Manitoba Hansard — 14 October 2021 (Sitting 82B, 42nd Legislature, 3rd Session)

42-3-82b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXV No. 82B - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, October 14, 2021 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

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

4201 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, October 14, 2021 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Madam Speaker: Introduction of bills? Mr. Doyle Piwniuk (Turtle Mountain): I didn't get the report yet so if I can be next? Madam Speaker: It has been sent to the member by email. COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs Tenth Report Madam Speaker: We will move then and we' ll ask the honour able member for La Vérendr ye (Mr. Smook) to report on his committee. Mr.

Dennis Smook (Chairperson): I wish to present the tenth report of the Standing Committee on Legis- lative Affairs. Clerk Assistant (Ms. Monique Grenier): Your Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs– Madam Speaker: Dispense? Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs presents the following as its Tenth Report.

Meetings Your Committee met on the following occasions in the Legislative Building: • December 7, 2020 (3rd Session – 42nd Legislature) • October 13, 2021 (3rd Session – 42nd Legislature) Matters under Consideration • Proposal to Modify the Voting Process titled "Vote Anywhere in your Electoral Division on Election Day" dated November 2020. • Proposal to Modify the Voting Process titled "Vote by Mail – By-election" dated October 2021 Committee Membership As per the Sessional Order passed by the House on October 7, 2020, amended on November 19, 2020, December 3, 2020, and further amended on May 18, 2021, Rule 83(2) was waived for the December 7, 2020 and October 13, 2021 meeting, reducing the membership to six Members (4 Government and 2 Official Opposition).

Committee Membership for the December 7, 2020 , meeting: • Mr. ALTOMARE • Hon. Mr. CULLEN • Ms. FONTAINE • Hon. Mr. GOERTZEN • Ms. MORLEY LECOMTE • Mr. TEITSMA Your Committee elected Ms. MORLEY-LECOMTE as the Chairperson Your Committee elected Mr. TEITSMA as the Vice-Chairperson Committee Membership for the October 13, 2021 meeting: • Ms. FONTAINE • Hon. Mr. GOERTZEN • Hon. Mrs. GUILLEMARD • MLA MARCELINO • Mr. MARTIN • Mr. SMOOK Your Committee elected Mr. SMOOK as the Chairperson Your Committee elected Mr. MARTIN as the Vice-Chairperson Officials speaking on the record at the December 7, 2020 meeting: • Ms.

Shipra Verma, Chief Electoral Officer Officials speaking on the record at the October 13, 2021 meeting: • Ms. Shipra Verma, Chief Electoral Officer Motions: Your Committee agreed to the following motions at the October 13, 2021 meeting: • THAT pursuant to subsection 28.1(5) and subject to subsection 28.1(6) of The El ections Act , the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs approve the proposal to modify the voting process

4202 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 tabled in the House on October 7, 2021, and recommend that the Chief Electoral Officer direct that the voting process be modified for any upcoming by-elections occurring before April 1, 2022. • THAT pursuant to subsection 28.1(5) and subject to subsection 28.1(6) of The Elections Act, the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs approve the aspects pertaining to electronic strike-off contained within the proposal to modify the voting process tabled in the House on December 1, 2020, and recommend that the Chief Electoral Officer implement all aspects governing the adoption of electronic strike -off for the next general election. • THAT pursuant to

section 28.1(4) of The Elections Act, the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs has completed consideration of the proposal to modify the voting process tabled in the House on December 1, 2020, and does not approve the aspects of the proposal pertaining to ele ctronic tabulators at this time, but recommends that legislation be brought forward to implement all aspects governing the adoption of electronic tabulators for the next general election. Mr. Smook: I move, seconded by the honour able member for McPhilli ps (Mr. Martin), that the report of the committee be received. Motion agreed to.

Committee of Supply Report Mr. Doyle Piwniuk (Chairperson): Madam Speaker, the Committee of Supply has considered and adopted certain resolutions. I move, seconded by the honourable member for Seine River (Ms. Morley-Lecomte), that the report of the committee be received. Motion agreed to. TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I am pleased to table the Manitoba Regula tory Accountability Report for the Manitoba Regula tory Accountability Secretariat for September, 2021. Madam Speaker: Ministerial statements? MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Hubbell Award Recipients Mr.

Scott Johnston (Assiniboia): Today I rise to honour this year's recipients of the Manitoba Hubbell Awards. Hubbell Awards scholar ship fund is a per - manent endowment that provides annual monetary awards to recog nize outstanding sea, army and air cadets to help them realize their educational goals.

Madam Speaker, as the gov ernment of Manitoba's military envoy, I am pleased–I was pleas- ed to attend this virtual ceremony on September the 6th and provide an honourarium on behalf of the province of Manitoba to these deserving young men and women who have demonstrated their strong com- mitment to the Canadian military. All award recipients are currently enrolled in a Manitoba unit and will continue their educa tion at a technical institute, college or university.

I would like to acknowl edge a retired brigadier general Eldren Huen [phonetic] and the members of the board of the Hubbell Awards Inc. for their invitation to this event. Most notable Manitobans presenting awards in their names include Mr. George Chapman, the QC and former honorary colonel of 402 City of Winnipeg Squadron and Janice and Barry Rempel, past honorary colonels at 17 Wing and Canada 1 air division. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this year 's recipients of Manitoba 'hooble'–Hubbell Awards. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Kyle Kematch Mrs.

Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I rise to pay tribute to an amazing, kind and loving human being I considered my little brother, Kyle Kematch. Kyle was 38 years old and tragically lost his life on September 2nd, 2021. Like many Manitobans, Kyle struggled with addictions. And the pandemic only made accessing services more difficult. Kyle has four children who he loved and adored. And they loved their dad too. Originally from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, Kyle grew up most of his life in the North End of Winnipeg. Kyle was a kind–Kyle was the kind of person who would help anyone.

He was always humble, had a big impact on everyone he knew. And Kyle inspired people with his big heart.

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4203 The member from St. Johns also knew and loved Kyle and can attest to how special Kyle was. In 2010, Kyle 's sister, Amber Guiboche, went missing. Kyle never stopped looking for Amber or searching for answers about her disappearance. Kyle and I co -founded Drag the Red together in 2014. We found comfort in supporting each other through the disappearances of our sister. Kyle was fearless and would search the river for hours each day, helping to bring loved ones home to their families. Any time someone went in the river, Kyle was always there to help.

I remember I had to take the keys away from him for a week just to give him a break. I told him the boat needed to be serviced, but it was really for him. He was so dedicated and determined to give families hope. He was never alone in that mission, but few were as selflessly committed as Kyle was. Over the years, that commitment to MMIWG justice only grew. And Kyle travelled beyond Manitoba, helping like-minded people advocate and build plans in Ottawa and across the country. Kyle will forever be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power, Kyle. I love you. Cameron Bennett Hon.

Ron Schuler (Minister of Infrastructure): Some people were simply born to help others. For Cameron Bennett, a retired veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, the pursuit to help and protect his fellow Canadians has continued long after his military service. Bennett is the founder of Forging Ahead, a non-profit organization that aims to help veterans and first responders with operational stress injuries man - age their mental and emotional health through artistic metalworking. Before this endeavour, Bennett had a military career that spanned an incredible 20 years.

He served on one of peace -keeping tours in the former Yugoslavia region and three combat tours in Afghanistan. After Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan dialed down, he was transferred to the air force and trained as an aviation technician. Bennett was medically released from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2018. Post retirement, Bennett attended an advanced artistic blacksmithing course at Fleming College and also received a diploma in occupational health and safety from the University of New Brunswick.

He came up with the idea of Forging Ahead while in school and soon after became committed to help fellow veterans and first responders with mental health con ditions through blacksmithing. Bennett believes that blacksmithing is the perfect activity for veterans and first respon ders who may often turn to riskier [inaudible] blacksmithing shop in his backyard in St. Adolphe. Bennett 's shop is equipped with a propane forge, anvils, hammers and various other tools and safety equipment. There have already been multiple veterans who have attended the shop and taken

part in the program and B ennett plans to continue to expand the opera - tions at Forging Ahead. Currently he is in the process of obtaining charitable status and is also beginning to make other important modifications to his facility so he can become fully open. Thank you to Cameron Bennett–who is watching, by the way–and Forging Ahead for all the im portant work that you do, and I wish you all the best moving forward. Elmwood Community Resource Centre Mr.

Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Elmwood is a com - munity of positive outcome s for everyone –that's the vision at the heart of the Elmwood Community Resource Centre and the work that they do making Elmwood an even better place to live, work and raise a family. This year, ECRC is celebrating their 20th anniversary in our neighbour hood.

Originally found- ed in 2001, ECRC came to be when the Elmwood Interagency Network, Chalmers Neighbourhood Project and the West Elmwood Residents Association came together to create an organization dedicated to providing the supports and services fami lies need to thrive. * (13:40) I first got to know ECRC as an Elmwood resident who wanted to make a difference and give back. ECRC taught me the importance of local volunteerism and of organizing. I learned through them how we can all work together to effect change in our community.

After initially getting involved with ECRC as a community volunteer, I later served on the board of directors as treasurer and have stayed active with their organization even after be–becoming MLA. I have had the pleasure of working with all the executive directors at ECRC, including Ingrid Zacharias, Martin Landy and our current E.D.,

4204 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 Nina Condo, all of whom have served Elmwood with passion, zeal and an unwavering commitment to make our community even better. Since their fo unding, ECRC has dedicated their work to lifting our community up and helping Elmwood thrive.

They have helped community mem- bers in times of crisis through their drop- in and counselling services; provided supports for our young people through their Reach Out! after -school pro- gram; and the Elmwood Youth Employment Experience lent a helping hand to those in need through their basic needs –to support a warm line; welcomed newcomers to Canada with open arms through their neighbourhood immigrant settlement service; and their newly implemented Building Futures program.

On behalf of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, I wish to congratu late the ECRC on their 20 years of giving back to Elmwood and thank them for supporting so many members of our community through their programs and services. ECRC is truly an invaluable lifeline for thousands across northeast Winnipeg. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Jean Allard Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): I rise today to pay tribute to Jean Allard, former MLA and a con- stituent in St. Boniface who died last year. Jean was a contrarian and a maverick.

La dernière fois que j 'ai vu Jean, c 'était à la cathédrale de Saint -Boniface, en compagnie de Dan Vandal, à l 'occasion de l 'anniversaire de la mort de Louis Riel. Jean était très fier de son héritage métis et de sa présidence de l 'Union nationale métisse de Saint-Joseph. Translation The last time I saw Jean, it was in the St. Boniface Cathedral, in the company of Dan Vandal, for the anniversary of Louis Riel 's death. Jean was very proud of his Métis heritage and of his chairing of the Union nationale métisse de Saint-Joseph.

English When Jean's first wife tragically died of leukemia, he found himself a widower at the age of 24 with a young child to raise. He worked in Manitoba's north and was dismayed by the oppression of First Nations. His obituary reads: In 1969, Jean ran and won in Rupertsland as an NDP MLA with Ed Schreyer in the Manitoba Legislature. As this meant he was often on the highway in his constituency, he alwa ys carried a fruitcake in his glove compartment, as he felt if he landed in the ditch, he had nourishment.

He quit the NDP and sat as an independent after clashing with the party over its Indigenous policy; ran once more for the federal Liberals, though he didn' t win. In 1966, Jean called for a statue of Louis Riel to be erected at the Legislature, and he loved the statue that was created by Marcien Lemay and Étienne Gaboury, though it was controversial. It showed Riel naked, unprotected and tormented. While others called for it to be removed, Allard loved it. He even chained himself to it for 12 days when it was slated to be demolished in 1994.

À cette époque, j 'ai travaillé avec Jean, où nous nous opposions tous les deux à l 'Accord de Charlottetown, et lorsque je me suis présenté comme député provincial à Saint-Boniface en 2018, j'ai visité le McDonald's et j'ai parlé à un groupe de personnes âgées, et je l'ai immédiatement reconnu. Translation At that time, I worked with Jean. We were both opposing the Charlottetown Accord, and when I ran for MLA for St. Boniface in 2018, I visited the McDonald's, and I talked to a group of elderly people, and I immediately recognized him.

English Jean's political and campaign instincts kicked in immediately, and he started introducing to me –to everybody at the McDonald's. He then told me about what he'd been working on since the 1990s: modern- ized Treaty annuities to modernize–to modern levels to create a guaranteed income for First Nations. To his last days, he maintained a passion for jus- tice for Indigenous people in Canada. Jean leaves behind many loved ones: his former wife Beverley, children and grandchildren and friends.

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4205 Nos condoléances à tous ceux qui ont connu et aimé Jean. Il nous manquera. Merci. Translation Our condolences to everyone who knew and loved Jean. We will miss him. Thank you. Point of Order Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a point of order. Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): You know, we 're all in this together. We've all sacrificed so much to get to this point in the pandemic, not least of which are the lives lost.

And because we' ve sacrificed so much, when people get frustrated at those who are unvaccinated, I understand. I'm frustrated too. But we can't give in to that frustration. We have to respond to the unvac - cinated with at least some compassion, because there are people trying to manipulate them for their own political and financial gain.

Case in point: here in Manito ba we have a PC leadership candidate who will say and do anything to get elected, including on the one hand claiming that they're pro -vaccine, but then turning around and questioning the effectiveness and safety of vaccines, even blowing the dog whistle for people who have been chasing Ivermectin and other alter native treatments. Now, you can be misquoted once, but several different reporters on several occasions for several outlets, including far -right ones?

That 's not a misquote; that's a deliberate strategy to appeal to anti- vaxxers to win the PC leadership and consequently the premier's chair. Madam Speaker: Order. Order, please. I'm going to ask the member what rule that has been broken in the House. So I would like –in a point of order, the intent of raising a point of order is to show that there has a breach of a rule, and so far, I 'm not hearing that at all. So it has to be a rule of the House that is broken when one raises a point of order.

So I'd like to ask the honourable Leader of the Op- position to zero in on what he feels is a breach of a point of order. Mr. Kinew: Yes, I beg just a little indulgence so that I can make my point here, Madam Speaker. So, again– Madam Speaker: That's– Mr. Kinew: –because it's necessary to build up to the point that I'm trying to make. So again, if the PC Party of Manitoba wants to send an anti -vaxxer into the general election against an NDP that is united and rebuilt then, by all means– Madam Speaker: Order. Order.

The member seems to be talking about something that is happening outside the Chamber and does not appear to reflect a rule that has been broken in this House. And so the only point of order that we can accept in this House is some thing that relates to a breach of a rule in this House. We cannot be reflecting on something that is happening outside of this House. So I'm going to urge the member–either he's got a point of order or he doesn' t. There is no oppor tunity here for a lot of comments, it's either is there a breach of a point of order or not.

And I would ask him to get to that right now, with no more discourse. Mr. Kinew: Well, Madam Speaker, I do believe that I need to speak a bit further– Madam Speaker: No. I would point out to the member that that 's not exactly how this works . If he can outline the breach out a point of order, a breach of a rule in the House, then he can speak to it a little bit afterwards, but points of order are not meant for a lot of debate and it 's not meant for debate at all in the House. So the member, if he wants to continue, is going to have to indicate what rule of the House was broken in this House. Mr.

Kinew: Madam Speaker, so I want to be clear that the vast majority of Manitobans have done the right thing. They 've listened to the science; they 've rolled up their sleeves; and they 've stuck together. And I want to be very clear that there is only one consensus: vaccines are safe and effective– Madam Speaker: I'm sorry. Order. I do not feel–I'm not hearing a breach of a rule in this House so I'm going to indicate to the member that, without hearing that, I don't see that there is an ability for him to continue making comments related to a debate. If he wants to bring some of that up in question

4206 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 period, he's more than welcome to but I do not see a breach of a rule in the House. So that would be my finding. * * * An Honourable Member: On a matter of privilege. MATTER OF PRIVILEGE Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, then, on a matter of privilege. Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): So again, I want to be clear that there is only one consensus: vaccines are safe and effective and all Manitobans need to get vaccinated imme - diately.

Now, if you've waited this long to get the shot, I want to tell you that it's–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –not too late and I urge you to reconsider because you are being exploited by people who will say and do anything to advance their careers. That is a message that I believe and that I want to share with the people of Manitoba. When I say–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –say and do anything to advance their careers–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –I want to share the following for further proof of what I'm talking about.

The Glover campaign reached out to the NDP a week ago to try and use us for a takedown of Heather Stefanson. The Glover camp then provided us with compromising–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –information– Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Mr. Kinew: Oh, sorry. I apologize. Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: I apologize. I understand the breach, and I will correct the breach. Madam Speaker: Oh, okay. The honour able Leader of the Official Op posi- tion, to correct that breach. Mr. Kinew: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and that is a rule.

So for further proof of what I'm talking about, I retract what I earlier said and offer this for the record instead. For further proof of what I 'm talking about: the Glover campaign reached out to the NDP a week ago to try and use us for a takedown of the campaign being run by the member for Tuxedo (Mrs. Stefanson). And the Glover camp then provided us with compromising information about the campaign for the member for Tuxedo, and we have the evidence to prove this. * (13:50) So, we call on the Glover campaign to explain to PC Party members why they are trying to use the NDP to win that leadership race.

We call on the campaign being run by the member for Tuxedo to respond to the allegations of irregular memberships, and we call on all elected officials to tell all Manitobans unequivo - cally to get the shot just as soon as we can. Madam Speaker: Before recog nizing any other members to speak, I would remind the House that remarks at this time by hon ourable members are limited to strictly relevant comments about whether the alleged matter of privilege has been raised at the earliest opportunity and whether a prima facie case has been established.

If there are no further comments on this, on the matter of privilege raised by the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. Kinew), I would like to inform the House that it has been ruled a number of times by Manitoba Speakers that comments made outside the House cannot form the basis for a prima facie case of privilege. A Beauchesne's citation 31(1) advises that state - ments made outside the House by a member may not be used as the basis for a question of privilege.

On page 614 of the House of Commons practice and procedure, O'Brien and Bosc state that the Speaker has no authority to rule on statements made outside of the House by one member against another. Therefore, I must respectfully rule that the hon- ourable member does not have a matter of privilege. Speaker's Statement Madam Spea ker: And I have a statement for the House. I would ask members to turn their attention to the table for a few moments as we recognize and celebrate the accom plishments of a treasured member of the

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4207 Assembly family who will be leaving us in the new year. Monique Grenier will be retiring in January 2022, and I would like to take a moment to celebrate her impressive career and her many, many accom - plishments in this place. As you can see, our Clerk, Patricia Chaychuk, has given Monique the honour of sitting at the head of the table for this statement. Unique amongst her colleagues, Monique has served and excelled in two of the most demanding positions the Assembly has to offer: Journals clerk and committee clerk.

Prior to starting with the Assembly, however, Monique began her career at a tender age, working in the offices of Legislative Counsel across the street in the Woodsworth Building. From October 27th, 1987 to April 9th, 1999, Monique worked as an administra- tive assistant in that office, but her abilities soon ex- ceeded her role there, and through her diligence and intelligence she became known as the queen of regula- tions, developing an incred ibly extensive knowledge of the provincial regulations which guide and govern the laws of this province.

She effectively earned a degree in regulations and legislation during her time at Legislative Counsel, something few people can say. Leaving her job at Leg. Counsel on a Friday, she started her career with the Assembly the following Monday, April 12th, 1999, just taking the weekend off between jobs. She was first hired here as a clerk assistant/Journals clerk , which, as noted, is a very challenging position, especially as she started the job five days into a long and grueling four -month spring session.

As I have related to members on a previous occasion like this, the Journals Branch is the heartbeat of everything that happens in this Chamber. Any and all of the crucial paperwork required to make this place work is drafted, revised, printed and reprinted at the last minute in the Journals Branch office. This ongoing whirlwind of activity, with infor mation flying in and Order Papers, motions, bills, notices, amendments and resolutions flying out, can be almost impossibly chaotic, and it takes a very special kind of person to be able to tame that wind and harness it productively.

Monique is such a person, learning this skill very quickly upon her arrival here, elevating the level and quality of work in the Journals Branch in an unpre cedented way. She most definitely set the standard for how the Journals Branch should function in the modern era. After serving almost 10 years in Journals, when a vacancy opened up in the neighbouring Com mittees Branch in 2008, Monique applied and was hired as a clerk assist ant/clerk of com mittees, starting this second

chapter of her Assembly career in January 2009. The challenges of the Com mittees Branch are extensive. Unlike Journals, there is a little less paper- work to manage, but a lot more interaction with people and, sometimes, some people can be a little difficult to deal with. Monique met, overcame and triumphed over all such challenges and exceeded expectations.

Whether it was successfully managing a room full of public presenters on contentious legislation or wrangling members of the Public Accounts Committee con- sidering detailed reports from the Auditor General, Monique became an absolute star in the world of committees. Monique spent over ten years as a committee clerk and, again, set a new standard for competence, ability and energy in that role. However, when a vacancy again appeared in the Journals Branch she decided that she wanted to spend her last years with the Assembly back where she started, as Journals Clerk.

She slipped back into that role as if no time had passed, once again managing the chaos with skill and grace. Perhaps the most visible role of the bilingual Journals clerk is their participation in royal assent ceremonies when, as members well know, the titles of all bills receiving royal assent are read aloud in the House in French and English. Monique always stepped up for this moment and fulfilled her duties with dignity and class. We will sincerely miss her voice ringing out in this Chamber, though we should have at least one more chance to hear her later today.

Monique's departure from the Assembly leaves a hole that cannot be filled. To say that she has been a valued and integral part of the Legislative Assembly procedural team, and that she has made many valuable contributions to Assembly operations, would be a massive understatement. The quality of her work has been excellent, and her many talents and abilities feel irreplaceable. No one could match her skills in solving procedural problems and finding answers to vexing questions from House l eaders, her personal procedural archive is an amazing wonder, and her ability to multi -task

4208 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 and manage the chaos of the Journals Branch or a hectic committee meeting are unmatched. It is a bittersweet feeling to see her leave us. We are, of course, very happy that she will now be able to enjoy her leisure time and no longer be troubled by the ever-present requests of House leaders and others, but we will miss her presence always. On behalf of our Clerk, our Deputy Clerk and all Assembly staff, we bid you adieu, Monique.

We wish you every success and every happiness in the future, as we know you have many plans to enjoy time at your cottage with your fiancé Dennis and your lovely daughters. It is always so hard to say goodbye to a valued colleague and friend. Monique, please know that you will always live on in this place and in our hearts. As a Journals and committees legend, you will be thought of often, and so very fondly. You have made this building a better place, your legacy will live on for decades and we thank you sincerely for all of those years of hard work and dedication.

I would ask all members to rise and join me now in thanking Monique for her impressive legacy of service to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. [Applause] ORAL QUESTIONS Budget 2021 Spending Health and Education Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): I just want to say, while Monique is still here, that we congratulate you. Nous vous félicitons et puis nous vous remercions pour tout ce que vous avez fait pour nous comme députés. Translation We congratulate you and thank you for everything you have done for us as MLAs.

English And I can only say I imagine you are only disappointed that you didn' t get to m anage those 500 presenters for Bill 64, but alas. All the best in what' s next. So once again, on behalf of our team and joining in with everybody else, thank you so much. Merci beaucoup. So we know that today, the PC team has come back to the Chamber t o try and finish off the project of Brian Pallister's budget, and we know that this will cut millions from emergency rooms even as wait times increase and cut supports for seniors in long- term-care homes. This is wrong. Manitobans don' t want more health-care cuts.

Will the interim PC leader stand with Manitobans, or will he continue to push Brian Pallister's agenda? * (14:00) Hon. Rochelle Squires (Deputy Premier): On behalf of government, I'd also like to extend well wishes to Monique. We will miss you here in the Chamber, but we wish you many years of happiness and good times with your family. And we wish you all the best.

Now, it's obvious that the Leader of the Op posi- tion is obsessed with the Manitoba PC Party leader - ship, and while I can assure him that if he keeps up with stunts like that, he'll have a–plenty of opportunity to talk about his own leadership in due time. But while he 's obsessed with the leadership, we are in the House today to talk about more money for health care, and I certainly hope that he's–can control himself and focus on talking about a $1.2- billion ex- penditure for health care that Manitobans need right now to help them get through the pandemic.

And I certainly hope that he will think about voting in favour of a budget to put more money in health care. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: You know, I 've asked the question be - fore, I 'll ask it again: Does anyone think that Brian Pallister improved health care in Manitoba? Awfully quiet with the rejoinder. So no, I will not vote for–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –a budget that cuts $9 million from emergency rooms. I won't–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Kinew: –vote for a budget that freezes operating funding for seniors care in Manitoba. And no, I will not vote for a budget that has a quarter of a billion dollars worth of cuts to revenue that should be going to the education system. Manitobans have spoken quite cl early. They do not want Brian Pallister 's attacks on health care and education.

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4209 Will the interim PC leader take a stand? Will he scrap Brian Pallister's health cuts today? Ms. Squires: While I appreciate that it must be very hard for the Leader of the Opposition to come in here day after day and defend the dark legacy of Greg Selinger, I understand that he 's against affordability for Manitobans. I 'm aware that he doesn 't want tax – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Squires: –credits, he doesn't want more money in the pockets of Manitobans.

But, Madam Speaker, why –he should get up in his place and explain to Manitobans why it is that he's against more money for health care: $1.2 billion more in this budget than the NDP ever spent for health care. That includes $56 million more for PCHs. That means more money for respite services for people with dis - abilities. Why does–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Squires: –the member of opposite –members opposite planning to vote against more money for children with disabilities? Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Kinew: Let's review a few things that we 've proved conclusively beyond a shadow of a doubt. First, this minister–as the Department of Families head–has frozen funding for kids with dis abilities in the community for years. We're talking about children who need help learning how to walk, children who need help learning how to swallow. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: We've also proved conclusively that this government has failed miserably in their promise to build 1,200 personal-care-home beds and, in fact, we will actually have fewer beds next year than when this government took office.

And what's more, we have proved conclusively that this government has spent less than 5 per cent of the money that they announced to try and help Manitobans waiting for surgeries. So no, we won't indulge this government in their budget. Instead, we will stand with the people of Manitoba who have rejected Brian Pallister's legacy. Will the PCs join us? Ms. Squires: Well, Madam Speaker, I'm very pleased to put some facts on the record after that

preamble that contained absolutely no correct information. There's $235 million more for families in this budget–more money for spending on families and social services than the NDP ever spent when they were in gov ernment, more money for Main Street Project, more money for respite, more money for children who are–to keep children from aging out of care during a pandemic, more money for wait times– to address wait–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Squires: –times in the health -care system and more money for PCH beds. Now, I understand that member opposit e, he wants to shout me down.

I understand he has a lot of experience in that. But I implore them to listen to the facts and get on the right side of moving Manitoba forward. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Passage of Budget 2021 Request to Withdraw Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): A long list of claims, and yet no dis - puting the fact that this minister froze funding for some of the most vul nerable children in our com mu- nities–children who need help learning how to walk, children who need help learning even how to swallow, Madam Speaker.

It's par for the course with a government that will see fewer personal-care-home beds in Manitoba after the COVID-19 pandemic compared to when they took office; par for the course for a gov ernment in Manitoba that would announce to great fanfare that help is coming for all those thousands of Manitobans who are waiting for their surgeries, but then would turn around and behind the scenes direc t that that money not be spent, as evidenced by the fact that less than 5 per cent has actually made its way out the door to help Manitobans.

Now, we know that this caucus turned on Brian Pallister as it became clear that the people of Manitoba rejected the former premier, and yet they come back to pass his budget. Will they just finish the job that they started this summer and announce that they are going to abandon– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired.

4210 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 Hon. Rochelle Squires (Deputy Premier): I don 't believe I heard a question in that lengthy, rambling

preamble, but I do see the members opposite coming in this House day after day, trying to defend the dark legacy of Greg Selinger. They 're trying to justify a time when they had the longest wa it times in the country. They had the longest wait times in the province's history. There wasn 't even a pandemic, Madam Speaker. During the day–dark days of the NDP, you could get on an airplane; you could fly to Toronto; you could see a doctor; you could come back to Manitoba in the time that it would take you to see a doctor in an emer- gency room.

That is their legacy, and that is the hard thing that he's coming in this House–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Squires: –day after day and defending: the dark legacy of Greg Selinger. Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Kinew: During the dark days of this government, you could be a Manitoban who is near death, who re- quired critical care, who was admitted to an intensive- care unit, and then, because of this government's cuts and understaffing, you could be flown out of the province because this province lost the ability to care for our sickest compatriots. That is the legacy of this government. That is the legacy of the MLAs who are still sitting in this Chamber. That is the legacy of the PCs, and like the 99.9 per cent of Manitobans who aren' t in the PC caucus, I stand against that legacy.

Now, we want this budget to be stop ped because of the health -care cuts that it contains. Will the PCs join us? Ms. Squires: It's clear that the member opposite has a budget from perhaps 2014 or 2015 when his gov ern- ment was cutting health-care dollars. This budget, the one that we're going to vote on today, has $1.2 billion more for health care. It has $235 million more for Families, and it has $307 million more for Education. This is a budget that the NDP gov ernment–or NDP opposition, they still have an oppor tunity, they can decide to turn away from defending the dark legacy of Greg Selinger.

They can turn the page and vote in favour of moving Manitoba forward with more money for education, more money for health care and more money for families. Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, it's undeniable that the tragedy of shipping Manitobans out of our ICUs to other provinces was absolutely terrible.

Now, what compounds that tragedy is that it is the result of years of deliberate and in tentional cuts that every single member on the opposite side not only endorsed, but stood in their places and clapped and hooted and hollered and cheered for. If it wasn 't the loss of ICU beds that came with emergency room cuts, it was–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –the priva tization of gov ernment air services. Boy, who would' ve thought that we would ever need the capacity to transport critically ill patients? We did. That's why we opposed it the whole time. This government has been wrong all along.

Will they finally admit so today and refuse to pass this Brian Pallister budget? * (14:10) Ms. Squires: Madam Speaker, I understand that the member opposite, he wants to be negative. He wa nts to defend the negative legacy of Greg Selinger. But what is particularly egregious is when the member opposite dismisses the 506 new beds for personal-care homes that our government has recently created. What is particularly egregious is when he tells the people of Carman, when he tells the people of Steinbach, when he tells the people in rural Manitoba that their loved ones–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms.

Squires: –don't matter, that those beds that we've created for those loved ones don't matter. Well, Madam Speaker, on this side of the House we think all Manitobans matter. We think all Manitobans, regardless of where they live, regardless of their health-care needs, they matter to us; and we're going to continue to stand up for all M anitobans be- cause Manitobans matter to us. Vaccination of Children Preparation Inquiry MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, it 's heartbreaking that Manitoba has had

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4211 some of the worst COVID -19 outcomes of all of Canada. Now, the Conservatives are currying favour with anti-mask and anti -'vask' sentiments, including in their own Cabinet. Meanwhile, Manitobans have step- ped up. We're hopeful the vac cination of children aged five to 11 will help in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, but that requires planning and a detailed execution of those plans. What is the Conservative gov ernment doing to ensure these vaccinations are ready to go immediately once approval is given? Hon.

Reg Helwer (Minister of Central Services): Well, we 've had a very suc cessful vac cination pro- gram in Manitoba. I'm sure everyone will agree here. When we– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Helwer: Thank you. When I called then -minister Anand over a year ago–or just a year ago in late October–to ask her about vaccines and how we have to store them and–she had no information from us, nothing she could share with us. And then, suddenly, we were able to get vaccines in Manitoba and put that into practice. We–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Helwer: –had a program all planned out.

And, again, it will be just like it worked before. We will vaccinate Manitobans. When they get those vaccines approved for children in Manitoba, we'll be ready, and we hope they are as well. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a supplementary question. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, it 's clear the Conservative government is not doing all that they can do. I encourage this gov ernment: be proactive; ask Manitobans to register their children in anticipation of the approval of the vaccine.

Let 's do every thing that we can to ensure that children ages five to 11 are ready to go as soon as the vaccine is available. So I'm asking the Minister of Health: Will they do so today? Will the y encourage all Manitoba families with young children to pre -register for the vaccine today? Mr. Helwer: You know, well, it 's obvious that they want to create fear in the popu lation again, Madam Speaker. When we–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Helwer: When we get the vaccine and it 's approved by Health Canada–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Helwer: When we know that– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. I'm asking members to show some respect for somebody that 's trying to actually answer a question instead of heckling. I cannot hear. So please allow me the oppor tunity to hear the answer. The honourable minister for Central Services. Mr. Helwer: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you for your guidance. As I'm sure you know, this vaccine gets submitted to Health Canada and they make the decision on when it can be rolled out. They make the decision on if it 's going to be approved. We don't have a role in that.

We are told when it will be made available to Manitobans. When it 's available for Manitobans, we will be able to vaccinate those youth. The plan is already in place– Madam Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Union Station, on a final supplementary. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, I 'm really disappointed that not only did the Minister of Health not get up and answer that question, but instead she heckled me and accuses me of fear mongering because I 'm simply asking when Manitoba – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order.

MLA Asagwara: –families will be able to have – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –a plan in their hands for their children ages five to 11 to be able to access the COVID-19 vaccine. Now, all I 'm doing is encouraging this gov ern- ment to do every thing possible so that families can

4212 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 rest assured that they 're prepared for the approval of the vaccine that we know saves lives. Let 's not see another moment wasted. What is the minister doing now to ensure that all of our young children get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available? Mr. Helwer: So, all I have to say is look at the track record of this government in vaccinating Manitobans. We worked with the federal gov ernment. Once we got those vaccines placed–once they were in place we– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Helwer: –vaccinate Manitobans.

We have the supercenters that are all available for vaccina tions. We will have a similar process to that, and we will use the school vaccination program as well–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Mr. Helwer: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We don't know when the federal gov ernment is going to approve those vaccines for use. They have told us it could be January; they've told us it could be later; they've told us it could be earlier. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Helwer: We're ready to go, but we don't have the vaccine approval for those –that age group, Madam Speaker.

Our success in vaccina tion is there for everyone to see. Medication for Cystic Fibrosis Patients Pharmacare Coverage for TRIKAFTA Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): Madam Speaker, it is now a well -known fact that TRIKAFTA, a revolu- tionary new drug that can slow the progression of cystic fibrosis, allow patients to live longer, healthier lives. However, it's still too expensive for the average Manitoban. It's not currently covered under our drug 'formularly', meaning even private insurance won' t cover the cost of it. So, will the minister –or the Premier (Mr.

Goertzen), for that matter –commit to covering TRIKAFTA today? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health and Seniors Care): I thank the member from Flin Flin for the question. Manitoba realizes the COVID -19 pandemic has been especially difficult on the over 200 Manitobans that are living with cystic fibrosis, and we are working with the regula tory bodies to finalize the listing for TRIKAFTA. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Lindsey: And, of course, Cystic Fibrosis Canada–a national non -profit–research suggests that TRIKAFTA can reduce severe lung disease in 60 per cent of people with CF, increase life expectancy and 'redooth'–reduce deaths by 15 per cent by the end of the decade. They're calling on the Province to cover the costs of the drug today. There are some Manitobans who may be forced to move in order to stay alive because this government won't act, won't say yes for covering the costs today. So will the minister commit to covering the cost of TRIKAFTA today? Ms.

Gordon: I realize that the member for Flin Flon is reading from a prepared question and is not able to deviate at all from the question and has not considered what I said previously. So, our gov ernment will work through our respective processes to make the decision to list TRIKAFTA on the Pharmacare public drug plan in the very, very near future. Stay tuned; more to come. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a final supplementary. Mr. Lindsey: I appreciate the fact that the mi nister's going to study it and come up with an answer sooner or later.

British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Yukon have all said they will cover the cost. There's no more studying it; that's been done. It's simply a matter of the minister standing in her place and saying, yes, today the cost of TRIKAFTA will be covered: Will she do that? * (14:20) Ms. Gordon: I want the more than 200 Manitobans to know that our gov ernment listened. We 've heard. We're com passionate towards individuals who are living with cystic fibrosis, and we are going to act to ensure that you receive the health care that you deserve here in our province.

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4213 Repair of Electronic Devices Right to Repair Legislation Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): I would like to ask the minister respon sible for consumer affairs a question. Will the minister ensure that manufacturers will be required to provide parts and repair manuals to purchasers and repair businesses at a reasonable price so they can repair electronic products, including cell- phones and appliances, farm equipment, farm mach - inery, motorized mobility aids, marine 'preasure' craft and recreational motorized vehicles, including elec - tronic bikes and scooters.

Will he introduce right-to-repair laws? Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): Our gov- ernment makes a priority what consumers need and making sure consumers are supported in so many different ways. I know the member has brought a piece of legis - lation potentially that 's out there . So we 're going to review that and see where things go. I think there 's some merit to what the member is saying, but you got to make sure you can do things in appropriate ways. So we'll review the legislation before making any final decisions. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Elmwood, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Maloway: I'm not sure I got an answer there. But the right -to-repair movement has already taken root in the European Union with legislation and regulations better protecting consumers from poor manufacturing practices that result in repairable products being thrown in the trash heap. It also re - invigorated the small -repair busi ness industry that 's been decimated by recent manufacturing practices. We'd like to know what y our time frame is to bring in these measures. Mr.

Fielding: Our government is very proud of the fact that we stand up for consumers as well as citizens of Manitoba in so many different ways. We recently passed legislation to ensure that consumers are pro - tected. I think the member did support those initiatives. The member has a bill before the House, and so we'll review that. We–open to having discussions with the member in respect to that; and so we 'll make a decision based on the merits of legislation. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Elmwood, on a final supplementary. Mr. Maloway: It's actually two bills before the House.

Europe, Madam Speaker –Europe has taken strides to address this problem. In–20 United States states have introduced or are debating right -to-repair legislation. Our legislation would similarly esta blish a right to repair by providing manuals and replacement parts for consumers and repair busi nesses for an array of electronic products and farm machinery. When wi ll they embrace the right to repair for Manitoba consumers? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Fielding: Our government is a listening govern- ment; we listen to stakeholder groups from the retail, from the wholesale side, from citizens ' groups, to make sure citizens are protected. That 's the utmost essence of what we' re trying to do here in consumer protection affairs. That's important to us, and so we're going to look at all information that can provide better protection for Manitobans. We're always open to new good ideas. Accessibility for Manitobans Act ICS Regulation Concerns Ms.

Danielle Adams (Thompson): The prov incial government recently published the regula tions proposed–the Accessibility Standards for Information and Communication Standards, the ICS. Within the regulations, there are a number of loopholes outlined by this gov ernment which provide many ways to avoid the requirements of the proposed standards. Manitobans expect the provincial government to honour and uphold the accessibilities act for Manitoba, not to find loopholes to avoid doing so. Will the minister remove these loopholes and ensure that acces sibility standards are upheld for all Manitobans? Hon.

Rochelle Squires (Minister resp onsible for Accessibility): When it comes to acces sibility in the province of Manitoba, our gov ernment understands that it is necessary for all Manitobans to live life with dignity. That is why we invested in $20 million in the spring. [interjection] Now, I understand the members opposite, they don't want to hear the question, just like they didn 't

4214 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 want to pass their legislation. They didn't want to pro- claim the acces sibility standards. Our gov ernment is getting that job done. Our government also put $20 million in an acces- sibility trust fund so that all members of the commu - nity can access funds so that they can make sure that they make their places of busi ness or their public places available and accessible to all Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Thompson, on a supplementary question. Ms.

Adams: Within these publicly available regula - tions, the provincial government says that their burden related to the proposed standards will be lessened in a number of ways. Ensuring Manitobans with disabilities have equi- table access to information and communication is not a burden, it is a responsi bility of this gov ernment to uphold. And, instead of doing so, this gov ernment is finding and promoting loopholes within ICS regula - tions. I ask again: Will the minister remove these loop- holes and ensure that ac cessibility standards are honoured and enforced for all Manitobans? Ms.

Squires: This is coming from the member who voted against including the inclusion support program for kids with disabilities in child-care centres. She has never stood up in her place to support people with disabilities and her government failed to proclaim any of the service standards under the acces- sibility act. Our gov ernment is moving forward with accessing services. We're–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Ms.

Squires: While the member tries to control her - self, I would like to continue to explain and provide an update to the House on how our gov ernment has invested $20 million in an Accessibility Fund so that all members of the public can have access to funds to make their place of busi ness ac cessible for all Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Thompson, on a final supplementary. Ms. Adams: I'm proud to always stand up for northern and rural children.

We have heard from concerned Manitobans who believe that the number of loopholes are actually a deliberate attempt to under mine the accessibility act of Manitoba. I am sure it is no coincidence that these loopholes will save the prov incial government time and resources. This is an insult to Manitobans with dis abilities. It sends a message that this government has no inten- tion of honouring the true intent of the ac cessibility act of Manitoba. Will the minister remove and apologize for these loopholes in the ICS regulations? Ms.

Squires: In reference to being an insult to people with disabilities, the member, when she voted against inclusion support programs for children with dis abil- ities in daycare, I would think that that was an egre - gious, egregious error, and I certainly would hope that she would apologize to her constituents, to all families in the province of Manitoba who access these services. When it comes to the ac cessibility act, our gov - ernment is moving forward and proclaiming all the standards, something that government never did when they were in office.

We're providing funding for agen- cies and public offices to access dollars so that they can upgrade their facilities to make it accessible for all Manitobans. We're moving forward to make sure that all people in Manitoba have an oppor tunity to live their lives with dignity. Rapid Tests for COVID-19 Availability in Workplaces Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): A new public health order is coming into effect on Monday. It sets out, in detail, rules around rapid tests–rapid tests that are not being made available to the public.

Testing and tracing is critical to tracking the progress of this pandemic, and if we 're not testing, we can 't trace, especially in schools and child- care centres where children are not protected by vaccines. Now, last year, the PCs spend months kicking and screaming for rapid tests, then as soon as they arrived, they stopped using them. We know there are hundreds of thousands of them sitting on shelves. Is the government going to make rapid tests freely available to workplaces like schools and early -child- hood-education centres? If not, why not? * (14:30) Hon.

Reg Helwer (Minister of Central Services): Well, if the member had paid attention to Estimates yesterday when I answered that question, he would know the answer.

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4215 We have had 1.4 million tests supplied to us by the federal gov ernment and I believe we 've shipped 1.2 million of them out to 616 sites around Manitoba, so they're already there. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Boniface, on a supplementary question. COVID-19 Public Health Orders Vaccination Exemptions Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): One of the reasons that people sometimes give for refusing a vaccine is that they already have had COVID.

Public health officials across Canada and around the world, like the CDC, have been clear: you should still get the vaccine even if you 've had COVID. But Manitoba 's self-isolation rules are making exceptions for people who have not been vaccinated if they 've had COVID in the last six months. That's at manitoba.ca/covid19/fundamentals. We know people can catch COVID more than once. The government–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Lamont: –has okayed a third booster shot. Can the minister explain this loophole in health orders for people who've not been vaccinated? Hon.

Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health and Seniors Care): Members on this side of the House will continue to look to the experts in terms of vac - cinations. We know that the COVID vaccine works, and we are asking all Manitobans, if they have not been vaccinated yet, to roll up their sleeves, get one – get not one –just–but two vac cinations and protect yourself and your families. We will also look to our public health officials here in Manitoba to advise us on the next steps forward in terms of vaccinations. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary.

North End Winnipeg Community Safety Initiatives Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): The North End has taken matters of crime and safety into our own hands and this has been demonstrated in many ways, one being community safe walks. We have groups –including Neighbourhood Watch, 204; NorthWest Watchers; and Bear Clan, just to name a few –who spend their time giving back to the com munity through ways of education, patrol, cleanup and protection. Madam Speaker, back in the day, the North End had more provincial community safety resources. For example, we had youth justice committees.

When will this gov ernment enhance prov incial resources for com munity safety in the North End of the city? Hon. Cameron Fr iesen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I thank the member for the question. I can say that this government is enhancing safety for Manitobans. I appreciate her statements about how the local community is rising up to the challenge. I can indicate to that member that once again this year we are increasing funding to our–to community- based watch organizations, many of which have thou- sands of members volunteering their time to go out on patrols to keep their com munities safe.

We welco me these measures. We are funding these measures, but we are always open to addi tional ways to ensure that com munities are kept safe, and I welcome the member to continue to engage with us on good ideas that she has to bring forward from her community to keep us all safe. Budget 2021

Summary Tax Cuts and Business Supports Ms. Janice Morley-Lecomte (Seine River): I'm in- credibly proud of our gov ernment's commit ment to making life more affordable for all Manitobans. Can the Minister of Finan ce please elaborate on the ways in which BITSA and Budget 2021 will con- tinue to build on these past successes as we move to a brighter future? Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): Our No. 1 goal is to protect Manitobans and to advance Manitoba. This year's budget provides financial support to individuals and busi nesses that have been impacted by the pandemic.

This year, budget also includes $1.2 billion of funding available to support health care, schools, business and supports, as well as con- tingency to make sure issues are taken care of. The budget also lowers taxes and makes life a little bit more affordable for individuals by reducing the PST or getting rid of the PST on personal services, impacting businesses by integrated digital media tax

4216 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 credits and reducing the payroll tax, that 's going to grow the economy of Manitoba. This budget is good news for Manitobans. Project to Address Homelessness Tiny-Home Village Proposal Mr. Nello Altomare (Transcona): The Homes for Heroes Foundation is looking to purchase two acres of land in the Transcona area, where it hopes to build 20 tiny homes and a resource centre.

This innovative plan would provide short -term housing and on-site resources with a goal of addres - sing veteran homelessness in p articular, as there are more than 200 veterans living on the streets of Winnipeg. Will the minister commit to allocating funding for the implementation of similar tiny -home villages to address homelessness in Manitoba? Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): I ap- preciate the member bringing up this very im portant topic.

Our government recognizes that people who are precariously housed or ex periencing homelessness need supports, and that is why last year alone our gov- ernment invested more than $30 million to help make–people who are precariously housed or exper - iencing homelessness. That is why we also esta blished a Rent Bank for people who are on the verge of eviction, that they could access funds to–funds so that they could pa y their rent and not exper ience homelessness through eviction. That is why we put in an eviction freeze for Manitobans during the pandemic.

We know that there's a lot more work that needs to be done to address the situation of homelessness, and that is why our government is committed to work- ing with com munity partners, to be working with everyone in the com munity to ensure that we find solutions for these people. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Transcona, on a supplementary question. Mr. Altomare: Housing-first approaches are crucial to ensuring that all Manitobans have access to safe, comfortable housing and essential resources like men- tal health care, addictions treatment and financial guidance.

Another example of this style of transitional housing is Astum Api Niikinaahk, a tiny-home village now under construction near Thunderbird House. Approaches like these are needed at the prov incial level. Tiny-home villages have already been proven successful in many other Canadian jurisdictions. Will the minister commit to imple menting tiny- home villages across Manitoba to address our home - lessness issue? Ms. Squires: The member opposite raised a really good point, and that was the inclusion of wraparound supports. That is something that our gov ernment is com- mitted to.

That is why we invested 2 and a half million dollars just earlier this year, and we found homes for people who were precariously housed or experienced homelessness. We put them in there in their new homes. We gave them the keys, but we knew that the work wasn't done there. We also provided them with wraparound supports. [interjection] And if the member for Point Douglas (Mrs. Smith) would like to ask a question, I encourage her to do that, but meanwhile I will also encourage her to listen to what–to the answer.

If she is interested in hearing about homelessness, she might be interested in learning about the 2 and a half million dollars that we recently invested in wraparound supports. She might be interested in knowing about the project that we had created with the Pollard family to create a village for people who were precariously housed. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Transcona, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Altomare: We know from research done by agencies across Manitoba that COVID -19 has led to an increase in Manitobans exper iencing homeless - ness, and the effect appears to be greater for many marginalized people. In Winnipeg alone, it's estimated that there are over 100 encampments. Unhoused Mani tobans deserve dignified lives, deserve access to safe and affordable housing as well as essential care and resources. As we head into the winter months, what exactly is the minister doing to ensure that no Manitoban has to sleep on the streets this winter? Ms.

Squires: Our gov ernment is taking a different approach to dealing with those who are precariously housed or exper iencing homelessness by working with partners across the community to ensure that we have shelter for all Manitobans. That is wh y we in - vested more than $30 million this year –more money

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4217 than the NDP ever spent on addressing the issue of homelessness. And I'll tell you something else, Madam Speaker. There's some thing else that we 're doing different. What we're doing on this side of the House that's very different–something that 's never been done in the history of this province before–is we are electing the first woman PC leader and we are sending the first woman into the premier 's office in the history of Manitoba. And on this side of the House, we're all proud of that. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired.

Speaker's Statement Madam Speaker: And I have a statement for the House. * (14:40) As the House is expected to adjourn later today for a number of weeks, I would encourage all honour- able members to remove the contents of their desks today. I would further encourage members to recycle as much of the material as possible. The blue bins here in the Chamber are designated for recycling of Hansard only. Any other material you would like to recycle may be placed in the larger recycling con - tainers in the message rooms located just outside the Chamber. Thank you to everybody.

PETITIONS Abortion Services MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Statio n): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows: Manitoba women, girls, two -spirit, genderqueer, non-binary and trans persons deserve to be safe and supported when accessing abortion services.

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

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

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

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

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial gov ernment to imme - diately ensure effective and safe access to abortion services for individuals, regardless of where they reside in Manitoba, and to ensure that buffer zones are immediately legislated. This has been signed by many Manitobans. Thank you. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 133(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Are there further petitions? Louise Bridge Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) Over 25,000 vehicles per day cross the Louise Bridge, which has served as a vital link for vehicular traffic between northeast Winnipeg and the downtown for the last 110 years.

(2) The cur rent structure will undoubtedly be declared unsafe in a few years as it has deteriorated extensively, becoming functionally obsolete, subject to more frequent unplanned repairs and cannot be widened to accommodate future traffic capacity.

4218 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021

(3) As far back as 2008, the City of Winnipeg city has studied where the new replacement bridge should be situated.

(4) After including the bridge replacement in the City's five -year capital budget forecast in 2009, the new bridge became a short-term construction priority in the City's transportation master plan of 2011.

(5) City capital and budget plans identified re - placement of the Louise Bridge on a site just east of the bridge and expropriated homes there on the south side of Nairn in anticipation of a 2015 start.

(6) In 2014, the new City adminis tration did not make use of available federal infrastructure funds, and instead decided to fund an off -the-list, low -priority Waverley Underpass.

(7) The new Louise Bridge Com mittee began its campaign to dem and a new bridge, and its surveys confirmed residents wanted a new bridge beside the current bridge, with the old bridge open–kept open for local traffic.

(8) The NDP prov incial gov ernment signed its firm commit ment–signalled its firm commit ment to partner with the City on replacing the Louise Bridge in its 2015 Throne Speech. Unfor tunately, provincial infrastructure initiatives, such as the new Louise Bridge, came to a halt with the election of the Progressive Conservative government in 2016.

(9) More recently, the City tethered the Louise Bridge replacement issue to its new trans portation master plan and eastern corridor project. Its recom- mendations have now identified the location of the new Louise Bridge to be placed just to the west of the current bridge, not to the east as originally proposed. The city expropriation process has begun. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the prov incial gov ernment to financially assist the City of Winnipeg on b uilding this three-lane bridge in each direction to maintain this vital link between northeast Winnipeg and the downtown.

(2) To urge the provincial government to recom- mend that the City of Winnipeg keep the old bridge fully open to traffic while the new bridge is under con- struction and consider the feasibility of keeping it open for active transportation in the future.

(3) To urge the prov incial gov ernment to financially assist the City of Winnipeg in keeping the old bridge open for active transportation. And this petition has been signed by many, many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Are there further petitions? Health-Care Coverage Mr. Diljeet Brar (Burrows): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background for this petition is as follows: Health care is a basic human right and a funda - mental part of responsible public health.

Many people in Manitoba are not covered by provincial health care: migrant workers with work permits of less than one year, international students and those undocumented residents who have lost their status for various reasons. Private health insurance is not a substitute for public health insurance. Private insurance plans avail- able to most migrant works and international students are paid for by the worker or student. They do not provide coverage for all of the potential health needs covered by public health coverage.

Individuals are required to pay upfront for health expenses without a guarantee that they will be covered and wait weeks for reimbursement. Racialized people and communities are dis - proportionately affected by the pandemic, mainly due to social and economic conditions which leave them vulnerable while performing essential work in a variety of industries in Manitoba.

Without adequate health- care coverage, if they are ill, many of those without prov incial health cov- erage will avoid seeking health care due to fear of being charged for the care, and some will fear possible detention and deportation if the ir immigration status is reported to the authorities. According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, denying essential health care to un docu- mented irregular migrants is a violation of their rights.

Jurisdictions across Canada and the world hav e adopted access -without-fear policies to prevent sharing personal health information or immigration status with immigration authorities and to give un - insured residents the confidence to access health care.

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4219 The pandemic has clearly identified the need fo r everyone in Manitoba to have access to public health care to protect the health and safety of all who live in the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to imme - diately provide comprehensive and free public health- care coverage to all residents of Manitoba, regardless of immigration status, including refugee claimants, migrant workers, international students, dependant children of temporary residents and undocumented residents.

To urge the Minister of Health and Seniors Care to undertake a multilingual communication campaign to provide information on expanded coverage to all affected residents. To urge the Minister of Health and Seniors Care to inform all health-care institutions and providers of expanded coverage for those without public health insurance and the details on how necessary policy and protocol changes will be implemented.

To urge the Minister of Health and Seniors Care to create and enforce strict confidentiality policies and provide staff with training to protect the safety of residents with precarious immigration status and ensure they can access public health care without jeopardizing their ability to remain in Canada. This has been signed by many Manitobans. Thank you. National Drug Plan Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. * (14:50) The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Canada's public and private drug plans leave many patients with little or no coverage, resulting in one out of 10 patients not taking their prescribed medications because of affordability;

(2) It is esti mated that Pharma care would save Canadians between $4 billion and $11 billion per year;

(3) There have been repeated calls to include prescription drugs in Canada 's uni versal health -care system, including: National Forum on Health (this is 1997, chair Prime Minister Jean Chrétien); Commissioner of the Future of Health Care in Canada (2002, chair Roy Romanow); and Several national organi zations, including Canadian Nurses Association, Canadian Medical Association, Federation of Canadian Municipalities. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the prov incial gov ernment to encourage the federal gov ernment to amend the Canada Health Act by adding prescription medicines prescribed by a licensed practitioner to the definition of covered services in accordance with an established formulary;

(2) To urge the prov incial gov ernment to develop jointly with the federal government a univer- sal single -payer evidence- based sustain able public drug plan that contains purchasing power to secure best available pricing, a list of essential medicines addressing priority health needs, and the ability to expand to a com prehensive, permanent plan that would promote the health and well -being of all Canadians. And this petition has been signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Are there any further petitions? If not, grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Deputy Government House Leader): Madam Speaker, could you please canvass the House to –for leave to consider, without notice, a concurrence motion regarding the report that was presented today from the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs? Madam Speaker: Is there leave to consider, without notice, a concurrence motion regarding the report that was presented today from the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs? Is there leave? [Agreed]

4220 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 CONCURRENCE MOTION Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs Tenth Report Hon. Cameron Friesen (Deputy Government House Leader): I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance (Mr. Fielding), that the 10th Report of the Standing Com mittee on the Legis lative Affairs, received on October 14, 2021, be concurred in. Motion presented. Madam Speaker: The hon ourable acting Gov ern- ment House Leader? Is the House ready for the question? An Honourable Member: Question.

Madam Speaker: The question before the House is the Tenth Report of the Standing Com mittee on Legislative Affairs received on October 14th, 2021, to be concurred in. Shall the motion pass? [Agreed] * * * Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I ask leave to present a report stage amend - ment on Bill 72. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to move report stage amendments on Bill 72?

What am I–is there leave? [Agreed] REPORT STAGE AMENDMENTS Bill 72–The Disability Support Act and Amendments to The Manitoba Assistance Act Madam Speaker: I would like to inform the House that the honour able member for River Heights has requested that–a combined debate on–to combine de- bate on his three proposed amendments to Bill 72. As this is not a common occurrence, I would like to take a moment to explain this process to the House. First, our rule 139(11) states, and I quote: The Speaker may select to combine amend ments or clauses to be proposed at the report stage. End of quote.

Second, as noted, the use of this rule is un- common in our House, and we do not have a lot of past practice to rely on regarding the imple mentation of this concisely worded rule. Our subrule 1(2) instructs us to be guided by the parlia mentary traditions of the Canadian House of Commons in areas where our usages and customs do not apply.

Following that direction, on page 788 of House of Commons Procedure and Practice, Bosc and Gagnon note the following regarding the grouping of report stage amendments, and I quote: motions in amend- ment are grouped for debate according to two criteria: their content and their position in the bill. Motions which could form the subject of a single debate are grouped according to content if, once adopted, they would have the same effect in different parts of the bill or if they relate to the same provision or similar provisions of the bill.

Motions in amend ment are combined according to the location at which they are to be inserted in the bill when they relate to the same line or lines. These motions in amendment will then be part of a single scheme for voting purposes. The member's three report stage amendments for Bill 72 meet the criteria of similar and related content, and I will be grouping them for debate today as we proceed through them.

For the information of the House, we will proceed as follows: the member will move the combined motions separately and consecutively; I will put each one back to the House in turn; there will then be one debate covering the combine d motions with 10-minute speaking times for all members except leaders of recog nized parties, who have 30 minutes; and when that debate concludes, I will put the ques - tions on the motions separately and consecutively. Therefore, I will turn it over to th e honour able member for River Heights. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): I move the first amendment.

I move, seconded by the MLA for Tyndall Park, THAT Bill 72 will be amended by striking out Clause 15(2) of

Schedule B (The Manitoba Assistance Amendment Act). Second amendment– Madam Speaker: Order. One moment, please. The hon ourable member for River Heights has proposed a amendment to Bill 72. It was moved by the honourable member for River Heights, seconded by the honour able member for T yndall Park (Ms. Lamoureux), THAT Bill 72 be amended by striking out clauses 2 to 23 of

schedule A, The Disability Support Act. The honour able member for River Heights, to proceed with his second amendment. [interjection]

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4221 Oh–as this is an unusual pra ctice for us, we are just trying to clarify some of the issues. For clarity, there was some misnumbering of pages, so I would like to then put that back to the House that the proposed amendment to Bill 72, moved by the honour able member for River Heigh ts, seconded by the honourable member for Tyndall Park, THAT Bill 72 be amended by striking out Clause 15(2) of

Schedule B (The Manitoba Assistance Amendment Act). I think now we move to the member making the second amendment. Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the MLA for Tyndall Park, THAT Bill 72 be amended by striking out Clauses 20 to 23 of

Schedule A ( The Dis ability Support Act). Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honour - able member for River Heights (Mr. Gerrard), seconded by the honourable member for Tyndall Park (Ms. Lamoureux), THAT Bill 72 be amended by striking out Clauses 20 to 23 of

Schedule A ( The Dis ability Support Act). * (15:00) The honour able member for River Heights, to move his third amendment. Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the MLA for Tyndall Park, THAT Bill 72 be amended by striking out Clause 24(l)(

k) of

Schedule A (The Disability Support Act). Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honour - able member for River Heights, seconded by the hon- ourable member for Tyndall Park, THAT Bill 72 be amended by striking out Clause 24(l)(

k) of

Schedule A (The Disability Support Act). I understand now that we will move into debate and I will–a combined debate on all three and I will turn the debate over to the honour able member for River Heights. Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, these are three linked amendments. The goal of these amend ments is to remove the ability of the government to put liens on homes or pot- entially other proper ties on people who are dis abil- ities.

I think that all of us would want to make sure that people with disabilities have a fair opportunity to own homes and that this should be encouraged that monies provided by the govern ment, including their basic support, could be used toward the purchase of a home if that were possible, and that individuals with disabilities should not be disincentivized for pur - chasing homes. Individuals with dis abilities could, in certain examples, combine together with others so that they can own a home.

And I believe that this –removing these clauses, by which the government put liens on the home of an individual with a–with disability, is not the right approach, that we need to have a new vision of how we support those with disabilities and that we look in a positive way of trying to support those with disabilities in owning their homes whether it is by themselves or jointly with others. I think this would be a very positive step forward to adopt these amend- ments. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Is there any further members wishing to debate?

Is it the pleasure of the House, then, to adopt – [interjection] Oh– Some Honourable Members: No. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt amendment 1? Some Honourable Members: No. Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied, or–oh, the motion is not carried. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt amend- ment 2? Some Honourable Members: No. Madam Speaker: The amend ment 2 has been not carried. Is there leave to adopt–oh, sorry. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt amend- ment 3? Some Honourable Members: No. Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied on the motion–the motion has been denied on amendment 3.

4222 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 And just to remind everybody, we are on orders of the day. As a reminder to the House, according to the Sessional Order, for this afternoon we will first be dealing with second reading of bill 72, the budget implementation and tax statutes amendment act. SECOND READINGS Bill 74–The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2021 Madam Speaker: So I will now call second reading of Bill 74, The Budget Imple mentation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2021. Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr.

Friesen), that Bill 74, The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2021, be now read a second time and be referred to the Committee of the Whole. Her–His Honour the Administrator has been advised of the bill, and I'll table the message. Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honour - able Minister of Finance (Mr. Fielding), seconded by the honourable Minister of Justice (Mr. Friesen), that Bill 74, The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2021, be now read a second time and be referred to a Committee of the Whole.

His Honour the Administrator has been advised of the bill, and I table the message. Mr. Fielding: Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to rise to provide some comments to Bill 74, The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2021, will be imple mented numer ous tax measures and administrative changes that are needed to imple - ment Budget 2021, a budget that provides significant funding to address the COVID -19 pandemic as well as more funds for health care, education as well as the Families Department.

Budget 2021 also provides dedi cated funds for vaccinations, hospitals and improving long-term care for the pandemic. Mr. Doyle Piwniuk, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair This imple mentation tax bill measure lowers taxes for all Manitobans and businesses, which make the economy stronger and more resilient, Mr. Deputy Speaker, which makes our economy more strong and resilient is really important to all Manitobans. At this time, when any businesses and individuals have been made sacrifices as a result of the global pandemic, it is important that–to provide some tax relief along with many supports.

We have budget for both busi ness as well as individual supports. I want to thank a ll Manitobans for every thing they've done to keep people safe during the pandemic and their patience as we work together through the public health measures that have been had to put in place to ensure our doctors and nurses and health-care system could care for those Manitobans experiencing illness or economic issues as it relates to some of the down–the lock–some of the health measures that have been placed that have had impact on businesses.

I also want to thank all those nurses and health- care professionals and the workers that assist with our government's vaccination campaign which has been a great success and helped ensure that Manitobans reach some of the highest levels of vaccinations, not just in Manitoba, not just in Canada, not North America, but in the world. This is a great tribute to the work of the task force and all those professionals and workers that have been seeing the success of this campaign in lower infection rates and better outcomes for Manitobans that do catch –to preve nt COVID -19 transmission.

We have some of the highest levels of double vaccinated people in the country and we'll continue to work to ensure that the –those who want to get vac - cinated will have an opportunity to do as such. I just want to high light some of the measures in this bill that will help the economy recover from COVID-19 and grow our Manitoba economy. We 're seeing a sig nificant growth in GDP this year and project another significant growth in GDP next year, as we're seeing unemployment rates fall to the lowest in Canada, Mr. Deputy Speaker, now at 5.6 per cent, the most recent results released in the past week.

This includes some of the lowest unem ployment rates not just overall but for youth as well as for women in the country. In a few weeks, I'll be proud to serve the govern- ment of the first woman premier of this province, which we think is a very big deal. And I want to work to continue with this great progress to build Manitoba under a new PC premier while delivering bette r re - sults, lower taxes for all Manitobans.

Some of the im provements of our economy and lower taxes in this bill include creating Invest Manitoba to esta blish a new private -sector-led dev - elopment agency to facilitate and encourage economic development right here in Manitoba. The activities of

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4223 Invest Manitoba will include co -ordinating services and supports for economic dev elopment projects, leading busi ness expansion invest ments attracting projects, participating in trade and promotional as it relates to Manitoba, provi ding competitive intelli - gence and regulatory information to stakeholders and developing prov incial economic dev elopment branding. * (15:10) Stopping the clock for two years on the frequent film bonus, which is incorporat ed in BITSA, is also important.

Under the film and video production tax credit, to 'commodate' corporations that have been impacted and shut down during the pandemic. Removing the expiration date on interactive digital media tax credit and expanding t he eligibility for add -on projects such as addi tional download content and performance updates in recognition of the various ways the modern interactive digital media products are produced, distributed and supported on an ongoing basis, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

The bill makes a number of changes that will help Manitobans recover and move the province towards economic growth and leave the pandemic behind us. These measures include increasing the maximum eligible investment per investor under the small-busi- ness venture tax credit from $450,000 to $500,000; increasing the maximum annual tax credit claim able from sixty -seven, five, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to $120,000. This will better align the credits with the investor tax credit among–amounts in other provinces and really help Manitoba busi nesses gain access to venture capital dollars, which is so important.

We are renewing the cultural industry prints tax credit and the com munity enterprise tax credit and making the Book Publishing Tax Credit permanent, as well as exempting retail sales tax, or PST, on all remaining types of personal services that are still subject to the PST. That 's an im portant promise we committed to Manitobans.

We're also going to make online accommodation platforms like Airbnb and online marketplaces like Best Buy and online streaming services providers such as Netflix subject to the require ment to collect and remit sales tax like other storefront competitors in Manitoba–and requires to impose. So that's something to make sure that Manitoba businesses are working a competitive–are not working at a not competitive environment. Manitoba is following other juris dic- tions in this measure and Canada with a sales tax that has made changes recently. We're also reducing the NDP's job-killing payroll tax in Manitoba.

We 're doing this by increasing the exemption threshold, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for health and post-secondary education levy–that's going from 1.5, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to 1.75–and increasing the thresholds at the upper level s from $3 million to $3.5 million. This helps so many busi nesses by reducing the tax, will help roughly 1,100 busi nesses in terms of their bottom line to make sure that they're hiring jobs, as well as exempting 240 small businesses from taxes altogether–which, again, will help Manitobans that are in the labour force and not penalize them for hiring people.

By reducing this payroll tax, we're helping small businesses and freeing up more cash in these busi - nesses to help them hire more workers and recover from the pandemic. We 're seeing some labour issues arising out of the pandemic, and this will mean more money available to –for wages and salaries for all workers in Manitoba. We're also going to reduce the addi tional tax–or formerly known as the fir e pre vention levy –on property insurance payable by insurance companies from 1.25 per cent to 1 per cent.

Establishing a new tax credit for up to $150 to recognize the contributions of child-care workers and K-through-12 teachers, recog nizing tea chers' efforts to improve the in -class edu cation ex perience and empower teachers with greater autonomy in the classrooms, Mr. Deputy Speaker. A number of other tax measures in Bill 74 will enhance gov ernment service delivery and account - ability to all Manitobans, notably changes including making a number of modernizations to The Financial Administration Act to clarify the

summary public accounts, including all government reporting entities; making clear that the financial oversight by Treasury Board

summary government and not just departments. This includes Crown cor porations that impact on

summary budget of the government of Manitoba. Separates the function of internal auditing from controllership to make Treasury Board responsible for appointing an audit com mittee that reviews internal audits for transparency.

4224 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 Better accommodates situations where financial administrative processes and responsibilities are shared between depart ments, such as when two de - partments are sharing p rocesses of infor mation, whether it be payment or other mechanisms. Transfers the function of the Manitoba funeral board to the director of the consumer of protec tion affairs, and laps unproclaimed amend ment to the funeral legislation for 2011 as t he department under- takes the new consultations for a broad review of the regulations and related legislation.

It also makes changes to the education admin is- trative act, to replace Manitoba Learning Resource Centre, since most school divisions now acquire edu- cation textbooks more cheaply through online services. Making minor changes to the fishing and wildfire enhance–sorry, wildfire enhancement act –to clarify the government's financial obligations with respect to the underlying funds that are–be aligned with the gov- ernment fiscal year, not the calendar year. A handful of other minor technical tax- related amendments are also made to correct errors and im - prove the administration efficiency.

Overall, the changes in this year 's budget make life more affordable for Manitobans, averaging over $275 per household in Manitoba, including the educa- tion property tax rebate which is enacted in May while making Manitoba an attractive place to invest, for businesses to grow and expand, crea ting jobs here in Manitoba. Mr. Deputy Speaker, that concludes my com - ments on the budget imple mentation bill. I'd be glad to take any questions that the bill haves from members of the House. Thank you. Questions Mr. Deputy Speaker: A question period up to 15 minutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minister by any member of the following sequence: first, by a question from the official opposi- tion critic or designate; subsequent questions may be asked by the –each in dependent membe r; remaining questions asked by the opposi tion members; and no questions or answers shall exceed 45 seconds. Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): Now, this bill reduces the taxes that large insurance companies pay to gov ernment on their book of property i nsurance through an amendment to the insurance companies tax.

I 'm wondering if the minister can tell us how much that's going to cost the treasurer? Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): It's a quarter per cent reduction that anyone that has insurance won't have to pay. Mr. Wasyliw: The reduction of insurance corporation tax for property insurance from –as the minister just mentioned–1.25 to 1 per cent is a benefit for large insurance companies. I wonder if the minister can explain what the policy rationale is for the change. Mr.

Fielding: I'm not sure where the confusion lies, but it's not that the insurance companies are getting the break; it 's actually the consumers that are purchasing the insurance gets the break. Mr. Wasyliw: I'm wondering why this was not put in the budget, nor was there any public announcement in relation to a cut for taxes for large insurance companies. I'm wondering if the minister can explain why it's just magically appearing today. Mr. Fielding: I'm not sure what the member has an issue with. This is passed on to the consumers. This is actually a break for consumers.

I know the member likes to jack up taxes, and that 's his mantra. But here on this side of the House we make –we like to make life a little bit more affordable for Manitobans. That's what we've done on numerous different tax initiatives here in the province of Manitoba. If the member doesn't believe that people that purchase insurance need some sort of break, then, I guess, that 's his position. It will be challenging for him at the doors next election to defend that position, though. Mr. Wasyliw: Well, I think the minister is mistaken about his own ministry.

This is an insurance tax that's paid by brokers, not by consumers, and the revenue goes into the Fire Pre vention Fund. So why is he defunding the Fire Prevention Fund, and if maybe he can explain the rationale about why we don' t need a Fire Prevention Fund in Manitoba? Mr. Fielding: What we're doing is making sure that the funds that are available in terms of the fire preven- tion are there. If you look at it over a number of years the amount of revenue that was brought in was more than what was needed in terms of the service that 's being provided.

As such, we thought that consumers deserve a break, and that's exactly what this does. This is a very small tax measure–$1.8 million on a $17-billion budget. But, like I say, we think that no matter how small a tax break that is for consumers, it makes sense to do that.

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4225 Mr. Wasyliw: So now that the minister is raiding the Fire Prevention Fund of $1.8 million, how much is left remaining in the fund, and how can Manitobans be assured that it' ll be there for them in their time of need? Mr. Fielding: The amount of revenue that comes in matches the service that's being provided. * (15:20) Mr. Wasyliw: Now, the bill requires the comptroller to report to the Treasury Board, and it shifts the internal audit system from the comptroller to Treasury Board.

I'm wondering if the minister can explain what the problem is that he's trying to solve here. Mr. Fielding: Obviously, the audited capacity, when you have the comptroller that would be in charge of audit capacity, they would be auditing their own work, essentially. So it makes sense to move an item like this forward. So it's–obviously, the auditing function's an important piece of gov ernment but it shouldn' t be, obviously, controlled by the comptroller. Mr. Wasyliw:

Section 5 of The Financial Administration Act appears to provide more power to the Treas ury Board, spe cifically as it pertains to management and financial management for gov ern- ment reporting entities. Wonder if the minister can explain the rationale for expanding the Treasury Board's authority. Mr. Fielding: Number 1: the former government, of course, had two sets of books. They had core books, and they didn 't take into con sideration

summary budgeting. So what happens at Manitoba Hydro or another reporting entity has an impact on our sum - mary budget, has an impact on deficits. We know the NDP don't care about deficits. It's a pretty solid track record they have in respect of that. We do care about deficits, and so we think that it makes sense to align everyone within

summary bud- get to have the same rules in place. That 's pretty standard practice and this has implications on tax- payers. I know the member doesn 't care about taxpayers because he likes to raid their pockets first before trying to find some efficiencies, but that's not the ap- proach our gov ernment's taking. Our gov ernment wants to lower taxes, make life more affordable for Manitobans as opposed to jacking up taxes like the NDP do. Mr. Wasyliw: Will any decision by the board of a government-reporting entity have to be approved first by the Treasury Board? Mr.

Fielding: Well, obviously, boards will make decisions, in terms of their respect of the operations of their organizations and agencies. But I can tell you, whether it's other reporting entities, that has an impact on our

summary budget. As long as there 's–we call other reporting entities–they have an impact on sum - mary budgets. That has an impact on our financials, which obviously has an impact on credit ratings. That's a part of it. So if you don 't control other reporting entities and everything that' s a part of

summary budgeting, that's how expenditures get out of control, and that 's how you get credit-rating downgrades. Mr. Wasyliw: The BITSA bill last year implemented a hydro rate increase and, obviously, that was re - moved this year. But the minister should be clear: Will he commit that rate setting at the Cabinet table and through legis- lation is now off the table for the future? Mr. Fielding: Well, obviously, the Minister of Crowns, who's in the Chamber here, gave a directive to Manitoba Hydro t o apply for an interim rate.

We would also like to see longer term multi -year rates because right now the process, the consul tation pro- cess, the en gagement process, for the PUB is about four times as high as places like BC. So we think having multi-year rates makes a lot of difference. So the member –or rather, the minister made a comment on that and, obviously, that's–his decision is the government's decision. Mr. Wasyliw: Now, Brian Pallister said that it didn't bother him at all that teachers have been forced to pay so much out of pocket for necessary school supplies for their students.

I 'm wondering if the minister can share his view on the matter. Mr. Fielding: This is a very good initiative. It's some- thing that the federal gov ernment firs t intro duced, obviously, on the GST portions of things. Provinces like Prince Edward Island has taken this as well. Our government's very proud of the fact that we've made a commitment of $1.6 billion over the next number of years for invest ments in o perating as well as capital investments in the school system. We're in the process, different stages, of building 20 new schools. In fact, I know the Minister of Education (Mr.

Cullen) as well as Minister of

4226 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 Economic Development announced we 're–earlier on in the week, actually, we 're shovels in the ground, getting it done and building two new schools in Waverley West. So that 's an im portant investment. That's what our gov ernment's committed to: long - term, sustainable development dollars for education. Mr. Wasyliw: Now, this BITSA bill contains The Invest Manitoba Act, and I 'm wondering why the minister chose to put it in an 'omninus' bill instead of just introducing the act on its own in the House. Mr.

Fielding: This is a recom mendation f rom the Premier's (Mr. Goertzen) advisory com mittee. There is people, like the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Council, other notable Manitobans that brought ideas forth during the pandemic of how to move Manitoba forward, and so we think there's, you know, obviously an opportunity to do this as a stand- alone bill or do it within the BITSA bill.

We think time is of the essence; we think that it's important to be more competitive, to track more venture capital dollars here, to attract people to Manitoba, busi nesses coming, creating jobs and creating growth, economic growth in Manitoba. And that's really what this legis lation and what this new organization, economic development organi zation will exactly do. Mr. Wasyliw: I'm wondering if the minister can tell us why this new board will not have any labour or community representation on it. Mr. Fielding: Well, the composition –the board is made up of members from the busi ness community.

There's obviously gov ernment affiliation or dollars – members that will oversee in terms of the dollars and cents. At the end of the day, what happens is, it 's a private-sector driven organization that is there to attract business, that will bring busi ness in, will attract, hopefully, venture capital to grow and prosper. We want to make sure–and this is what we heard crystal clear from places like the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council–that it should be private sector led. Mr. Wasyliw: How much funding –government funding–will this new board receive yearly? Mr.

Fielding: Well, this legislation sets up the organi- zation, so we'll be dealing with that during the budget process in terms of what funding should be in place for this. But I think one thing what we would say is we want to make sure t his is a success, so we 're not willing to not invest in an organization like this that's going to attract busi ness. If it 's going to grow the Manitoba economy, it 's going to create jobs for Manitobans, then we're willing to invest in that area.

But the exact dollars and cents isn 't part, of course, of this bill; this kind of just, you know, lets – sets out the parameters of what it will look like and the functions that it does. The budgeting portions of things will happen later on in the year in the budge t cycle in terms of what dollars and cents should be put in. Mr. Wasyliw: If this is a private sector organization, which excludes com munity members and members from the labour movement, how can the gov ernment justify giving any public dollars to it at all, and why is it not self-financing? Mr.

Fielding: Well, we think that it will be self - financing. When you have an organi zation that is – been supported by the business community as an op- portunity to attract businesses to Manitoba. If you can attract 'numer' of businesses with jobs, that's a part of it, that's going to bring economic development here in the province of Manitoba, which is going to pay for itself. Mr. Wasyliw: Why couldn't this work be done by the Premier's economic oppor tunities advisory board, why is there a requirement for yet another, you know, PC donor board basically to be esta blished in Manitoba. Mr.

Fielding: Well, I'm not sure I read the legislation properly, but there isn 't any board appoint ments in here, so I'm not sure what the member is talking about a Tory-appointed board. This just sets out the legis - lation.

If the member doesn't want to support economic development agencies and, you know, ability to track businesses and venture capital and promote Manitoba in a way, I guess, that really, that's probably the reason why there were such stagnant growth under the NDP years, and they relied on jacking of taxes for indi - viduals, you know, moms and dads that were working hard to put money on the table and spend money maybe on things like hockey, or other things like this. And yet the NDP decided to jack up taxes they always do. Same thing with things like the payroll tax.

We've taken a different approach to attract busi - nesses, and we think this will be it. Mr. Wasyliw: Just to remind this minister that in his position, he took Manitoba from the second fastest

October 14, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 4227 growing economy down to the seventh. Now the Manitoba bureaucracy, the economic dev elopment department, already does this work. So why is the minister creating yet another layer of bureaucracy and duplicating yet more work that 's already being paid for by taxpayers? Mr. Fielding: Well, Mr. Deputy Speaker, it 's clear that the member wants to ignore the business commu- nity and their ideas. That's really the way he'll govern, you know, was the way the NDP governed for 17 years.

In the dark years of the NDP where they ignored the business people, business ideas of how to grow the Manitoba economy. We're not going to make those mistakes. We think it's important to grow Manitoba in so many different ways. The member should come across and join us in terms of supporting this organi zation as it 's going to grow the Manitoba economy * (15:30) Mr.

Wasyliw: In relation to your Netflix tax, I 'm wondering if the minister can tell us: Canadian-based Internet providers, say, Canadian Tire or The Bay, do they open up corporate accounts in Manitoba, and do they pay provincial corporate tax for sales that occur on the Internet, or do they get a free ride f rom this government? Mr. Fielding: Well, No. 1, if you review Hansard – Hansard's im portant because you can hear what people say when they flip -flop on the issue. Because the member was in com mittee before we intro duced this tax supporting this tax and asking why we weren't doing more of it.

So now, somehow, he 's criticizing this tax. Well, we're one of the last provinces to introduce a service like this, and I'll tell you what happens right now. There 's a lot of local busi nesses, for instance, that are competing and have had to compete against things like Amazon, third-party players in a–Amazon as opposed to going to the local area. They 're paying tax when you go to the local store, and yet if there's a third-party payer through things like Amazon, they don't have to pay that provincial sales tax on it. So this is a way to level the playing field.

I know the member doesn't like to help local busi nesses, but we think it' s a way to help local busi nesses. It 's supported– Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable minister's time is up, and time for question period has expired. Debate Mr. Deputy Speaker: Debate is opened. Any speakers? Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): Now, this is a government that has never had an economic plan for Manitoba. The only economic goal in the years that they've been in office has been to shift the tax bur - den from those who are actually doing well in the Manitoba economy onto those who actually are struggling.

They have been taking away taxation from the people that actual ly have the ability to pay and putting it onto Manitobans who don't. And this latest version of BITSA bill continues this practice, and they can no longer blame the bogey- man Brian Pallister, because he' s long gone; he 's in Costa Rica enjoying the weather, I'm sure. These are their choices. They're going to vote on this bill today. And every vote for this horrible piece of legislation is going to affirm that this had nothing to do with Brian Pallister and his toxic politics.

This had everything to do with the PCs' values and their misguided vision, if you want to call it that, for Manitoba. So let's talk about the fancy haircut tax cut. So, in this bill, Manitobans are going to be able to get a PST reduction if you pay more than $50 for your haircut or personal spa days. Well, very few Manitobans can afford that. In fact, there's going to be a tiny minority of Manitobans who are actually going to benefit from this. And what's the benefit? They're going to get a few dollars off an expensive haircut or a day at the spa. It 'll amount to a coupon.

And when I talk to, you know, wealthy Manitobans in my area and others who hear about this, they tell me that, you know what, you can keep your coupon; I would rather have a functioning edu cation system; I 'd rat her have nurses staffing my ICUs. I would rather have affordable child care in Manitoba than losing $2.7 million–and this is basically a gift to the wealthy in Manitoba –and what it 'll mean is that people who can't afford $50 haircuts have to make up the loss of revue of $2.7 million with their taxes, with the money they pay for everyday essentials.

So this isn 't making things more affordable for Manitoba. It's making things more affordable for very wealthy Manitobans, and it 's costing everybody else because of it. So if we can 't staff ICUs, if we have professors leaving our province and our uni versities are under siege, if we are laying off teachers, if we are getting rid of librarians in schools, if we cannot pay a

4228 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA October 14, 2021 living wage to, you know, early childhood educators and disability support workers, we can't afford this. This is a gift. This is Conservative, cynical, micro-targeting. This is an affront to responsible fiscal management, which this government certainly knows nothing about. Manitobans would rather pay a few extra dollars for a haircut than have their children crammed into a classroom with 30 other kids because that's the result. That's what's happening. To pay for this tax gift for the wealthy, our edu- cation system is getting sque ezed.

Our health -care system is getting squeezed. And what adds insult to injury here is that we don 't even have the money for this. This is all borrowed money. This gov ernment went out and ran up the largest deficit in Manitoba 's history–how's that for fiscal management –so they could turn around and give tax cuts to the wealthiest in Manitoba. So a privileged few get a coupon and the rest of us get larger class sizes, get fewer services and don 't have a nurse to take care of us when we have to go to the hospital.

And then, of course, the BITSA bill also carries on the 'ignanimous' tradition of defunding edu- cation. We saw, with Bill 64, that the gov ernment was obviously attempting to hollow out money that we give to public services and education, and this is after five years–five years in a row–with enrollment going up in Manitoba, with cost of living going up and general inflation in the edu cation system running about 2.5 per cent, that this government froze funding for five years in a row. A nd every year they did that, that amounted to a 2.5 per cent cut, year over year over year.

And by freezing that funding, it forced school boards to do the dirty work of this government. They, in turn, had to cut their services. They had to get rid of teachers. They had to increase class sizes, which have ballooned under this gov ernment, and the most vulnerable Manitobans, those that need those extra services, those extra resources to have a fair shot at success at life, they're taken away, right? They 're the casualties of this minister and the Conservative gov - ernment's war on Manitobans and affordability.

So, vulnerable children are the ones that get hit the hardest so that this govern ment can turn around and give the Brian Pallisters of the world a $7,000 tax rebate–that we know of. That 's one of the myriad of his villas and mansions that he has in the province and out of province. Cor porate landlords get a huge cheque. Oil companies, rail companies, they take the lion's share of that $250 million gift to the wealthiest in Manitoba, while all our schools suffer, where chil- dren aren't given a fair shot.

And, of course, inde pendently elected school boards that's filled with parents and grandparents, they care about edu cation, they believ e in it, they want Manitoba to have a strong education. So what do they do? They said no. They said no to this government and they turned around and they backfilled the cuts to edu- cation with property tax cuts. Well, the government wouldn't have any of that. So, naturally, they took the power away of demo- cratically elected school boards to protect the school system and they did that in the previous BITSA bill and they go even further in this one.

So, that ended badly, we know. And so what they have done, they–sure, they've withdrawn Bill 64, but they haven't put back the $250 million that they took out of the education system, nor do they have plans to. And they aren 't going to give back control of the school boards. They are going to hold a dir ective to democratically elected school boards that they have to get their budget cleared by this gov ernment and this government can uni laterally tell a demo cratically elected board that they have to cut this or they can 't spend on that, right?

Imagine if Ottawa came here and told this Finance Minister that his fiscal irresponsibility is not acceptable–and according to the federal Parliamentary Budget Officer, they have, in fact, have said that. They said that this gov ernment has cut taxes so b adly that our fiscal situation in Manitoba is not sustainable. We cannot afford to pay for the public services we have with the low taxes right now. * (15:40) And of course, there 's two solutions: you can actually restore taxation a

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	42-3-82b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	42nd 3rd hansardpdf 82b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	991a01759c3c30d714b92c27c5bcbad0b6eaa13d

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