Manitoba Hansard — Sitting 60B (42nd Legislature, 4th Session)

42-4-60b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXVI No. 60B - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2022 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

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

2581 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, May 31, 2022 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Madam Speaker: Introduction of bills? Com mittee reports? Tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honour able Minister of Agriculture–and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with our rule 26(2). Would the honour able minister please proceed with his statement. Excess Moisture Affecting Agriculture Crops Hon.

Derek Johnson (Minister of Agriculture): Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness to excess moisture that has brought great difficulty to our producers this year. I want to extend my gratitude to our Manitoba producers who have gone through some of the tough- est seasons these past two years, one of the worst droughts in Manitoba history, and now our producers are facing overland flooding and excess moisture on their fields which inhibits their ability to seed.

I want to thank all the producers who, despite of these hard- ships, plus a worldwide pandemic, continue to work 'tiressly' each and every day to provide food for Manitobans and consumers around the world. Each week, the Departm ent of Agriculture re - leases a Crop Report to keep Manitobans informed on how much seeding of each crop has been com - pleted. Seeding progression of annual field crops reported in the department's weekly crop and weather report today will indicate that se eding is 36 to 40 per cent complete, compared to a five-year average of 92 per cent.

The profitability of the yield is reduced for all crops each week seeding is delayed because of excess moisture. The excess moisture insurance feature of our AgriInsurance program provides coverages for Manitoba crop producers who are unable to seed land because of excess moisture and flooding. In years past where excess moisture was as severe as we see it today, insurance payments issued to producers were between 22 and 23 million dollars. Some historical instances, we have seen as much as $162 million paid out in a single year.

While it's too early to estimate the insurance payments for this season, the Department of Agriculture will keep the House and producers up- dated, and producers can expect to see these payments starting in June and hopefully wrapping up in August. On that note, I want to thank the Department of Agriculture for their outstanding efforts to ensure they are available to help producers in their times of need. Recognizing the difficulty faced by producers, the AgriStability program application deadline has been extended to June 30th to ensure all producers have sufficient time to file for their programs.

Manitoba Agriculture will continue to monitor the situation and update the crop weather forecast each week. I want to remind all producers that are–we are here to support you through this difficult time. I also want to remind all producers of the Farm and Rural Stress Line, as well as the new Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program introduced in January of this year, which offers free counselling services to farmers and their families while they navigate through these ex - tremely difficult times.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in joining me in thanking a nd applauding our Manitoba producers for their tireless efforts to feed not just Manitobans but people around the globe through these difficult conditions. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr. Diljeet Brar (Burrows): Madam Speaker, we've heard from the producers who say they are struggling. The last few years have been challenging for many, with a significant drought. Many producers have left the industry, and now, too much rain has come. Even in areas in which flooding has gone down, the soil remains so saturated that it can be impossible to seed.

The weekly Crop Report shows that the seed- ing effort has been slow. Producers are looking for drier fields and switching their intended planting order. Producers are also changing what they intend to plant to acc ount for the delay. Some farmers , too, switched a small amount of planned corn or soybean acres into canola and spring wheat, while planned

2582 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 field pea acres have dropped in some parts of the southwest in favour of more canola. According to the latest Crop Report, no part of agro-Manitoba has received less than 131 per cent of normal rainfall for the period of April 12th to May 22nd, while large parts of central and eastern Manitoba have had over 260 per cent of normal rain during that time. And as we can s ee, current con di- tions have only got wetter.

Provincial seeding progress as of May 24th sits at an extremely low 10 per cent, which is far behind the five-year average of 77 per cent completion for this time of the year. Producers are especially worried about seeding deadlines for crop insurance. In ex- tremely wet seasons, we have supported extension of seeding deadlines and do the same again here. The Manitoba NDP supports all attempts to help farmers fight excess moisture. We are committed to the concerns of producers. We remain committed to listening to the needs of the farmers in the weeks and months to come. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): I ask leave to speak to the minister's statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Mr. Gerrard: Yes, Madam Speaker, we are in a tough situation in Manitoba at the moment, with all the excess moisture and the crops being seeded later than usual. I think it's actually a–pretty positive news that we've got 36 to 46 per cent of the farmland seeded. It looked like it was lower than that, and given the lateness of the spring, I think that we need to look at the fact that there is already a significant proportion of the seeding done.

There is time, still, 'til the June 20th, ordinary date for crop insurance, for seeding to be completed. I called, twice, on the government to make a decision to extend the crop insurance. I'm not sure if extending the paperwork also 'instends' the planting date. If that's true, that's good. I've also called for looking at cover crops, whether that could be supported later on. I think we owe a special duty to farmers and to the world, indeed, to try and produce as much grain as we can, a nd that extending the seeding is a positive thing because, hopefully, with climate change, the fall will be extended, as well.

It is a tough situation. It's not time to panic, but it's a time to plan really well and do the best we can to support our farmers and do everything we can to en- sure that they are able, where possible, to get their crops in, even if, in some cases, it's late. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Further ministerial statements, the honourable Minister of Trans portation and Infrastructure–and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Would the honour able minister please proceed with his statement. Heavy Rain and Flooding Update Hon.

Doyle Piwn iuk (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): Madam Speaker, our Hydrologic Forecast Centre staff continue to monitor the precipitation system started yesterday, and is ex - pected to continue throughout the day. This system has a potential to brin g up to 75 millimetres over the next 48 hours. The city of Winnipeg received roughly 55 millimetres of rain last night, and the city of Morden received the most precipitation across the province with roughly 80 millimetres.

Madam Speaker, the overland flo oding warning is issued yesterday and shifted to include the western portion of the Red River Valley, while remaining in the Whiteshell lakes area and the Winnipeg River basin. Depending on the amount and the intensity of the rain, water levels could rise rapidly and threaten low- lying and nearby properties, as well as roads, cross - ings and other infrastructure, Madam Speaker. Please check with Manitoba 511 app and the most current road closures. The wind effect warning remains in the Manitoba lakes, with the highest amounts of wind set -up ex- pected to be in the larger lakes.

North winds guesting up to 80 kilometres an hour –per hour are expected. Winds may cause water levels at Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipeg, Lake Winnipegosis and Dauphin Lake to potentially rise more than five feet along the shoreline, Madam Speaker. The forecasted wind is also expected to impact lakes in the Whiteshell lakes region, and levels are expected to rise between one to two feet along these lakes. * (13:40)

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2583 Daily meetings between Manitoba EMO and Manitoba Parks, Manitoba Hydro and the Department of Natural Resources and Northern Development con- tinue to discuss planning, 'co- ordining' resources, communication strategies and next steps to priority of mitigation efforts on the Whiteshell areas. Madam Speaker, 30 local authorities, three north- ern affairs communities, eight First Nation commun - ities and one provincial park have 'desclared' states of local emergency.

Indigenous Services Canada provides updates for First Nation com munities, provi ding the forecasted precipitation and high wind events in collaboration with provincial staff, Madam Speaker. Yesterday, the community of Grand Rapids re - quested 15,000 sandbags. Our staff will work with ISC to fulfill these requests , Madam Speaker. A request of RM of Lakeshore has requested 1,000 super sandbags with 10,000 sandbags was 'submilly' – submitted yesterday.

Our provincial staff will continue to work with local authorities to proactively mitigate high water concerns as we work through the latest precipitation and high wind events. As Manitobans prepare to battle another sig- nificant weather system, I would like to remind mem- bers in this House and those who are listening that our government remains in a state of response in ongoing flooding, Madam Speaker.

However, if you have ex- perienced damage due to flood impacts, I would encourage Manitobans to visit the disaster financial assistant website to determine if –their eligibility re - garding compensation on uninsurable losses. As always, I would continue to commend and highlight our amazing provincial staff and their tire - less efforts; Manitobans across the province, my col - leagues and I, are deeply grateful, Madam Speaker. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr.

Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, once again we thank the minister for his update to the House and thank all of those emergency measures and Manitoba Infrastructure staff who are continuing to work around the clock to mitigate the flooding around the province. Manitobans in all corners of the province are struggling with flooding and the subsequent issues that it has caused. The high recent levels of pre cipi- tation and strong wind conditions are not helping as we deal with our sixth Colorado low this spring.

On Twin Lakes Beach, waves are coming over the shoreline into people's properties as winds reach 85 kilometres per hour. St. Clements held an emer - gency council meeting this morning to prepare for the possible flooding in several of their communities. Dikes in Grand Marais are being tested, and fire - fighters are on hand to help in case they're breached and residents need to evacuate.

In the Whiteshell, business owners are feeling the impacts of flooding and the weather, like Ryan Kelly of Falcon Lake Meat & Grocery, who notes that fewer customers are coming into the Falcon Lake Shopping Centre because of the cold and wet conditions, even though he's been fortunate enough to avoid flooding so far. Lori, the owner of the Mason Jar on West Hawk Lake, isn't quite as fortunate. Not only are fewer people visiting her boutique because they're busy fighting the flood and cleanup, but her own property has been damaged by the rising waters.

She hopes that the government will announce funding for impacted residents like herself soon. In the southern part of our province, farmers are increasingly concerned about the impact a flood–that is–it is having on roads. Justin Friesen, a young farmer in the RM of Rhineland, says that they're –they've deteriorated so badly that full -on potholes have ap- peared in some of the gravel roads and that munici - palities cannot keep up with the repairs. In Morden, more than 80 millimetres of rain in 24 hours has flood- ed basements in an already waterlogged area of our province.

There is so much to do in this province to address the flooding and the weather, not just imme diately, today and tomorrow, but for the next month and likely for years to come, in order to recover to where we are right now. Once again, we commend all those fighting the flood and thank the minister for the continued updates to the House. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): I seek leave to respond to the minister's statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Mr. Lamont: I thank the minister for his update.

This is clearly a very serious situation for flood evacuees, as well as for the First Nations munici palities, prop- erty owners and farmers who are all struggling with

2584 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 record rainfall and serious disruptions to their lives and livelihoods. It's clear from the Province's flood map that while flooding in some communities is marked as peaked, in many more, that's not the case. There are more than two dozen Manitoba communities where there is cur- rently a flood warning in place, and a storm surge has the capacity to do enormous damage on a number of lakes. We received a letter from the concerned residents of Lake Manitoba, who were flooded 11 years ago and are very anxious about the current situation.

They are hoping that once the storm has passed, once the flood has passed, a broad -based advisory group, like the Lake Manitoba advisory board, could be restored. Representation must come from affected parties, they say: farmers, ranch ers, resi dential groups, environ- mental experts and Indigenous leaders. Since the House is set to rise tomorrow, I hope the minister or his de partment will consider issuing bul - letins by email to all members of the House until the flood waters have receded. And we just wanted to highlight some of the chal- lenges and vul nerabilities facing evacuees.

The Winnipeg Free Press reported today about the mea - sures that had to be taken by the federal gov ernment in another evacuation involving wildfires, essentially because predators, including drug dealers and sex traffickers, were waiting to prey on individuals who'd been evacuated. There were complaints more recently, when members of Peguis First Nation were first evacuated, that they arrived in Winn ipeg hotels and were mis - treated. Some were served undercooked food and dis- respected by staff, which is clearly unacceptable in any circumstance, and even more so when people are evacuees.

Finally, I don't know–just on a very lighter note– I don't know if there's a point in The Emergency Measures Act where the minister is obliged to start building an ark or to start separating the animals two by two, but we can all hope that it doesn't come to that. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS ILCS Fundraisers for Ukraine Hon. Andrew Smith (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I rise today to recog- nize some truly amazing instances of charity and goodwill that recently took place in the community of Lagimodière.

On March 25th, I had the pleasure of visiting classes at Island Lakes Community School, or ILCS, where Mrs. Nicole Molin's class was of particular interest as they had not only done a lot of work re - garding Ukraine awareness, but also had been pre - paring arts and crafts to sell in order to raise money for upcoming fundraisers. These events were being arranged in order to assist Ukrainians suffering from the terrible war taking place in their homeland as a result of the senseless Russian occupation.

There was a total of three fundraisers initiated and run by students in support of Ukraine, with kinder - garten students making and selling rainbow bracelets, grade 5-6 students running a craft, bake and used book sale and grade 8 students volunteering and selling left- over items at Winakwa Community Centre. Through private donations and funds ac cumu- lated by these fundraisers, a total of just under $4,700 was raised and donated to the Canadian Red Cross to support humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

In addition, four students in grade 8 raised over $1,400 for the UNICEF children's fund to help children impacted by the war. In all, over $6,700 was raised by three–by these chil- dren and youth in hopes of making a difference for those affected by the horrors of war. In the gallery today, representing 150 students from ILCS who participated from kindergarten to grade 8 in student -led initiatives to support Ukraine, we have with us Mr. Jordan Falconer, the principal of ILCS, and Mrs. Nicole Molin, a grade 5- 6 teacher with a group of 15 students.

It was a grade 5 student who organized and initi- ated the We Stand with Ukraine Fundraiser that took place at Island Lakes Community School on April 21st, 2022, and it was students from grades 5, 6 and 8 who ran the For the People of Ukraine Fundraiser that took place on April 30th, 2022 , at Winakwa Community Centre. I ask all my colleagues to join me in recognizing the great work that these students have done for the people of Ukraine. Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister for Sport, Culture and Heritage. Mr.

Smith: Madam Speaker, I'd like to ask leave to enter the names and the respective fundraising activ - ities of the students in the gallery.

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2585 Madam Speaker: Is there leave to include that infor- mation in Hansard? [Agreed] We Stand with Ukraine Fundraiser: Ksusha Boguslavski For the People of Ukraine Fundraiser: Laila Alsaidi, Lexi Derksen, Baljeet Joura, Tejas Kambo, Sanni Kauppinen, Annabella LaForte, Masha Lyubytska, Alia McInnes , Kennedy Robertson, Samuel Rothery, Gracie Smith, Jake Toye, Travis Unryn and Audrey Weiske Access to Health Care for Gender-Diverse Community MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): I rise today to speak about the importance of access to life- saving health care, particularly for trans and gender non-binary Manitobans.

For many populations, access to health care has historically been, and in many ways still is, marked with systemic and discriminatory barriers. For members of Manitoba's gender -diverse community, accessing health services can often be an intimidated and complicated process. Gender-affirming health care focuses on people's physical, mental, emotional and social health needs and well-being while confirming their gender identity.

This care reduces the risk of suicide and increases positive mental health and the overall well -being of individuals. * (13:50) Taking the steps to access care which affirms one's identities takes courage and should be met with compassion and a system which is ready to provide that care. Service providers should hav e stable and adequate funding and resources available to meet needs in a timely manner. Currently, the surgical and diagnostic backlog in Manitoba is barring some folks from even being placed on a waiting list for gender -affirming sur - geries.

Many people I've talked to are waiting with no idea as to when they might be able to access care at any stage of their gender-affirming health process. Policies require extensive en hancements, and Manitoba's list of what is deemed medically necessary is incredibly restrictive. There is a significant role for the provincial gov- ernment in not only addressing the backlogs but also in combatting stigma, upholding and enhancing human rights and ensuring equitable access to all aspects of life-saving, gender-affirming health care.

No longer should this government be one that gets in the way of trans and non-binary people living fully affirmed lives or one that treats their health care as an afterthought. We must do better by trans and non-binary Manitobans across the province. The Manitoba NDP stands with all trans and non- binary communities and wishes all 2SLGBTQIA+ folks across Manitoba a very happy Pride. Thank you. Jim Stinson Hon. Jeff Wharton (Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks): Madam Speaker, I r ise in the House today to honour Mr. Jim Stinson, a resident of the RM of St.

Clements, for his outstanding con- tributions to his community. Jim and his wife, Darlene, moved to the RM of St. Clements in 1990 while he was still employed with the RCMP and immediately became involved in his new community. When the Province began dis - cussions regarding the expansion of the floodway, Jim researched the proposed expansion to ensure that the drinking water and the aquifer that supplies it would not be affected. It became very apparent that any further deepen - ing of the centre channel of the floodway would, in fact, endanger the groundwater due to many pre - existing breaches.

Jim attended every meeting and fought to reduce the proposed depth. Madam Speaker, the ex pansion team subsequently conceded and agreed to Jim's proposal. In late 2000, Jim agreed to assist the municipality in their emergency preparedness program. This en- deavour soon became a passion of Jim's to establish ways to protect residents in St. Cle ments and even - tually became a full -time position as manager of Protective Services. There were many aspects in protecting the RM of St.

Clements that required co -operation from many stakeholders, including council, the Province, the Capital Region em ergency co -ordinators, first responders and staff with the municipality. Madam Speaker, in 2009, Jim received the Emergency Coordinator of the Year Award from the Disaster Management Conference. In 2010, Jim initiated a full -scale emergency exercise called Shooting Star. This included all municipalities within

2586 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 the Interlake and Eastman area. The exercise took over a year to develop and enabled municipalities to respond to emergency situations such as a full -scale chemical spill. Madam Speaker, I ask my co lleagues to join me today in acknowledging Mr. Jim Stinson for his out - standing contributions to the RM of St. Clements and the province of Manitoba. Grace Hospital ER Mr. Adrien Sala (St. James): Madam Speaker, exactly one year ago, I published a CanSt ar

article sounding the alarm about a crisis happening within the Grace Hospital emergency room, and since then, it's evident that things have only gotten worse under this PC government. Simply put, there's an emergency happening in our Grace Hospital ER and the PCs have done nothing to fix it. Doctors, nurses and health-care support staff have been working tirelessly to provide the best care possible in this environment, but it cannot be sustained.

A few weeks ago, a community member reached out to me to let me know she'd taken her 73- year-old mother to the Grace ER with a serious head injury, but after waiting over 12 hours overnight without being seen by a doctor, she took her mom home and hoped for the best. Other similarly horrifying stories have been shared with me in recent weeks, and the hard truth is that in west Winnipeg, residents can no longer be con- fident that they can access the emergency care they need when they need it.

The Grace Hospital has been experiencing heavy patient loads ever s ince the PC government closed three out of six emergency rooms in Winnipeg. The closure of these ERs created a massive increase in the number of patients being routed to the Grace for emer- gency care, but this increase in patient volumes wasn't matched wit h an increase in available space or staffing. Patients have to be kept in the hallway because the emergency department, suited for 31 beds, is sometimes treating as many as 90 patients at a time. Emergency care is a vital component of our health - care system, Madam Speaker.

Manitobans facing life- threatening emergencies need to be able to have timely and quality access to emergency services. I call on west Winnipeg MLAs and on the Minister of Health (Ms. Gordon) to take immediate action in response to this crisis. Manitobans deserve to be confident that they can access emergency medical services when they need them. It's time for this PC government to take serious action to solve the crisis taking place at the Grace Hospital emergency room. End of Sitting Acknowledgements Mr. Dougald Lamont (St.

Boniface): We're about to break for summer and I'd like to rise to express gratitude and pay tribute to some friends who have been lost in the last year. There have been many difficult losses throughout this pandemic, as well as some tough divisions, and I want to pray a brief tribute to Kathryn Condra –Kay– who died this winter. Kay was a dear friend of my family. She was like a second aunt, really, a best friend to my mother, a gourmet cook with an acid tongue. She affected the lives of many as a teacher. She taught at Balmoral Hall.

She also taught Indigenous students at Gordon Bell with enormous empathy and warmth, and she was an entrepreneur, a supporter and celebrator of the arts. She leaves behind Mich ael, Kathryn and Gillian and their children and the members of a book club that has been around almost as long as I've been alive. The other two losses are friends of mine. One is Sal Loxley, whose father John was a renowned economist at the U of M. Sal was a larger -than-life character who loved his city, and his passing, which happened far too soon, has left a huge hole in the lives of his family, friends and community.

The last is Megan Wolff. She was a mom, a teacher, with a special spark of life. She was going to retire this year and sell her house and move to be with her partner in Colorado, but she died of COVID on Christmas Day. She's mourned by so many –by her identical twin sister Jen, her partner Andy, her chil - dren Mia and Alex. And does–you know, summing up, Kay was like an aunt or a second mother; Megan and Sal I knew in high school and university. And I knew them all at a time of life when you don't have a care in the world and you think you'll live forever.

And I am grateful for the time we had for them–with them. At the same time, while this has been a year of many losses and challenges, there's always much to be grateful for and to look forward to.

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2587 I want to thank the Speaker, the Clerk, our fellow members and all the staff for all their work that makes our work possible. To graduates, whether it's from high school or university or college, who are moving on to a new phase in your life, best of luck. And, finally, to everyone who hears this and everyone they love, I wish you peace, joy and better days. I know they're ahead. I just don't know when. Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.

Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Prior to oral questions, we have a number of guests here in the gallery, and I would like to introduce all of them to you. In the public gallery we have with us today two grade 4 classes from Greenway Elementary School, who are the guests of the honour able member for Wolseley (Ms. Naylor). Also in the public gallery we have with us Sandy and Zac Tschosik of B ismarck, North Dakota, and Betty Olinkin of Winnipeg, who are the guests of the honourable Minister of Transpor tation and Infra - structure (Mr. Piwniuk).

Also seated in the public gallery, from Interlake Mennonite Fellowship School, we have 23 grade 9 to 12 students under the direction of Byron Dueck, and this group is located in the constituency of the honour- able Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Johnson). And I'm also told that there are 19 guests in the public gallery from Ukraine, and they are her e with their chaperone, former MLA MaryAnn Mihychuk. And they also visited the –Interlake-Gimli this past week. And a parti cular welcome to our members, but welcome to everybody that is here.

We're delighted that we can have our guests back, and a very, very special welcome to our friends from Ukraine. * * * Madam Speaker: And now it's also time to say goodbye to two more pages. Speaker's Statement Madam Speaker: Prior to oral questions, I have this statement for the House. * (14:00) One of our pages, Divya Sharma, is serving her last day in the Chamber today and I wanted to share some comments that she has made with the House. Divya was honoured to serve as page and learn all the personal beverage preferences of MLAs. It was inter- esting to see the human side of politics and people in the Chamber.

She hopes to continue learning about these systems at the Univer sity of Manitoba in the political science program. Finally, she would like to say shukria, miigwech, merci and thank y ou to all the MLAs; her sergeants, Dave and Cam; the clerks; attendants; the security staff and custodians and more for their input to demo- cracy in Manitoba. Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Divya's mother, Neha, has joined us today as–and is in the public gallery. * * * Madam Speaker: And another one of our pages, Taylor, is serving her last day in the Chamber today, and I want to share some of her comments with you.

She says: I really appreciated my time here at the Legislature. Through this e xperience, I learned a lot and I am thankful for the opportunity and great privil- ege I have had for being here. I believe I grew a lot and I would like to thank everyone for their support and guidance. After I graduate this year from Miles Macdonel l Collegiate and the Inter national Baccalaureate pro - gram, I plan to study history and anthropology at the University of Winnipeg to prepare for a career in historical curation.

Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Taylor's sister, Avery, and her father, Kevin, are joining us in the gallery today. * * * Madam Speaker: And I know we all grow very fond of our pages, and we just want to wish both of these pages the very best in their future endeavours. ORAL QUESTIONS WPS Headquarters Construction Request to Call Public Inquiry Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Each day, we learn more and more about the scandal around the construction of the City of Winnipeg's police headquarters.

2588 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 A judge has ruled the former CAO of the City of Winnipeg accepted a bribe as part of this construction project, and we are learning more and more about in- voices for work not done or not completed. Manitobans expect answers to the questions they have about this project that cost over $100 million. Will the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) take action today and call a public inquiry into the City of Winnipeg's police headquarters project? Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, the member knows that there are dozens, I believe, of 'citil '–civil litigations that continue to work their way through the courts related to this matter. Recently, the CEO of the City of Winnipeg, Michael Jack, said that the reality is, as litigation pro- ceeds, we continue to make our way through literally millions of documents. So, at each stage of these pro- ceedings, we are learning more. Launching a public inquiry has been seen in the past during litigation–can actually stop that litigation from happening.

I don't know why, when infor mation is being brought forward, the member opposite would want to interrupt civil litigation, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question. Ms. Fontaine: Well, actually, Winnipeg's Ci ty Council, alongside Mayor Brian Bowman, are actually calling for a public inquiry. They're calling on this government to do what's right and call a public inquiry. They all state a public inquiry would help, not hinder, their civil suits on this matter. It would compel people to answer questions and for documents to see the light of day.

This is why an inquiry is so des per- ately needed to get to the bottom of a really atrocious scandal here. Will the Premier stop delaying, do what's right and call a public inquiry into the police headquarters project today? Mr. Goertzen: The member opposite references the need to discover documents. Of course, that is what the discovery process in litigation is about. Michael Jack, the CEO of the City of Winnipeg, said the reality is, as litigation p roceeds, we continue to make our way through literally millions of docu- ments. So, at each stage of these proceedings, we are learning more.

We're getting more information from documents– the very thing that the member is asking for. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary. Ms. Fontaine: There's nothing stopping the Premier from getting up today and calling a public inquiry into the police headquarters. She can do it right now. But unfortunately, Madam Speaker, this is a pol- itical decision on her part to refuse Winnipeggers the accountability that they deserve on $100 million. On this side of the House, we stand with the mayor of Winnipeg, who said an inquiry would help get to the bottom of this scandal.

The gov ernment is just using the same excuses as Brian Pallister. Will the Premier stop all the excuses, get up in the House today and call a public inquiry into the police headquarters scandal? Mr. Goertzen: In fact, it was Derek Olson, a senior litigator and a former com mission council for the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry, who said actually that the preference would be to see civil proceedings con - cluded before an inquiry is held to avoid possible in - consistencies or conflicting results which might influence either the civil proceedings or the inquiry.

In fact, we've seen in the past, Madam Speaker, that where there's a public inquiry at the same time, it can actually spark another form of litigation that could stop the civil litigation that's ongoing. Ther e are ac- countability measures happening in civil litigation. There's more information coming forward. I don't know why the member opposite would want to stop that discovery from happening, Madam Speaker. Health-Care Support Workers Bargaining Contract and Pandemic Pay MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, health support staff in this province have been without a contract for many years.

They deserve respect, but this PC gov ernment has simply not pro- vided that. Far too many of these essential workers were left out of health- care top-ups during this pandemic and their service entirely left without the respect it de - serves. It's long past time for a resolution.

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2589 Will the minister ensure top -ups, and when will they esta blish a new contract for health support workers? Hon. Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services): Well, this is intervention request number, I don't know, 20, somewhere along the road for –from the members opposite. Certainly, w e are not the employer, Madam Speaker. Shared Health is the employer. They're–are in bargaining with that particular union and their representatives.

There is no space for government to insert them- selves in that collective bargaining process, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a supplementary question. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, on this side of the House we will always stand up for workers in Manitoba. It's been five years since this PC gov ernment started closing emergency rooms–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. MLA Asagwara: –urgent-care centres and clinics across Manitoba. Their cuts have left our hospitals overloaded.

Health support staff are doing more with less and they've been without a contrac t for far too long. Their wages have been frozen and they were cut out of top-up pay. It's time to show these workers the respect they deserve, Madam Speaker. Will the minister ensure COVID top -up pay for these workers and a new contract today? Mr. Helwer: Well, request No. 21, I think, is where we are for the opposition asking us as government to intervene in collective bargaining where there is no space to –for gov ernment to intervene, Madam Speaker. On one side, you have the employer, Shared Health.

On the other side you have the union repre - senting the workers. In between you have their profes- sional negotiator. They negotiate, Madam Speaker. There's no place in there for the government to intervene. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a final supplementary. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, inflation is now over 6 per cent. This minister and his gov ernment had no problem interfering and freezing the workers' wages for years when these workers put themselves at risk, working with patients infected with COVID-19.

It's time for a fair deal for these health support workers all across of–our province, Madam Speaker. They 'desuve' new–they deserve new contracts. They deserve top-ups that recognize their work during this pandemic on the front lines. Will the minister ensure that that funding is in place for those workers today? * (14:10) Mr. Helwer: Well, a flip -flop in the same question, Madam Speaker: blaming the gov ernment for intervening, asking us to intervene, but not intervene. So, which is it, Madam Speaker? I can't see what path the member opposite is looking for. The– An Honourable Member: Answer the question. Mr.

Helwer: Obviously, the members opposite don't want to listen to the answer. They're heckling me down, Madam Speaker. You can hear them do it. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Helwer: There is no space for the government to intervene in this process. The –Shared Health is the employer. They're in bargaining with the union, Madam Speaker. That is where this will come to fruition. Collective bargaining works.

Madam Speaker: Before everything goes off track here, we have a lot of guests in the gallery and a lot of students, and I'm going to ask for everybody's co-operation today to please listen carefully to the an- swers, listen carefully to the questions. And I don't think this is a very good time to be heckling when you are all role models here for future leaders, so I'm going to ask for everybody to please show respect to each other as democracy unfolds. Hydro Rates and Public Utilities Board Request to Withdraw Bill 36 Mr. Adrien Sala (St.

James): Madam Speaker, Bill 36 guarantees that Manitobans will pay more for their hydro bills. It takes all rate -setting power away from the Public Utilities Board and places that power into the hands of Cabinet. The PUB is there to make

2590 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 sure the PC government can't force through rate hikes for political purposes. That's why Bill 36 is so wrong. Manitobans are speaking o ut, and we're joined today by concerned citizens from the Protect the PUB Coalition, who I invite to stand up, made up from representatives from a variety of com munity groups and organizations who are raising their voices against this bill. Will the gov ernment listen to these Manitobans who are calling for the PCs to withdraw Bill 36 today? Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro): I welcome the guests to the gal - lery because it allows us the op portunity to correct the record, where that member is clearly misleading people. We know that Bill 36 contains powerful provi - sions to protect Manitobans against increases. It re - gulates increases. It caps a maximum increase: it is either CPI or rate of inflation or 5 per cent, which- ever is the lower. This keeps the affordability advan - tage for all Manitobans. That's what Bill 36 does. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for St. James, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Sala: Madam Speaker, Manitobans, like those who've joi ned here today, are speaking up because they're concerned about this gov ernment's plans to interfere with Hydro and to undermine the PUB. That means higher hydro bills for families and businesses, and it undermines inde pendent oversight over rate setting. That's wrong. The PUB already stopped higher hydro rate hikes sought by this government. That's why we should sup- port the PUB's independence instead of undermining it. Bill 36 goes in the wrong direction by undermining the PUB. Will the minister listen to Manitobans and with - draw Bill 36 today? Mr.

Friesen: Madam Speaker, the member is just wrong. He uses language like rate increases sought by government, but he knows full well that in this pro - vince it is the regulator who sets hydro rate increases, not the government of Manitoba. The role of the regulator is clearly defined in this bill to protect Manitobans against debacles, like – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Friesen: –the Keeyask dam, in the future going $4 billion over budget. Madam Speaker, this bill is designed to protect Manitoba low rates while it stabilizes Hydro, which is in all of our advantage.

Madam Speaker: The honour able member for St. James, on a final supplementary. Mr. Sala: Madam Speaker, the costs of living are going up, the costs of groceries are going up, the costs of gas are going up and, if this gov ernment has their way, the costs of hydro are going to go way up. Instead of rates being set by an in dependent public body like the Publi c Utilities Board, the PC Bill 36 means Manitobans could be forced to pay rate hikes as high as 5 per cent per year. That's not right. It costs Manitobans money, and it undermines the inde- pendence of the PUB.

The gov ernment should back off of its plan s to undermine the Public Utilities Board. Will the gov ernment listen to concerned Manitobans, withdraw Bill 36 and commit to filing a general rate application to the PUB this year? Mr. Friesen: Well, Madam Speaker, what we see is that the NDP is in a tight spot. It was less than a week ago that they argued that Manitobans should not have tax rebates in the form of the education and property tax rebates, which we finally passed last week, and today he's taking a different tone.

The fact of the matt er is that costs are going up, and that is why this bill protects Manitobans from hydro rate increases beyond 5 per cent. But I remind that member, it was also only about two weeks ago that the Free Press wrote about that member and the NDP strategy: It's either a bad strategy, bad messaging or just cynical politics, but they're trying – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Friesen: –to mislead Manitobans. Manitobans will not be misled by the NDP. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Might just stand here for awhile, if I have to.

I'm going to ask again for everybody to, please, when we've got, especially, students in the gallery and members of the Ukrainian community from Ukraine, I think a better display of democracy here is certainly called for.

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2591 BITSA Legislation Timeline for Introduction Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): I just want to wish our Ukrainian friends–Ukrainian spoken. Translation unavailable.–to the Manitoba Legislature. Every year, the gov ernment hides important fin- ancial infor mation from Mani tobans. And just like Brian Pallister, the Stefanson government has stripped important information from the Estimates books. And just like Brian Pallister, the Stefanson government has failed to intro duce an im portant budget bill to the House t his spring. The House is scheduled to rise tomorrow.

We think Manitobans deserve to know what the PC's plans are. Will the Finance Minister present his BITSA bill to Manitobans before the House rises? Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): Well, Madam Speaker, it seems that the member for Fort Garry has had his benching removed by his leader. I think that we haven't had a question for Finance in two weeks, after his disastrous performance on trying to suggest that triple net doesn't exist to – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Friesen: –give businesses back their tax credit.

And after that, he embarrassed himself and damaged his credibility when he took potshots at the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) of Manitoba for standing next to the Deputy Pr ime Minister to welcome Ukrainians to Canada. It is never too late to say you're sorry. It is never too late to set the record straight. Will he do it today? Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Fort Garry, on a supplementary question. Mr. Wasyliw: The Ukrainian com munity in Manitoba deserves more than empty flag waving from this government. They deserve real action on Ukraine.

Now, BITSA is an important bill–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Wasyliw: –Manitobans deserve to see. It con- tains all the fee increases for things like park passes and other licences the PCs hide in their budget. It con- tains hidden measures that can impact the finances of regular people. The PCs have had months to prepare their budget bill for Manitobans to see. It's about transparency and accountability. This is Manitobans' money. Will the minister introduce the BITSA bill before the House rises tomorrow? Mr.

Friesen: Madam Speaker, it saddens me to have to answer that question, but I am pleased to correct the record and define what the member actually means by flag waving–empty flag waving. This government has provided money for health care, for mental health, for accommodations, for EIA- type of portable benefits. We have created a wel - coming centre that is the envy of Canada, that officials told the Premier less than a week ago should be the model by which all provinces operate to welcome Ukrainians. Our arms are open, our hearts are open to Ukrainians.

That member has an oppor tunity today to apolo- gize for his shameful conduct and set the 'reperd' – record straight. * (14:20) Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Fort Garry, on a final supplementary. Mr. Wasyliw: The government has revised it's budget twice now. They've stripped im portant infor mation from the Estimates books, and they've now failed to present their budget bill to the House yet again. Manitobans deserve to know how the government will raise fees on them this year, and how they'll spend their money. The PCs should stop hiding their plans and be open and accountable to this House.

Will the minister stop hiding BITSA and present it to the House immediately? Mr. Friesen: Madam Speaker, the criticisms of the member are completely baseless and without form. He knows that the supplementary for–information for legis lative review is more expansive than ever before–[interjection] It is. It includes infor mation by subappropriations. It includes information about FTEs by subappropriation. There is every manner and form of information that used to be there. So, I don't know–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Friesen: –what he's arguing about.

2592 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 But more im portantly, instead of trying to yell down my response, the member could've used this op- portunity to apologize for his shameful conduct and his comments about Ukraine while the consul general was in our midst one week ago. Will he do it today? Affordable Housing Investments Needed Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): Housing is a human right, and all Manitobans should have access to safe, affordable, quality housing. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like this PC gov - ernment agrees.

They continue to sell off hundreds of Manitoba Housing units, even as the wait -list grows from 1,699 in 2017 to over 6,000 in 2021. And other complexes are just sitting empty, despite the urgent need. There's hundreds of people who are homeless in this province. Why has this Minister of Families sold off hun - dreds of Manitoba Housing units, despite the increase in demand for affordable housing, while people are using encampments and bus shelters as housing? Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): Our government is committed to ensuring that all Manitobans have a safe, affordable place to call home.

That is why we have built 745 new units of social housing, at a cost of $110 million, since we formed government. That is why, this year, in this year's budget, $138.7 million towards providing all low- and moderate-income Manitobans a place to call home, something that member voted against. I'd also like to remind the member that the wait - list for Manitoba Housing was nearly double under their watch. And I'd also like to remind the member that it was their government that kicked 26 per cent of all applicants off the wait-list because they didn't meet the criteria. That is their record.

We are committed to getting housing for all Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Smith: Madam Speaker, 1,699 people in 2017 to over 6,000 in 2021, and this gov ernment is saying that they're building enough housing for Manitobans. Obviously not, when you have that many people waiting. When this government isn't selling off Manitoba Housing units, they're failing to maintain them. Maintenance, cleanliness, safety has declined in Manitoba Housing since this gov ernment took gov- ernment.

There's no surprise, consid ering they cut the maintenance budget from $120 million to $31.4 million last year. That's over half –actually, a quarter of what it used to be. Bug infestations, van- dalism, safety concerns have become rampant in some of these complexes. The minister can address these concerns by com- mitting to adequate– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Ms. Squires: I'd also like to remind the members opposite that our gov ernment has committed $154 million to providing–through the Canada - Manitoba Housing Benefit –to provi ding top -ups.

These are for youth that are aging out of care who are in rental markets. We're giving them a $250-a-month shelter benefit. We're also giving that to people who are ex periencing mental health and addictions, and we're also providing that benefit to people who have been precariously housed. We have also been one of the–for first time in the province of Manitoba, introduced proactive measures to help prevent homelessness by introducing a rent bank, something that that gov ernment–or, that NDP party never did.

We have prevented nearly 400 people from entering homelessness because of this proactive approach that this government is taking. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas on a final supplementary. Mrs. Smith: Manitobans are struggling with in- creasingly high costs of living. They're struggling with higher hydro bills be - cause of this gov ernment, a pitiful 'miminum' wage because of this government and an expensive housing market that this government continues to give above- market okays to.

Demand for the –higher than ever –affordable housing, yet this gov ernment is actively selling off Manitobans while we have people living in encamp- ments, living in bus shelters. They keep opening shelters, which isn't sus tainable housing. This is the legacy of this government and this Families Minister, but it doesn't have to be. This Families Minister can invest, she could reverse course.

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2593 Will she do so today and make sure that Manitobans are housed so that they don't have to live in encampments, and build more shelters– Madam Speaker: The member's time is expired. Ms.

Squires: I'd also like to thank the nearly 400 Manitobans who worked with us at collabor - ating–our homelessness strategy, and I'd also like to thank the more than 100 people with lived exper - ience for sharing their stories with us as we were going through the province to talk to individuals about what we need to do to ensure that all Manitobans have a safe and affordable place to call home.

We recognize that the challenge is complex, and I'm very ple ased to be working with other levels of government, as well as many com munity partners, at addressing the homelessness crisis as well as the housing challenges in the province of Manitoba so that all Manitobans can have a–safe, affordable access to a place to call home. That is some thing that this gov ernment is com- mitted to, some thing that gov ernment never ad - dressed. [interjection] Madam Speaker: I'm going to have to call the member for Point Douglas (Mrs. Smith) to order, please.

Suffocation Death of 2,000 Hogs Investigation by Provincial Veterinarian Mr. Diljeet Brar (Burrows): Dyakuyu [thank you], my Ukrainian friends, for your visit to the gallery today. Madam Speaker, 2,000 hogs suffocated at a barn on April 24th this year. We've heard these hogs died after a storm caused the barn to lose power and the backup generator failed. It's im portant to in vestigate what went wrong to ensure that actions are taken so that this doesn't happen again. Can the minister tell us whether an investigation by the provincial veterinarian has been requested? Hon.

Derek Johnson (Minister of Agriculture): I'm sure the member opposite should be aware that every farm that houses animals of that size has to have an action plan, including a backup generator. And that generator failed in the process, and sadly there were some animals that passed away. These–future barns will have a supply on hand as part of their emergency measures plan, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for Burrows, on a supplementary question. Mr. Brar: Not enough details have been disclosed on how 2,000 hogs suffocated.

It's important that we know what happened so that actions can be taken to prevent unneces sary loss of animal life. The minister sh ould ask the prov incial veterinarian to request an in vestigation to assure full transparency. As well, the Province should disclose how many times a suffocation incident has occurred in the last five years. Can the minister provide us with a list of suf- focation incidents and order an investigation? Mr. Johnson: I want to thank the member opposite for the question.

I'll get that and–to that in a second, but our gov - ernment is committed to making and creating an affordable climate for Manitobans, and this includes our farmers and farm families. And that's why we're phasing out the education property tax. That member opposite stood in that very place where he stood a moment ago and he voted against the education–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Johnson: –property tax rebate for farmers. We're here to support farmers: this year 37 and a half per cent, next year 50 per cent rebate on the edu- cation property tax for farmers. That member voted against it.

We support farmers. * (14:30) Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Burrows, on a final supplementary. Mr. Brar: The Ag Minister is acting like the Finance Minister. I should remind him that he is Ag Minister. Manitobans want to know that–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Brar: –livestock is not ex periencing undue suffering; 2,000 hogs suffocating should warrant an investigation into the events that caused this tragedy. Preventative actions should be taken to ensure this can't happen again, and the gov ernment should dis- close how many suffocation incidents have occurred in the past five years.

Will the minister order an in vestigation and release this information today?

2594 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 Mr. Johnson: I'll get to that answer in a second, but this very spring, the member was excited to sit down with Rachel Notley and learn from her. So we will take no lessons from a critic who would embrace a former premier of Alberta and their regressive attacks on farm families. Our gov ernment respects the family farms and wants to give them the support needed not just to sur- vive but to thrive, Madam Speaker. This is a commit- ment we are dedicated–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Johnson: –to and we will remain dedicated to for years to come.

If the critic opposite would li ke to continue sup- porting–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Johnson: –those who attack the family farm, they will remain in op position for many years to come. This government stands– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Indigenous Children in CFS Care Request to Refund Federal Benefit Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): Madam Speaker, on May 18th, Manitoba courts ruled that between 2006 and 2019 the Manitoba gov ernment systematically and repeat edly violated the constitu - tional rights of First Nations children who'd been taken from their families.

In opposi tion, the PCs called it illegal and the NDP called it stealing, but what was happening was that thousands of First Nation children weren't just taken from their families, but all of their federal bene- fits were clawed back. Neither stealing nor immoral captures the astonishing and lasting damage to children, families, communities that this practice has inflicted. I table a letter from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs seeking assurances that this decision will not be appealed. Manitoba Liberals stand with AMC. Will the Premier (Mrs.

Stefanson) accept the court's ruling and return the money to affected First Nations children? Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): As I previously said, we thank Justice Edmond for his 95-page ruling. It is a very substan tial ruling and our departments are reviewing his decision. And we look forward to working with all First Nations partners in a new era of reconciliation and working with them in transformation of the CFS system.

I'd also like to remind members opposite that his voice would have been very much beneficial when his government in Ottawa was appealing a ruling that was discriminatory towards Indigenous children in care. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Boniface, on a supplementary question. Mr. Lamont: I'll remind the minister it's not my gov- ernment and I did speak up against it. The first five of 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconci liation Com mission are dedi cated to children–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Lamont: –in care, and that is because the practice of tearing apart Indigenous families has never stopped. The trauma is not just intergenerational; it is being inflicted right now. And in the last 10 years, there have been more Indigenous children in the custody of CFS than at the peak of resi dential schools–hundreds and hundreds of tragic stories in Manitoba alone. It shouldn't take a constitu tional lawyer to know that it's wrong to steal from First Nations children in care.

The Premier knows this file because they were Minister of Families and voted with every other PC MLA to keep the money and absolve them selves of responsibility. Will the gov ernment do the right thing and reverse the decision and return what is owed to First Nations– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Ms. Squires: It is a rare point of agreement between myself and that particular member of this House when we can all agree that we do need to usher in a new era of child welfare. That is some thing that this gov ern- ment has been committed to.

That is why we have seen an 8 per cent reduction in children in care since we formed office. That is why our Premier, who was then Families minister, reversed the discriminatory policy of issuing birth alerts for babies and reducing the apprehension. I would like to update the House that we have reduced child appre - hensions–child birth apprehensions by 75 per cent since that policy was implemented.

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2595 We know that there has been a lot of damage done, stemming back decades, and we know that we are all needing to be partners in ushering in a new era of child welfare transformation for the sake of all children in the province of Manitoba. Electric Vehicle Purchases Promotion and Use Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Provinces with primarily hydroelectric power are most effective in reducing emissions with electric vehicles. BC and Quebec have realized this, with 17.1 per cent and 13.6 per cent, respectively, of new purchased vehicles being electric.

That's why it's so disappointing that Manitoba is only at 2.4 per cent of new electric vehicles being purchased, and I table a report that demonstrates this, right now. Why is Manitoba so far behind other provinces on meaningful climate change initiatives, and what is this government going to do to promote the use of electric vehicles? Hon. Jeff Wharton (Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks): I certainly ap preciate the question from the member.

And we are looking very forward to working with the federal gov ernment, particularly on moving forward with funding models to ensure that we can start to move faster, Madam Speaker. We know 2030 is just around the corner; 2050 will be here before we know it. We know there's a lot of work to do, Madam Speaker, in this space. We are committed to it as a government. We will be–we'll be moving forward with our plans, and I offer that mem- ber to come and sit with us so we can work i n a partisan way –non-partisan way to ensure we can move forward with electric vehicles right here in Manitoba.

Medical Services for Ukrainian Refugees Fee Waiver for Checkups Mr. Shannon Martin (McPhillips): Madam Speaker, Manitoba has been leading the country in support of Ukrainian refugees. We are proud to be the first city to receive a chartered flight of refugees here in Canada. The federal government is allowing Ukrainians to get necessary medical checkups done within 90 days of landing, as opposed to prior to arrival. Can the minister explain how this process is assisting Manitoba in provi ding the necessary sup - ports for Ukrainian refugees here? Hon.

Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I also want to thank my colleague, the member for McsPhillips [phonetic] for the question. He will be happy to hear that, as of Friday, we are waiving the fees associated with these tests to ensure that everyone has access to them as they arrive in Manitoba. We hope to see other provinces following our lead so that we can all ensure Ukrainians arriving in Canada can get the tests necessary for certain work permits.

We're also calling on the federal gov ernment to expand who they allow to do these tests, as currently, only four doctors in Brandon, two in Wi nkler and 14 in Winnipeg are authorized. Our gov ernment remains committed to sup - porting Ukrainians fleeing war and ensuring they have safe haven here in friendly Manitoba. Thank you. Highway 6 Improvements Timeline for Upgrades Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, almost 5,900 Manitobans have now signed a petition calling for improvements to Highway 6.

They know that Highway 6 is an essential link to the North, but they also know that it is disproportionately dangerous for those that nee d to travel it every single day. They're simply asking for a commit ment from this government to make improvements necessary to make Highway 6 safer. Will the minister commit to making these im - provements to Highway 6 beginning this year? Hon. Doyle Piwniuk (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): I just want to thank the member for the question.

Madam Speaker, actually, my staff and I are ac - tually going to go up to Thompson after this session's over to actually go and drive on Highway 6. We actually met with a group of –Highway 6 group that actually talked about the issues of Highway 6. And, Madam Speaker, our gov ernment is com- mitted to investing in infra structure, especially when it comes to Highway 6. We're going to be doing $9 million this year alone, about $53 million for the next three years when–our three-year budget. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a supplementary question. * (14:40)

2596 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 Mr. Wiebe: Madam Speaker, the group organizing to make Highway 6 safer is made up of those Manitobans who have to travel on Highway 6 every single day. Our caucus was pleased to meet with those folks when they were here in person, when they travelled to give the minister that petition and for –to advocate for their simple ask s of this gov ernment. They're asking for real im provements like wider shoulders, flatter shoulders, better snow plowing, more turnoffs and more passing lanes. They want action now.

They recognize that our construction season is quickly slipping away if this government doesn't act now. So, once again, I'll ask the minister: Will he take action now and start making im provements to Highway 6? Mr. Piwniuk: Madam Speaker, I'm not –take any lessons from this member, who was actually what the government in–the NDP govern ment–back in the 17 years of government, Madam Speaker–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Piwniuk: But, Madam Speaker, this –when he was in gov ernment, they actually underspent by millions of dollars.

In 2013, they unders pent by $126 million; 2014, by $140 million; and 2015, by $160 million; and in two hundred– 2016, by $174 million. Madam Speaker, they actually neglected to invest in highways in rural Manitoba. Where–when he's talking about safety in high- ways, Madam Speaker, we're going to do it right. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a final supplementary. Mr. Wiebe: Madam Speaker, this minister knows right now his gov ernment is underspending, every single year that they've been in gov ernment, on their infrastructure budget, and specifically Highway 6.

When residents have come and are simply asking for the basics for better snow plowing, for wider shoulders, for bathrooms, for garbage facilities, these are simple asks that the minister could take action on today, and yet year after year his gov ernment under- spends his own budget and continues to come into this House and try to make this a political issue. These members–these people from Thompson are asking for the minister to act now . Will he take their advice and get to work right away? Mr. Piwniuk: Madam Speaker, I'm want –not take any lessons for this member opposite.

You know, he– when he was in gov ernment, again, they underspent way more in–when it comes to infrastructure. And when it comes–Madam Speaker, we're going to invest into Highway 6. We're going to be actually continuing 'widing' shoulders, like we have always been doing. We'll continue investing in the North. We'll continue–we have some great op portunities in the North that we're going to be announcing after this blackout, and I'm looking forward to presenting that to the citizens of Thompson. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library Mr.

Nello Altomare (Transcona): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows: The Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library has been served–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Altomare: –notice by the Red River Valley School Division to vacate the premises currently situated in the auditorium of École Héritage school by March 31st, 2023.

(2) The auditorium was originally built in the 1960s by renowned Manitoba architect Étienne Gaboury, and it has been home to the JRL for 48 years.

(3) A photo of the auditorium captioned the regional library is published in the 2008 document titled heritage buildings of the RMs of De Salaberry and St. Pierre Jolys . It is marked as an im portant modern building that could attain the status of heritage site.

(4) The JRL and Red River Valley School Division have flourished from a mutually beneficial memorandum of understanding for 54 years.

(5) Their shared collec tion boasts over 50,000 books and has the fourth largest collection of French-language and literature in rural Manitoba.

(6) The students that are bused in from neighbouring municipalities that do not have a public library, such as Niverville, Grunthal, Kleefeld, are

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2597 provided with free access to the public library and its fourth largest collection of French-language books in rural Manitoba. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To request the Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Gov ernment Services to consider granting the auditorium to the JRL by March 1st, 2023.

(2) To request the Minister of Education to recog- nize the value that JRL provides to the student popu- lation of ÉHS, as well as the com munities of the Village de St. Pierre Jolys and the RM of De Salaberry.

(3) To request the Minister of Edu cation and the Minister of Francophone Affairs to recog nize that the–that a memorandum of understanding between the Red River Valley School Division and the JRL is mutually, financially and culturally beneficial.

(4) To request the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage to recognize the heritage potential of this im- portant building and its status in the community; and

(5) To request the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage to prevent any renovations to the auditorium that would destroy and devalue the architectural integrity of the building. This petition is signed by Nadine Bouchard, Salina Breton and Jonathan Shand as well as many other Manitobans. Thank you. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Foot-Care Services Mr. Diljeet Brar (Burrows): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows: The population of those aged 55- plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson. A large percentage of people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment. A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes. The northern regional health authority previously provided essential medical foot -care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program after the last two nurses filling those positions retired.

The number of seniors and those with diabetes has only continued to grow in Thompson and sur - rounding areas. There is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 medical foot-care centres. The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations. The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essen tial medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2022. This has been signed by many Manitobans. Thank you.

Catalytic Converter Engraving Credit Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The spike in catalytic converter thefts con - tinues across North America and continues to affect Manitobans.

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

(3) The price of precious metals in catalytic converters like rhodium, palladium and platinum are worth thousands of dollars an ounce. Scra p metal recyclers have catalytic converters priced to the vehicle, with some catalytic converters worth $800.

(4) Catalytic converter thefts had a total cost of $2,000 for each replacement. Manitoba Public Insurance charges a betterment fee for new repla ce- ments, so insurance doesn't cover the full cost.

2598 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022

(5) Currently, sellers of catalytic converters do not have to provide government-issued photo ID and recyclers do not need to record and retain the informa- tion or record details of the transaction.

(6) Catalytic converters do not have any part number or vehicle identification number, VIN, and the inability to tie a catalytic converter to a specific vehicle is a major enforcement issue.

(7) Engraving of a vehicle's VIN on its catalytic converter would be a major deterrent to theft by tying the vehicle to the part and making enforcement possible.

(8) Provinces like BC and Alberta have scrap metal recycler legislation requiring businesses to keep proper records. * (14:50) We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to bring in consumer protection legislation requiring scrap metal recyclers to keep proper records for five years so only legitimate sales are allowed and criminals can be caught.

(2) To urge the prov incial gov ernment to pass consumer protec tion legis lation directing Manitoba Public Insurance to provide substan tial discounts to auto–on auto insurance premiums to Manitoba drivers for engraving vehicle identification numbers on their catalytic converters. And this petition is signed by many, many Manitobans. Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Madame la Présidente, je désire présenter la pétition suivante à l'Assemblée législative. Le contexte de cette pétition est le suivant :

(1) La Bibliothèque régionale Jolys Regional Library, B-R-G, a été avisée par la Division scolaire Vallée de la rivière Rouge, DSVRR, de libérer les locaux actuellement situés dans l'auditorium d e l'École Heritage School, ÉHS, d'ici le 31 mars 2023.

(2) L'auditorium a été construit dans les années 1960 par le célèbre architecte manitobain Étienne Gaboury, et B-R-G y est installée depuis 48 ans.

(3) Une photo de l'auditorium intitulée « La bibliothèque régionale » est publiée dans un document de 2008 intitulé « Bâtiments patrimoniaux des MR De Salaberry et Saint -Pierre-Jolys ». Il est indiqué qu'il s'agit d'un bâtiment moderne important qui pourrait atteindre le statut de site patrimonial.

(4) B -R-G et DSVRR ont prospéré grâce à un protocole d'entente mutuellement bénéfique pendant 54 ans.

(5) Leur collection commune compte plus de 50 000 livres et possède la quatrième plus grande collection de littérature de langue française dans les régions rurales du Manitoba.

(6) Les élèves qui sont transportés par autobus des municipalités voisines qui n'ont pas de bibliothèque publique, comme Niverville, Grunthal et Kleefeld, ont accès gratuitement à la bibliothèque publique et à sa quatrième plus grande collection de livres en français dans les régions rurales du Manitoba pendant l'année scolaire.

Nous présentons à l'Assemblée législative du Manitoba la pétition suivante : (1) de demander au ministre du Travail, de la Protection des consommateurs et des Serv ices gouvernementaux d'envisager de concéder l'auditorium à la B-R-G d'ici le 1er mars 2023; (2) demander au ministre de l'Éducation de reconnaître la valeur que la B -R-G apporte à la population d'étudiants de l' ÉHS ainsi qu'aux communautés du Village de Saint-Pierre-Jolys et de la MR De Salaberry; (3) demander au ministre de l'Éducation et au ministre des Affaires francophones de reconnaître qu'un protocole d'entente entre la RRVSD et G -R-L est mutuellement bénéfique, financièrement et culturellement; (4) demander au ministre des Sports, de la Culture et du Patrimoine de reconnaître le potentiel patrimonial de cet important bâtiment et son statut au sein de la communauté; (5) demander au ministre des Sports, de la Culture et du Patrimoine d'empêcher toute ré novation de l'auditorium qui détruirait et dévaloriserait l'intégrité architecturale du bâtiment.

Cette pétition est signée par Colin Coulombe, Mikaelia [phonetic] Laroche et Justice Guigui. Merci.

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2599 Translation Madam Speaker, I would like to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background for this petition is as follows:

(1) The Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library (JRL) was notified by the Red River Valley School Division (RRVSD) to vacate premises currently located in the auditorium of the École Héritage School (EHS) by March 31, 2023.

(2) The auditorium was built in the 1960s by famous Manitoban architect Étienne Gaboury, and it has been home to the JRL for 48 years.

(3) A photo of the auditorium captione d "The Regional Library" was published in a 2008 document titled "Heritage Buildings of De Salaberry and St. Pierre Jolys". It is marked as an important modern building that could reach the status of heritage site.

(4) The JRL and the RRVSD have flourished by means of a mutually beneficial memorandum of understanding for 54 years.

(5) Their shared collection boasts over 50,000 books and includes the fourth largest collection of French - language literature in rural Manitoba.

(6) Students bused in from neighbouring muni ci- palities that do not have a public library, such as Niverville, Grunthal and Kleefeld, are provided with free access to the public library and its fourth largest collection of French language literature in rural Manitoba during the school year. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To request that the Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services consider granting the auditorium to the JRL by March 1, 2023.

(2) To request that the Minister of Educat ion recognize the value offered by the JRL to the student population of EHS, as well as to the communities of Village de St. Pierre-Jolys and the De Salaberry RM.

(3) To request that the Minister of Education and the Minister of Francophone Affairs recogni ze that a memorandum of understanding between RRVSD and JRL is mutually, financially and culturally beneficial.

(4) To request that the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage recognize the heritage potential of this important building and its status in the community.

(5) To request that the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage prevent any renovations to the auditorium that would destroy and devalue the architectural integrity of the building. This petition was signed by Colin Coulombe, Mikaelia [phonetic] Laroche and Justice Guigui. Thank you. Hearing Aids Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) A hearing aid is a batte ry-powered electronic device designed to improve an individual's ability to perceive sound. Worn in and behind a person's ear, they make sounds louder, helping people hear better when it's quiet and when it's noisy. People who suffer hearing loss, whether due to aging, illness, employment or accident, not only lose the ability to communicate effectively with friends, family or colleagues, they also can experience unemployment, social isolation and struggles with mental health.

Hearing loss can also impact the safety of an individual with hearing loss, as it affects the ability to hear cars coming, safety alarms, call 911, et cetera. A global commission on the state of research for dementia care and prevention released an updated consensus report in July 2020, identifying 12 key risk factors for dementia and cognitive decline. The strongest risk factor that was indicated was hearing loss. It was calculated that up to 8 per cent of the total number of dementia cases could potentially be avoided with management of hearing loss.

Hearing aids are therefore essential to the mental health and wellbeing of Manitobans, especially to those at significant risk of dementia or Alzheimer's, a disorder of the brain affecting cognition in the ever - growing senior population. Audiologists are health -care professionals who help patients decide which kind of hearing aid will work best for them, based on the type of hearing loss, patient's age and ability to manage small devices, lifestyle and ability to afford. The cost o f hearing aids can be prohibitive to many Manitobans, depending on their income and circumstances.

Hearing aids cost on average $995 to

2600 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 $4,000 per ear, and many professionals say the hearing aids only work at their best for five years. Manitoba residents under the age of 18 who require a hearing aid, as prescribed by an oto - laryngologist or audiologist, will receive either an 80 per cent reimbursement from Manitoba Health of a fixed amount for an analog device, up to a maximum of $500 per ear, or 80 per cent of a fixed amount for a digital or analog programmable device, up to a maximum of $1,800.

However, this reimbursement is not available to Manitobans who need the device who are over the age of 18, which will result in financial hardship for many young people entering the workforce, students and families. In addition, seniors representing 14.3 per cent of Manitoba's population are not eligible for reimbursement, despite being the group most likely to need a hearing aid. Most insurance companies only pro vide a minimal partial cost of a hearing aid, and many Manitobans, especially retired persons, old- age pensioners and other low-income earners do not have access to health insurance plans.

The Province of Quebec's hearing devices pro- gram covers all cost s related to hearing aids and assistive listening devices, including the purchase, repair and replacement. Alberta offers subsidies to all seniors 65 and over and low-income adults 18 to 64 once every five years. New Brunswick provides coverage for the pur- chase and maintenance not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans, as well as assistance for those for whom the purchase would cause financial hardship.

Manitobans over 18 are only eligible for support for hearing aids if they're receiving Employment and Income Assist ance, and the reimbursement only provides a maximum of $500 an ear. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to consider hearing loss as a medical treatment un der Manitoba Health. To urge the provincial government to provide income-based coverage for hearing aids to all who need them, as hearing has been proven to be essential to Manitobans' cognitive, mental and social health and wellbeing.

Signed by Patrice Land, Beverly Frankfurt, Gary Bell and many, many other Manitobans. South Perimeter Highway Noise Barrier Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Residents of the River Park South community in Winnipeg are disturbed by the increasing noise levels caused by traffic on the South Perimeter Highway.

(2) The South Perimeter Highway functions as a transport route for semi -trucks t ravelling across Canada, making this stretch of the Perimeter especially loud.

(3) According to the South Perimeter Noise Study conducted in 2019, the traffic levels are expected to increase significantly over the next 20 years and back- ground–backyard noise levels have already reached – surpassed 65 decibels.

(4) Seniuk Road, which runs alongside the South Perimeter, contributes additional truck traffic causing increased noise and air pollution.

(5) Residents face a decade of construction on the South Perimeter, making this an appropriate time to add noise mitigation for the South Perimeter to these projects.

(6) The current barriers between the South Perimeter Highway and the homes of the River Park South residents are a berm and a wood fence, neither of which are effective at reducing traffic noise. * (15:00) We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to consult with noise specialists and other experts to determine the most effective way to reduce the traffic noise and to commit to meaningful action to address resident concern.

(2) To urge the Minister of Transportation to help address this issue with a noise barrier wall along the residential portions of the river–of the south Perimeter from St. Anne's Road to St. Mary's Road and for River Park South residents. And this petition, Madam Speaker, is signed by many Manitobans.

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2601 Drug Overdose Reporting Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I wish to present the following pe tition to the Legis lative Assembly. The background to the petition is as follows:

(1) Across the province, many Manitobans con- tinue to struggle with addictions, and the pandemic has led to even more deaths and worsened the ongoing public health crisis of opioid overdoses.

(2) Three hundred and seventy -two Manitobans died from an overdose in 2020; and that's over one a day, and 80 per cent–87 per cent higher than in 2019.

(3) Manitoba is expected to exceed over 400 overdose deaths in 2021, but the data is not publicly available since the last public reporting of opioid deaths was published in 2019.

(4) The data for drug overdose deaths from 2020 to 2021 was compiled through media inquiries, and this should–and this needs to change.

(5) Access to timely data on the harms of drugs helps to inform both government and stakeholders on where to take action and target resources needed in various communities.

(6) Manitoba is the only province not provi ding regular, timely data to the federal go vernment opioid information portal.

(7) Manitobans deserve a gov ernment that takes the growing drug crisis seriously and will report the data publicly in a timely matter –manner–matter to target actions and allow for accountability. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial gov ernment to enact Bill 217, The Fatality Inquiries Amendment Act (Overdose Death Reporting), to require the Province to publish the number of drug overdose deaths, as well as t he type of drug, on a gov ernment website in a timely fashion.

This has been signed by Doug [phonetic]–or Don Monkman, Kristy Daniels, Giselle Morrisseau and many other Manitobans. Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library Mr. Jamie Moses (St. Vital): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library, JRL, has been served notice by the Red River Valley School Division, RRVSD, to vacate the premises currently situated in the auditorium of École Héritage school, ÉHS, by March 31st, 2023.

(2) The auditorium was originally built in the 1960s by renowned Manitoban architect Étienne Gaboury, and it has been home to the JRL for over – for 48 years.

(3) A photo of the auditorium captioned the regional library is published in a 2008 document titled heritage buildings in RM De Salaberry and St. Pierre Jolys. It is marked as an im portant modern building that could attain the status of a heritage site.

(4) JRL and RRVSD have flourished from a mutually beneficial memorandum of under standing for 54 years.

(5) Their shared collection boasts over 50,000 books and has the fourth largest collection of French-language literature in rural Manitoba.

(6) Students that are bused in from neighbouring municipalities that do not have a public library, such as Niverville, Grunthal, Kleefeld are provided with free access to the public library and its fourt h largest collection of French books in rural Manitoba during the school year. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To request the Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Gov ernment Services to consider granting the a uditorium to the JRL by March 1st, 2023.

(2) To request the Minister of Education to recog- nize the value that JRL provides to the student popu- lation of ÉHS, as well as the com munities of Village de St. Pierre Jolys and the RM De Salsberry [phonetic].

(3) To request the Minister of Edu cation and the Minister of Francophone Affairs to recognize that an MOU between the RRVSD and the JRL is mutually, financially and culturally beneficial.

(4) To request the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage to recognize the heritage potential of this im- portant building and its status in the community.

(5) To request the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage to prevent any renovations to the auditorium that would destroy and devalue the architectural integrity of the building.

2602 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 This petition has been signed by many Manitobans, including Christine Slobodian, Tristan Friesen and Shawn Kenyon. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Drug Overdose Reporting Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, I wish to pre sent the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Across the province, many Manitobans con- tinue to struggle with addictions, and the pandemic has led to even more deaths and worsened the ongoing public health crisis of opioid overdoses.

(2) Three hundred and seventy -two Manitobans died of an overdose in 2020; that's over one a day, and 87 per cent higher than in 2019.

(3) Manitoba is expected to exceed over 400 overdose deaths in 2021, but the data is not publicly available since the last public reporting of opioid deaths was published in 2019.

(4) The data for drug overdose deaths from 2020 and 2021 was compiled through media inquiries, and this needs to change.

(5) Access to timely dat a on the harms of drugs helps inform both gov ernment and stake holders on where to take action and target resources needed for various communities.

(6) Manitoba is the only province not provi ding regular, timely data to the federal gov ernment opioid information portal.

(7) Manitobans deserve a gov ernment that takes the growing drug crisis seriously and will report the data publicly in a timely matter to target actions and allow for accountability. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial gov ernment to enact Bill 17, The Fatality Inquiries Amendment Act (Overdose Death Reporting), to require the Province to publish the number of drug overdose deaths, as well as the type of drug, on a gov ernment website in a timely fashion. Signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): I have two leave requests relating to referring bills to the Committee of the Whole. Could you please canvass the House for leave: (1) to waive subrule 91(7) for Bill 41, The Child and Family Services Amend ment Act; Bill 44, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Minimum Wage); and Bill 234, The Drug-Related Death Bereavement Day Act, to allow them to be considered in Committee of the Whole today; and (2) to append any written submissions to the afore - mentioned bills at the end of today's House Hansard transcript, provided they are received by 5 p.m. today.

Madam Speaker: Is there leave: (1) to waive subrule 91(7) for Bill 41, The Child and Family Services Amendment Act; Bill 44, The Em ployment Standards Code Amendment Act (Minimum Wage); and Bill 234, The Drug- Related Death Bereavement Day Act, to allow them to be considered in Committee of the Whole today; and (2) to append any written submissions to the aforementioned bills to the end of today's House Hansard transcript, provided they are received by 5 p.m. today. * (15:10) Is there leave? [Agreed] Mr.

Goertzen: Could you please call for second reading of bay –Bill 41, The Child and Family Services Amendment Act. SECOND READINGS Bill 41–The Child and Family Services Amendment Act Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the House will consider second reading of Bill 41, The Child and Family Service Amendment Act, this afternoon. Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): I move, seconded by the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning (Mr. Ewasko), that Bill 41, The Child and Family Services Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les services à les enfant et à la famille, be now read a second time and referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. Ms. Squires: Bill 41 amends The Child and Family Service Act as a key step towards the realization of

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2603 Indigenous juris diction over Child and Family Services. These amendments authorize information sharing with Indigenous governing bodies exercising juris - diction to ensure the seamless transition o f services from prov incial CFS agencies to service providers operating under Indigenous laws. It also ensures the ongoing province-wide service co-ordination and the continued safety of children. Additional clarifi cations are included regarding information sharing and the Child Abuse Registry used by provincially mandated agencies. Mr.

Dennis Smook, Acting Speaker, in the Chair Four key legis lative themes high light the most impactful changes introduced through these amend - ments; the first b eing that Indigenous governing bodies and their service providers will be authorized to access CFS infor mation about their com munity members when they are planning or provi ding CFS services.

This includes authorizing trustees or public bodies to shar e information with Indigenous service providers that may be protected under The Personal Health Infor mation Act or The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act if it is necessary for the health, safety and well -being of a child. Second, i t authorizes an admin istrative service transfer process so that CFS cases can be trans - ferred from prov incially mandated CFS agencies to Indigenous service providers without engaging the provincial court.

Third, it supports the continued use of the provincial electronic CFS Infor mation System by Indigenous service providers and authorizing the abil- ity to refer individuals to the Child Abuse Registry. And fourth, it's protecting Indigenous service pro- vider records when uploaded through the prov incial electronic CFS Information System. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Indigenous governing bodies and their service providers must have access to CFS information so they can plan for the delivery of CFS in–services to their com munity members.

It is just as im portant that a process is legally enabled to transfer the service responsibility of–for children and families currently supported by the prov incial CFS system to service providers under Indigenous law. The author ization of this process will sub stan- tially reduce the financial and admin istrative burden for Indigenous service providers, prov incially man - dated agencies and the courts. Through these changes, our gov ernment is signalling the expect ation that information should be shared to support Indigenous jurisdiction for Child and Family Services.

The Province is currently engaged with several Indigenous governing bodies at various stages of exercising jurisdiction, with many more expected to come forward soon. Time is of the essence t o proactively make these changes and support Indigenous jurisdiction for Child and Family Services and the path to recon ciliation. We recognize that this is only the first step of a longer journey, and we expect to make many more changes as we hear and learn more about what is required to effectively support the realization of Indigenous juris- diction of Child and Family Services in Manitoba.

I look forward to further discussions on Bill 41 and I would like to thank the support of everyone in this House for bringing this bill to a speedy second reading. I also want to thank the officials in my de - partment for all the work that they've done. I'd like to thank all the Indigenous governing bodies who have consulted with us and worked with us as we've bee n walking down this journey hand-in-hand towards the realization of this. And most importantly, I'd like to dedicate this bill to all children in the province of Manitoba and certainly hope that this is the start in creating a better future. Thank you.

Questions The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held. Questions may be addressed to the minister by any member in the fol- lowing sequence: first question by the official opposi- tion critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each indepen- dent member; remaining questions asked by any op- position members. And no question shall–question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. Ms.

Amanda Lathlin (The Pas-Kameesak): Peguis has taken on child and family services as recog nized in federal bill C-92. Can the minister explain how the Province is currently dealing with the data -sharing arrangements with Peguis in advance of this legislation passing?

2604 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): This legislation is pertinent to pass, and it is our hope that it receives royal assent tomorrow. So then we can share information, anything that is in the prov incial CFS infor mation-sharing database–or, infor mation database, and we would also be able to share in- formation under the Child Abuse Registry with Peguis without a court order. This legis lation paves the way for that process. Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): One of the con- cerns that has been raised about the information which is in the CFS database is that there's sometimes, in the past, been inadequate quality control, and so that there are allegations put there but there's no assurance that those allegations are valid. And I wonder what process the minister is taken or has taken to make sure that the quality of the infor mation in the records is of high quality. Ms.

Squires: So, as the member opposite is aware, agencies and authorities are enabled under our legis - lation to access infor mation and contribute to the sharing of infor mation and the compilation of infor - mation. This bill is just simply extending that same jurisdiction that a CFS agency and author ity would have over to an Indigenous governing body so that they would be able to act as an entity, an agency, if you will, into itself. And so all the rights and privileges that an agency has will be transferred to an Indigenous governing body, and it doesn't address the quality control of the data. Ms.

Lathlin: This bill before us also provides for the transfer of supervision of care and guardianship to Indigenous governing bodies. How is this matter cur- rently being handled for Peguis in advance of the legislation passing? Ekosi. Ms. Sq uires: I'd like to con gratulate Peguis. They were the first in the province for bringing their own law into force at the end of January and, in fact, they're setting a precedent in the country because they're exercising jurisdiction for their children that are on and off reserve. Our government and our–my department officials have been working very closely with them.

At the start of this year, what we did is we transferred the funds specifically allocated, traditionally, for Peguis Child and Fam ily Services under the southern author ity. Instead of providing that–those funds to the southern authority for transfer to the CFS agency, we delivered those directly to the First Nation, and we have been working very col laboratively to assure the se amless transition during this– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): Minister's time has expired. Mr. Gerrard: I want to move further because this quality control issue is actually really, really im por- tant.

I'm aware of instances where people have fabricated information as revenge to imply that they were abusing, and that children have been taken away based on false information. What should happen is that there should be a proper investigation of any allegations to deter mine whether they're factual o r not. But that doesn't or hasn't always occurred in the past. * (15:20) So what measures is the minister taking to make sure that there is high quality of information, if we're going to be sharing it and transferring it? Ms.

Squires: And I can appreciate the member's ques- tion about quality assurance and the role that govern- ment may play in the quality of the data that is kept in CFSIS system or in the Child Abuse Registry, but what we're here to debate today is simply about ex - panding the paramet ers and supporting Indigenous governing bodies who are exercising jurisdiction over their children. And this is–you know, I don't know if this would be the parti cular time to be moving forward in the direction that members opposite is purporting.

This is about working collaboratively with the Indigenous leadership so that they can have a successful repatria- tion of their children, in Manitoba. Ms. Lathlin: This bill makes it even more im portant that the CFIS [phonetic] database is kept up to date. What steps is the minister taking to improve that system? Ms.

Squires: At this current moment, and the bill that we're debating right now, is about facilitating the Indigenous governing bodies' ability to exercise juris- diction and to assume the suc cessful repatriation of their children under the federal act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth and families.

It is really important that we move forward in em- powering Indigenous governing bodies and work, then, collaboratively, whether it be with the provincial CFS a provincially mandated CFS agency or an Indigenous governing body that the database that we all collectively share is of the highest information and

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2605 integrity of information. And that is definitely a possi- bility for future discussion. The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honourable–okay. The honourable member for River Heights. Mr. Gerrard: We certainly support the sharing of information because we think this can be very helpful, but the first and foremost and most im portant item should be that that information is accurate, that there are some quality standards there.

Because if we're sharing information and it's not accurate, this is a huge problem, and it's a problem that has occurred in the past, and it's a problem why some agencies are not as ready to partici pate in sharing as perhaps we would like. I think this is really fun damental, and I'm dis - appointed that the minister's not going to do more in terms of quality control. I would ask the minister if a person who's– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able member's time has expired. Ms.

Squires: And I'm very disappointed that this member may be suggesting that Indigenous governing bodies are not to be provided the same infor mation and the same–given the same integrity that we would be giving another CFS agency. If I was in here creating another agency under the provincial mandate, would we be having this dis - cussion? I would certainly hope that this member is not suggesting a different standard for Indigenous governing bodies exercising juris diction over child welfare. Mr.

Ian Bushie (Keewatinook): I just want to ask the minister, will there be any funds available in the current funding well to help First Nation agencies update their current systems they have for record keeping and record sharing? Ms. Squires: And that is a great question. One of the things that we have done as a gov ernment is assured all Indigenous governing bodies who are moving for- ward in this process that we want to have a seamless transition, and that all of the funding–the current fund- ing levels that we have set today –would be available to the Indigenous governing body.

And in regards to building capacity, there is a fund available that the federal government has made. This is their law that we're helping implement, and they did make a fund available for capacity building that the Province is supporting. Mr. Gerrard: I want to assure the minister that we're not discriminating, but rather, this request for quality records came directly from people in First Nations communities, right? Because they are concerned about false information getting into the wrong hands and causing trouble for people.

Will the minister answer this question: that is, if a person who is affected by an allegation, is that person going to be able to be made aware that there is this accusation against them and are they going to have an ability to appeal that allegation so that they can be assured that the information on them– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able member's time has expired. Ms. Squires: I appreciate the clari fication from the member opposite, that he was not suggesting a dif - ferent standard for Indigenous governing bodies, that– exercising jurisdiction over child welfare.

What I also will tell this member, that I appreciate his concerns about the integrity of data collected in the child welfare system as a whole and that that is some- thing that we will certainly address, that we can work with all of partners to addressing. But I would also like to remind the member that this is a historic day.

This is a historic piece of legis - lation that we are, for the first time in the province's history, creating a pathway forward so that we can help Indigenous governing bodies, repatriate their children after years and years and years of a system that did not support families in the way that would– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able minister's time has expired. Ms. Lathl in: I understand that this all about trans - ferring, sharing information. But the key point of this legislation is the CF IS [phonetic] system, and currently, we're hearing that it's out of date.

It needs current–probably needs funding to get it updated, and for all of our First Nations to get acquainted with this as well. So the CFIS [phonetic] system is quite 'quey'– quite key to my message here. So what other Indigenous partners does the minis- ter anticipate will soon take authorities as recognized in federal bill C-92? Ms. Squires: As I mentioned earlier, I've been very honoured to be a part of Peguis ceremony that hap- pened a few months back as they were the first in the province. There are many others.

2606 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 There are several applications that are before the federal government and the Province to help transfer Indigenous gov ernment–to transfer services over to the Indigenous governing bodies. And I could provide a list for the member in the near future. Mr. Gerrard: I want to thank the minister for her efforts in bringing this forward.

But I really believe that we need a major effort to make sure that the database that is being transferred and the infor mation therein is of a high quality, that there is ability to correct mistakes when there are false allegations made, that this is, I believe, really im por- tant if we're transferring data. I don't want to hold things up, but I think that at the minimum, there needs to be a full review of– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able member's time has expired. Ms.

Squires: It is very important that we pave the way for Indigenous governing bodies to work with their respective members in determining how it–their–this private information is managed within their system. There will be system- wide initiatives to ensure the integrity of the data. I agree with members opposite that the infor ma- tion–the con fidential information that is kept in the CFS Information System is im portant. It's im portant that there's quality controls there and it's certainl y something that this government will address. Mr.

Bushie: I'm just wondering about the –perhaps the definition of Indigenous governing bodies and, currently, there is some agencies –Southeast Child & Family Services, for example, DOCFS –and then there's also independents like Peguis had mentioned– who–mentioned earlier. So is there an op portunity here –or to, perhaps, open that up so that other com munities as individual communities like Peguis, for example, can come forward if they're already k ind of associated with a current child and family services agency? Ms.

Squires: So I'm–I am certainly happy to talk to the member and provide a more fulsome opportunity– fulsome answer than I have in these few minutes that we have here. * (15:30) But just so that he knows that there is a definition that we've outlined in the bill about what an Indigenous governing body is, and that means a coun- cil, government or other entity that is authorized to act on behalf of the Indigenous group, com munity o r people that hold rights recognized and affirmed by

section 35 of The Constitution Act. And if that doesn't fully answer the question, I'd be more than happy to spend some time clarifying and provi ding further information to the member. Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Deputy Speaker, we see and we will support this legislation, but we think it's really im- portant that there be a full review after a year to look at any problems, whether it's with quality or whether it's with how the system is working. Will you support a report stage amendment or a Committee of the Whole amend ment, which we will bring forward, to have that review in a year? Ms.

Squires: And I can assure this House that there is much, much more work to be done. We are at the start of our journey. We are working with several Indigenous gov erning bodies throughout the entire province and we are–and they're all at varying stages of exercising juris diction for Child and Family Services. We are at the begin ning of a new era, and I can assure all members that in a year's time, in two years' time, in five years' time, the child welfare system in Manitoba will look nothing like it does today. The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): Time for questions has expired.

Debate The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The floor is now open for debate. Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas -Kameesak): It's always a privilege to stand here to put a few words on record in–such as a very important legislation as this. As many of you know, CFS legis lation policies have been very 'dearing' into my family and my com- munity, especially with Indigenous people. So it's quite honourable to stand here and talk about this. So, first of all, I want to put on record that we support this legislation and believe it is im portant to move forward quickly with it.

And I'm proud of my community of Peguis First Nation, part of my constit- uency, with them moving, which I agree with the minister, which is, indeed, historic. I believe OCN was on that trail. I could have believed t hat we could have been there first, but chief-in-council re-election– views change. So it's kind of concerning right there. So, this change is welcome. But we got to talk about procedural matters that need to be addressed to

May 31, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2607 ensure proper record-keeping across systems, as well as for arrangements for transfer of children across systems. So we all agree that this bill will provide informa- tion held by Child and Family Services' agencies to Indigenous governments and service providers choos- ing to take legislative authority over children in care. The infor mation being exchanged includes details about children, families receiving services, as well as personal health infor mation and access to the Child Abuse Registry.

Bill 41 is a step to bring M anitoba in line with federal bill C-290–bill C-92 legislation which recog- nizes First Nations, Inuit and Métis author ity over child welfare. Now, the key point of this is the CFIS [phonetic] system. It's a case-file database. Bill 41 will formally extend access to Manitoba's CFS information system. However, this system –which is quite crucial within this legislation–is decades-old computer system that tracks thousands of children in Manitoba's protection services. It really needs to be improved. The current computer system was created in 1993.

Has there been any discussions to update this system? Because the prov incial Auditor General has said about this system, CF IS [phonetic], that it is, quote, out of date, not complete and not accurate. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this is quite concerning with this legislation, especially if this information is com- ing straight from the Auditor General. And as we heard from members here and from myself, there is concernings–there is concerns coming from the First Nations communities too, and families such as mine.

We affirm the rights of First Nations, Inuit, Métis people to exercise jurisdiction over CFS services; however, we also recognize that there is potential that more complexity may be added to an already complex system. That is why the CFIS [phonetic] system needs to be improved. And this is key, because even more so, as a system is extended to existing or new author- ities and bodies. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we all want our children to grow up in safe and loving homes with the supports they need to get a good start and a good education.

We want to see real action to reunify families and reduce the number of children in care. I've heard from many people and my constituents and people working within CFS agencies that the size of the files of children in care are much greater than one file tower with the reunification file systems. So that shows you that there is more work put into apprehending children than–rather than reunification. I myself have been just been granted the con ver- sation to adopt my own two nieces after seven years. Tell me, where is unification in that?

I've spoken to several ministers, I've spoken to several agencies, so my concern–my own community, seven years to ac- tually look at me to adopt my two nieces, where we've been separated, okay? So, I just want to get on with why–gosh, sorry, I'm getting a little bit verklempt here. Okay, let's talk about block funding here. The block funding model is detrimental towards the agency and is clear that their ultimate goal is to reduce costs of all costs, reduce costs at the expense of chil - dren currently in care, reduce costs at the expense of children and families.

So, what my concern here is that, with leadership from all levels going into this process, how much is there going to be for the capa - city building for other First Nations who do want to have their own agency. I've partici pated in com munity consul tation in Opaskwayak Cree Nation regarding our own laws that we wanted to implement, and it was quite exciting for me to attend that, especially as Families critic, es - pecially as somebody who has been within the system, the system has been in your home –they're like cock- roaches, they never get out and your file is there forever.

And my concern is that w ithin our own communities, what the member for River Heights (Mr. Gerrard) was bringing up, how are we going to be protected too, as well, when it comes to false infor- mation? How is it going to be–how are–how is MACY going to be tagged into here as well? And I also want to talk about leadership, as well. With this legislation, I've expressed before, that, will this include the children's voices as well, which I find, as a mother who has personally dealt with this, that the children's voices are missing.

How is the Province going to work with our First Nation communities, rather than saying, it's up to the First Nation commu nities, because remember, we're Manitobans, too, and I still want this dialogue to con- tinue. That's what I'm worried about –is this dialogue between the Province and our children going to con- tinue, since it's going to be eventually transferred.

2608 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 31, 2022 So, we're starting with Peguis. Let's get this right with Peguis to ensure that these concerns are ad - dressed. I've heard from Misipaw astik [phonetic], Grand Rapids; Ovide Mercredi was there talking about their goal to reach this level where Peguis is at with the Province and bill C-92. But there's concerns from the com munity, legit concerns about privacy, about whether we're going to be taken seriously from– by our own people, you know, versus legis lation, versus First Nation legislation. And I know that.

I can say that as a former band councillor and somebody who has been treated badly by this system in my own community. * (15:40) So, with this, I support this; however, there's still concerns that need to be addressed. And as critic for Families, I am willing and ready to work with the gov- ernment and other gov ernment entities to make sure we get this right for Peguis. Ekosi. Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): We see the im- portance of having this bill proceed so that the Peguis First Nation and their child and family services agency can operate effectively together with the prov- incial government and other First Nations in order to look after the lives of children and families.

We are very concerned about the quality of the data in the database, and we are very concerned about the need to upgrade that quality and the need to have an ability for individuals–where there are allegations against them in the database–to have an ability to be made aware of those allegations; and also to be able to appeal the allegations if they think that they are false, and have the data in the database updated and corrected where ther

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	42-4-60b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	42nd 4th hansardpdf 60b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	a1e62bd624e887986e53de63a3d6e07373c407d4

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