Manitoba Hansard — 3 December 2012 (Sitting 10, 40th Legislature, 2nd Session)

40-2-10

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session - Fortieth Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Daryl Reid Speaker Vol. LXV No. 10 - 1:30 p.m., Monday, December 3, 2012 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Fortieth Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALLAN, Nancy, Hon. St. Vital NDP ALLUM, James Fort Garry-Riverview NDP ALTEMEYER, Rob Wolseley NDP ASHTON, Steve, Hon. Thompson NDP BJORNSON, Peter, Hon. Gimli NDP BLADY, Sharon Kirkfield Park NDP BRAUN, Erna Rossmere NDP BRIESE, Stuart Agassiz PC CALDWELL, Drew Brandon East NDP CHIEF, Kevin, Hon. Point Douglas NDP CHOMIAK, Dave, Hon. Kildonan NDP CROTHERS, Deanne St.

James NDP CULLEN, Cliff Spruce Woods PC DEWAR, Gregory Selkirk NDP DRIEDGER, Myrna Charleswood PC EICHLER, Ralph Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FRIESEN, Cameron Morden-Winkler PC GAUDREAU, Dave St. Norbert NDP GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Liberal GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach PC GRAYDON, Cliff Emerson PC HELWER, Reg Brandon West PC HOWARD, Jennifer, Hon. Fort Rouge NDP IRVIN-ROSS, Kerri, Hon. Fort Richmond NDP JHA, Bidhu Radisson NDP KOSTYSHYN, Ron, Hon. Swan River NDP LEMIEUX, Ron, Hon. Dawson Trail NDP MACKINTOSH, Gord, Hon. St.

Johns NDP MAGUIRE, Larry Arthur-Virden PC MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Flor, Hon. Logan NDP MARCELINO, Ted Tyndall Park NDP MELNICK, Christine, Hon. Riel NDP MITCHELSON, Bonnie River East PC NEVAKSHONOFF, Tom Interlake NDP OSWALD, Theresa, Hon. Seine River NDP PALLISTER, Brian Fort Whyte PC PEDERSEN, Blaine Midland PC PETTERSEN, Clarence Flin Flon NDP REID, Daryl, Hon. Transcona NDP ROBINSON, Eric, Hon. Kewatinook NDP RONDEAU, Jim, Hon. Assiniboia NDP ROWAT, Leanne Riding Mountain PC SARAN, Mohinder The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron St. Paul PC SELBY, Erin, Hon. Southdale NDP SELINGER, Greg, Hon. St.

Boniface NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Verendrye PC STEFANSON, Heather Tuxedo PC STRUTHERS, Stan, Hon. Dauphin NDP SWAN, Andrew, Hon. Minto NDP TAILLIEU, Mavis Morris PC WHITEHEAD, Frank The Pas NDP WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WIGHT, Melanie Burrows NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC

307 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Monday, December 3, 2012 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame s uch laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 15–The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Minimum Wage Protection for Employees with Disabilities) Hon. Jennifer Howard (Minister of Family Services and Labour): I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Swan), that Bill 15, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Minimum Wage Protection for Employees with Disabilities); Loi modifiant le Code des normes d'emploi (protection du salaire minimum pour les employés ayant des incapacités), be now read a first time. Motion presented. Ms.

Howard: I want to start by noting that today is the United Nations day of people with disabilities, and we're joined by many people in the gallery who were out marking that day this morning at a forum held at the convention centre that I was honoured to be able to speak at. And many people in the gallery today have fought very hard for the bill that we are introducing, and it is a bill that will eliminate the ability for emplo yers to apply to Employment Standards to pay less than minimum wage to someone simply because they have a disability. This is a recommendation from the Labour Management Review Committee.

It's a consensus of the employer and employee reps on that committe e. Currently there are fewer than 20 such permits issued. This bill will allow for those remaining permits to be in effect as a result of discussions that have been had with those individuals and their families. It will allow the director to make changes to those permits in order to ensure employees are protected. As I said, I want to thank the people who are with us in the gallery today who have fought hard not only for this change but so many changes that make Manitoba more inclusive and a more accessible province for all of us. Thank you. Mr.

Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 17–The Consumer Protection Amendment and Business Practices Amendment Act (Motor Vehicle Advertising and Information Disclosure and Other Amendments) Hon. Jim Rondeau (Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs ): I move, seconded by the Minister of Family Services and Labour, that Bill 17, The Consumer Protection Amendment and Business Practices Amendment Act (Motor Vehicle Advertising and Information Disclosure and Other Amendments); Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la protection du consommateur et la

Loi sur les pratiques commerciales (publicité et communication de renseignements visant les véhicules automobiles et autres modifications), be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Rondeau : I apologize for the cold for the Minister of Healthy Living. Anyhow, Mr. Speaker, this bill adds to The Consumer Protection Act dealing with motor vehicle advertising and information disclosur e. Prohibition against false advertising and providing false information about a motor vehicle are included. Advertisements must include the price of a vehicle.

The advertised must be the total price, including all fees charged as levies and taxes except G ST and PST, and it must indicate whether the vehicle is new or used. And requirements for disclosure about the vehicle are moved from The Business Practices Act to The Consumer Protection Act, and consumer compliance orders can be issued and publicized by

308 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 the director. It also makes other changes that will be involved in the legislation. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Any further introduction of bills? Seeing none– PETITIONS Provincial Trunk Highway 1 Mr. Larry Maguire (Arthur- Virden): I wish to present the following petition. And the background of this petition is as follows:

(1) The provincial government presently maintains a freeway system for PTH 1 through the province of Manitoba.

(2) By definition this would lead to the elimination of all traffic lights on PTH 1 by building overpasses at every major intersection along the highway.

(3) The Town of Virden and the local planning district have never adopted a 1997 Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation overpass plan for the community at the junctions of PTH 1 and King Street, 83 Highway and PTH 257.

(4) This freeway system overpass plan is impeding business development in Virden. Presently, a Virden businessman is virtu ally prohibited from relocating his business to his own land because it sits on the footprint of the planned overpass, even though his relocated business would generate $700,000 in provincial sales tax annually for Manitoba.

(5) Manitoba's infrastructure deficit has reached a record high. This deficit, paired with the number of existing projects still awaiting completion throughout Manitoba, will render the proposed overpass project financially unfeasible for decades to come. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: To request the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation consider abandoning the Manitoba freeway proposal for the junction of PTH 1 and Virden's three intersections, particularly the King Street junction. This petition is signe d by L. Flett, J. Barkley, K. Gabrielle and many, many others, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

Speaker: In keeping with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to have been received by the House. St. Ambroise Beach Provincial Park Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the reasons for these–for this petition are as follows: The St. Ambroise provincial park was hard hit by the 2011 flood, resulting in the park's ongoing closure and the loss of local access to Lake Manitoba, as well as untold harm to the ecosystem and wildlife in the region.

The park's closure is having a negative impact in many areas, including disruptions to local tourism, hunting and 'fissing' –fishing oper ations, diminished economic and employment opportunities and the potential loss of the local store and decrease in property values. Local residents and visitors alike want St. Ambroise provincial park to be reopened as soon as possible. We petition the L egislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the appropriate ministers of the provincial government consider repairing St.

Ambroise provincial park and its access points to their preflood conditions so the park can be reopened for 2013 season or earlier if possible. This petition's signed by K. Lipke, A. Lachappelle and M. Taylor, many, many more fine Manitobans. * (13:40) Vita & District Health Centre Mr. Dennis Smook (La Verendrye) : I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The reasons for this petition are as follows: The Vita & District Health Centre services a wide area of southeastern Manitoba and is relied on to provide emergency services.

On October 17th, 2012, the emergency room at the Vita & District Hea lth Centre closed with no timeline for it to reopen.

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 309 This emergency room deals with approximately 1,700 cases a year, which includes patients in the hospital, the attached personal care home and members of the community and surrounding area. Manitobans should expect a high quality of health care close to home and should not be expected to travel great distances for health services.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the Minister of Health consider reopening the emer gency room in Vita as soon as possible and commit to providing adequate medical support for residents of southeastern Manitoba for many years to come. This petition is signed by J. Hryciuk, P. Thiessen–P. Friesen and H. Mark and many more fine Manitobans. Thank you. Provincial Road 520 Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background to this petition is as follows: The rural municipalities of Lac du Bonnet and Alexander are experienci ng record growth due especially to an increasing number of Manitobans retiring in cottage country. The population in the RM of Lac du Bonnet grows exponentially in the summer months due to increased cottage use. Due to population growth, Provincial Road 520 experiences heavy traffic, especially during the summer months. PR 520 connects cottage country to the Pinawa Hospital and as such is frequently used by emergency medical services to transport patients.

PR 520 is in such poor condition that there are serious concerns about its safety. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: To urge the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation to recognize the serious safety concerns of Provincial Road 520 and to address its poor condition by prioritizing its renewal. This petition is signed by T.J. Johnson, B. Summerfield, B. Buck and hundreds of other fine Manitobans. Provincial Trunk Highways 16 and 5 North– Traffic Signals Mr. Stuart Briese (Agassiz): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

These are the reasons for this petition: The junction of PTH 16 and PTH 5 north is an increasingly busy intersection which is used by motorists and pedestrians alike. The Town of Neepawa has raised concerns with the Highway Traffic Board about safety levels at this intersection. The Town of Neepawa has also passed a resolution requesting that Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation install traffic lights at this intersection in order to increase safety.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation to consider making the installation of traffic lights at this intersection–at the intersection of PTH 16, PTH 5 north– a priority project in order to help protect the safety of the motorists and pedestrians who use it. This petition is signed by E. Waldner, K. Dalglish, M. Pearson and many, many other fine Manitobans. Personal Care Homes and Long-Term Care– Steinbach Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): Yes, good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I wish to present the following petition.

These are the reasons for this petition: The city of Steinbach is one of the fastest growing communities in Manitoba and one of the largest cities in the province. This growth has resulted in pressure on a number of important services, including personal care homes and long-term care space in the city. Many long -time residents of the city of Steinbach have been forced to live out their final years outside of Steinbach because of the shortage of personal care homes and long-term care facilities. Individuals who have lived in, worked in and contributed to the city of Steinbach their entire lives

310 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 should not be forced to spend their final years in a place far from friends and from family. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the Minister of Health ensure additional personal care homes and long- term care spaces are made available in the city of Steinbach on a priority basis. Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by D. Rempel, J. Funk, B. Bartel and hundreds of other fine Manitobans. TABLING OF REPORTS Hon.

Ron Lemieux (Acting Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act ): I'd like to table Manitoba Lotteries' second -quarter report for the six months ending September 30th, 2012. Introduction of Guests Mr.

Speaker: Prior to oral questions, I'd like to draw the attention of honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us today from Selkirk Junior Parliament 36 grades 7 to 9 students from East Selkirk Middle School, Walter Whyte School, Lockport School and École Selkirk Junior High under the direction of Deanna Cameron, Kelly Murray, Jennifer Magnusson and Scott Andrews. These folks are the guests of the honourable member for Selkirk (Mr. Dewar) and also the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade (Mr. Bjornson). On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here this afternoon.

And also in the public gallery, we have with us today Kirstie Grimmer from the Chancellor School Advisory Council, who is a guest of the honourable member for St. Norbert (Mr. Gaudreau). On behalf of honourable members, we welcome you here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Manitoba Hydro Export Market Concerns Mr. Brian Pallister (Leader of the Official Opposition): The top priority for investments by Manitoba Hydro has always been Manitobans' best interests in the domestic market, not foreign exports of hydro. And yet the government has it upside down.

It seems like they're saying that the reason for going ahead with this supersizing of Manitoba Hydro is–well, the quote the Premier's known for is: It's about power exports to the US, he says. They're willing to pay premium international prices. Interestingly, those prices are leading to increases in rates for Manitobans, Mr. Speaker, up to 40 per cent or more over the next decade, 6 per cent in the last three months. So my question, I guess, is this: Why? Why double the size of Manitoba Hydro? Why speculate in the risky US energy market?

Why place the interests of American power buyers ahead of Manitobans who really own Manitoba Hydro, not the NDP? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, the experience of the opposition never changes when it comes to Manitoba Hydro. They always are looking for a reason to not build it, to mothball it. And as a result of that, we lost a decade in the '90s. They criticized Limestone as a project that was uneconomic. It was built and it paid itself back within 10 years, and then that power was available, having been paid off by export revenues available to Manitobans.

The capital was paid off by the export revenues to Manitobans. The Leader of the Official Opposition needs to understand that export revenues keep rates lower in Manitoba than they would be if we did not have export revenues. The absence of export revenues would make prices rise higher in Manitoba, as we're seeing in other jurisdictions across the country. Mr. Pallister: The Premier's degree from London School of Economics obviously isn't in economics. The fact is that export prices have declined to half the level of five years ago while he's caught in the headlights.

The reality is today's price per kilowatt hour is 3 and a half cents. The reality is the cost of production is 13 cents. The reality is that we're going to be losing money if we follow the NDP's bullheaded plan. The NDP business plan calls for the large st megaproject investment in the history of our province, Mr. Speaker, and it is concocted. It's on false urgency. It's based on skyrocketing supply, but they're ignoring the skyrocketing supply, and they're ignoring the sinking markets.

Now, previous pr emiers, including Edward Schreyer, had the wisdom to listen to his advisers and put the brakes on projects when it was appropriate. Why is this Premier acting like a deer caught in the headlights?

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 311 Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, the member clearly has his head stuck in the sand; that's his problem when it comes to understanding the future of Hydro. The spot sales have shown a decline in prices. Firm sales remain very strong. Firm sale prices are the kind of prices that reduce the cost of building new hydro in Manitoba.

Those export revenues–over $20 billion of export revenues over the next 20 years –will generate benefits that pay down the capital of new hydro installations and make those installations available to the Manitoba economy, which is a growing economy, an economy that's growing with people. It's growing with clean energy; it's growing with new people investing in Manitoba; and as this economy grows, there will be a demand for clean, green energy.

When we build it now and export it, the price that c omes back from those exports keeps the cost lower in Manitoba and allows us to get ahead of the curve on clean, green energy in the province of Manitoba. * (13:50) Mr. Pallister: Manitobans deserve more than jolly Pollyanna for Premier here, Mr. Speaker. The reality is that the Premier is telling everybody in the province to hurry up and get in the car; let's go for a 50 -year US vacation, and they'll all–they'll pay for the freight. But the fact is he spends a lot of his time looking in the rear -view mirror; he can't see what's coming.

The reality is he hasn't got any headlights on the car and he can't see the problems right in front of him. The reality is he hasn't got any brakes on the car either and once we start the car rolling, Mr. Speaker, there's no stopping. The reality is that he is telling everybody to listen to him that we're going to stay free down in the States on this vacation. And they're saying, we're booked; there's no room right now and there won't be any room for 50 years.

So, former and present NDP experts, former and present hydro experts, they're all saying the same thing: sober second thought, take a look at this, what's the rush? Len Evans, Len Bateman–smart men, smart people–are saying, bad idea. So why get in the Premier's car w hen he doesn't have a map and, like many men, he doesn't have the brains to ask for directions either? Mr. Speaker: I want to caution the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition –in fact, all members of the House –I very much, as your Speaker, want this to be a respectful workplace.

So I'm asking for the co- operation of all honourable members to ensure that that happens. And I caution the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, please, sir, pick and choose your words very carefully. The honourable First Minister, to respond to the question. Mr. Selinger: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question, without the editorial comments, but the question allows me to put on the record the following. We have signed contracts in the United States for additional power sales. This is something the member seems to skip over.

We listened very courteously when the member put his very rude question, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps he could do the favour of listening t o us when we give him the answer. Or is that beyond his capacity at this early stage in his career as Leader of the Opposition? Clearly seems to be. We have signed contracts for over $7 billion of noon sales –new sales. We have ongoing contracts where we provide up to 10 per cent of the hydroelectricity to the great state of Minnesota. We have people looking for clean, green power in the United States that's reliable power, power that could be provided by Manitoba Hydro.

And just like the Limestone proje ct, which they criticized and denigrated every step of the way, that– those power sales paid themselves back in 10 years and then made that capital investment in new dams available to all Manitobans, which allowed us to grow our economy and keep the lowest rates in North America. The lowest rates in North America is what we have right now here in Manitoba in spite of the mothballing of the members of the opposition. Manitoba Hydro Export Market Concerns Mr. Ron Schuler ( St. Paul ): Mr.

Speaker, hydro rates are expected to go up by 45 per cent by 2021 as a direct result of NDP mismanagement. Manitobans will be forced to pay for export -driven projects that the PUB says are not likely to break even, let alone make money, in the coming decade. Why is the NDP forcing these plans ahead without the proper integrated economic reviews?

312 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 Hon. Dave Chomiak (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Hydro Act ): Mr. Speaker, I think the member is reading the wrong briefing note. P ower rates are going up in the next year 41.4 per cent in BC. They're going up 23.9 per cent in Saskatchewan, and they're going up 42 per cent in Nova Scotia. Mr. Speaker, in Winnipeg the monthly cost of residential power is $76.25. In Regina, it's $125.48. In St. John's, it's $125.48. In Halifax, it's $150.06.

In Calgary–Calgary, the energy capital of the country – it's $117.41, almost double what it is in Manitoba. I will take those rates, the lowest in the country, in front of the rhetoric the member i s trying to inaccurately put on the record any time. Manitoba Hydro–Bipole III Needs For and Alternatives To Review Mr. Ron Schuler ( St. Paul ): Mr. Speaker, the minister is a little defensive on this one. The minister has ordered a needs for and alternatives to, or NFAT, for Keeyask and Conawapa to ensure that they are economically sound, but not Bipole III.

The Conservation Minister also cut a proposal to have the NFAT review done at the environmental hearings. Is the minister afraid to send bipole thr ough–III through an NFAT because it would fail? Hon. Dave Chomiak (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Hydro Act ): As the member probably is aware, we've already announced an NFAT for Conawapa and for Keeyask. Mr. Speaker, just let me repeat. The monthly rate for an average Manitoban, of a thousand kilowatts an hour, is $76.25 for the average Manitoban. For the average person in Halifax, it's $150, which is more than double.

For the average person in BC –in BC, which has hydro–it's $87.77. For the average person in Regina next door, it's about $50 a month more. That equates to $600 a year per person. We have the lowest rates in the country. We're going to keep it that way. If we had done what the Tories had asked us to do before, Mr. Speaker, we'd have the highest rates. They want market rates. They want to go back to coal. They want to use natural gas. They want to use systems that are foregone. Why don't we go to coal? Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Mr. Schuler: Mr.

Speaker, this is a minister in a government that promised no tax increases and then increased them, said they would balance the budget by 2014–got those numbers wrong. There's nothing this minister can put on the record that w e believe at this point in time. But thank you very much for that. Export sales to the US can't be fully judged without evaluating the cost of getting it there. Bipole III is estimated to cost 3 cents per kilowatt hour to transmit power, which has a big i mpact on both export sales and domestic use.

Will the minister put bipole through–III through NFAT at the same time as Keeyask and Conawapa so we can get a clear picture of the integrated economics of this $18-billion project? Mr. Chomiak: First off, Mr. Speaker, bipole doesn't cost $18 billion. The cost of transmission for reliability for bipole is almost not calculable in terms of what would happen if those two lines that are nearby each other were to go out. It's for reliability. It's one of the reasons why we have signed contracts with the United States. It's one of the reasons why we're negotiating with Saskatchewan.

We're negotiating with the province next to us to provide power to them. It's one of the reasons why companies c ome to Manitoba every single day, because of our rates, and want to relocate to Manitoba. And you know what? An Honourable Member: Name them. Mr. Chomiak : Name them? Just you wait, Mr. Speaker. Just you wait. Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry Responsibility for Missing Documentation Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Riding Mountain): For those following the tragic replay of Phoenix Sinclair's life as the inquiry unfolds, there remain a lot of unanswered questions.

It seems that someone does not want these questions answered, as notes on the child welfare file have gone missing. The minister has recently admitted the notes did exist, are missing and were perhaps destroyed. Mr. Speaker, I ask the minister: When did she become aware that the notes were missing, and what has she done to investigate this very serious situation? Hon. Jennifer Howard (Minister of Family Services and Labour): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for the question. I think, as I've said before,

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 313 watching the inquiry unfold, hearing the stories that are being told of the tragic life and even more tragic death of Phoenix Sinclair is a painful experience for all of us. I find the fact that there's missing documentation extremely distressing. It would be my wish that all the documentation was available, because the reason why we called the inquiry was to get the full story so that we can make the changes that are necessary to be made.

I am –I understand that there has been an extensive search for that documentation and –many times by many people involved in the system. I look forward to the inquiry's conclusion. I look forward to the recommendations that they bring forth, and I look forward to continuing to making changes– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Minister's time has expired. Mrs. Rowat: Based on her comments, I believe–and I believe Manitobans believe–that she didn't do what needed to be done to protect those files. Mr. Speaker, several reviews were done at the time Phoenix Sinclair was murdered. Over 300 recommendations were made.

If the minister–is the minister not concerned that these notes may have been deliberately removed to impair the work of the inquiry? Mr. Speaker, will the minister today indicate whether the fire –files were available when all these reviews were done? Ms. Howard: Well, Mr. Speaker, I want us all to be clear in this Chamber. I don't want us to–any of us to put forward allegations for which there is no evidence, and there is no evidence that any notes were deliberately removed –no evidence that I'm aware of.

If the member opposite has that evidence, I would ask her to share it with me, because that would be very, very serious. That would be very, very serious if there is –if there are those allegations and she has evidence to support those allegations. * (14:00) As I've said, I think that the missing information is troubling. It's something that we wish was available because it would give us a full picture. Documentation has been an issue and was identified in several of the reviews of this case.

That's why we've made moves to increase training, to increase standards to ensure the documentation is made in a timely way. Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Mrs. Rowat: Mr. Speaker, the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry was called over six years ago. Why wasn't this minister being proa ctive or this government being proactive in ensuring that those documents were secure? The inquiry has been stalled and delayed and now key documents are missing.

Given the seriousness of this situation, why were the documents not protected, kept in a sa fe place so that full disclosure would have been made available to the public during the inquiry? This government failed to give instruction that all files be kept safe, Mr. Speaker. It's obvious; they're missing. Why did she fail to have these documents sealed and protected? Ms. Howard: I think, clearly, there are standards in place when it comes to documentation. There are standards in place when it comes to the security of information.

We have made moves to strengthen those standards, to increase the tr aining available, to make sure that there's resources in place to help people make sure that the data is entered correctly and we'll continue to make those moves. And we will take the recommendations from this inquiry very, very seriously, and if there a re further moves that we need to make to ensure the documentation is done appropriately and done well, then we will make those changes, Mr. Speaker.

That's why we called the inquiry, because we want to get the full story of what happened and information on how we can improve the system as much as anybody. Thank you. Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry Responsibility for Missing Documentation Mrs. Bonnie Mitchelson (River East): That answer isn't good enough. It was this government that called the inquiry six years ago. Mr. Speaker, it was up to this government to ensure the integrity of the files that were available so the inquiry and the commissioner could do his work.

Why did this government fail to ensure that those documents were in a secure place and protected s o that the commissioner could do his work? Hon. Jennifer Howard (Minister of Family Services and Labour): We called this inquiry

314 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 because we wanted the whole story, the full story, to become available. We wanted people to hear –and I think what's unfolding i n the inquiry is an unprecedented look at how the child welfare system works and how it doesn't work. And I think that doing that, while it is very painful for the people involved, I think it is necessary and it will be necessary so that we can take a look at what happened in this case, so that we can make more changes.

Many changes have been made, but so that we can make more changes into the future to ensure that the system is in a place where it can protect children and help families. Mrs. Mitchelson: Under law, the Minister of Family Services has the ultimate responsibility to ensure that children are protected. When Phoenix Sinclair fell through the cracks and was murdered, Mr. Speaker, this government called an inquiry.

That inquiry should have been full and the commissioner should have had all of the information for him to do his job and it was up to the minister and the government responsible to ensure that those files were there. Why did they fail to protect the documents? Ms. Howard: Well, I think, Mr. Speaker, as I've stated, there has been an exhaustive search for those documents. Everybody wants to make sure that that – those documents, all the information that the commissioner needs, is turned over to the commissioner and they have full access.

There has been extremely good co- operation, I think, between the government and the commission in making information available. I don't know what allegations the members opposite have evidence to support. I'm open to hear that evidence if they have some al legations and we'll take that very seriously.

The things that we have done to make sure that children are protected in the wake of the tragic death of Phoenix Sinclair is invest in front -line social workers to the tune of over 200 more people in the system, make sure that standards are brought up to date that are in place, standards that include things like having every child seen every time. And there's much more to do, Mr. Speaker, and we will hear those recommendations and we'll take them seriously. Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Mrs.

Mitchelson: The evidence that we do have is that this government failed to protect the files and ensure that they were secure so that the commissioner and the inquiry could do their job. Mr. Speaker, they have failed Phoenix Sinclair through their lack of accountability and their incompetence. Why wasn't a directive sent to ensure that those documents were in a safe place so that Manitobans–excuse me–could have all of the information and all of the facts as the inquiry unfolded? Ms. Howard: Well, Mr.

Speaker, the truth is that there are standards in place to make sure that all information in the child welfare system is kept secure and is kept confidential. People take that very, very seriously. In this situation, as I've sai d before, there has been extensive searches for these documents. They haven't been found. I wish that they were available because I think that they would be useful to the commissioner. We have worked to co -operate with the commission.

We called the commission of inquiry because we wanted there to be a full disclosure of what happened in this case and because we wanted to be able to learn how to strengthen the system, and that commission will continue and that inquiry will continue and we will take our les sons from the commissioner. Taxation Possible Increases Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, for two weeks now this NDP government has refused to say if they will raise taxes again to pay for the spending mess that they've created.

It is troubling that this Minister of Finance babbles on about all kinds of things, but he refuses to answer the question. So I'd like to ask him again: Will the NDP raise taxes again in their next budget to pay for their spending addiction? Hon. Stan Struthers (Minister of Finance ): You know, Mr. Speaker, it's quite rich that the member opposite would c omplain when we come forward, not only just complain but vote against a measure in terms of reducing RHAs in this province to contain costs and have those costs transferred to the front lines that Manitobans care about. She talks about babbling on.

Well, last week I guess I babbled on about a –$1.2 billion in tax savings for individuals, property and business. Now, I have fairly thick skin, I can handle her calling–

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 315 saying I babble on, but those were real tax savings for Manitobans. I don't know if they thi nk I was babbling on or not. Mrs. Driedger: Well, Mr. Speaker, in the last election we saw this government raise taxes by $184 million. He's neglecting to talk about that. Mr. Speaker, the federal government has said that they will not raise taxes in the ir next budget, but for some reason this NDP government here won't give Manitoba taxpayers the same straight answer.

And it's a very simple question: Will the NDP guarantee, like the federal government has, that they won't raise taxes in their next budget? Mr. Struthers : Well, Mr. Speaker, in the last election–the member across the way is incorrect. In the last election we talked about protecting services that Manitobans value more than others. We talked about protecting health care. We talked about protecting education. We talked about protecting services that protect kids. We talked about very strategic investments in our economy to grow that economy.

We have taken on seriously reductions in spending, a streamlining of government, offering our services to Manitobans in a different way that's more efficient and more effective, and they do not support that. They work against– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Order, please. Balanced Budget Government Timeline Mrs. Myrna Driedg er (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, the federal government has also said they are going to balance their books by 2015, yet this NDP government refuses to say whether they will balance their budget here in Manitoba. Mr.

Speaker, the lack of responses by this NDP government on both those issues of raising taxes and balancing the budget is becoming shocking. They're not giving a clear answer to Manitoba taxpayers. So I'd ask him today for a very clear answer: When will the NDP government in Manitoba balance the budget? * (14:10) Hon. Stan Struthers (Minister of Finance ): Well, Mr. Speaker, the federal government has also had five different dates over the last 20 months as to when they're going to come back into balance.

The federal government has also laid off Manitobans and left unprotected some of the services that matter most to Manitobans. Our commitment has been very clear, Mr. Speaker. We're going to take on decisions that reduce the spending that we do have. We're not going to do it in such a way that we lay people off, and we're not going to do it in such a way that we hurt health care, that we hurt education, that we hurt our ability to protect kids in this province. We're not going to take your advice –Mr.

Speaker, we're not going to take their advi ce and go into these with deep cuts that put our–that would risk putting our economy– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Minister's time has expired. Balanced Budget Government Timeline Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): During the last election, the Premier (Mr. Selinger) promised that he would balance the budget in Manitoba by 2014, and he said that he would do so without raising taxes, Mr. Speaker. Well, Manitobans have two questions for him: No. 1, when will he balance the budget, Mr. Speaker? And, No. 2, will he do so without raising taxes? Hon.

Stan Struthers (Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, we've employed a very balanced approach to our economy. The balance includes both revenue and expenditure decisions. Members opposite will see that kind of a balanced approach come forward. What we will not be doing, Mr. Speaker –what we will not be doing–is taking advice from members opposite who for some reason think it's a good–a good way to do this would be very draconian cuts to services, very deep, heartless cuts, if I may say so, deep cuts that would (

a) leave our –Manitobans without the services that they desire and (

b) would run the risk of putting our economy further into an economic downturn. Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Mrs. Stefanson: And these are not trick questions that we are asking the Minister of Finance. In fact, Mr. Speaker, we have asked these questions several

316 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 times, in fact, every day in question period in the last few–couple of weeks. My question for the Minister of Finance is quite simple: Is it his intention to balance the budget at all, Mr. Speaker? Yes or no. Mr. Struthers: Mr. Speaker, this is the same group of people who came into this Legislature with a resolution–with a resolution that would have cut deeply into the services that Manitobans really want us to protect. They came in and they put that resolution on the table. They all stood and they voted for it.

Those were deep cuts that would've kicked our economy into recession. Then the election comes along, and what do they do? Eleventh hour, just before the election, the night before the election, they decide we're not coming back into balance 'til 2018. The people with credibility problems on this issue are sitting to your left, Mr. Speaker. Mrs. Stefanson: Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance can't even answer a simple yes -or-no question. That's –it's concerning for Manitobans. They want to know whether or not this Minister of Finance has any intention at all of ever balancing the budget.

Will he answer that question, Mr. Speaker? Will he–does he have the intention of balancing this budget ever? Mr. Struthers : Well, Mr. Speaker, when we talk about these issues, I think it's very important to remember what the debt -to-GDP ratio is today as compared to what it was a number of years ago. If we want to really measure the effectiveness of government actions, that is a very good way to do it. Mr.

Speaker, 33 per cent represents the number in 1999, back i n the days when the member of –the Leader of the Opposition thought that they were blessed with having that government, back in the days when the –that was a intelligent way of governing. Thirty-three per cent, more than a third of our debt to GDP existed at that time. Today, we've worked that down to 27 per cent, Mr. Speaker, because we have– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Minister's time has expired. Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry Responsibility for Missing Documentation Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr.

Speaker, with regard to the missing supervisor's notes at the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry, the minister insists that there were standards in place. Presumably, these were standards for storing records, for accessing records and for records security. She also says it's unknown why these files were missing. But one supervisor, Andy Orobko, took his notes home, had them there for several years and then destroyed them. I ask the minister: Will the minister tell us which standard this follows, and will the ministe r today table the standards that she's so –referring to earlier on? Hon.

Jennifer Howard (Minister of Family Services and Labour): Well, clearly, the destruction of notes does not follow a standard; that is clear. I don't think anybody would purport to say that it does follow any standard of good recordkeeping. I'd be pleased to share with the member opposite the standards that are in place when it comes to documentation. I don't have them with me today, but I'd be pleased to make that information availab le to him. Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the minister tabling those as soon as possible. Mr.

Speaker, in Saturday's Winnipeg Free Press, Lindor Reynolds wrote of the missing CFS supervisory notes on the Phoenix Sinclair file. She said: The notes may become the inquiry's version of the infamous 18 and a half missing minutes of taped conversation between US President Richard Nixon and his chief of staff used to determine the President's role in covering up the Watergate scandal.

I ask the Mi nister of Family Services: What action did senior CFS management make to make sure the CFS supervisory notes for Phoenix Sinclair were not lost, and can the minister completely tell us what action had been taken to try and retrieve these lost notes? Ms. Howard: I think it's worth noting, again, for members opposite, that it was this government that called the inquiry. We called the inquiry because we wanted to have a full airing, and it has provided, really, an unprecedented look at the child welfare system. We have had people testify who worked on the case. We've had people testify who were

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 317 supervisors of that case, and as that inquiry unfolds, we will also hear what has happened since the death of Phoenix Sinclair, and then we will also move into a discus sion of some of the issues that we all confront in our society that leads to the neglect and abuse of children. So the inquiry is going to teach us much about how we can improve the system, and we'll look forward to those recommendations. As I've said b efore, the standards that are in place speak to the security and confidentiality of records– Mr. Speaker: Order, please.

Minister's time has expired. Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, the processes and procedures to ensure that CFS notes do not get lost, misplaced, or destroyed are the responsibility of the Minister of Family Services and of other senior CFS officials like, for example, Darlene MacDonald was at the time. Wh ile the decisions related to what was said then on what happens to an individual child and family may depend a lot on the front-line worker, the procedures and processes which are vital to the integrity of the system are those of the minister and the senior management.

And I ask the minister: Why has the revolving door of NDP CFS ministers allowed the CFS department to be run in such a way that critical notes of CFS supervisors have gone missing and the media is now comparing NDP governments to Watergate? Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Ms. Howard: You know, I'm not going to engage in the cynicism of the member opposite on this file.

We come to work here every day because all of us want to do better for our communities, and I come into my office every day with the heavy responsibility but the welcome responsibility for making sure that children and families are cared for and protected, and I take that responsibility extremely seriously. And I am not going to give up on that responsibility, and I'm not going to give up in the face of the kind of cynicism that the member opposite brings into this Chamber, Mr. Speaker. We are paying very close attention to this inquiry.

I believe this inquiry will come out with a report that will transform the wa y children and family services are delivered in this province, and I welcome the opportunity to put that into effect. * (14:20) Seasons of Tuxedo Geothermal System Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry -Riverview): Winnipeggers and Manitobans are excited about the new retail development boom that is happening in our great city, which creates economic growth and creates jobs. What they may not know is that one of these developments, the Seasons of Tuxedo, is one of the greenest in the world.

Could the Minister for I nnovation, Energy and Mines please inform the House about the –how the Province helped support this energy efficient development with green tax incentives and geothermal grants? Hon. Dave Chomiak (Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines): I was honoured to be able to be present at the 275,000- square-foot retail development, the largest retail development with a geothermal system of its kind probably in the world, Mr.

Speaker, which was –which has provided green and clean energy with a payback to both the te nants and the owners of eight years, and which was assisted by the Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit as well as the district geothermal grant. We were able to help these come to Manitoba, keep the Manitoba economy expanding and keep it expanding in a gre en, sustainable way, with sustainable, green jobs going into the future. That's what Manitobans want to have dealt by their government. Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Collection Agency Garnishee Order Mr.

Cliff Graydon (Emerson): Bill Turner received a speeding ticket driving home one evening. He's never disputed that he was in the wrong and should have to pay it. He tried to pay the ticket online where he was told that there was no record of the ticket; it didn't exist. The ticket was issued to the wrong address. He had recently moved and had registered this with MPI. The ticket, however, was mailed to the wrong address. Because of this error, a $354.75 ticket became a ticket in excess of $400, with late fees, garnishment fees and court costs, plus an additional $1,340 to renew his licence and registration. Mr.

Speaker, I want to ask the Minister of Justice: Why must Mr. Turner pay for MPI's mistakes and mismanagement?

318 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 Hon. Andrew Swan (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act): Although I can't discuss the specific case, it is clear the member does not have all the information.

There is some advice I can give the member, and indeed, all Manitobans: No. 1, don't speed on our highways; No. 2, make sure that you give MPI your current address because it is very important if they need to get a hold of you; No. 3, if you speed and you're caught and you're handed a ticket by the RCMP or by a police officer, you should pay it in accordance with the terms written on ticket. If you want to oppose it, you should do so in accordance with the terms printed on the ticket.

If you don't pay it in accordance with those te rms or oppose it, it is not surprising there is then collection action that can be taken for the outstanding amount of the ticket. And when you go to renew your driver's licence or your vehicle registration, you may find there's a hold that's been placed against it. Now, even– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Mr. Graydon: Due to the mismanagement of MPI, the collection agency and the justice system received inaccurate information. The minister responsible for MPI and the Minister for Justice are one and the same.

When his office was contacted, they acknowledged it was some confusion on what was owed and sent Mr. Turner the wrong phone number to call and rectify the situation. Mr. Speaker, the minister still has an opportunity to do the right thing and commit to refund the extra fees to his–through his department's failures. Mr.

Swan : Good–some more information I can provide to the member opposite and all Manitobans is that if you do get a ticket, when you do pay the ticket, you still have to pay for your vehicle registration and the cost of your driver's licence, which, unfortunately, was incorrect in the information put forward by the member opposite and the Tory press releases. They continue, Mr. Speaker, to aim lower. But, you know, this morning I stood shoulder to shoulder with the RCMP out at Headingl ey as they again announced their annual Check Stop program. We support the RCMP.

We support their efforts to make our roads safer, to keep them safe from impaired drivers, to make sure that individuals are wearing their seatbelts, not distracted, and one of the most important issues is to make sure individuals are not speeding on our highways. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the RCMP to reduce the deaths in our province caused by people speeding on our highways. We take it very seriously. I know the police take it very seriously– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired. Mr.

Graydon: [inaudible] cannot renew his insurance on his vehicle in a monthly or quarterly installments as he has done previously. He will be unable to renew his driver's licence wi thout undue hardships. For a man that commutes to work every day from Gretna to Winkler, this is a tall order. When my office notified the minister, they continued on their reckless path and sent a collection agency after him, and Mr. Turner has had enough. Mr. Speaker, can the minister commit to meeting with Mr. Turner and resolve all the issues involved in a ticket, including Mr. Turner's reputation and his credit rating? Mr.

Swan: My first response–I did explain some of the challenges, and it's some of the things that all Manitobans need to do, and it is true, if you receive a park–if you receive a speeding ticket and you're either convicted or you say you'll pay it and you don't, if you don't pay that fine, there may be action taken. And Manitoba Justice does pursue individuals with outstanding fines. We believe it's important. I thought the member for Brandon West (Mr. Helwer) thought that was important, but that was a different week. And then he did and he didn't, but that's another point.

But we believe that drivers who break the law, who break The Highway Traffic Act, actually should have to pay when they receive tickets. And, again, I would point out to all Manitobans, it's very important that they continue to advise Manitoba Public Insuranc e of their correct address because that's the only place MPI– Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The minister's time has expired. There are a few seconds left. Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry Responsibility for Missing Documentation Mrs. Bonnie Mitchels on (River East): Mr. Speaker, I think the answers from the Minister of

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 319 Family Services today left a lot of unanswered questions. Very simple question to the minister: Why did the government not ensure that the files and the documents that should have bee n available to the commissioner from the Phoenix Sinclair murder, why did she, Mr. Speaker, why did her government not ensure that those files were in a secure, safe place so that Manitobans would have all of the answers and the commissioner would be able to do his work? Hon. Jennifer Howard (Minister of Family Services and Labour): Mr.

Speaker, well, as I've said before, there were and there are standards in place that speak to the confidentiality and the security of information, and that is our expectati on when it comes to recordkeeping with regards to all child welfare cases. We called this inquiry because there are unanswered questions, and we called this inquiry because we want to hear the answers to those questions. We want Manitobans to hear the answers to those questions, but more importantly than any of that, Mr.

Speaker, we want to hear how we can go about improving not only the system designed to protect children but improving all of our province so that children aren't in need of that kind of protection. That's what we await to hear from the inquiry. Those are the recommendations that I think will be very important to transforming the future of Child and Family Services, and we'll take those recommendation as they come. Mr. Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Charleswood Historical Society Centennial Committee Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Charleswood turns 100 next year.

The Charleswood Historical Society is busy planning this centennial, and I would like to congratulate them on their dedication and energy to fulfill their motto, Celebrating our Past; Embracing our Future. The centennial committee has identified a wide range of ideas and events to celebrate the centennial next year. Once again, the people of Charleswood are stepping up to volunteer their time and energy to help with these celebrations. They have already published a calenda r with wonderful photos of old Charleswood, and these calendars are now available for sale through the Charleswood Historical Society.

Dan Furlan is the chair of the centennial committee, and plans are well underway for many exciting events. The Charlesw ood 100 logo was designed by local resident Doug Coates and will be used to brand all of the centennial activities. The volunteer committee has big plans and hopes for the year. Some of the plans under consideration includes improvement and recognition of the historical sites of The Passage and Kelly's Landing, recognition of 100- year families and veterans and a canoe dock at Caron House.

Research is also being done into the Red River buffalo hunt and the significance of the Buffalo Pound Hunting Site. Also proposed are the establishment of two trails off the Harte Trail: First Nations tribute trail and Old Pembina trail habitat preservations trail to save habitat and preserve our Red River cart trail history. The Charleswood Legion plans to have a wall of pictures of Charleswood residents. A committee plans to go into schools to do presentations about local history.

Other ideas include a children's fair, a lecture series, Doors Open Winnipeg at Caron House, fireworks, business improvement beauti - fication, fashion show and car show and probably many, many others. The ideas are endless, and it should be a year of lots of celebration. We invite people outside of Charleswood to join with us in celebrating our 100th birthday. It is definitely time to celebrate. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate and thank all of the wonderful volunteers in Charleswood who are so enthusiastic about planning and carrying out this year-long event.

Good luck to them with all of the events and activities, and they are indeed an inspiring group to work with. And I look forward to participating with them. Thank you. * (14:30) Chancellor School Advisory Council Mr. Dave Gaudreau (St. Norbert): As a society, one of the greatest things we can do for our children is to ensure their education and socialization. Schools play a key role in achieving this goal and it takes many people to create a positive learning environment. While staff members are irreplaceable and vital to all educational institutions, advisory

320 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 council volunteers are al so important to the growth and prosperity of every school. The Chancellor School Advisory Council or CSAC in St. Norbert is one such wonderful example. CSAC is a group of parents and guardians that support students and staff at Chancellor elementary school. It's actively involved in the school by means of classroom volunteering, field- trip supervision, helping with reading and special lunch- day assistance.

Outside of school hours, this dedicated council organizes fun events for the students and their famil y including movie nights, a Peak of the Market fundraiser, a holiday concert auction. While some of these events act as a fundraiser for the school, they, most importantly, all bring the community together. Notably, the fundraisers are chosen carefully to reflect the council's values: social justice, nutrition, literacy and development. Successful fundraising efforts have allowed CSAC to support Chancellor School in various ways.

Recent council initiatives have included a $2,000 subsidy towards the purcha se of agenda books, kindergarten welcome bags, classroom grants, student leadership rewards, post -immunization snacks and an end -of-the-year grade 6 farewell celebration. Last year, the council focused on improving the school's play structure making it mor e accessible, adding more pieces and improving drainage. Every project the council has pursued has been prioritized in response to the needs of the students, their families and staff. Mr.

Speaker, the dedication of the Chancellor School Advisory Council t o bettering the education experience of children is tremendous. Having attended the school functions, I have witnessed the phenomenal council teamwork and can assert that the students at Chancellor School are certainly fortunate. Thank you to the many council members who volunteer their time to improving their school's community. The council's positive impact on the community is, in fact, immeasurable and deserving recognition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Les Kletke Mr.

Cliff Graydon (Emerson): I rise today to recognize an outstanding writer and public speaker from my constituency. Les Kletke from Altona has spent more than 25 years in the communication industry working as a book coach, freelance writer and a highly regarded speaker on numerous issues. Throughout those 25 years, he has published six books as well as writing for many newspapers and magazines, winning numerous awards in the process. Les studied economics and agriculture at the University of Manitoba, which led him to studying as a Nuffield sch olar, allowing him to gain new agriculture experience in Britain.

His work in the agricultural sector also allowed him to travel to Russia, the United States, Korea, Brazil, New Zealand, Mongolia and China. Les is also trained as an auctioneer, and is involved in many charity auctions for worthwhile causes. Mr. Speaker, all of these skills have led Les to being named Canada's representative to the global farmers roundtable, world food symposium, in Des Moines, Iowa.

The event invited 20 producers from all over the world to discuss trade and technology in the agricultural sector, and to better understand and address the challenges of filling an increased food and nutritional security gap. The second part of Les's trip is to attend the World Food Prize even t in which many, many more farmers and those employed in the agricultural industry will debate and discuss other issues in the industry, like food security, conservation solutions and emergency technologies in agriculture. Mr.

Speaker, Les is a respected voice in the agricultural industry and is well respected in publishing industry as well. His work helps many understand complex issues, and is a great educator in both fields. I would ask all members of this House to join me in congratulating Les on all of his successes and wish him the best of luck in his future work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Guru Nanak Mr. Mohinder Saran (The Maples): Mr. Speaker, on December 2nd, 2012, our honoured Premier (Mr.

Selinger) and I were hon oured to attend the Sikh Society of Manitoba's celebration of the birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion. While this celebration was held this past weekend, Guru Nanak was born on November 28, a month of great significance to Sikhs. It is a month of pride but also one of sadness.

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 321 Political instability and philosophical friction within the Indian state led to the 1984 genocide of Sikh people in New Delhi and many parts of India outside of Sikhs' homeland. People were tortured and set on fire, and women were raped and made to wander the streets naked. This state failed to protect them. After 28 years nobody is convicted. The democracies of the world appeared to sympathize with the victims.

The month of November brings sorrow to the Sikh community, but also great pride, pride because they did not take revenge upon the innocent, though many innocent Sikhs were slaughtered, but chose instead to donate blood to save lives as well as to commemorate the memory of the victims of the 1984 genocide. The campaign of blood donation in North America began in November 1999 and has saved since then thousands of precious lives. Mr.

Speaker, I would like to take the time for us to stop here today and honour these many people, the Sikh peopl e, for their sacrifice, and remember the religious freedom we enjoy in Canada and in the world today because of people like Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, gurus of Sikhism who taught us lessons of integrity and sacrifice. Thank you. Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): Mr. Speaker, the Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre, known as the MERC, is located on Langside Street in the heart of the Spence neighbourhood.

Led by the Spence Neighbourhood Association and the Youth Agencies Alliance, the MERC provides local youth with a safe place to play sports and take

part in after school drop-in programs. In October, our provincial government and Manitoba Lotteries partnered with the Spence Neighbourhood Association and none other than the National Basketball Association to unveil the newly renovated gymnasium at the MERC. The new features include everything from a refurbished gym floor to new wall pads, new backboards, several dozen new NBA basketballs, new scoreboard, shot clock, timer, and many other features. I was really pleased to join our Premier (Mr.

Selinger) at the grand opening for this amazing celebration where kids from the local neighbourhood had a chance to meet NBA legend and hall of famer Clyde the Glide Drexler. Members of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Harlem Globetrotters were also on hand to help kids with their locals –help local kids with their skills and show off some off some of their professional moves. Mr. Speaker, our government has really fought to promote the benefits of giving kids an opportunity to play sports in all parts of our province.

I know from my own experience as a youth athlete, youth are able to grow as individuals and learn to work together as a team and, in turn, sport helps foster healthy neighbourhoods and communities where citizens can learn and work together and trust each other. The MERC is an essential part of this process in the Spence neighbourhood and the gymnasium's revitalization is an essential

part in the amazin g accomplishments that this community is achieving. Today in the gallery we have with us: Jamil Mahmood, the executive director of the Spence Neighbourhood Association; Chino Argueta, the recreation and sports coordinator for the Youth Agencies Alliance; and Adam Wedlake, the executive director of Basketball Manitoba. These community organizations were essential in creating this lasting legacy in Spence neighbourhood, and I'd ask all of my MLA colleagues here in the House to join me in thanking them for t heir tireless efforts on behalf of today's youth. Thank you. Mr. Speaker: Grievances.

Seeing no grievances– ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon. Jennifer Howard (Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, could we proceed with second reading of Bill 3, followed by Bill 12, 9, 14 and–yes, and 14. Mr. Speaker: We'll now proceed with second readings of bills in the following sequence: Bill 3, Bill 12, Bill 9, and then Bill 14. SECOND READINGS Mr. Speaker: So we'll now call Bill 3, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Leave Related to the Critical Illness, Death or Disappearance of a Child).

322 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 Bill 3–The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Leave Related to the Critical Illness, Death or Disappearance of a Child) Hon. Jennifer Howard (Minister of Family Services and Labour): I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance (Mr.

Struthers), that Bill 3, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Leave Related to the Critical Illness, Death o r Disappearance of a Child); Loi modifiant le Code des normes d'emploi (congés en cas de maladie grave, de décès ou de disparition d'enfants) , be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. * (14:40) Ms. Howard: I'm proud to be able to introduce this bill and speak a little–to sec–move this bill to second reading, speak a little bit about it today.

This bill, of course, provides for new leaves for parents of critically ill children or parents of children who have disappeared or died as a result of a crime. The Employment Standards Code will be amended to provide job protection up to 37 weeks for parents of a critically ill child, up to 104 weeks for parents of children who have been murdered, and for parents of a child gone missing as a result of a crime, up to 52 weeks.

Consistent with other leaves under the code, an employee who has been employed by the same employer for at least 30 days would qualify for the leave, although, of course, I think it always bears saying that employers and employees can make their own arrangements as long as it doesn’t provide for less than what's provided for in the code. For an employee to be eligible for the critically ill leave, a physician has to issue a certificate stating that the child is critically ill as a result of a life - threatening illness or injury and requires the care or support of the employee.

In the case of a murdered or missing child, the leave would be available where it is probable in the circumstances that they child died or disappeared as a result of a crime. And, of course, these

definitions are patterned after the federal bill that will provide for income support for parents who take advantage of these leaves. The leave, under the code, will enable parents to access newly announced federal benefits. The federal government has indicated that it will provide a federal income support for parents of murdered and missing children as of January 1st, 2013. That's why we're hopeful that we'll have co -operation of the House in order to move this bill through to third reading and proclamation before the House rises.

In addition, a new employment insurance benefit will provide up to 35 weeks of benefits to eligible parents who take leave from work to care for a critically ill or injured child. This income supplement is expected to be available in June, 2013. I can't imagine the kind of trauma that parents who find themselves in these situations face. Certainly, my–one of the questions that was asked of me, when we brought in this bill, by the media, was how many parents would use this leave. And my answer was, I hope none. It's not a number that any of us, I think, can forecast.

In many cases, we know that parents whose children go missing, whose children may have been murdered–they face great uncertainty for a long period of time about how to put their life back together, if they ever can. They're involved with the police and the courts –processes that can be difficult to navigate and take time to resolve. In many cases, they may face attending in court for many, many months. The uncertainty also exists for parents tending to a child with life-threatening illness.

Parents who take leave from their job to care for a critically ill child or to deal with the after math of the murder or disappearance of a child often worry about their job– often worry that their job may disappear while they're away from work and they're focused on their child. And we know that the ability to get some income support benefits is importa nt so that people can take the time that they need. Dealing with these situations can require a significant period of time for parents to heal and attempt to overcome the tragedy.

These parents require time to grieve, to address the severe psychological effect that they may be faced with and to deal with the stresses they face. And we believe that no parent should have to, on top of that, face the worry or fear that they may not have a job to go back to. That's why we've brought in Bill 3, to implement the consensus recommendations of the Manitoba Labour Management Review Committee, which will provide job protection for parents who take these leaves. I also just want to let the House know that we will be bringing forward an amendment at committee

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 323 just for extra clarity, that in the event that a parent would be convicted of a crime that led to the death or disappearance of the child, of course, that parent wouldn't be eligible for that leave. It did seem to be practically assured in the federal bill they ar en't eligible for the benefits, but we want to make very sure that they wouldn't be eligible for the job leave also. And I want to thank the members of the opposition for putting forward some constructive suggestions when it came to that. So thank you ve ry much, Mr.

Speaker, for the opportunity to speak to this bill. We have had an opportunity to brief the opposition and, as I say, I look forward to the ability to pass this bill before the House rises at the end of this week. Thank you. Hon. Jon Gerrard ( River Heights): Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak to Bill 3, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act, dealing with leaves related to the critical illness, death or disappearance of a child.

I welcome this legislation because I think it's helpful, useful and can be important in terms of helping parents adjust when there is a child who is critically ill, or on the death or disappearance of a child which is related to a crime. I think that there are some areas which this legislation may need some clarificatio n.

Certainly, from my point of view, I want to speak from my experience as a physician looking after children with cancer, having dealt with many children who have been critically ill with cancer and be able to talk in that context on terms of how this might work and some of the flexibility that should be needed to be sure that is there in order for this bill to work optimally. I think that the–it will be very important, as well, once this bill passes, that there be information on how this time is used th at's very clear for parents, that's on the web or on information brochures but certainly readily accessible.

At the time of –a child is critically ill, it's not a time when parents have lots of time to be figuring out things so that the –needs to be very easy and accessible and straightforward, so that people can use these measures and use these measures easily and readily. One of the aspects that I think is pretty important is when one is –for instance, has a child who has a form of cancer. Very often there is some intensive treatment, during which time the child may be in a hospital or certainly often fairly sick for a period and need absolute day -to-day attention.

But, then, over the next–and it may go on for a year or two or three sometimes, depending on the treatment, there will be intermittent times when a child is very sick. It could be as a result of the cancer; it could be as a result of the chemotherapy and the treatment; could be as the result of an infection that occurs.

And it would be very important, in my view I offer to the minister, that this be flexible, so that a parent might be able to take a month at the start of a very severe illness, but might be able to take the other weeks at intervals of their choosing at later times, that the 37 wee ks shouldn't have to be a continuous 37 weeks and that this be very clear in the legislation, in the regulations around the legislation. You know, if you–again, an example where a child may need –or parents may need to be there, you know, all the time for t he first month but, then, after that it may be at 'intervittent' periods.

And it may be, in fact, a year or two or sometimes even longer down the road that the child–the cancer comes back, and sad as though that may be, it may be another period of very int ensive care and attention that is needed by parents. But I think that it is important not only that there be that flexibility for parents to use that time which, when it works for them, but that they're –parents know this right at the beginning, and so that the parents can then plan and use the time optimally.

Because the last thing you want, for example, is for a parent to use up the 37 weeks and, then, on the 38– week, the cancer in a child comes back and you have another very intensive period that you need to have a significant amount of flexibility. * (14:50) And I would suggest that, if this is not adequately covered in this legislation, that there be an amendment. And if it can be covered in regulations, that you have some consultation with professionals who are in this area so that you can, in fact, make sure that it is optimum for parents of children who may be very seriously ill.

That the –and it's not just with cancer. It may be with other illnesses that–they can be very serious, and the treatment may work for a while or there may be –not only a relapse, but a child, for example –I can give you a child who's now grown up and is a woman: when she was very young and she had a condition which left her in a very disabled state and that she had during her early years several bouts when she was very, very severely ill and could, in fact, have died, but these were not all in one 37- week period. They were at this time, you know, and then maybe a

324 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 couple of years later and then maybe three or four years later. But there needs to be a level of flexibility, I believe, if this is going to work well. And that level of flexibility needs to be very clear in the rules, but it also needs to be made very clear to the parents when the child first gets sick so that they c an plan adequately and know how best to use this type of a leave.

It's not like a maternity leave where you have– a child is born and then you have a certain period of time, but this can be a, certainly, very on- again, off- again process, and the legislation and the regulations, I believe, need to recognize that very well. I think that the situation with the death of a child–now, I've certainly got a lot more familiarity with the death of a child from cancer than from a child who has died after murder, but what I would say to you is this: that the parents may go through periods when they are, you know, just really consumed by what has happened to their child.

And I think what is good is to have the longer period in this circumstance. But again, it may well b e that this can be a–somewhat intermittent when the parent has these periods when they are totally consumed by what's happened to their child and they're really unable to work. And so I think, again, there should be some level of flexibility in these circu mstances as well, and I think it would be important that that would be there.

The second aspect which I think may need a little bit of clarity, the –in sections 59.8(2) and later on in 59.9(1), where we have the definition of the employee who is entitled to leave under the section, part (

a) says, a parent of the child. Now, I'm presuming, but I may be wrong, that this is a biological parent of a child that the minister is referring to, and if that's the case, maybe that should be there. If that's not the case, it seems to me that the (b), (c), (

d) and (

e) spell out most of the tie –instances where we're dealing with non- biological parents, but there would be some special interest –incidences, certainly, I would suggest, and perhaps refer this to the minister. For example, where you have a surrogate mother who would be a biological parent in certain circumstances, and where does this precisely fit in and who has the lead? And what –and with these sorts of things need to be thought through ahead of time because of the variety of families that we have now. And I think that it needs to be clear and that there shouldn't be, you know, uncertainty here in these

definitions. So I suggest to the minister that whether it is in the bill itself or is in regulations that there needs to be a little bit of additional clarity in terms of ensuring that you have the parents covered or the other people who we're looking at in terms of the guardian or foster parent, the person with whom the child has been placed for the 'pursopses' of adoption, et cetera. And one presumes, but–you know, that this applies to all who may be parents or involved in this circumstance.

So that in –or for an individual child, there could be in some circumstances where you've got parents, presumably biological parents, the spouse of–where the parents are divorced, you may have two spouses of parents, you could have –where a child has been –has biological parents and there's been a divorce and there's two spouses and two biological parents an d then the child has been adopted, you could have a fairly –a fair number of people who might be eligible to apply for leaves under the circumstances.

I don't have a quarrel with making sure we're inclusive, but I just want to make sure that the intent is clear in terms of what I presume is the minister providing that each and every one of these people in a particular circumstance would be able to have such leave. I am fully supportive of this legislation. I think it's an excellent and worthwhile idea. I know that it's complementary to legislation which is coming at the federal level. And I'm certainly willing to work with the minister and others to get this passed as soon as possible. But I look forward to people who may come and present tomorrow.

I believe it's going to be at committee stage, presuming we pass this, and I look forward to the ongoing discussion in having this in law as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Official Opposition House Leader): Mr. Speaker, our critic will have more comments to put on the record on third reading on this bill, but at this point we're prepared to move this committee–to committee in an expeditious fashion. Hon. Nancy Allan (Minister of Education): Oh, sorry. Sorry. Mr. Speaker: Is the House ready for the question? An Honourable Member: Question.

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 325 Mr. Speaker: The question before the House is Bill 3, The Employment Standards Code Amend- ment Act (L eave Related to the Critical Illness, Death or Disappearance of a Child). Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] House Business Hon. Jennifer Howard (Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, on House business. Mr. Speaker: On House business. Ms.

Howard: Would you please canvass the House to see if there's leave for the Standing Committee on Human Resources to meet concurrently with the House starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 4th, 2012? Mr. Speaker: Is there leave of the House for the Standing Committee on Human Resources to meet concurrently with the House starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday–tomorrow, December the 4th, 2012? [Agreed] The honourable Government House Leader, on House business. Ms.

Howard: On House business, I would like to announce that the Standing Committee on Human Resources will meet on Tuesday, December 4th, 2012, at 11 a.m., to consider Bill 3, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Leave Related to the Critical Illness, Death o r Disappearance of a Child). Mr. Speaker: It has been announced that the Standing Committee on Human Resources will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, December the 4th, 2012, at 11 a.m., to consider Bill 3, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Leave Related to the Critical Illness, Death or Disappearance of a Child). * * * Mr.

Speaker: We'll now proceed with Bill 12, The Community Schools Act. * (15:00) Bill 12–The Community Schools Act Hon. Nancy Allan (Minister of Education): I move, seconded by the Minister of Family Services and Labour (Ms. Howard), that Bill 12, The Community Schools Act;

Loi sur les écoles communautaires, be now read a second time and referred to a committee of this House. His Honour the Administrator has been advised of the bill, and I table the message. Mr. Speaker: It has been moved by the honourable Minister of Education, seconded by the honourable Minister of Family Services and Labour, that Bill 12, The Community Schools Act, be now read for a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. His Honour the Administrator has been advised of the bill, and the message has been tabled. Ms.

Allan: The transformative power of education in schools is well recognized and documented. This power wo rks best when students and families are positioned to take full advantage of investments in our public education system and the rich learning opportunities that it offers to all students. Some students and families, however, are unable to take –make maxim um advantage of these educational investments and opportunities due to a variety of personal, family and community circumstances, sometimes related to health, mental health, food and nutrition, and poverty.

These circumstances can impede attendance, learni ng and high school graduation. They can also create challenges beyond what schools can be expected to handle alone. The community school philosophy and way of practice provides an integrated response to address these challenges. With this approach schools serve as hubs of educational, social, recreational and cultural activities and interagency outreach services, deploying community, government and corporate resources to help students and families overcome barriers to learning so they can achieve success and participate in our economy.

Since 2005 the government of Manitoba has supported the expansion of schools adopting the community school philosophy and model in urban, rural and northern sites throughout the province. To date, there are 29 schools in 14 school divisions who have reported a variety of positive responses about the impact of this strategy on students and their families. This act will further strengthen community schools programming throughout the province by establishing an operational infr astructure.

It will better assist schools in forging partnerships, mobilizing and leveraging resources and accessing training, thereby giving every student the best possible chance to succeed.

326 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 Bill 12 outlines the key features of a community school philosophy and model practice, including the various types of supports that may be required to overcome impediments to learning and assist students' success in school. While this approach is an asset for any community, the most significant value and impact occu rs in vulnerable neighbourhoods with very diverse and sometimes vulnerable populations.

Consequently, Bill 12 calls for the establishment of the community schools program that will be comprised of schools serving socio- economically disadvantaged communit ies. As part of the legislation, schools participating in the program will be required to an –assign an employee to act as a community liaison at the school. This role helps to fulfill the essential function of developing and co - ordinating partnerships and mobilizing resources that align with the needs of students and families and the school's core 'instructural' programing.

This bill also calls for the establishment of the community schools unit and lays out the unit's responsibilities related to the prov ision of support to participating community schools. I'm also pleased to add that this bill will establish a community schools network. The network will provide any public school interested in exploring the community school model and philosophy of practi ce with access to planning information, tools, study sites and a range of professional learning and training events and opportunities. The community schools unit will co -ordinate and maintain the community schools network.

The bill will establish a deputy minister's committee on community schools to provide overall direction to the program. Working collaboratively around a common agenda, the committee will help to provide timely responses to emerging issues, more effective policy and program alignment, efficient use of resources and stability for the long- term partnership development.

A community schools advisory committee, also set out in the bill, will further strengthen the work of the community schools unit and the deputy minister's committee by providing guidance around program planning and the identification and provision of community assets and resources. The Community Schools Act will help schools to better support students' educational success, break–build stronger families and improve communities all across our province. Thank very much, Mr. Speaker, and I encourage all members to support the passage of Bill 12. Ms. Melanie Wight (Burrows): Mr.

Speaker, I am honoured to be here today speaking on Bill 12, The Community Schools Act, and I'm proud to be part of a government that has the vision to have come up with this originally and looking at schools as a community centre almost. And it's just– I have one in my area, and it's called the Elwick village Community School, and the principal there is a woman by the name of Verland Force–and that, Mr. Speaker, is a fabulous name for her because she is completely a force in that community and a force for good along with all the people that work with her. And that school is the perfect description of a hub.

It is just always full of activity and fabulous things going on in the community, and it has become a place of real trust for the community and it's a very diverse community. So building trust within the community groups and all the different combinat ions of people that happen to live there hasn't been an easy thing, and I think that that–making that school a community–of a community school has really worked towards that goal of having everyone in the community working together for the betterment of the kids in their area, and it's pretty impressive.

We have, I think, spent about $841 million in public schools, in capital in schools, and so I think it's so important that we really be making use of those assets, Mr. Speaker, to their fullest. And that i s a piece of what this act is about. It helps our schools really reach out to the communities. This one's going to include having a liaison worker assigned who's going to be working to do that, to really be reaching out and making sure that those assets that Manitobans have invested in are being fully used. They're not just being used from 8 o'clock in the morning 'til 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

They're going to be used in the evenings and on the weekends, and I just can't think of a better way to make u se of those buildings to be reaching out to our kids in that way. And it's going to be for so many different things Mr. Speaker. It's not only, you know, reaching out in the area of sports, but it also is adult literacy programs, and I know we have those happening in schools in my community in The Maples. They have them in their school and other different areas where we have adult education going on. We have health and mental health services happening in there, early

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 327 childhood education programs. Well, of course, you're aware that all the new schools that are built in this province now include early childhood education programs, and we can't stress the importance of that. And I'm really proud to see that we are a Province that has not been cutting our education. I was just at a meeting last week with one of the school divisions and they were sharing some of the information of what the other provinces are doing. And they have made some significant cuts to education in various provinces throughout Canada.

I'm very pleased to see we're not doing that. One of them was they cut kindergarten completely out of the program, and in a time when we are learning more and more and more how important early childhood education is to the future of our children, I'm certainly pleased to say that I'm in a province where I don't think that will ever happen as long as we're in government. And it's just so important to me and to Manitobans. * (15:10) I'd also like to mention just some of the t hings that we've done, in addition to this, that show our commitment to the children of our province.

And one of my favourites is the K -to-3 classroom sizes because that is one where we know the effects of that added attention and how important it is to the future success of our children. And so, I think it's an investment where we're going to see returns well beyond anything that we can imagine as we start doing those kinds of things in education. I love the legislation to keep kids in school until they're 18, Mr. Speaker.

I think it's just tremendously important, again, to the future of our youth and really helps people find creative ways to work with kids and find what their area is that they're going to really excel in, and I think keeping them those extra years is really, really 'verly' valuable. So, I would just like to again state how excited we are about this act, and pray it will go forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Kevin Chief (Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities): Just like to say it's an honour to put a few words on the record on The Community Schools Act.

There's a –there's, of course, many things I could talk about of the importance of the –of a community schools, but there's a –three, in particular, that I'd like to highlight and s hare. We, of course, are seeing how incredibly diverse classrooms are becoming, how incredibly important schools are becoming, particularly for young people that come that have, maybe, socioeconomic barriers, who maybe are–who are new to our country, new t o our province. And, you know, schools have become a real hub of activity and a place where, you know, families really feel a strong sense of belonging.

And as we look at the importance of schools in our community, teachers and educators and people that w ork in our communities talk about the importance of young people being able to connect in–with a enriched curriculum, Mr. Speaker, and how important school projects become. So, you know, point 1 is when we have community schools that reach out to the community and bring people in. I think a really good example of that would be the emphasis that we put on the Aboriginal Academic Achievement Grant, where performers can come in, where storytellers can come in.

You know, we can find ways in which to enrich the curriculum. Another good example of that would be in a local school that is a community school working really closely with the University of Winnipeg on a program called the Eco-U on campus, where grades 4, grades 5, grade 6 students actually go on campus and learn science by tenured 'facuty' professors, Mr. Speaker. A lot of them first time being on campus, and they're learning science by professors. This is a really great example of how schools can do outreach with, you know, local and post-secondary in stitutions.

In fact, they –we–we're able to coin a phrase called, a tap on the shoulder, which basically says that all young people, regardless of their background, regardless of they come from, that they should get a tap on the shoulder to say post -secondary is for you. We're not waiting 'til, you know, grade 9, 10, 11, 12 to give young people a tap on the shoulder; we're starting that at grade 4, starting that at grade 5, starting that at grade 6, so that teachers and educators can work in partnership with non-profit organizations in partnerships with our post -secondary.

So we're able to enrich the curriculum, highlight some of the very unique things going around and–with school projects on highlighting diversity. Number 2, the other thing that community schools really puts a lot of emphasis on is this idea for unique programs. Someone like myself, Mr. Speaker, when I was in school, I had a natural draw to sport, and so I was able to, you know, join the cross-country team, the volleyball team, the basketball team. And so there was a natural structure there for me to participate in because of my love for

328 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 sport. But for a lot of young people that may have low self -confidence, low self -esteem, that might not've had the enrichment opportunity because their mom and dad might not've been able to afford to put them in, they need some unique programs to build their self -confidence and self -esteem. And we're seeing how much work that we're seeing around, you know, cultural programs, recreation programs, leadership pr ograms and a lot of that exists in the community.

Now, often what can happen is we want to make sure that young people that are in school can connect to those programs, and school and these partnerships, the community schools, can start connecting these pr ograms with schools, Mr. Speaker. You know, I was just very proudly able to announce our After School Leaders program. It's a great example how–of how Community Schools Act is going to be very supportive.

You have a private sector, the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation, working in partnership with the Winnipeg School Division, in essence to start five local high schools puts an emphasis on mentorship, leadership, you know, employment opportunities. There is a big impact on that work in the classroom beca use it's a partnership with the schools, Mr. Speaker, and the big thing is is that we're starting to connect these things.

We understand that young people that are involved in positive things outside the 'clashroom' has a direct impact on what happens to t hem inside the 'clashroom.' The community schools are saying that it's a great hub of activity to take a non- profit organization, a private sector organization, and match it up with what's going on in the schools.

When you have administrators, principals, vice- principals, you know, promoting the idea of schools, the idea of community to teachers, teachers promoting that to their students and then students promoting that to their families what you do is you do get academic achievement, you do increase the ability for young people to learn, develop and grow. And so, when we're able to provide these unique programs what ends up happening, Mr.

Speaker, is young people, through their communities, start develop a level of self-confidence and of self-esteem that they start to try out for school sports teams, they get more involved in leadership, they get more involved in cultural programs connected to their school community. So being able to bridge that gap is going to support some of the young people who may be, a t times, struggling to have that self - confidence to try out for mainstream school activities. And No. 3, Mr.

Speaker, it puts a lot of emphasis on the idea of parents, caregivers, people who really care about their children or care about children doing well in school. We understand how important it is to make sure that, you know, parents are going out to parent-child–parent-teacher interviews, they're involved in their child's educational career. And sometimes there needs to be some additional outreach. S ometimes there needs to be some additional support. Sometimes barriers need to be removed to help with that.

Some of our parents, some of our grandparents don't always have the best experiences at school when they were young. And so, the idea of community schools is going to help parents and caregivers and older brothers and sisters and aunties and uncles get a sense of belonging within the school community. You know, some of the other pieces why this becomes so important, Mr. Speaker, is that we want to make sure that young people in our province that we're able to develop their talents, develop their gifts. A great example of this is is I always share the story of I Love to Read.

And, you know, I Love to Read is one of these things that we do together in the country where we get role models to come out and read to children, and the idea is that you can read to kids and you inspire them to want to read and the idea of a role model is anyone who can create and influence change–that's what a role model is. And so, one of the things we do in public ed every year in February is we get people to come out and do I Love to Read. I'm a former basketball player, and so I always used to get asked to do this as a basketball player.

Now, being in politics, of course, and being someone who worked in the community, I always get asked to go and read to kids and tell them how important that is. Well, every year, Mr. Speaker, I always bring a young person with me. This past year, I brought a young girl –she was 14 years old. Her name is Jessica. She runs –she looks after young people as part of summer employment. And I got to read to some students, and I got to read a book and I brought Jessica to read a book. And we both read to these kids.

The great thing is about when you read to children, grade 1s, grade 2s, grade 3s, they all sit down and you read to them and you ask them do you have any questions after you're done reading. All

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 329 their hands go up. They all have questions for you. Often, they don't ask you questions anythi ng to do with what you read to them, but they got a lot of questions for you. So I read the book because I was invited as the role 'moder' –role model, and I brought Jessica with me, who's 14, so we asked all the kids: You have any questions? All the hands go up. Eight out of 10 questions, they don't ask me; they ask Jessica. And they ask Jessica because she's younger, because they see Jessica as someone they can relate to.

Now, if a role model is anyone who can create, influence change, well then who's the more effective role model, me or Jessica? Well, clearly these kids are asking her because they look up to her. That's how you create and influence change. * (15:20) Community schools, what it does is it gives Jessica the structure to be able to inspire children to read, to inspire young people to do good things, to do positive things. What it does is it removes barriers for Jessica so she can actually go out in the community and develop her skills and develop her talents.

It also is going to allow young people like her, through a variety of activities and initiatives, to give back to her community. And I've said here many times that we should be defining generosity by not how much money you have, but your ability to give up something that means a lot to y ou: your ability to give up time. And there are thousands of young people in our province, Mr. Speaker, who may not have a lot of money, but they're always willing to give up their time. They're always willing to volunteer. They're always willing to do thi ngs to make their community better.

This –The Community Schools Act will allow young people to be able to do that. What it does is it not only builds a strong structure for people to do that, Mr. Speaker, but it puts in good supervision. It puts in that t ype of mentorship we need. You know, teachers are some of our most powerful role models. So the supervision is there. It also is going to build skills of young people. That's the importance of mentorship and leadership and those types of things. Mr. Spea ker, so I'm very proud of the commitment of our government on The Community Schools Act.

I know that it's going to continue to build a lot of partnerships. It's going to maximize the services and resources within our neighbourhoods and our communities. It' s going to support young people who may have barriers, particularly young people who come from backgrounds of, you know, low socio-economics. And so very proud of this bill that I'm proud to be able to stand and put a few words on the record. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): I'm thrilled to stand to speak to Bill 12 and to this exciting piece of legislation that we're moving forward with.

So I'm also very proud to be following the Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities, and I think some of the points that he made with regards to the work that he's doing in his department and the initiatives that they're taking and how that fits in with this particular piece of legislation, I think, is exciting work. And I think there's a lot of opportunities there that we need to explore.

I don't think you'll get much debate on the idea of education being an integral part of our success in this province and an integral part of how we see our future going forward, but it is interesting to note that we're putting in the investments necessary to see those things through. And there certainly was a time when that was a very different story here in Manitoba, but I digress and I won't get too far down that road.

But I do want to, in particular, speak to t his bill, because it's something that I do have knowledge about and some experience with, the community schools model, and it's a model that I've seen in action and I've seen how it can affect families and how it can affect the students and really change h ow a community sees itself and how it can see itself moving forward and how it can see itself building it– going into the future. In my community I have a community school, and it's a place where we have some of the best educators.

We have some of the bes t programming, and with the community schools framework around it are able to connect those resources to, frankly, the kids in my neighbourhood that do need it the most and the families that need it the most. It's really building a hub and it's building an access point for families and for students that, you know, frankly we sometimes think that the programming that we do, you know, it fits a certain need or it fits a certain segment of the population.

But sometimes they have trouble accessing that and I th ink that's what the community schools –this is where it's been unique and successful in that it brings those programs down to the level of the folks in the community.

330 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 So, you know, the students are already spending their time in the classroom and in the s chool setting, and by offering those programs to the students and through the students to their parents makes all the difference for how the folks in the community can then see that programming. And, again, you know, I talk a lot about the idea that we so metimes as legislators are at 30,000 feet, you know, and we're looking at the community and saying, well, this is a good program; this fits this need and this will address this particular problem.

But unless that actually connects with families and that ac tually connects with the people that need it, we're not going to be successful. Mr. Mohinder Saran, Acting Speaker, in the Chair So I think that's what's the key in this particular legislation and how it will be successful going forward. You know, we talk about how the programming–how the–we want to connect folks to the programming, and it's not just, you know, what's happening in the classroom and it's not just what's happening even before and after school, although those are very particularly important programs.

But it also connects people with adult skills training. It connects people with the financial literacy training that's so important, to nurse practitioners and to the health of the community, and it really gets them to the level where they can start seeing how they can help their own community and they can feel strong and they can feel a sense of identity.

One of the most successful programs in particular in my neighbourhood has been–it has an Aboriginal focus and it's been connecting the parents and the students with teachers around that –around their Aboriginal heritage, and it brings them together, allows them to discuss issues in that context. It allows them to feel community and build community based on that common thread, and it helps them develop what our programming will look like going forward.

So we're getting feedback from what's happening on the grassroots level and it's coming back up into the programming, and we know that this is stuff that's working and it's working to make the lives of families better.

But, you know, I think really what the purpose of this legislation is, is to say that this is just the beginning, that we've seen how it can work but that there's so much more potential, and so I'm so proud to see that we're putting th e resources in that will make that difference, that we see that it will go to the next level, that we will have dedicated folks within the schools to see this programming connected, and also an oversight –a general oversight to get this programming, continue it and to make it–keep it going forward. So, with those few comments, Mr.

Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to speak to this legislation, and I commend the Minister of Education (Ms. Allan) on her initiative in bringing this forward and on continuing to move Manitoba forward in this regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): I move, seconded by the member for River East (Mrs. Mitchelson), that debate now be adjourned. Motion agreed to. The Acting S peaker (Mohinder Saran ): Now we are going to move the Bill 9, the Teachers' Society amendment, second reading. Bill 9–The Teachers' Society Amendment Act Hon.

Nancy Allan (Minister of Education): I move, seconded by the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade (Mr. Bjornson), that Bill 9, The Teachers' Society Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'Association des enseignants du Manitoba, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. * (15:30) Ms. Allan : The Manitoba Teachers' Society has requested of government that certain amendments be made to The Teachers' Society Act. This request came to government following the society's most recent ann ual general meeting where proposed changes to the legislation were discussed and endorsed by their membership. Mr.

Speaker in the Chair While it is important to note that the changes in the bill do not impact the department's responsibility for the certification of teachers –in other words, the authority to set the requirements necessary to grant a licence to teach as well as to remove that licence in appropriate circumstances –they do enhance the capacity of the society to perform its critical function of establishing, maintaining and enforcing standards of professional conduct and a code of conduct for its members. The changes to the legisl ation expand the

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 331 range of penalties for members who, following an investigation and hearing, are found to have engaged in unprofessional conduct or conduct unbecoming to a teacher. In addition to the current provisions enabling the review committee to admo nish or censure a member or recommend to the minister that the member's teaching certificate be suspended or revoked, it can also direct that a teacher be suspended or terminated as a member of the society or impose such other penalty as the bylaws of the society may prescribe.

Importantly, the bill also sets out that the society, again, through its bylaws establish a process whereby a teacher whose membership has been terminated may be reinstated. To this point, the cost of an investigation and hearing on an allegation of unprofessional conduct have been borne entirely by the society. The society has expressed the view, supported by its membership, that if a teacher is proven to have engaged in unprofessional conduct, it is reasonable for that teacher to bear some portion of the costs if so ordered by the review committee.

Therefore, the bill enables the review committee to order the payment of costs up to a maximum of $5,000. Further, if it becomes necessary to do so, the bill allows the society to file a n order for payment of those costs in the Court of Queen's Bench, which then allows for enforcement of that order. I support the society's request and believe the changes are reasonable and sensible. Parents, students and community members and, of course , teachers themselves believe that high professional standards are critical in the vocation of teaching.

This bill enhances the capacity of the society to address issues of unprofessional conduct in a more comprehensive way. The government supports this endeavour and commends the Manitoba Teachers' Society for taking these important steps to ensure the highest professional standards. I recommend to the House that Bill 9 be supported and passed. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker –Deputy Speaker. Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): I move, seconded by the member for Midland (Mr. Pedersen), that debate now be adjourned. Motion agreed to. Mr.

Speaker: We'll now call Bill 14, The Education Administration Amendment and Public Schools Amendment Act (Parent Groups for Schools). Bill 14–The Education Administration Amendment and Public Schools Amendment Act (Parent Groups for Schools) Hon. Nancy Allan (Minister of Education): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance (Mr. Struthers), that Bill 14, The Education Administration Amendment and Public Schools Amendment Act (Parent Groups for Schools); Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'administration scolaire et la

Loi sur les écoles publiques (groupes de parents œuvrant en milieu scolaire), be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. Ms. Allan: Education is critical to the future success of our children and our province, and we all collectively play a

part in it. No one, Mr. Speaker, plays a more important role than that, of course, of parents. Parents act as first teacher and because of the bond which they share with their children are intimately invested in their educational well- being. Studies have shown that children perform better academically when their parents are active and supportive in their children's school and in their learning.

Support for the classroom teacher and school administration, advocacy as appropriate, and participation in school -based decisions through parent groups are all ways in which parents sha pe and improve the learning experience of their children. Bill 14 addresses the formal role parents can and do play in schools. To begin, the bill recognizes the Manitoba Association of Parent Councils, MAPC, as the representative organization for school -based parent groups for school divisions other than the Division scolaire franco -manitobaine, the DSFM.

The Fédération des parents du Manitoba, the FPM, is the organization representing the interest of parents in the francophone community. I am very pleased to make reference in legislation to MAPC, as this organization has, through the dedicated efforts of its executive and administrative staff, expanded its number of member schools, provided helpful resources to parents, given constructive advice to parents through its advocacy project and been an important resource to me in helping inform my perspectives and decisions related to the K -to-12 public education system.

I'd like to express my thanks to the president of MAPC, Judith Cameron, her executive and the executive director , Naomi Krause, for the ongoing good work of the organization. This bill will set out

332 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA December 3, 2012 the requirement of the minister to meet with MAPC at least annually, something which I enjoy doing every year. I must also say how appreciative I am of the contributions that MAPC makes at the provincial oversight committee. Along with all of our other education stakeholders, MAPC's perspective has been so helpful in our deliberations regarding the new provincial report card that has been just sent out to all of our schools for the first time in the history of this province.

And I have to tell you, the feedback that we are getting back on the provincial report card is wonderful at best. At –they are also sitting on our committee now to help us in our deliberations around the kindergarten to grade 3 class-size initiative, and I know they will make a huge contribution as we move forward with the–our class-size initiative. Bill 14 also formalizes at the school level the role of the parent council in the development of the annual school plan. Where a council exists the principal of the school will consult with that group on the plan's preparat ion.

The bill so–also sets out the role of the principal in providing to parents information on the role and function of parent groups, the manner in which one may be established and the right of parents to become a member of such a group. I am gratified b y the knowledge that this already happens in many of our schools, with principals taking a proactive approach in providing information to parents and encouraging their participation and support. Mr. Speaker, children do better in school and our education system is strong when parents are actively engaged as partners in education.

This bill recognizes the good work of MAPC in supporting parents at the school level and encourages greater parental involvement. And I am pleased we are debating this bill on th e very day that my colleague the MLA for St. Norbert did a member statement recognizing the Chancellor School Advisory Council for their contribution to the enhancement of the education experience. When parents are involved in their schools, everyone does better. I support wholeheartedly the amendment sent out in Bill 14 and recommend their passage to this House. Thank you. * (15:40) Mr. Dave Gaudreau (St. Norbert): Well, Mr.

Speaker, it's a great pleasure to rise today in support of this and to talk a little about parent advisory councils. Earlier on today, I had a member from my parent advisory council from Chancellor School here in the gallery and was able to present her with a nice plaque on the words that I spoke about, how important the parent advisory councils are in our area. Last year, parent advisory council at Chancellor, they raised money to create an accessible playground for some of the children in the area who are bound to wheelchairs.

So that council has taken on roles in the community of looking at what is good for everyone and they're teaching social responsibility to their children who go there. And they involve –not only did they involve the school administration, they involved all the children in the school in this project, too. So the children are learning that there's gr eat things that can be accomplished when we all work together. I also want to recognize that Bonnycastle School, which is in my area, has another fantastic parent advisory council.

And through the work that I've been doing with them and they've been doing with the school division and the school, we had a great announcement a few weeks back with the Education Minister and the Premier (Mr. Selinger), so we're going to be doing a eight -classroom expansion, which is a part of our commitment towards lower clas sroom sizes on the K -to-3 initiative. And we're also adding into that, we're adding a daycare facility –74-seat daycare facility in the area, which is a fantastic announcement for the area and for the school.

And all of that is made possible through partnerships with these advisory councils letting me know and letting the trustees know what's needed for the area. So these councils are very important for all of us. I have another great council in the area at Parc La Salle School, and this weekend I had the honour of working their breakfast with Santa. I worked the door and sold tickets to everybody as they came in and had breakfast with Santa. And all of the kids of the area come and get to sit on Santa's lap and get to tell him what their wishes are for C hristmas.

And that advisory council is so active in their community and they raise money every year for great projects like a gardening project that they're going to be doing this next summer. That council is one of the fun ones that I get to work with in the area. Also La Barriere Crossings, their advisory council there, the principal there meets with

December 3, 2012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 333 everybody once a month and asks the parents what they'd like to hear on topics that are related to the school. And every month she presents them with things that are going on in the school. Great information for the parents and for myself to hear, in the school and in the community.

So these kinds of groups are really important, and I'm confident that the opposition is going to come forward and support this because they had that speech about how great volunteers are and how, you know, they were pointing out all the volunteer organizations in our communities and how much money they've raised and how fantastic it is that we have all these organizations and al l these volunteers. So these parent advisory councils are just another step–they're another part of all these volunteers that do great work in our community.

Now, it's interesting because today in the paper we reported that they're having–themselves, hav ing trouble finding volunteers for any of their stuff. It doesn't seem to be that way in the Pembina Trails School Division; we have fantastic volunteers that come out and all of the school division volunteer groups are fully–every seat is fully filled and they'

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	40-2-10
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	40th 2nd hansardpdf 10.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	99861f39e0bb8e2a1b08dffb625525bae66db5e9

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