snowfall, and as many of us know, eventually all that snow will melt, resulting in localized flooding. The Premier (Mr. Kinew) claims in his Throne Speech that he's, quote, moving forward with the channels in the Interlake to protect all com- munities from flooding.

However, just a few weeks ago, his Minister of Transportation and Infra structure told Manitobans that she cut flood mitigation by more than $100 million as well as asking the federal government to pause any necessary approval that would allow the project to proceed. And I table that. Which version are Manitobans to believe? The– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): Thank you for the oppor tunity for me to once again put the facts on the record.

Certainly, this member had the opportunity to ask about this question many, many times in the Estimates process and was given the same answer. The Lake St. Martin Channels project requires real consultation before there can be shovels in the ground. And that is the work that our government has been doing since we came into office. We've had the opportunity to meet with the affected First Nations. We've had the oppor tunity to engage with them in a real way, and that process is ongoing.

So I'm really excited about our announcement that we will be able to continue this work and move for - ward in the coming years to complete a project that the previous government could not get done. The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a supplementary question. Mr. Narth: Honourable Speaker, the minister speaks about relationships, but her Premier has previously thrown local Indigenous leadership under the flood- waters. He's blamed these leaders for flood mitigation inaction. He said, quote: Why isn't the local Native leadership doing more?

And then spe cifically called out Roseau River First Nation leadership. If this minister's moving forward, will she stop her boss's blame game and move on with this vital project? * (14:20) MLA Naylor: I am so grateful to serve with a Premier who is a Premier for all Manitobans. I have had the privilege to sit at a table with dozens of First Nations leaders over the past few months and to begin to build the necessary relation- ships, not just for the channels project, but for so much infrastructure development across this province. These com munities have been neglected for so long.

Under this govern ment, that will not happen. Under this govern ment, we are working together in collaboration, listening to First Nations and to the Métis Federation in the same way we listen to munici- palities and we work together– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mr. Narth: The minister needs to realize the import- ance and time sensitivity of this project. The 2011 flood was a billion- dollar flood. A billion dollars, the direct result of not having the channel completed.

Moving forward on the channels project will not only save billions of taxpayer dollars long-term, but it will limit the stress financially and mentally that displaced flood victims face each spring.

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 21 Will the minister commit today to making the necessary investments protecting com munities from flooding and moving this project to completion? MLA Naylor: I will ask the member opposite to cast his mind backwards to when the channels project was developed and created under the previous NDP gov- ernment. I will also remind him that in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, nothing happened when they were in government. We are moving forward and we will protect – [interjection] The Speaker: Order, please. The member for Springfield-Ritchot (Mr.

Schuler) will come to order. The member for Swan River (Mr. Wowchuk) will come to order. The member for –or, the Minister of Trans por- tation and Infrastructure has the floor. MLA Naylor: I'm happy to reiterate that our govern- ment is doing the necessary work, the important– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Grocery Prices, Hydro Rates and Tax Increases Cost-of-Living Concerns Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, Manitobans have been waiting a year to hear what the NDP are going to do about grocery prices and affordability. After a year of dodging by this Premier (Mr.

Kinew), he again has no tangible plan. Costs are rising. Baby formula, up by almost $10. Meat, another 8 per cent. Fresh veggies, up 10 per cent. Why should Manitobans trust the vague promises made by this Premier on anti-competitive contracts, and when can Manitobans expect a realistic and actionable plan? Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): It gives me great pleasure to stand in the House to talk about affordability. And you know, we know for seven and a half years, Manitobans had a govern ment that made life more expensive for Manitobans.

Whether it was raising hydro rates through legis lation, continuing to apply fuel tax and raising costs for renters, they continued to have costs go up and up and up. One thing they didn't take any action on for seven and half years was helping to respond to growing grocery prices. I was very proud, along with this team yesterday, in that Throne Speech to see our government announce that we're going to be taking action, real action to help control grocery prices, to help make life more affordable for Manitobans. The Speaker: The honourable member for Midland, on a supplementary question. Mrs.

Stone: The NDP inherited the second lowest hydro rates in North America because of the work that this former PC government did. Manitobans need real savings today. Last spring, this minister increased hydro rates by 1 per cent and authorized rate increases at the Cabinet table by 4 per cent. Now, he's promising a phony hydro rate freeze that won't put any additional money back in the pockets of Manitobans while increasing fuel taxes, income taxes and property taxes. Can the minister tell us how much in fuel taxes Manitobans can expect that he will raise as of January 1?

MLA Sala: I know it's hard for the members opposite to understand that a government is actually working to reduce costs for Manitobans. That's because for–[interjection] That's right. For seven and a half years, all they knew was to do the opposite. For example, legislating hydro rate increases, increasing costs for renters. We're doing the opposite. We're doing that very important work. We came right out of the gate as a new government with our fuel tax holiday that saved hundreds and hundreds of dollars for families across the province.

This initiative we announced yester day in the Throne Speech will help to control grocery prices, and we're going to do that by banning restrict- ive covenants. We ask the members opposite: Will they or will they not support that initiative to make life more affordable? The Speaker: The honourable member for Midland, on a final supplementary question. Mrs.

Stone: Under this NDP government, Manitobans are paying as much as 17 per cent more in school taxes, more in carbon taxes, more in markups at the Liquor Mart, skilled profes sionals paying more in income taxes, seniors and homeowners are paying 148 million more dollars in education property taxes, and they are paying more at the grocery store. What is this minister's plan on the fuel tax that Manitobans are expected to see a 14 per cent–

22 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 14-cent increase on January 1? Because there was no mention of it in the Throne Speech. MLA Sala: Our team is in credibly proud to have brought in that fuel tax holiday to save Manitobans money every time they go to the pump. And not only that, we brought in a $1,500 home- owners affordability tax credit, broad middle class tax cut, doubled the Fertility Treatment Tax Credit, increased the renters tax credit, increased the seniors' top up, free prescription birth control and on and on and on.

And now we ask them: Will they help us to make grocery prices more affordable for Manitobans, yes or no? Post-Secondary Education Student Safety on Campus Mr. Richard Perchotte (Selkirk): Honourable Speaker, Manitoba students deserve to feel safe on campus, and this govern ment is respon sible to make sure those resources are available. In the last month, there has been three high- profile incidents at the Uni versity of Manitoba, and students are extremely concerned. What resources has this minister made available so students feel safe? Hon.

Renée Cable (Minister of Advanced Education and Training): Honourable Speaker, I thank the member opposite for the question. It's an im portant question. And I first want to begin by saying thank you to the Winnipeg Police Service for their very speedy response yesterday. As you know, you've seen on the news, there was an incident on campus. The campus community took it very seriously. The Winnipeg Police Service took it very seriously. And while the details are unfolding, I just want to thank again the campus staff and the Winnipeg Police Service for their tremendous efforts yesterday.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Selkirk, on a supplementary question. Mr. Perchotte: Honourable Speaker, my colleague from Roblin previously asked what specific actions is the NDP taking to support post-secondary institutions to ensure student safety on campus. And the minister cannot name any specifics. So again I ask: What specific actions are the NDP taking to post-secondary institutions to ensure student safety on campus? MLA Cable: I can tell you what we're not doing, Honourable Speaker.

We are not cutting the budgets of post-secondary institutions like the members oppo- site did year over year over year. In the years that they were in power, for those seven and a half long years, they cut funding to the University of Manitoba by 5 per cent; by the Univer- sity of Winnipeg by 4 per cent; Brandon Uni versity, 4 per cent; UCN by 7 per cent; and all post-secondaries by 5 per cent. I can tell you, Honour able Speaker, that on this side of the House, we take student safety incred ibly seriously, we take public safety incred ibly seriously.

There are initiatives happening all over the province, including training more security offi cers, enhanced security on campus. And I can assure you that the Uni versity of Manitoba is reviewing the procedure from yesterday– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Selkirk, on a final supplementary question. Emergency Alert System Review Mr. Perchotte: Honourable Speaker, we're hearing from the extremely concerned parents and students that they didn't get the emergency notifications until well after an hour after it was supposed to go out, or they didn't even get it at all.

Officials said towers nearest campus were priori- tized, but the majority of students attending the U of M commute. Will the minister respon sible for EMO commit today to a full and public review of the imple menta- tion of the emergency alert? Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I thank the member opposite for that question, and I've also heard concerns that were raised yesterday.

We will be investigating to find out what went right and what went wrong, as we do with every kind of alerting system, as we, you know, still are using a relatively new technology that's also tied in with the national alerting system. * (14:30)

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 23 So that's an ongoing piece of work that our gov- ernment will do to keep people safer in Manitoba. Selkirk Regional Health Centre Capacity Expansion Announcement MLA JD Devgan (McPhillips): Yesterday our gov- ernment was honoured to deliver our second Throne Speech. There were many exciting an nouncements and plans mentioned, including on health care for Manitobans. We know that's why Manitobans chose us to take the province in a new direction and fix the health-care mess left by the previous Heather Stefanson government.

We are a gov ernment committed to delivering quality health care for Manitobans where and when they need it. Honourable Speaker, can the Minister of Health tell us about the exciting announcement from the Throne Speech related to expanding capacity at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): I'd like to thank my colleague from McPhillips for that really excellent and impor - tant question. Our government's top priority is fixing the health- care mess left by the Stefanson government.

It's what Manitobans trusted us to do and we take that role very seriously, and it's why our govern ment was happy to announce the addition of 800 hip and knee surgeries to the Selkirk Regional Health Centre in our Throne Speech. Honourable Speaker, this will reduce wait times and give Manitobans who were waiting years under the failed PC govern ment, finally, surgery dates that they deserve.

We are expanding access so all Manitobans can get the health care they need closer to home, and we're going to keep doing the important work of fixing the mess and the damage done by the PCs– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Discarded Needles in Public Places Support for Municipalities for Cleanup Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): Honourable Speaker, we've asked this govern ment to invest and help keep com munities safe from needles and other hazards, and there was no mention of this in the Throne Speech. We know the minister of a ddictions has no interest in addressing this.

So I ask the minister of municipal relations: Our communities are stepping up in new ways to fix this government's mess each and every day. Will he com- mit today to help funding their efforts to clean up his Cabinet colleague's disasters? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): You know, it was an im portant Throne Speech yesterday to really talk about the importance of bringing all of us together, and that includes folks from across this great province, and including folks from–in this member's very own community, and that is the community of Swan River, where folks have come together with govern ment and they want to work on solutions. They want to understand what our path forward can be when we work together.

And that's why we are pleased to announce that we will be investing in a general in vestigations unit up in Swan River that'll bring together law enforce ment to go after the to xic drugs and the drug dealers that are bringing those into our communities. We're going to start getting solutions to public safety, and that's what this govern ment is all about, while members opposite did nothing but cuts– The Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable member for Swan River, on a supplementary question. Mr. Wowchuk: Honourable Speaker, we're asking for a firm commitment from this govern ment.

If this minister of addictions insists on doing needle distribu- tion instead of needle exchanges, then the minister of municipal relations needs to step up and support the municipal governments that are showing real leadership. Will he commit to help funding them as a partner, or does he expect municipalities to foot the bill for his government's dangerous failures? Hon. Bernadette Smith (Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness): Well, it's nice to see the member from Swan River actually get up and talk about his com munity. I wonder if that member has actually met with his counterparts.

So we are actually flowing $30,000 to that region, as well as an additional $15,000 to work with Swan River, some thing we know that members opposite didn't do. We actually launched a new phone line for residents to call for needle cleanup. We know that the previous government didn't have any plans for that, so we are working alongside com munities to make sure that those that need support get support.

24 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 Our plan on this side is to connect people with care so that they can get the care that they need to get off the drugs– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Needle Distribution in Swan River Responsibility for Used Needle Cleanup Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): Details have emerged about this minister's crack commando com - mittee tasked with cleaning up half a million needles that she has freely distributed within Swan River. This minister's team is out there–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr.

Balcaen: –Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m., notwithstanding statutory holidays, and I table this document. Honourable Speaker, 500,000 needles divided by 500 working hours equals to 1,000 needles per hour to be picked up. Can this minister tell this House if her committee is meeting this daily quota? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Again, how disrespectful the members opposite are to the in credibly hard work that the Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness (Ms. Smith) is doing in part nership with community.

We are bringing folks together, and we know that's the path forward. We also know that partnering with law enforce - ment is a –going to be a key element to making our communities safer. That's why, in Swan River, we're bringing additional resources so that police can do the work that they need to do to investigate those drug dealers. As former law enforcement, this member oppos- ite should know that, but apparently, he's running with a party that doesn't seem to get it. Grocery Price Inflation Request for Government to Address Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): After a year in office, this Premier (Mr.

Kinew) has broken his pro- mise to Manitobans. He promised that he would take on the big grocery store chains if they refuse –their prices. Not only did they refuse to lower their prices, they've gone even higher. The Premier has done nothing to make grocery store prices more affordable. The Salvation Army released their 2024 Canadian poverty report, and I table it now. It found that one in four parents are cutting back on their food so that their children would have enough to eat. Those same parents say that they've had to reduce their grocery store bills to put money to other financial obligations.

They are buying less nutritious food because it's cheaper. Manitoban families are literally starving under this Premier's watch. Why does this Premier continue to ignore the needs of Manitoba families? Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Again, it gives me great pleasure to rise to talk about the incred- ible work we're doing to make life more affordable here in Manitoba, starting yesterday, of course, with our newest announce ment in the Throne Speech, which is our hydro rate freeze, which is going to lower energy costs.

To the member's question, very proud that our Throne Speech specifically identified that we're going to be banning restrictive covenants, which reduces competitiveness, which ultimately increase the costs of groceries in our com munities. We're going t o do away with those because we understand that the costs of food have gone up for many years, especially under a government that cared nothing to do–or , that cared not to do anything about it. We're taking action, and we ask the members opposite if they'll join us in that work of making groceries more affordable.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Fort Garry, on a supplementary question. Mr. Wasyliw: The latest Canada food price report shows that, overall, food inflation this past year in Manitoba went up 5.7 per cent. Not many Manitobans got a 5 per cent–or, 6 per cent increase in pay last year. The Premier may have done that, but Manitobans certainly didn't. The Salvation Army poverty report tells us that more than half of these accessing food banks are using them for the first time –58 per cent food bank users compared to 43 per cent a year ago.

After a year of this Premier, first-time food bank users have skyrocketed. Parents are eating less in order to feed their kids. They're buying less food and less healthy food for their families.

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 25 Why does this Premier (Mr. Kinew) continue to turn his back on Manitobans? MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, we're doing the opposite. Manitobans know that we're here, showing up for them every single day. You know, when it comes to affordability, there's no question that our government is taking action, and we took action right out of the gate after we got into government with our fuel tax holiday that lowered costs for Manitobans every time they went to the pump.

When we're talking about food costs, one of the things that we know is changing the face of our province is our universal school nutrition program for kids in our schools to make sure every kid that goes to school can get a full belly and achieve their fullest and reach the most that they can possibly achieve. And, of course, this newest measure that we announced in our Throne Speech, which is to ban restrictive covenants that will ensure more compe - tition, which means more stores that Manitobans can access– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mr. Wasyliw: Manitoba already regulates food prices.

The Manitoba government sets the price of milk. It is the only commodity that hasn't been affected by inflation, and it prevents the big chains from price gouging. Milk remains affordable in Manitoba. Manitoba has the tools to lower prices on groceries. This Province could regulate other staples. * (14:40) After a year in office, the Premier refuses to act. Poverty is a political choice and it's time for this Premier to make his choice clear for Manitobans. Will he stand with Manitoban families or will he continue to stand with the big grocery store chains?

MLA Sala: Manitobans made a clear choice when they elected this government into power to do some - thing to fix health care and make life more affordable, right? And that's after seven and a half long years of Manitobans dealing with a government that was mak- ing life more expensive. Again, whether it was increasing costs for renters, increasing hydro rates through legislation, increasing costs on farmers by continuing to increase Crown land rates–Crown lease rates, we're doing that work every single day and we're proud because we know that's why Manitobans sent us here.

The question being asked is an im portant one. We're making life more affordable. We brought in the universal school nutrition program. We're bringing forward this ban on restrictive covenants. We are going to make groceries more affordable and we ask the members opposite to stand with us– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. And the time for question period is also expired. PETITIONS Removal of Federal Carbon Tax Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly, and the petition is as follows.

The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The federal government has mandated a con- sumption-based carbon tax, with the stated goal of financially pressuring Canadians to make decisions to reduce their carbon emissions.

(2) Manitoba Hydro estimates that, even with a high-efficiency furnace, the carbon tax is costing the average family over $200 annually, even more for those with older furnaces.

(3) Home heating in Manitoba is not a choice or a decision for Manitobans to make; it is a necessity of life, with an average of almost 200 days below 0°C annually.

(4) The federal government has selectively removed the carbon tax off of home heating oil in the Atlantic provinces of Canada, but has indicated they have no intention to provide the same relief to Manitobans heating their homes.

(5) Manitoba Hydro indicates that natural gas heating is one of the most affordable options available to Manitobans, and it can be cost prohibitive for households to replace their heating source.

(6) Premiers across Canada, including in the Atlantic provinces that benefit from this decision, have collectively sent a letter to the federal gov ernment, calling on it to extend the carbon tax exemption to all forms of home heating, with the exception of Manitoba.

(7) Manitoba is one of the only provincial juris - dictions to have not agreed with the stance that all

26 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 Canadians' home heating bills should be exempt from the carbon tax.

(8) Provincial leadership in other juris dictions have already committed to removing the federal carbon tax from home heating bills. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to remove the federal carbon tax on home heating bills for all Manitobans to provide them much-needed relief. This petition is signed by Luke Friesen, Jonathan Nicholas, Tony Doomernik and many other fine Manitobans, Honourable Speaker. Breast Screening Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows: Due to–sorry.

(1) Due to the evolving scientific evidence, the Canadian Cancer Society is now urging all provinces and territories to lower the starting age for breast screening to 40.

(2) Based off 2023 treatment standards, it is esti- mated that screening women annually for breast cancer starting at age 40 will save the Canadian health -care system $460 million annually.

(3) After non -melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadian women. One in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 will die from it. This is 30,500 diagnoses and 5,500 deaths every year, and 84 diagnoses and 15 deaths every day.

(4) Early detection of breast cancer will lead to better outcomes in patients, with better odds of survival and less severe cases. Women in their 40s who have access to mammograms have a 44 per cent lower mortality rate from breast cancer than those who don't receive screening.

(5) Every other province and territory in Canada has already lowered the breast cancer screening age or announced their intention to do so. Other provinces in Canada have already commenced the work of expanding screening programs and hiring additional technologists into their public health-care system.

(6) Manitoba is currently behind the rest of the country and has no formal plan to increase its screening capacity or lower the breast cancer screening age; and

(7) Lowering the breast cancer screening age to 40 in Manitoba will reduce long-term costs to the health-care system because cancers that are caught earlier are typically less complicated to treat. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to immediately put forward a plan to increase breast cancer screening capacity and lower the breast cancer screening age to 40. This petition is signed by Lori Miller, Mario Ryden, Cheryl Foster and many, many other fine Manitobans.

Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Before recognizing any other members to speak, some guests have just recently joined us in the gallery. In fact, they're still joining us in the gallery. I would want to call all members' attention to the public gallery, where we have with us 20 staff members from the Office of the Auditor General of Manitoba. Welcome. MRI Machine for Portage Regional Health Facility MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) Thanks to the investment made under the previous PC provincial government as part of the clinical and preventative services plan, construction for the new Portage regional health facility is well under way. The facility and surrounding community would greatly benefit from the added diagnostic machinery and equipment, but specifically the addition of an MRI machine. MLA Robert Loiselle, Acting Speaker, in the Chair * (14:50)

(2) An MRI machine is a non -invasive medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs, tissues in the human body. It is used for disease detection, diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 27

(3) Portage la Prairie is centrally located in Manitoba and is on Highway No. 1 in the Southern Health-Santé Sud Health Authority. Currently there is only one MRI machine in the RHA.

(4) An MRI machine located in Portage la Prairie's regional health facility will reduce transportation costs for patients as well as reduce the burden on stretcher service and ambulance use. It will bring care closer to home and reduce wait times for MRI scans across the province.

(5) Located around Portage la Prairie are Dakota Tipi, Dakota Plains, Sandy Bay and Long Plains First Nations. Indigenous people in Canada disproportionately face barriers in access to services and medical care. An MRI machine located at –in the Portage regional health facility will bring care closer to their home communities and provide greater access to diagnostic testing.

(6) Located in close proximity to the new Portage regional health facility is Southport airport. The aerodrome has a runway length that is more than adequate to support medical air ambulance services. This would provide the opportunity to transport patients by air from remote communities to access MRI imaging services.

(7) The average wait times for Manitobans to receive an MRI scan is currently six to eight months. Having an MRI machine in the Portage regional health facility will help reduce these wait times for patients and provide better care sooner. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to support the investment and placement of an MRI machine in the Portage la Prairie regional health facility in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This is signed by Brenda Moorhouse, Jim Moorhouse, Danny Smart and many, many more Manitobans. Thank you. Breast Screening Mrs.

Kathleen Cook (Roblin): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Due to evolving scientific evidence, the Canadian Cancer Society is now urging all provinces and territories to lower the starting age for breast screening to 40.

(2) Based off 2023 treatment standards, it is esti- mated that screening women annually for breast cancer starting at age 40 will save the Canadian health-care system $460 million annually.

(3) After non -melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadian women. One in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 will die from it. This is 30,500 diagnoses and 5,500 deaths every year, and 84 diagnoses and 15 deaths every day.

(4) Early detection of breast cancer will lead to better outcomes in patients, with better odds of survival and less severe cases. Women in their 40s who have access to mammograms have a 44 per cent lower mortality rate from breast cancer than those who don't receive screening.

(5) Every other province and territory in Canada has already lowered the breast cancer screening age, or announced their intention to do so. Other provinces in Canada have already commenced the work of expanding screening programs and hiring additional technologists into their public health-care system.

(6) Manitoba is currently behind the rest of the country and has no formal plan to increase its screening capacity or lower the breast cancer screening age.

(7) Lowering the breast cancer screening age to 40 in Manitoba will reduce long- term costs to the health-care system because cancers that are caught earlier are typically less complicated to treat. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme - diately put forward a plan to increase breast cancer screening capacity and lower the breast cancer screening age to 40. This petition is signed by Vicky Marks, Doug Marks, Shannon Berndson and many, many other Manitobans. Provincial Trunk Highway 34 Ms.

Jodie Byram (Agassiz): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows: Provincial Trunk Highway 34, PTH 34, is a two- lane provincial primary highway that runs from the

28 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 US border where it meets with North Dakota 20, or ND 20, to PTH 16 at the town of Gladstone. PTH 34 runs north- south in the south- central region of the province. It is the main highway for the towns of Crystal City, Pilot Mound and Holland, serving as a main corridor for semi -trailers, farm equipment, daily drivers and local school bus routes. A new bridge is currently being constructed over the Assiniboine River at the PTH 34 north of Holland in the RM of Victoria.

The bridge serves as an impor- tant north-south link over the Assiniboine –where am I?–River between the Trans -Canada Highway and PTH 2. The deterioration of PTH 34 has raised major concerns due to its narrow shoulders and numer ous deep potholes that pose serious safety risks, consid - ering farmers often need to use the highway to transport heavy equipment.

Construction of a new bridge in accordance current design codes and the RTAC standard located on PTH 34 crossing the Assiniboine River will support trade and commerce and improve public safety in the area, and also accommodate flood events in the Assiniboine River. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to address the conditions of Provincial Trunk Highway 34, making the necessary upgrades to RTAC standard and to resurface the road once the new bridge has been completed.

This petition has been signed by Tammy Thompson, Joel Goertzen, James Krywail and many other Manitobans. Thank you. Medical Assistance in Dying Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, these are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Persons struggling with mental health as their sole condition may access medical assistance in dying unless Parliament intervenes.

(2) Suicidality is often a symptom of mental illness, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the age of 10 and 19.

(3) There have been reports of the unsolicited introduction of medical assistance in dying to non-seeking persons, including Canadian veterans, as a solution for their medical and mental health issues.

(4) Legal and medical experts are deeply concerned that permitting Canadians suffering from depression and other mental illnesses to access euthanasia would undermine suicide prevention efforts and risk normalizing suicide as a solution for those suffering from mental illness.

(5) The federal gov ernment is bound by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to advance and protect the life, liberty and security of its citizens.

(6) Manitobans consider it a priority to ensure that adequate supports are in place for the mental health of all Canadians.

(7) Vulnerable Manitobans must be given suicide prevention counselling instead of suicide assist ance; and

(8) The federal gov ernment should focus on increasing mental health supports to provinces and improve access to these supports, instead of offering medical assistance in dying for those with mental illness. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal gov ernment to stop the expansion of medical assistance in dying to those for whom mental illness is the sole condition; and

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal government to protect Canadians struggling with mental illness by facilitating treatment, recovery and medical assistance in living, not death. * (15:00) This petition has been signed by many, many Manitobans. Teacher Certification Mrs. Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Ensuring that teachers have a robust back- ground in the subject they teach is essential for maintaining high -quality education and fostering

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 29 well-rounded learning experiences for all Manitoba students.

(2) The recent amend ment to the Province of Manitoba, to the teaching certificate and quali fica- tions regulations under The Education Administration Act, have–sorry–significantly lowered the standards for subject area expertise requiring for teacher certification.

(3) These amendments eliminated all subject-area requirements for teacher certification, including major and minor teachable subjects and subject -specific requirements for early-to-middle year streams.

(4) Specifically, the amendments removed: senior years credit require ments in an approved teachable major or minor; early /middle years credit require - ments for an approved teachable major or minor; and biological–or biological science, English or French and history and/or geography.

(5) Key stake holders, such as parents, post - secondary educators outside the facilities of education and business partners, were not consulted about the changes.

(6) The removal of subject-specific requirements undermines the educational quality in Manitoba schools by permitting teachers to enter the classroom without sufficient training in core academic areas, thereby compromising the education that Manitoba students receive. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Edu cation and Early Childhood Learning to reverse recent amendments to the teaching certificates and qualifications regulation that weaken subject area requirements for teacher certification and to reinstate teachable majors and minors and early/middle years requirements which are essential to ensuring teachers have a strong knowledge in core subject areas.

(2) To urge the provincial government to address teacher shortages through alter native measures that uphold rigorous subject area standards which are critical for providing high- quality educa tion to all Manitoba students. This petition was signed by Isabel Sander, Graham Giesbrecht, Jake [phonetic] Santos and many, many other Manitobans. The Acting Speaker (Robert Loiselle): The member for Dawson Trail. An Honourable Member: Honourable Speaker– The Acting Speaker (Robert Loiselle): Sorry, my apology. The member for Spruce Woods. Mr.

Grant Jackson (Spruce Woods): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Ensuring that teachers have a robust back- ground in the subjects they teach is essential for maintaining high -quality education and fostering well-rounded learning experiences for all Manitoba students.

(2) The recent amend ments by the Province of Manitoba to the teaching certificates and quali fica- tions regulation under the Education Administration Act have significantly lowered the standards for subject area expertise required for teacher certification.

(3) These amendments eliminated all subject area requirements for teacher certification, including major and minor teachable subjects and subject -specific requirements for early/middle years streams.

(4) Specifically, the amendments removed senior years credit require ments in an approved, teachable major and minor; early/middle years credit require - ments in an approved, teachable major and minor; and early/middle years credit require ments for specific subjects including math, physical or biological science, English or French and history and/or geography.

(5) Key stake holders such as parents, post - secondary educators outside the faculties of education and busi ness partners were not consulted about the changes.

(6) The removal of subject-specific requirements undermines the educational quality in Manitoba schools by permitting teachers to enter the classroom without sufficient training in core academic areas, thereby compromising the education that Manitoba students receive. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Edu cation and Early Childhood Learning to reverse recent amendments to the teaching certificates and qualifications regulation that weakened subject -area requirements for teacher certification and to reinstate teachable majors and minors and early/middle years require ments, which are in –essential for ensu ring teachers have strong knowledge in core subject areas.

30 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024

(2) To urge the provincial government to address teacher shortages through alter native measures that uphold rigorous subject area standards which are critical for providing quality education to all Manitoba students. This petition has been signed by David Brinkman and many other fine Manitobans. The Acting Speaker (Robert Loiselle): Order. Introduction of Guests The Acting Speaker (Robert Loiselle): Before we continue, I would like to recognize guests of the Honourable Minister of the Environment and Climate Change (MLA Schmidt), Minister Smith [phonetic]– Schmidt.

We have the Land Guardians from the Seal River Watershed, if they could please stand. We have Jordan Stensgard, Chaz Collier, Trevin Baker, Linda Inglis, Shakayla Antsanen, Jina Cook and Sadie Dumas. Welcome. Teacher Certification Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows:

(1) Ensuring that teachers have a robust back- ground in the subjects that they teach is essential for maintaining high -quality education and fostering well-rounded learning experiences for all Manitoba students.

(2) The recent amend ments by the Province of Manitoba to the teaching certificate and qualifications regulation under The Educa tion Administration Act have significantly lowered the standards for subject - area expertise required for teacher certification.

(3) These amendments eliminated all subject-area requirements for teacher certification including major and minor teachable subjects and subject -specific requirements for early/middle year streams. * (15:10)

(4) Specifically, the amendments removed senior years credit require ments in an approved, teachable major and minor; early/middle years credit require - ments in an approved, teachable major and minor; and early/middle years credit require ments for specific subjects, including math, physical or biological science, English or French, and history and/or geography.

(5) Key stake holders, such as parents, post - secondary educators outside the facilities of education and business partners were not consulted about these changes. The removal of subject -specific require- ments undermines the educational quality in Manitoba schools by permitting teachers to enter the classroom without sufficient training in core academic areas, thereby compromising the education that Manitoba students receive. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Edu cation and Early Childhood Learning to reverse recent amendments to the teaching certificates and qualifications regulation that weaken subject area requirements for teacher certification and to reinstate teachable majors and minors and early/middle years require ments, which are essential for ensuring teachers have strong knowledge in core subject areas.

(2) To urge the provincial government to address teacher shortages through alter native measures that uphold rigorous subject area standards which are critical for providing quality education to all Manitoba students. This petition is signed by many, many Manitobans. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. FortWhyte Alive Mr. Jeff Wharton (Red River North): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The com munity of Fort Whyte has over 22,000 residents, and the RM of Macdonald has over 8,000 residents, many of them using McGillivray road and PTH 3 as a means of trans portation or commute to and from the city of Winnipeg. PTH 3 is a major traffic corridor that services many com munities, including Oak Bluff, Sanford, Brunkild, Carman, Morden, Manitou and Killarney, to name a few.

(2) Thousands of vehicles travel down McGillivray and PTH 3 each day. And with the growing industrial park in this area and connections to the Perimeter Highway, many transport vehicles, large trucks and farm equipment need to travel down these roads each day.

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 31

(3) In the last three years under the previous PC provincial gov ernment, two new sets of traffic lights were installed along this roadway. Local officials praised these initiatives, stating that it was greatly needed to help reduce traffic incidents. The Speaker in the Chair

(4) FortWhyte Alive, or FWA, is located in this area, which is a reclaimed wildlife preserve, recreation area and environmental education centre in southwest Winnipeg that attracts 100,000 visitors each year. This 660-acre park is located along the migratory path of Canadian geese and is named after the surrounding community of Fort Whyte. A failure to install traffic lights poses a sig nificant safety risk to all those who frequent this area.

(5) FortWhyte Alive has been undergoing renova- tions along 2505 McGillivray Boulevard across from Brady Road and is to be transformed into a new building called Buffalo Crossing, which will attract many more visitors to the area by vehicle, transit, bicycle and by foot.

(6) The City of Winnipeg has been slated to install a new crosswalk at the intersection of Brady Road and McGillivray Boulevard by the summer of 2024. The previous PC provincial gov ernment committed to working with the City and FortWhyte Alive to complete this intersection.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to assist the City of Winnipeg to address serious safety risks for all that frequent the FortWhyte Alive area by twinning and installing a traffic light and a crosswalk at the intersection of McGillivray Boulevard and Brady Road as is it transitions into Prov incial Trunk Highway No. 3. This petition is signed by Ashley Rudik [phonetic], Leah Engbaek, Guy Lagimodière and many, many more Manitobans. Thank you. Breast Screening Mr.

Trevor King (Lakeside): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows: Due to evolving scientific evidence, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the CCS, is now urging all provinces and territories to lower the starting age for breast screening to 40.

(2) Based off 2023 treatment standards, it is esti- mated that screening women annually for breast cancer starting at age 40 will save the Canadian health-care system $460 million annually.

(3) After non -melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadian women. One in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 will die from it. This is 30,500 diagnoses and 5,500 deaths every year, and 84 diagnoses and 15 deaths every day.

(4) Early detection of breast cancer will lead to better out comes in patients, with better odds of survival and less severe cases. Women in their 40s who have access to mammograms have a 44 per cent lower mortality rate from breast cancer than those who don't receive screening.

(5) Every other province and territory in Canada has already lowered the breast cancer screening age, or announced their intentions to do so. Other provinces in Canada have already commenced the work of expanding screening programs and hiring additional technologists into their public health-care system.

(6) Manitoba is currently behind the rest of the country and has no formal plan to increase its screening capacity or lower the breast cancer screening age; and

(7) Lowering the breast cancer screening age to 40 in Manitoba will reduce long- term costs to the health-care system because cancers that are caught early are typically less complicated to treat. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gov ernment to imme - diately put forward a plan to increase breast cancer screening capacity and lower the breast cancer screening age to 40. * (15:20) This petition is signed by Elaine Bradley, Heather Roy and many, many other fine Manitobans. Green Valley School Expansion Mr.

Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

32 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 The residents of La Vérendrye and other areas around Manitoba are extremely frustrated and concerned by the provincial government's decision to cancel the school expansion project for Green Valley School in Grunthal. In 2021, the PC provincial government committed funding to expand Green Valley School for a new gymnasium and classrooms. The school is so crowded that three mobile classrooms were added to alleviate overcrowding in classrooms.

(4) In order for construction to begin, the school removed all three portable classrooms, leaving Green Valley in further critical state of overcrowding.

(5) As a result of overcrowding, parents are choosing to home-school their children due to safety concerns and the challenges associated with overcrowding.

(6) The current Premier of Manitoba and the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning have said they are committed to investing in edu ca- tion.

(7) The concerns of residents of La Vérendrye and the surrounding area are being ignored by the prov- incial government.

(8) The lack of space in the school is affecting the quality of education and extracurricular activities for the students.

(9) The minister and Premier have a duty to respond to the educational needs of children and youth identified by rural communities. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Edu cation and Early Childhood Learning to imme diately bring back the three portable classrooms to help alleviate the stress and overcrowding classrooms.

(2) To urge the provincial government to reinstate the expansion project for Green Valley School. This petition is signed by Lorne Funk, Peter Besfoder [phonetic], Ron Friesen and many, many other Manitobans. Provincial Road 275 Mr. Greg Nesbitt (Riding Mountain): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Provincial Road 275, PR 275, known as Ditch Road, intersects with PR 588, serving rural areas west of the town of Swan River, and is a heavily used traffic corridor linking Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The highway curves on entry into the town of Swan River and terminates at PTH 10A, the town's north bypass.

(2) The Swan River Valley is a highly productive agricultural area, and PR 275 is used by farmers to move heavy machinery and equipment as well as transport seed, grain and fertilizer to many farmers located within reach of the highway.

(3) It is also frequented by families, people shopping at busi nesses along the route and school buses to transport rural students into the town of Swan River for school.

(4) Due to only having patchwork and minor repairs, the highway has deteriorated and is covered with large potholes, posing a significant threat to vehicles and passengers.

(5) The roadway and shoulders on PR 275 are extremely narrow, leaving large ditches that have not been properly cared for, which has caused poor drainage. The Town of Swan River and the Munici - pality of Swan Valley West have inquired with MTI for a draina ge solution over the past several years. This ditch is not graded properly and is full of bulrush, willows and cattails.

(6) The solution brought forward is to decrease maximum speed limits on the road and to undertake a full rehabilitation of the highway and to reroute the stream through what is now existing farmland, under CN rail line and the PTH 10A bypass, as well as through several hundred meters of an existing slough into the Swan River.

(7) Numerous meetings held with Swan Valley West and Town of Swan River with the provincial government have not moved forward. It was agreed in 2022 that MTI was to complete a hydraulic in vesti- gation of the capacity of the PR 275/2nd Avenue ditch. The municipalities have not seen the results of this investigation. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to address the much-needed rehabilitation of Provincial Road 275 to ensure public safety.

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 33

(2) To urge the provincial government to provide the results of the MTI in vestigation to the town and municipality, and provide imme diate funding for the repairs to PR 275.

(3) To urge the provincial government to address drainage issues on PR 275 and create permanent solutions so that flooding can be 'avorted'–voided. This petition has been signed by Walter Miller, Phyllis Miller and Leroy Penner as well as many, many other Manitobans. Breast Screening Mr. Richard Perchotte (Selkirk): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Due to evolving scientific evidence, the Canadian Cancer Society is now urging all provinces and territories to lower the starting age for breast screening to 40.

(2) Based off of 2023 treatment standards, it is estimated that screening women annually for breast cancer starting at the age 40 will save Canadian – pardon me, will save the Canadian health-care system $460 million annually.

(3) After non-melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadian women. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 will die from it. This is 30,500 diagnoses and 5,500 deaths every year, and 84 diagnoses and 15 deaths every day.

(4) Early detection of breast cancer will lead to better out comes in patients, with better odds of survival and less severe cases. Women in their 40s who have access to mammograms have a 44 per cent lower mortality rate from breast cancer than those who don't receive screening.

(5) Every other province and territory in Canada has already lowered–sorry–the breast cancer screening age, or announced their inten tions to do so. Other provinces in Canada have already commenced the work of expanding screening programs and hiring additional technologists into their public health -care system.

(6) Manitoba is currently behind the rest of the country and has no formal plan to increase its screening capacity or lower the breast cancer screening age.

(7) Lowering the breast cancer screening age to 40 in Manitoba will reduce long- term costs to the health-care system because cancers that are caught earlier are typically less complicated to treat. * (15:30) We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to immediately put forward a plan to increase breast cancer screening capacity and lower the breast cancer screening age to 40. This petition has been signed by Marcia Lamb, Evelyn Van Mackelbergh, Kevin Coté and many, many more Manitobans. Mr.

Doyle Piwniuk (Turtle Mountain): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. To the legislative of Manitoba, the background of this petition is follows:

(1) Due to evolving scientific evidence, the Canadian Cancer Society is now urging all provinces and territories to lower the starting age of breast screening to 40.

(2) Based on–based off 2023 treatment standards, it is estimated that screening women annually for breast cancer starting at age 40 will save the Canadian health-care system over $460 million annually; and

(3) After 'non -melanoman' skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadian women. One in eight Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and one in 36 will die from it. This is a three– 30,500 diagnoses and 5,500 deaths every year, and 84 diagnoses and 15 deaths every day.

(4) Early detection of breast cancer will lead to better outcomes in patients, with better odds of survival and less severe cases. Women with their –in their 40s who have access to mammograms have a 44 per cent lower mortality rate from breast cancer than those who do not receive the screening.

(5) Every other province and territory in Canada has already lowered their breast cancer screenings age, or announced that their intention is to do so. Other provinces in Canada have already committed to the work of expanding screening programs and hiri ng additional technologists into the public health- care system.

34 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024

(6) Manitoba is currently behind the rest of the country and has no formal plan to increase screening capacity or lower breast cancer screening age; and

(7) Lowering the breast cancer screening age to 40 in Manitoba will reduce long- term costs to the health-care system because cancers that are caught earlier are typically less complicated to treat. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to immediately put forward a plan to increase breast cancer screening capacity and lower the breast cancer screening to age 40. And this has been signed by Jodi Lee, B. Maxwell and Donna Maxwell and many other Manitobans. Medical Assistance in Dying Mr.

Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Persons struggling with mental health as their sole condition may access medical assistance in dying unless Parliament intervenes.

(2) Suicidality is often a symptom of mental illness, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the age of 10 and 19.

(3) There have been reports of the unsolicited introduction of medical assistance in dying to non-seeking persons, including Canadian veterans, as a solution for their medical and mental health issues.

(4) Legal and medical experts are deeply concerned that permitting Canadians suffering from depression and other mental illnesses to access euthanasia would undermine suicide prevention efforts and risk normalizing suicide as a solution for those suffering from mental illness.

(5) The federal gov ernment is bound by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to advance and protect the life, liberty and security of its citizens.

(6) Manitobans consider it a priority to ensure that adequate supports are in place for the mental health of all Canadians.

(7) Vulnerable Manitobans must be given suicide prevention counselling instead of suicide assistance.

(8) The federal gov ernment should focus on increasing mental health supports to provinces and improve access to these supports, instead of offering medical assistance in dying for those with mental illness. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal gov ernment to stop the expansion of medical assistance in dying to those for whom mental illness is the sole condition.

(2) To urge the provincial gov ernment to lobby the federal government to protect Canadians struggling with mental illness by facilitating treatment, recovery and medical assistance in living, not death. This is signed by Helena Kart [phonetic] , Kate Carerias [phonetic] and Helen [phonetic] Neufeld and many, many other Manitobans. The Speaker: The honourable member for Swan River. [interjection] Order, please. Provincial Road 275 Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows: Provincial Road 275, known as Ditch Road, intersects with PR 585, serving rural areas west of the town of Swan River, and is a heavily used travel corridor linking Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The highway curves on entry into the town of Swan River and terminates at PTH 10A, the town's north bypass.

The Swan River Valley is a highly productive agricultural area, and PR 275 is used by farmers to move heavy machinery and equipment, as well as transport seed, grain and fertilizer to many farmers located within reach of the highway. It is also frequented by families, people shopping at busi nesses along the route and school buses to transport rural students into the town of Swan River for school.

Due to only having patchwork and minor repairs, the highway has 'deteriated' and is covered with large potholes, posing a significant threat to vehicles and passengers. * (15:40) The roadway and shoulder of PR 275 are extremely narrow, leaving large ditches that have not been properly cared for, which has caused poor drainage.

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 35 The town of Swan River and the municipality of Swan Valley West have required with MTI for a drainage solution over the past several years. This ditch is not graded properly and is full of bulrush, willows and cattails. The solution brought forward is to decrease maximum speed limits on the road and to undertake a full rehabilitation of the highway and to reroute the stream through what is now existing farmland, under CN rail lines and the PTH 10A bypass, as well as through several hundred metres of an existing slough into the Swan River.

Numerous meetings held with Swan Valley West and the town of Swan River with the provincial gov - ernment have not moved forward. It was agreed in 2022 that MTI was to complete a hydraulic in vesti- gation of the capacity of the PR 275/2nd Avenue ditch. The municipalities have not seen the result of this investigation. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge provincial gov ernment to address the much-needed rehabilitation of Provincial Road 275 to ensure public safety.

To urge the provincial government to provide the results of MTI in vestigation to the town and munici - pality and provide imme diate funding for the repairs of PR 275. To urge provincial government to address drainage issues on PR 275 and create permanent solutions so that flooding can be avoided. This has been signed by Dr. Cheryl Dahl, Andy Maxwell, Duane Whyte and many, many other Manitobans. The Speaker: No further petitions?

Then as announced yesterday, the House will now proceed– ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS The Speaker: As announced yesterday, the House will now proceed to debate the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. THRONE SPEECH (First Day of Debate) The Speaker: Accordingly, I will now recognize the honourable member for Tuxedo. MLA Carla Compton (Tuxedo): I just read moved by–[interjection] Oh.

I move, seconded by the member from Seine River, that the following address be presented to Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor: We, the members of the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, thank Your Honour for the gracious speech addressed to us at this Second Session of the 43rd Legislature of Manitoba. Motion presented. MLA Compton: It is truly my honour to have the op- portunity to respond first to the Throne Speech today.

Over the years that–I've learned that it's helpful to reflect and set in tentions at the beginning of pretty much anything, everything; you know, a new job, a new year, a new season, even a new day. And our government has done that with the Throne Speech yesterday, reflecting on some of the highlights that we have accomplished in our first year.

In health care, we have hired over 873 net new health -care workers; 105 institutional safety officers improving health and safety for folks working in hos pitals; implementing the school nutrition program; and making life more affordable by cutting the gas tax, which led to Manitoba having the lowest inflation rate across the country. And then we've also been setting inten tions for our second session. So in health care, continuing to recruit, train and retain health -care staff like nurses and doctors and health -care aides, allied health pro - fessionals, folks working in the diagnos tic imaging.

And there's many other initiatives coming forward. We believe in increasing the capacity and the access- ibility of health care throughout all of Manitoba. And there will be more coming for affordability, for our economy. We value the environment, safety in our com munities and especially edu cation for our children. They are our future. But now that we've kind of talked a bit about what our gov ernment has done and what our plans are intending for the year, I must say that I'm really humbled to be part of this great team of leaders working hard every day for the people of Manitoba.

And as the newest member here, I'd like to share with the Chamber and Manitobans some of my

36 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 personal reflections and inten tions for the upcoming session. So I've been sitting with two questions in parti - cular–maybe two and a half. And the first one being what do I bring to this Legislature and what does my presence do in this space and what do I do now that I'm here? So the first question, what do I bring? First and foremost is gratitude. Every day that I come into this building, the people's building, I am truly grateful. And to the constituents of Tuxedo, thank you.

It means so much to me that you have given me your confidence to represent you, that you've taken a chance on our government and the NDP to–and me as your representative. Thank you. And I'm also thankful for each and every constit- uent that's already reached out to me. From across all the political spectrums. I'm meeting with people as often as possible, and you're sharing with me your challenges and your solutions. And I really value and admire your commitment to making our com munity better and making Manitoba better. So , thank you. Thank you very much. And my nursing career.

I'm grateful for it, as it has prepared me well to step into this arena. From my teachers and colleagues, as well as to mentors and also especially my patients. And I want to give a special shout-out to the St. Boniface Hospital hemodialysis unit, as I know some of my patients over the years have actually watched our question period here in real time. So if anyone's watching, thank you. And I especially want to thank my family and friends. And I'm really thankful today, I have –and some of my family was able to make it back. You guys have been weathering through.

I have family here from the province, as well as a few other provinces. So I'm going to introduce you all. So in here, I have –oh, there's my ma –I have my mom, Adel Compton. I have my brother, Kris Compton; my sister-in-law, Cher Compton–oh, sorry, that's my cousin Ainsley. Cher is here, she's just taking, I think, a bit of a break from sitting up there for so long. And my nephew Shea Compton as well. I do have another nephew, Hayden, my brother's son.

And my brother's family have travelled all the way from Calgary to be here to support me today in my first speech, so I really want to thank you guys for your whirlwind of a trip and your support. * (15:50) And I do also have my–a couple other folks I'm going to name but they–I see they've had to take a break from being in the gallery: friend Michel Leblanc; my sister -in-law Cher that I mentioned there and Hayden; and my sister Hannah Compton and her partner Kris Dumont; and my two nieces, Lyla and Kendra Dumont.

They've been watching –hi, girls – from the caucus room where they have a little bit more room to mo ve. And I also want to acknowledge another friend, Bill Carlson, who's here today. So thank you, everyone. I really appre ciate you being here and supporting me–and your patience. But there is one person that's not here, who's a special person who I know is here in spirit. That's my father. I didn't think it was going to be this hard. My dad's name is Donald Kenneth Compton. Most people know him as Don. And he was my first debate partner.

Growing up, we were talking politics and world events at our dinner table, and I didn't realize that it wasn't normal to sit around the dinner table for probably about an hour after everyone was done eating, still talking about politics and world events with your family. And you know, to be fair, some of our conver sa- tions would get a bit intense and you know, me raising my voice: Dad, you don't need to be yelling. And my dad would be saying: I'm not yelling, I'm debating. And so, you know, good introduction into coming into a space like this.

And to be fair, I'm sure there must have been times that it was probably a bit exhausting debating with a teenager who probably thought that she knew more than he did. But my conversations with my dad, debating with my dad, there is one particular instance that I think of often. And this was a conver sation–well, I actually take forward with me almost every day, parti cularly when going into difficult conversations, or ones where I know there may be very strong differing opinions.

And so I was in grade 11 or 12 and I don't even remember what we were talking about, but he was on the opposite side and we were debating back and forth and I was getting exacerbated. And finally, my voice started raising, you know, when someone's just not getting your point. And I said: Why are you even debating this? I know you don't even believe in this. And my dad just kind of shifted, and he was super calm and he looked at me and he said: Well, how else are you going to learn? How are you going to learn to have a discussion with someone who has a different

November 20, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 37 opinion than you? How do you think it's going to go if you just start yelling at them? And there it was, my dad being a dad, teaching me a lesson. Because you see, my dad was a problem solver. Everything he did had inten tion. And to my dad, everything was figure-out-able. He was a visionary. He was a hard worker. He was also a lifelong learner willing to evolve his beliefs based on what he learned and experienced in life. My dad was one of my first leadership mentors.

And as I get talking about leaders and leadership, that basically leads me to the second thing that I feel I bring to this Chamber, is a com passionate leadership style. Com passionate leadership is liste ning to, is understanding, is empathizing with and supporting others to feel valued, respected and cared for. I'd like to think this has always been my leader - ship style. However, I do feel it has evolved. It has gained depth over the years with experience. As a young person, I thought leader was in the title, was in the position, and so that's what I did. I volunteered, I was on com mittees.

As soon as I was old enough, I was on student council, you know. I was the first grade 10 rep–no, grade 10 director in a position that in my high school, it was only grade 12s that had ever been grade 12 directors. And I just kept moving, committee after commit- tee, right up into the uni versity and to nursing school, getting involved in student council, on to the national Canadian Nursing Students' Association, up to vice-president. I even had special permission in my program to do a leadership practicum. I was kind of on a pretty clear official leadership track. And then I got sick.

You see, almost 19 years ago today I was being admitted to HSC hospital emergency. I was very sick. My doctors were so uncertain of my prognosis that when my mom wanted reassurance that it was okay for my brother and sister -in-law in Calgary, recently married that fall and planning to come back at Christmas in about a month, that that was okay, that they could wait until Christmas to come visit me, because I would still be there. And the doctor said, I recommend you have family come and visit as soon as p ossible. Not the most comforting or reassuring words to get from a doctor.

This event completely changed the trajectory of what I thought my life was going to be. Thankfully, this was not the first time that I had to navigate through some pretty big pivot points in life. And so began that reflection: What does it actually mean to be a leader? Can I lead without a title? What can I do to support my colleagues and make nursing better from the floor? And so for the past 19 years I've been exploring what it means to be a leader with no title.

And what I've learned is there is significant overlap with compas- sionate leadership skills and being an excellent nurse, and, I would argue, an excellent helping professional. And I've also learned about trauma, and I continue to learn about trauma. But the impacts of generational trauma, vicarious trauma, the effects of chronic expo- sure to violence, PTSD, complex PTSD and so on. Working to become more trauma -informed in my leadership also made me a better nurse.

And I want to share another brief story here with you around a–this conversation of what it means to be a respon sible, accountable, growing person, in my opinion. So one day at work–this is nursing, this is in the hemodialysis unit–I was speaking with a co-worker, another nurse, and they were frustrated because this patient hadn't expressed a concern to them upon initial assessment, but then they shared it with the doctor when the doctor came by, and they were very frustrated, like, why didn't they tell me? And then I asked them, I said, have you proven to them that you are a safe person to share it with?

And my co -worker looked at me, confused. But we're nurses. We're one of the most trusted professions. Why wouldn't they just trust me? The stats say they should. And, yes, the stats do show that nurses are one of the top trusted professionals. However, we also know that there are some not good nurses. There's some not good people in every realm. Thankfully, this has been very rare in my experience, coming across bad nurses. But it is true nonetheless.

And we also know that the medical system was not made to support many types of people, including Indigenous peoples, which in the hemodialysis world, in the renal health world in Manitoba, there's a very high representation of Indigenous people in kidney–in the kidney health world. And so we also know that there's social privileges impacting the power dynamics at play. And I shared with my colleague that I approach each patient with a goal of demonstrating, of proving that I am a safe nurse. Yes, I intro duce myself every time. Yes, I describe to my patient what I'm going to do before I

38 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA November 20, 2024 do it, and then while I'm doing it. Yes, I ask for permission every time I enter their personal space and/or touch their person. * (16:00) It doesn't matter if it was the first time I worked with them or if it was 10 years into our working relationship; every time was the same. And over time, through my actions, I became a leader in my unit, a grounding presence that people would –when I would come in some days, they'd be like, I saw you; I know we're going to be okay.

And I don't pretend to be the most technical–know everything right off the top of my head, but they knew that I was there to work with them, and whatever problem, whatever challenge presented, we were all in it and we were going to figure it out together. And since my by- election day, I've been asking myself: What does it mean to be a good MLA, a safe MLA? How do I wield my power? Am I sharing my power, or am I wielding my power over? Am I staying curious and keeping an open mind or not? Am I an agent of peace or chaos? Yes, it's more work.

And to take time to listen, to understand, to have difficult conversations of what isn't working and what solutions, what innovative ideas might work–that's all work. But that is the job of this government. Systems were made for the people by the people, but we also know that these systems were–when these systems were originally created, every citizen of Manitoba was not considered a person, myself included. But together, we can make the systems better. The previous PC government leadership style was divisive. It did not serve Manitobans; it did not serve Manitoba.

And I'm here today because the great people of Tuxedo spoke loudly with their votes on June 18, when they elected me as their MLA. They believe in the Kinew government. They believe in one Manitoba. And then, this leads me to the final question that I've been pondering: What do I do now, now that I'm here? Well, I'm going to roll up my sleeves, wash my hands and get to work with my colleagues. Manitobans have entrusted us to fix health care, and we intend to deliver. I know as a nurse how essential it is for people to have access to quality care when they need it.

Having access to care when I needed it saved my life, literally. My experiences have informed my career as a nurse, and they continue to guide me as an elected official. Public health care is a fun damental Canadian freedom, and it's building blocks like having a good life in Manitoba that help us strive for that. And our government, again, is making sig nificant progress. We've hired over–the 873 net new health-care workers, we're building capacity in hospitals and in clinics and there's free birth control for all Manitobans.

Accomplishing this all in one year gives me hope for the future for Manitoba's health care. And when we increase access to health care, we're ensuring that no Manitobans are left behind. And that's what makes us a stronger province, and that's what it means to be one Manitoba. Thank you. MLA Billie Cross (Seine River): One year ago, our NDP gov ernment promised to make life better for Manitobans, and we have made tremendous progress. I'm excited for the essential work we will continue to do as your government. I'm really fortunate to be surrounded by so many amazing people from so many places.

I want to take an opportunity to acknowle

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-2-2
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 2nd hansardpdf 2.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	98fb434e957c1c03dbfbae265343f3895c34cfea

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