Manitoba Hansard — 15 May 2019 (Sitting 52, 41st Legislature, 4th Session)

41-4-52

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-First Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXII No. 52 - 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2019 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-First Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALLUM, James Fort Garry-Riverview NDP ALTEMEYER, Rob Wolseley NDP BINDLE, Kelly Thompson PC CLARKE, Eileen, Hon. Agassiz PC COX, Cathy, Hon. River East PC CULLEN, Cliff, Hon. Spruce Woods PC CURRY, Nic Kildonan PC DRIEDGER, Myrna, Hon. Charleswood PC EICHLER, Ralph, Hon. Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FIELDING, Scott, Hon. Kirkfield Park PC FLETCHER, Steven, Hon. Assiniboia Man. FONTAINE, Nahanni St. Johns NDP FRIESEN, Cameron, Hon. Morden-Winkler PC GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib.

GOERTZEN, Kelvin, Hon. Steinbach PC GRAYDON, Clifford Emerson Ind. GUILLEMARD, Sarah Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake PC JOHNSTON, Scott St. James PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP KLASSEN, Judy Kewatinook Lib. LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan Selkirk PC LAMONT, Dougald St. Boniface Lib. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Burrows Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Flor Logan NDP MARCELINO, Ted Tyndall Park NDP MARTIN, Shannon Morris PC MAYER, Colleen, Hon. St.

Vital PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PALLISTER, Brian, Hon. Fort Whyte PC PEDERSEN, Blaine, Hon. Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Arthur-Virden PC REYES, Jon St. Norbert PC SARAN, Mohinder The Maples Ind. SCHULER, Ron, Hon. St. Paul PC SMITH, Andrew Southdale PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Verendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC SWAN, Andrew Minto NDP TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WHARTON, Jeff, Hon.

Gimli PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC YAKIMOSKI, Blair Transcona PC

1893 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Wednesday, May 15, 2019 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. Please be seated.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 32–An Act Concerning the Leasing of 800 Adele Avenue, Winnipeg Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): I move, seconded by the Minister of Sustainable Development (Ms. Squires), that Bill 32,

An Act Concerning the Leasing of 800 Adele Avenue, Winnipeg. now be read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Fielding: I'm pleased to table Bill 32, the act concerning the lease of 100 Adele Ave., Winnipeg. The objective of Bill 32 was to terminate the lease agreement between 5185603 Manitoba Limited and the First Nations of Southern Manitoba Child and Family Service Authority regarding the premise located at 800 Adele street in Winnipeg. This lease is an untendered agreement for the rental of a facility that was never appropriate for child care. The building lease and its terms were not in the public interest.

Given the landlord's refusal to agree to a reasonable termination agreement, we are taking this measure to terminate the lease. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 238–The Winnipeg General Strike (Bloody Saturday) Act Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I move, seconded by the member from Minto that Bill 238, The Winnipeg General Strike (Bloody Saturday) Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr.

Lindsey: Today, 11 o'clock a.m., actually, marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Winnipeg General Strike, a day when thousands of workers took to the streets of Winnipeg to fight for improved working conditions and wages and rights to collective bargaining. In an attempt to end the strike on June 21st, 1919, the City requested the Royal Northwest Mounted Police and special constables to charge into a group of strikers. This act killed two individuals and injured many others, resulting in June 21st becoming knowing–known as Bloody Saturday.

I'm proud to bring forward this bill today to commemorate the individuals who were killed and all others who stood and fought for just causes. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Committee reports? Tabling of reports? Ministerial statements? MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Mary Ellen Clark Hon. Eileen Clarke (Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations): Madam Speaker, volunteers are the heart of many boards, clubs and community organizations, and today I'd like to recognize one of Agassiz's finest, Mary Ellen Clark of Neepawa.

Since her children became active in school and sports, Mary Ellen has been a dedicated volunteer and the backbone of many organizations and com - mittees. Her success and accomplishments have been many, earning awards and recognition for 'outstandard' contributions to her community. After a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in 1995, Mary Ellen became involved in the local cancer support group. It later developed into the Palliative Care Program in Neepawa, where she works today as the volunteer co- ordinator, and

1894 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 recently was recognized by CancerCare Manitoba for 20 years of service. Mary Ellen has been very involved with the Neepawa Natives Junior A Hockey Club, and was billet co -ordinator for 10 years, a billet mom for 15 years, and always had three players in her home for six months of the year. Throughout the years she has provided a home away from home for 75 players and still hears from many of them. In 2010, Mary Ellen was named RBC Local Hockey Leader and recognized in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Tor onto.

In 2012, she received the Neepawa sportsman of the year award and was also the recip - ient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Mary Ellen has had a significant role and fan - tastic success as the lottery chairman for the Neepawa and Dist rict Medical Committee. Since its beginning in 2005, she has helped raise $1.2 million for the Neepawa personal -care home and the medical clinic. The clinic just celebrated the addition of the new facility which now accom - modates eight doctors. She continues to be a member of the medical recruitment committee for Neepawa and area.

I've only listed a very few of Mary Ellen's extensive list of awards and community involvement. She has made a huge difference to the community which she lives in and has touche d many lives in significant ways. I'd like to share my personal appreciation to Mary Ellen for her dedicated compassion to my friend Diane, for being by her side through both her fights with cancer and providing comfort and peace in her final days. Mary Ellen, you're an inspiration to all who know you and love you.

Madam Speaker, I'd ask that all members of this House join me in recognizing Mary Ellen for all she has accomplished and for being a dedicated volunteer in her community and our province. Thank you. Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of northern–Indigenous and Northern Relations. Ms. Clarke: I ask leave to have the names of her family members in attendance recorded in Hansard. Madam Speaker: Is there leave to include those names in Hansard? [Agreed] Dave Clark, Donna Clark, Mary Ellen Clark, Heather Graham Abortion Rights Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St.

Johns): Straight out of Handmaid's Tale, recently Georgia passed a bill restricting abortion after six weeks, and if women do choose abortion, they risk life in prison. Yesterday, 25 men in Alberta's legislator voted in favour of a total ban on abortion, even in the case of rape or incest. Kentucky, Mississippi and Ohio have brought in new abortion restrictions, with 22– 28, rather, additional states considering similar laws. Canada is not immune to this anti -choice, right- wing conservative movement.

Last week in Toronto, at an anti -abortion rally, MPP Sam Oosterhoff said he wants to make, and I quote, abortion unthinkable in our lifetime. Madam Speaker, i n this very House we have a Premier (Mr. Pallister) and his ministers who liter - ally can't even say the word abortion and who actively restrict access to the abortion pill. Or we can look to the members for Radisson (Mr. Teitsma) and Steinbach (Mr.

Goertzen), who both spoke at anti - choice rallies. * (13:40) These are dangerous precedents, 'embolding' men's misogyny to legislate controls over our bodies and movements. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: Let me be perfectly clear. If you think it is okay to legislate our abortion rights away, let alone the rights of victims of rape or a 12- year-old girl raped and impregnated by her own father, you are on the wrong side of history. Now is not the time to be complacent but, rather, to organize.

So my message is for both US and Canadian voters who believe in women and girls' reproductive rights, to vote out these misogynistic, archaic male legislators and support candidates who understand abortions are human rights for women and girls. Miigwech. Northern Manitoba Walleye Championship Mr. Kelly Bindle (Thompson): Madam Speaker, northerners are p roud to live in the beautiful boreal forest with outcrop bedrock, pristine lakes and an abundance of fish and wildlife. We love our endless summer nights and dazzling northern lights and we

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1895 want to share our blessings by showcasing them to visitors because we know once you've experienced the North and northern hospitality, you'll always want to come back. When northerners move away, they encourage others to travel north to see it for themselves. Northerners like Dino D'Andreamatteo, who grew up in Thompson, wanted to give back to the North by hosting others there.

Dino, an avid competitive sport fisherman now living in Winnipeg, had an idea a few years ago to promote northern tourism by hosting a northern walleye fishing tournament at Paint Lake, 30 kil ometres south of Thompson. He shared his idea with his fellow fishing buddy, Eric Labaupa from Kickerfish, and the Northern Manitoba Walleye Championship was born. Dino and Eric used their knowledge and connec- tions from participating in walleye tournam ents in the past to solicit sponsorships and apply for permits, and hosted the first ever Northern Manitoba Walleye Championship at Paint Lake in 2017.

The event was such a huge success, seeing 47 boats with teams of two entering not only from the North, but from all over the province and outside, that they decided to make it an annual event. With volunteers from northern– Norman Northstars hockey team and others helping to measure, weigh in, revive and release the limit of six fish, everyone had a great ti me and those new to the competition also learned some valuable skills that they could apply at the next competition. At the second annual northern walleye tourna - ment last year, 51 teams entered, coming from as far as Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Th ese teams travelled to northern Manitoba a few days in advance of the tournament, stayed in hotels, ate in restaurants and scouted the lake for promising fishing holes. No doubt they shared the experiences with friends back home, helping to further promote northern Manitoba. Dino and Eric will be hosting the third annual northern walleye championship at Paint Lake on September 1st, 2019, and you can sign up now at wwww.kickerfish.ca. With roughly 50 teams expected– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Some Honourable Members: Leave.

Madam Speaker: Is there leave to allow the member to complete his statement? [Agreed] Mr. Bindle: With 50 teams expected and 10 teams already entered, it promises to be another great experience. Please join me in welcoming Dino D'Andreamatteo and Eric Labaupa to the Chamber today and thank them for promoting northern tourism. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Emerson, and I should– Altona & District Chamber of Commerce Mr. Cliff Graydon (Emerson): The Altona & District Chamber of Commerce is the– Madam Speaker: Order, please. Order.

I would just indicate that there was a trade made between the member of Assiniboia and the member for Emerson, and they have switched places in the order of prevent –presenting their member statements. Mr. Graydon: Well, thank you for that, Madam Speaker. The Altona & District Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and provides leadership in building and maintaining a vibrant economy, as well as enhancing the quality of life in the community.

The role of the chamber is to encourage a healthy and prosperous business community; provide support, resources for business owners and organizations; and promote economic growth in the region and advocate for a healthy business environment. Each year the Altona & District Chamber of Commerce presents Citizen of the Year, Volunteer Recognition, Youth Recognition and business awards, and this year was no different. The recipient for the business excell ent award with 11 employees or more was Buffalo Creek Mills Ltd. that has operated in Altona since 2014.

It's an oat -processing company, purchasing oats throughout western Canada, providing product to markets in Mexico, USA and Canada. The recipient of th e business excellent award, 10 employees or less, CrossFit Outland, is fully coached fitness facility with over 100 adult members. They also support and host various programs, such as the World of Choices, big brother and sister, and–to name a few. The Citizen of the Year award was presented to Melvin Klassen, who has served as a teacher, a principal, mayor of Altona, has been awarded the

1896 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 Order of Merit by the –Manitoba Credit Unions for his many years of service to that organization. And he has served on the association of the Manitoba municipalities for many years. The Volunteer Recognition award recipient was Ben Dueck, who has served on several boards, and was active in assisting and creating one of rural Manitoba's baseball gems, Access Field. And the Youth Recognition Award recipient was Yan Rosie –Jossie Yan, a grade 12 student at the W.C. Miller Collegiate.

She is the student council president, co-chairs the 2019 grad committee and, as well, helps out in many family restaurants. Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Labour Rights Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): Yesterday, Winnipeg bus drivers engaged in collective action to protest slow contract negotiations and poor working conditions. Drivers did not enforce fares as a way to send costly message to the City of Winnipeg. Their timing, Madam Speaker, could not have been better, as today marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.

And this strike is a testament to the power of organized workers who have the power to make change. Collective action and bargaining has been hard fought in our province and must be upheld. Workers have a right to demand fair wages and working conditions and to strike when those needs aren't met. But this government has systematically tried to undermine workers' rights in the province.

They've brought in a list of bills that will make life harder for working Manitobans: bill 29, The Health Sector Bargaining Unit Review Act, which made changes to the collective bargaining process; Bill 4, The Public Sector Con struction Project Act, which will put a freeze on public sector wages; Bill 18, The Labour Relations Amendment Act, would require the employers and unions to bear the cost of mediators; and now there is Bill 12, The Workplace Safety and Health Amendment Act, which eliminates things like the position of chief prevention officer, who is meant to ensure progress and accountability on workplace health and safety.

We need a government that stands with workers, not one that fights to take away their rights. It' s time to stand in solidarity with workers in this province and vote out this PC government. Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Prior to oral questions, we have some guests in the gallery that I would like to introduce to you. Seated in the Speaker's Gallery, we have with us today our 2019 Visitor Tour Program Summer Tour Guides, who will be working full time until the end of summer on Labour Day: Maia Bacchus, Claire Normandeau, Maria Sytnick, and Jordyn White.

They are accompanied by the Tour Office, Daisy Giesbrecht and manager, Vanessa Gregg. On behalf of all members here, we welcome you to the Manitoba Legislature. And I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery, where we have with us today Val Christie, Paul Brault, Ginger Kithithee, Mike Kotowitcz, Veronica Bateman, Marilyn Sandy, Serena Woodhouse, who are members of the Westgrove Learning Centre in Charleswood. On behalf of all honourable members here , we welcome you to the Manitoba Legislature.

ORAL QUESTIONS Increase in Syphilis/HIV Cases Addiction Treatment Strategy Needed Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, many of us in the Chamber and across the province know the impact that addictions have had on our famil ies, on our communities and on our province. We know, also, that the addictions crisis has become a public health crisis in the past number of years. And I'd like to table for the House today a document that we've obtained that shows just how bad this public health crisis is becoming under this government's watch.

It's a disturbing alert from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, and the message is shocking. It's a massive and unprecedented increase in the rates of syphilis transmission across our city and province, and it is tied to meth use. * (13:50) The rate of syphilis has gone up nine times since 2016. The rate was previously 9.9 per 100,000 people. In 2018 it is 87 per 1,000 people.

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1897 What steps has the Premier taken to address this public health crisis? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, I agree with the member's

preamble in part, Madam Speaker. It is a circumstance that is becoming more and more of concern, certainly to many Manitobans. But the government has been very dominant in acting immediately and acting aggressive ly to address causative factors, not just consequential factors, as the members opposite seem to emphasize. We've doubled treatment beds available through Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. We've added mental health beds at HSC. We've joined the Emergency Treatment Fund, a partnership with the Government of Canada.

And, Madam Speaker, we'll continue to take significant actions to address a very serious health concern. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, the graph in the document that I just tabled is quite striking. It's shaped like a hockey stick, with 2018 representing an almost vertical increase in the transmission of syphilis. The WRHA expects more than 600 cases of syphilis in 2019. That's a 600 per cent increase over just two years ago, Madam Speaker.

There are also concerning cases of congenital HIV–three cases of congenital HIV in Winnipeg–and 21 reported cases of congenital syphilis since 2015, with the vast majority of those occurring in 2018. So these are babies who are being born with these illnesses. Importantly, this note says there should be zero cases of congenital syphilis and zero cases of congenital HIV in the province. And it puts an exclamation point on the sentence in that note. Again, this is what's taking place under the Premier's watch. He is not doing enough to stem the public health crisis. Why is he not acting? Mr.

Pallister: Well, the member's accusation is false, Madam Speaker. And, of course, we are acting. And we've gotten over 2 million needles to users in respect of the –enhancing their ability to access the drug of their choice. Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, the problem will continue to grow if people continue to choose to use meth and other drugs, and that's an unfortunate choice. That's why harm reduction is only part of the strategy. And, of course, education and assisting people who want to get off this treadmill to tragedy is a key part, as well. And we're engaging in investments in that respect.

We are taking action, continue to take action. And, Madam Speaker, we take this issue very seriously. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Well, we see right there part of the problem, Madam Speaker. I would like to correct the Premier: addictions are a disease, not a choice, Madam Speaker. And until the Premier begins to acknowledge that, his response to the addictions crisis will be completely lacking, lacklustre and leaving Manitobans wanting more leadership. We see a serious public health outbreak occur - ring under this government's watch.

And are they alerting Manitobans? No, they are not. It has been the responsibility of the opposition to bring this important public information to the public. Will they support harm reduction initiatives? Will they support a safe consumption site? Will they support other steps that would reverse the transmission of these very serious illnesses? No, they do not. Time and tim e again, they refuse to take action.

Now that Manitobans are becoming increasingly sick and that this is spreading across the younger and middle-aged population of our province, will the Premier finally set ideology aside and begin to take action, including harm reduction, to counteract the addictions crisis? Mr. Pallister: Well, the member's quite wrong, again, in his assertion, Madam Speaker. We do disagree on the issue of so-called safe injection sites; there are not such a thing as safe injection sites for meth, as the member has continued to advocate.

There was –highest usage in the world is in Australia, according to many of the recent studies. There were two major studies done in Australia, for example, just in the last year and a half at millions of dollars of cost. Task forces at work –did extensive work. There were 8 0 recommendations in just those two reports. None of them recommended making it easier for a meth addict to get meth.

1898 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 So we do disagree on that approach. We agree on many others. And rather than look for points of disagreement, as the member has just don e, I hope that he would actually encourage our continued efforts as we have taken them to address issues of harm reduction and to, in a meaningful and effective way, help people get off the treadmill of tragedy that he's advocating for, and get on the road to recovery. Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Prior to moving on to the next questions, we have some students in the gallery that I would like to introduce to you.

And I notice that they might just be leaving, but we have students from William Whyte Community School, located in Point Douglas. And we welcome you to the Manitoba Legislature. Thank you to the leader of the opposition for indulging me in making that announcement. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Health-Care Reforms Nursing Ad Campaign Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Very happy to acknowledge the William Whyte students. My mother -in-law was actually the principal of that school just a few years ago, Madam Speaker. So hello to our guests today.

We know that the Premier does not listen to the experts when it comes to addictions or public health. That much is clear in the shameful answers that he's just given. But we also know that he's not listening to nurses, who, time and tim e again, are telling them not to close the emergency rooms at Seven Oaks and Concordia hospitals.

What's even more disrespectful than this government refusing to listen to the nurses, was that misguided ad campaign that they launched depicting nurses hav ing a day at the spa when we know the reality in Manitoba is that nurses are being worked off their feet with shift after shift of mandatory overtime. I'll table the FIPPA documents today that show that this government, this Premier, spent $40,000 on that ad campaign, Madam Speaker. Will the Premier admit for the House today that that $40,000 would've been better spent at the bedside and not cutting health care? Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, we have on this side of the House tremendous respect for nurses, and we know that nurses have a tremendous respect for patient care, which is never referenced in the member's questions, Madam Speaker. He never concerns himself with patient care. But nurses do, and we do. And, Madam Speaker, the official opposition today, when they were government, spent far more money telling nurses they should be afraid and that 1,000 of them got fired, when they knew that that was false. It was a blatant lie, was an absolute forgery, was a –it was a mistake in not just wording but intent.

It was an attempt to use nurses and the profession of nursing for political fodder, and, unfortunately, that's too often evident in the member's

preambles. I'll only say this, Madam Speaker: we'll continue to work with nurses who want a better health- care system that works better for patients. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Well, when it comes to respectin g nurses, I take seriously the fact that my colleagues here on the NDP side of the House do very much respect nurses, because they're able to publicly show that support.

That's why my colleagues in the NDP were able to stand with the nurses on the front st eps of the Legislature when not one of these MLAs was willing to show their face and join the nurses on the rally that was held out front just a few weeks ago. Now, why were they ashamed? Well, we could choose from one of many reasons. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: Perhaps they don’t have the courage to stand behind their Premier's decision to close the emergency rooms in Winnipeg. Perhaps they don't have the courage to stand behind the last Conservative government's decision to fire hundreds of nurses.

Or perhaps they're all just embarrassed that their government spent $40,000 on a terrible ad campaign that made nursing look like a day at the spa in Manitoba when we know that these nurses are fighting for our family members each and every day. So which one was it? Mr. Pallister: Well, we spend a tiny fraction as government, on advertising and ourselves, as the previous government did, Madam Speaker. And Manitobans understand, and they remember well the

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1899 NDP ad campaigns, the close to $2 million that was spent with steady growth signs, when there were no signs of steady growth. The fact remains, Madam Speaker, our concerns are for improving what were the worst wait times in Canada at Concordia and at other Winnipeg hospitals. The member says, retreat, go back, surrender, nothing can be done. We believe some - thing can be done. But if Manitobans decide they want a new government that wants to do nothing about health-care wait times, they have the NDP for that, Madam Speaker.

They broke the system that we are now doing everything we can to fix. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Well it's refreshing to hear the Premier start to acknowledge that we're probably going to form the next government, just as it's been refreshing– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Kinew: –just as it's been refreshing to see – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. * (14:00) Mr.

Kinew: –he and his Minister of Health acknowledge that their pla n to close emergency rooms is terribly misguided and will be an absolute disaster once they close the ERs at Concordia and Seven Oaks. But again, the issue at hand is this $40,000 ad campaign that the government spent on creating Photoshopped images of n urses at the spa, going skiing and doing yoga. Nurses found this incredibly disrespectful when this government is putting their livelihoods on the line each and every day, it's causing them immense stress and is forcing them to work mandatory overtime, taking away their freedom.

Will the Premier simply stand in his place and apologize to nurses for the ads and apologize to Manitobans for wasting 40,000 of their dollars on that campaign? Mr. Pallister: I shouldn't accuse the member of Fort Rouge for doing nothing, Madam Speaker, because that's not accurate, and I retract that statement. Actually, he did a lot in the last few days. He demonstrated that he'd rather suppress the rights of Steve Ashton to run as an NDP candidate. The longest serving NDP MLA i n the history of Manitoba not able to run, not because he covered up anything but because he told the truth about the member's record.

To tell the truth about the member's record in the NDP, that's not a good thing anymore, apparently. So, Madam Speake r, when the member speaks about shame, he knows about shame. When he speaks about a lack of courage, he demonstrates a lack of courage. And when he talks about disrespect, he shows total disrespect to the rights of Manitobans to be able to know the facts a bout their candidates in elections and not have those facts suppressed by him personally. It's a shame. Abortion Services Minister's Position Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St.

Johns): Over the last several weeks, [interjection] culminating in yesterday's Alabama bill–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Ms. Fontaine: –culminating in yesterday's Alabama bill, we are witnessing regressive policies and strategies and legislative frameworks against our right, as women and girls, to access abortion in the US. We live in a country that still supports women and girls' reproductive rights, however, we are seeing an increase in anti -choice rallies. We saw Manitoba and Ontario politicians participating in those anti-choice rallies.

Does the Minister for Status of Women believe that women should have the right to make decisions over their own bodies and access abortion? Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister responsible for the Status of Women): I see that the member opposite is once again proving that she is more interested in playing politics with the lives of women and girls than she is in helping women in the province of Manitoba. Our government has taken a different approach. We are working towards making life better for all women. We're expanding health services for women throughout the province.

We are making life more affordable, unlike the NDP, who, what did they do when they had the chance? They jacked up taxes that disproportionately hurt single mothers the most in the province's history. That is their record for standing up for women. Where they failed, we going to get it right.

1900 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question. Mifegymiso Coverage Ms. Fontaine: This is a political iss ue. This is actually women and girls fighting for our basic human rights to access abortion and do what we want to do with our body. That is political, and we know that here in Manitoba we have a Premier (Mr. Pallister) and his ministers who can't even say the word abortion and who are actively restricting access to the abortion pill and yet attempting to claim to stand on the side of women and girls. It's utter nonsense.

Today of all days is a day for the Premier and his ministers to get up and affirm commitment to access to abortion, including the abortion pill. Ms. Squires: Well, Madam Speaker, let's review members opposite track record for protecting women. When they had women that worked for them in their own caucus appear to them, knock on their door and say that they were being harassed, what were they told? They were told to shut up and suck it up. That's that member's record. That's her record for protecting them.

Let's review the record for most recently when the labour union leader knocked on the door of the NDP and said, I am being harassed at work and I need protection. What was she told? She was told, we don't have a policy to–protecting women. That is the NDP's record for protecting women. We are standing up on this side of the House to protect the women in the province of Manitoba, for equality for all women. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary. Ms. Fontaine: Health Canada continues to remove barriers to access the abortion pill.

They removed the requirement for a physician to be certified before writing a prescription. They removed the requirement for a woman to receive an ultrasound prior to receiving the prescription. All of these changes put in place so that women and girls can access t he abortion pill, which I have said repeatedly in this Chamber is a game changer in respect of our reproductive health. And all that this minister and the Premier can do is deny the fact that they are restricting access to the abortion pill.

Today, of all days, when we see what's going on to our neighbours in the south, will they stand up and commit fully to women and girls' reproductive health and universal coverage of the abortion pill? Ms. Squires: The other thing that our government is doing–and un der the leadership of the Minister of Health–is expanding health services for Manitobans throughout the province. We're spending $414 million more on health- care services so that people throughout the province of Manitoba can access health -care services.

This includes women throughout the province of Manitoba, and we are working towards ensuring that all Manitobans can live free and equal in our society. Concordia and Seven Oaks Hospitals Request to Retain ER Services Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): Last week, this minister had the audacity to state publicly that nurses fully endorse their plan. This is simply false, Madam Speaker. Nobody believes this government, and I'll table for the House today a letter that actually outlines a dialogue between the nurses and Dr. Peachey, showing clearly they do not support their plan.

And I'll quote from the letter: We are here to strongly oppose the closure of Concordia emergency and the Manitoba government's hospital reorganization. End quote. Their plan sound–doesn't sound so peachy now. Will the minister and the Premier stop putting politics before patients? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Smith: Will they keep Seven Oaks and Concordia ERs open? Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living): Madam Speaker, the member's assertion is false. There is broad -based support for our government's transformation of the health-care system.

Certainly there are those, including a few over there, who say go back– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Friesen: They say stop doing anything. They say return to the failed approaches of the NDP, but Manitobans don't want to go back to being the last on the list with the highest wait times and with the most disorganized system. That is why we are transforming the system.

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1901 We have confidence in the recommendations that we're receiving from David Peachey and from the excellent work that he has done, including meeting with both Manitoba Nurses Union leadership and 17 nurses. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Smith: Manitobans don't believe this government. Nurses have clearly expressed that the Premier's (Mr. Pallister) plan is not working. He's caused nothing but s traight chaos in the health -care system.

As one nurse explained, and I quote: Taking vital signs is being missed; dressing changes are not being done; patients are not being turned over; bedsores, pneumonia and blood clots are developing. End quote. We have continued to say, time and time again, these changes are not in the best interests of Manitobans or the patients. How are Manitobans supposed to trust a report being released this week by the minister when he continues to make misleading comments to Manitobans? Mr. Friesen: The member is wrong. We continue to express that there is broad -based support for the changes we're making.

There is an acknowledgement in Manitoba that the system is made stronger by transformation, by coming together. Why can Calgary have one emergency room that provides–an emergency -room system that provides way lower wait times for their people? Manitoba needs less ERs, and urgent care has become an important part of that configuration. * (14:10) The failed approaches of the NDP are not something that Manitobans want to go back to. Our confidence is in this plan. We continue to listen to nurses. Their opinions were heard. Their advice will be folded into the recommendations.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a final supplementary. Mrs. Smith: And I'll reiterate again: Manitobans do not believe anything that comes out of this minister or this Premier's mouths on health care. Seventeen nurses are not alone. There are many Manitobans and many other nurses who are urging this government to listen to the front -line staff. But are they? No. But, finally, they have a chance to sit down with the minister, and what does he go over? He goes over and misconstrues their statements. This is just plain insulting. He should apologize to those nurses.

It appears that politics is driving the health -care decisions of this government, rather than patient care. Will the government put patients first and commit to keeping Seven Oaks and Concordia ERs open? Mr. Friesen: Madam Speaker, I know the member for Point Douglas is personally embarrassed because she feigned indignation and said that David Peachey, in his quality assurance assessment, wouldn't meet with nurses, and then she found out that he had met with Manitoba Nurses Union and 17 nurses in a constructive panel discussion, after which he clearly said he wouldn't speak for the nurses.

I know she's embarrassed about that. But she should also understand that we put our faith in this – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Friesen: –quality assurance exercise going on. The question is not whether government is–would be doing this exercise. The question would be why wouldn't it be doing an exercise to ensure quality? Better health care sooner for Manitobans. That is our plan. That's our goal. That is the road that Manitobans want us to be on. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Health-Care Reforms Peachey Report Recommendations Mr.

Dougald Lamont (Leader of the S econd Opposition): For the last three years, this government has been shelling out millions of dollars for reports whose recommendations they ignore, then do whatever they wanted to do all along: fire people, freeze funding, all while taking in ever-increasing transfer payments. The letter that Darlene Jackson wrote to the Minister of Finance –sorry, the Minister of Health quoted a nurse who said, quote: I have 26 years of experience and I will honestly admit this is the worst I have ever seen. End quote.

The–she went on to say that thousands of deletions have only made staffing shortages worse

1902 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 and that patients are actually offering to change their own bandages because nurses don't have the time. Seventeen nurses told Dr. Peachey that they opposed hi s plan, and he came away saying everything was fine. This sort of disconnect from reality is the sort of behaviour we've come to expect from the Premier, but is far from welcome in a supposed independent expert. Will the Premier admit that he made a mistake rehiring Dr. Peachey, and scrap the plan that he developed for the NDP? Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): Manitobans now have two options, two political options, if they wish the health -care system to remain dead last in the country. They now have the second opposition joining with the first opposition to say go back, retreat, don't do anything, it's just too scary to do the heavy lifting. But they have one option if they want a government that is willing to try to improve a system–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Pallister: –that has failed patients and is –and was increasingly failing patients in the province. And that option would be this government, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Second Opposition, on a supplementary question. Addiction and Mental Health Services Implementation of VIRGO Report Mr. Dougald Lamont (Leader of the Second Opposition): A year ago this week, the VIRGO report was released, a report into mental health and addictions. And I have spoken with many people across this province who are desperately frustrated because it is so hard to get access to either mental health or addictions treatment.

It's not clear how any of the recommendations in this report are going to be implemented when this government is dismantling the very structures that are supposed to implement it. This government is dissolving AFM and eliminating the mental health branch from the Department of Health. These responsibilities are being passed to Shared Health, which is still under construction. How is this government going to implement the VIRGO report when there is no one in place to do it? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): It's just a false

preamble–by design or by ignor ance, I'm not sure which, but either way, false. Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine, Strongest Families Institute, Rapid Access to Consultative Expertise: we've moved on a dozen- plus initiatives that were recommended by the VIRGO report. We're continuing to make those changes which are necessary to take a system that was broken and heal that system, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Second Opposition, on a final supplementary. Timeliness of Election Mr.

Lamont: It's truly strange that the Premier is dead set on having an election and ignoring the fixed-date election law when the health -care system is in such a shambles. There was a recent report that addictions and mental health are both getting worse across all categories, but in the midst of this, the Premier wants to dismiss these concerns or change the subject or blame someone else for all of his own mistakes. I've spoken to countless people whose biggest concern is that this Premier doesn't listen or only listens to the man in the mirror.

If the Premier calls an election, it will derail the work of the Meth Task Force. Why does the Premier even want an election when he clearly has no interest in governing? Mr. Pallister: I understand the member's relucta nce to go to the polls, Madam Speaker. He's advocating for higher taxes on Manitoba small businesses. He's advocating for higher taxes on working families. He's advocating for higher taxes on seniors trying to make a go of it on a fixed income. He's advoca ting for higher costs for people who want –have to go to work or volunteer. He's advocating for higher taxes for basically everything.

In fact, he's got a one -size- fits-all solution for every single problem: higher taxes. We don't agree with that, and if the member is going to continue to be afraid, I would expect, knowing his positions as I do, that that fear would be well justified.

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1903 City of Winnipeg Review Independence of Review Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): Last month, at a chamber of commerce breakfast, the Premier promised that a review of the City of Winnipeg would be independent and he said it would be an arm's-length exercise. Unfortunately, that's just not true. What the Premier really meant is the review would be just within the length of his arm because it's going to happen just down the hall from his office, conducted by his Finance Minister and his employees and overseen by members of his Cabinet.

It's nothing but a political exercise, Mada m Speaker. It's what the mayor warned would happen and it's what we were concerned about too. Why has the Premier now, again, broken his word, this time by approving a partisan political investigation to attack the City of Winnipeg? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Madam Speaker, I understand the member's confusion; I do. He was part of a government for many years that overtly politicized the Treasury Board under its operation. We do not do that and so I stand by my comments. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Minto, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Swan: Well, I'm not sure the Premier was listening to the question. He doesn't listen to anybody, so I'm not sure why he'd be listening in question period. The members of Treasury Board are Cabinet ministers and PC caucus members. The Finance Minister, of course, chairs Treasury Board and reports to Cabinet, chaired by this Premier. The Premier promised, in front of a room of people, an independent arm's-length review, but now we find out that it's actually going to be a political, partisan investigation conducted just a few doors down from him.

And the mayor warned this would happen, calling it a partisan, politically motivated exercise and far from being independent, but the Premier, again, didn't listen. I ask him again: Why is this Premier conducting a partisan, political investigation? Mr. Pallister: I don't mind the simple -minded, dull and ill -informed comments of the member, Madam Speaker, being repeated because they give evidence to the member's lack of research and preparedness here today. He accuses me of the same thing he accused Greg Selinger of, Madam Speaker, so I don't mind that accusation either. The fact is, I've heard his comments.

They're not based on fact and so it's di fficult to respond to them, but I would say this to the member: Treasury Board is well equipped to do an analysis and research into an important issue; that's what we've asked them to do. And if the member has a better idea than using Treasury Board, like, for example, outsourcing consultants outside of government, we might consider his suggestion. But we think, actually, we have the expertise to do this one inside government, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: Order, please.

I would indicate for the House that comments about mental abilities, like simple -minded, have not been allowed by Speakers in the past, and it would be considered unparliamentary for language like that to be used in the House. Mr. Pallister: I apologize for the comments, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: That should take care of that issue. Mr. Swan: Well, there must be an election coming; the Premier's actually apologized for something. You know–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Mr. Swan: –certainly the Premier needs to know that there are things–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Swan: –called orders -in-council which are actually reported, and that's where the information's come from. And the Premier can take umbrage with the questions I'm asking, but I was quoting the mayor of the City of Winnipeg–the City of Winnipeg, where more than half of all Manitobans live. * (14:20) And we know what this is all about. This is the Premier trying to deflect attention from his cuts, from tearing up the long-standing 50-50 cost-sharing agreement for public transit, yanking $40 million away from the City for roadwork after it set its

1904 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 budget. He's trying to start a diversion by provoking a fight. Will the Premier actually ask –answer the question: Why has he broken his word again by directing a partisan, political investigation of the City of Winnipeg when he said he wouldn't? Mr. Pallister: Well, perhaps, Madam Speaker, we've just seen, given the member's failure to move away from here and go federal, a launch of a new civic aspiration.

Perhaps he's looking– [interjection]– perhaps he's looking to deal with the issues that I believe our gove rnment is facing at the civic level. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Pallister: There's no benefit, there's absolutely no benefit, to be derived by sweeping these impor - tant issues of permitting and inspections under the carpet. We've led North America, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, in addressing unnecessary red tape and blockages to capital investment.

And, Madam Speaker, we plan to continue to do that by researching and finding ways to do things better, whether it's in the City's processes or our own. So we're expanding our already ongoing review of Manitoba Hydro, of the Fire Commissioner's office, to include related permitting and inspections. They all go together. The member wouldn't understand private sect or capital investment, but it goes where it's wanted, and we want to make sure it goes to Manitoba because that's how you create jobs, Madam Speaker. Conservation Officers Equipment and Staffing Improvements Mr.

Alan Lagimodiere (Selkirk): Madam Speaker, every day Manitoba's conservation officers are on the front line working hard to keep our environment safe and sustainable for generations to come. That's one of the reasons I brought forward a bill to formally recognize the importance of our cons ervation officers. Our government understands the need to strengthen this vital front-line service. Can the Minister of Sustainable Development please tell the House what our government is doing to support our conservation officers here in Manitoba? Hon.

Rochelle Squires (Minister of Sustainable Development): I thank my colleague from Selkirk for that question, I –and I congratulate him for his work on honouring conservation officers. Our government values and honours our hard- working conservation offi cers and improving work conditions after they were left in complete disrepair by the NDP. In addition to investing in a new public safety system–instead of buying parts on eBay like the NDP did, we are investing in a new system –we're hiring more officers; we have eight that are in training right now and look forward to welcoming them to the forces.

We're also equipping them with vital equipment and gear such as gloves, something that was denied to our conservation officers under the NDP. Lifeflight Air Ambulance Public Operation of Service Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): The govern - ment has had many, many months to make up its mind with respect to the RFP to have a non-government operator of the Lifeflight Air Ambulance service. The result has b een a lot of uncertainty and disruption. This has already caused uncertainty and problems with respect to pilots, doctors and nurses, resulting in extra costs.

When will the government restore stability to the Lifeflight Air Ambulance service by indicatin g that its status will remain as it has been for many years: a first-rate, excellent, publicly operated Lifeflight Air Ambulance service? Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): There's a process that's set up, and we want to ensure good value for tax payers' dollars are accomplished with this. We also want to make sure that good servicing is a part of it. That's all part –this process to make Manitoba a better place. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for River Heights, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Gerrard: Madam Speaker, the government has added to the instability of the Lifeflight Air Ambulance service. I understand that there is now an urgent need to address not only pilots, doctors and nurses providing service, but also the aircraft maintenance engineers as well. The government could quickly resolve these issues by announcing that it will keep the Lifeflight Air Ambulance services as a high -quality, public

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1905 service of which all Manitobans can be proud and that will ensure individuals in need in northern Manitoba can get the service they need. Will the government say so today? Mr. Fielding: There is a process in place. We think it's important to get evidence. We –it's important to understand what costs are and, more importantly, the most impor tant thing, for Manitobans, we want a comprehensive service, a service that's going to support Manitobans. That's what this process is about, and we're going to find out through that process, through the RFP.

It's laid out; it's comprehensive; and it's open and transparent, something that the NDP government knew nothing about when they were in government. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for River Heights, on a final supplementary. Keewatin Air Proposal Mr. Gerrard: Yes, Madam Speaker, numerous compounding factors have contributed to the un- certainty. I understand that Keewatin Air, which may be one of the private sector applicants to take over the Lifeflight Air Ambulance service, had a recent plane crash on April 24th in Gillam.

Apparently the aircraft left Winnipeg with an insufficient quantity of fuel on- board the medevac flight, as the document I table indicates. This accident is a further reason for uncertainty for people to be part of the medevac team. I ask the minister: Is Keewatin Air, or one of its associated companies within the Exchange Income Corporation, involved in any way with a proposal in response to the government's RFP? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): On the medevac issue, the member is attacking the human beings who were involved in the preparation exercises. These are civil servants he's attacking in his

preamble. That investigation's under way, and there shouldn't be an advance finding by the member or anyone else of any wrongdoing or incompetence by civil servants who may or may not have been doing their job effectively or well. So I would urge the member not to presume wrongdoing while investigation of the incident is still under way, Madam Speaker. Education System Review Resource Supports Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, I've had the pleasure to join teachers, parents and community leaders at many meetings across Manitoba.

What I've heard over and over and over again was they want the resources to support small class sizes, and they need more supports to support increasingly complex student needs. What I didn't hear at all was calls for funding below the rate of inflation. In fact, I heard exactly no one actually ask for funding that doesn't even keep up with a growing student population. So I'd like to ask the minister: Why isn’t he listening to Manitobans, and why is he set on making cuts to our education system in Manitoba? Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Education and Training): I want to congratulate the member on his reappointment as Education critic. He probably – when he was at the consultations –has never seen an exercise of so many Manitobans being listened to when it comes to education, and, in fact, I've been very pleased to see the media reports that there are hundreds of Manitobans coming who want to engage in the discussion, who want to talk about the future of education, want to talk about how we can get better results from our children. I know there's lots of members t alking on the opposite side, still.

Maybe they could go to the consultations and talk too. But when they were there, I'm sure that he saw for the first time Manitobans being asked their opinion, because our government listens. We want to hear from them. I hope he learns something from that exercise, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a supplementary question. Co-Chair's Attendance at Meetings Mr. Wiebe: Well, in fact, Madam Speaker, I've met with hundreds of teachers, parents and community members about the review.

But the one thing that I haven't seen, and the one person who I haven't got a chance to meet yet, is Janice MacKinnon, one of the co-chairs of the commission. In fact, I haven't seen her at a single meeting. Just last night, though, I did see that she was active on social media, that she's in Alberta, tasked with leading a rushed financial review by that Conservative government to make cuts over in that province. So I ask the minister: Why has the co -chair of his education review not been to a single public consultation meeting?

1906 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 Mr. Goertzen: Well, I should be surprised that the member opposite is attacking a former NDP MLA. But then, I guess, given their history, maybe I shouldn't be surprised. Mrs. MacKinnon, of course– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Goertzen: Mrs. MacKinnon, along with all the commissioners, the high- quality individuals who have a broad base of experience–I'm not surprised that their expertise is being asked for–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Goertzen: –across the country. Far from that being a weakness, I would–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order.

Mr. Goertzen: –consider that to be a strength of the people that we've appointed, Madam Speaker. * (14:30) Madam Speake r: The honourable member for Concordia, on a final supplementary. Mr. Wiebe: Well, Madam Speaker, I would expect that the co-chair of the education review would be at least at some of the public consultation meetings to hear directly from those teachers, parents and those other concerned citizens.

The last thing that this minister, I would think, wants, is the appearance that he just hired someone for their prior political affiliation and not for their engagement in the actual work that needs to be done. As it stands, Dr. MacKinnon has not attended any of the consultation meetings. Now she's heavily engaged in a –planning consultations to cut public services in Alberta. I ask the minister once again: Why is the co-chair of his education review missing in action? Mr.

Goertzen: Madam Speaker, we have had thousands of Manitobans who have come to public hearings to talk about education, to talk about how young people can get better results in the future, to talk about how, over the last 17 years, the NDP government failed to get better results in education. I could understand that the member for Concordia is sensitive about that. He doesn't like that. He doesn't like seeing Manitobans engaged. He doesn't care about results. He doesn't want to thing–see things get better. He wants to live in a world of negativity where he can point fingers and try to be negative about everything.

I'll let him live in that world. We're going to live in the world of getting better and improving, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Daylight Saving Time Mr. Cliff Graydon (Emerson): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The loss of sleep associated with the beginning of daylight saving time has serious consequences for physical and mental health and has been linked to increases in t raffic accidents and workplace injuries.

(2) According to the Manitoba Public Insurance news release, collision data collected in 2014 showed that there was a 20 per cent increase in collisions on Manitoba roadways following the daylight saving time change when compared to all other Mondays in 2014.

(3) Daylight saving time is associated with a decrease in productivity the day after the clocks are turned forward with no corresponding increase in productivity when the clocks are turned back.

(4) There is no conclusive evidence that daylight saving time is effective in reducing energy consumption. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to amend The Official Time Act, abolish–to abolish daylight saving time in Manitoba effective November 4th, 2019, resulting in Manitoba remaining on Central Standard Time throughout the year and in perpetuity. This petition has been signed by Gary Dellebucer, Quikar Michaud [phonetic] and Jordan Templeton and many, many more fine Manitobans. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 133(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House.

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1907 Early Learning and Child-Care Programs Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry-Riverview): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

(6) Accessible, afforda ble and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. Madam Speaker, this petition is signed by Harjinder Sangha, Kam Sangha and many other Manitobans. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to sta bilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. Signed by Shirley Nevin, Wendy Hickson, Shreyanh Gosni and many others. Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increas ed funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

1908 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. And, Madam Speaker, thi s petition is signed by Maria Cullum, Rosemarie Todaschuk, Heather Keppler and many other fine Manitobans. * (14:40) Ms.

Flor Marcelino (Logan): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operat ing funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. Signed by many Manitobans. Thanks. Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to the position is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is independent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately renumerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning, child-care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve q uality and stability in the workforce. Madam Speaker, this petition has been signed by many, many Manitobans.

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1909 Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately renumerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care prog rams must be available to all Manitoba –excuse me–programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child -care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce.

And this petition, Madam Speaker, has been signed by Lindsay Slater, Joel Gagnon, an d Janelle Aubin, and many other Manitobans. Mr. Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child -care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. This petition was signed by Glen Pépin, James Mickelson, and Brianna Hutchison, and many, many more. Tina Fontaine–Public Inquiry Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St.

Johns): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. These are the reasons for this petition–oh. * (14:50)

(1) Tina Fontaine was murdered at the age of 15 years, and her body was found in the Red River on August 17th, 2014.

(2) Tina Fontaine was robbed of her loving family and the Anishinabe community of Sagkeeng First Nation.

(3) Tina Fontaine was failed by multiple systems which did not protect her as they intervened in her life.

1910 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019

(4) Tina Fontaine was further failed by systems meant to –which did not protect her –sorry, I apologize. Let me start that again.

(4) Tina Fontaine was further failed by systems meant to seek and pursue justice for her murder.

(5) Tina Fontaine's murder galvanized Canada on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, MMIWG , as she quickly became our collective daughter and the symbol of MMIWG across Canada.

(6) Manitoba has failed to fully implement the recommendations of numerous reports and recommendations meant to improve and protect the lives of indigenous peoples and children, including the Manitoba Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the Phoenix Sinclair inquiry. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Premier of Manitoba and the Minister of Justice to immediately call a public inquiry into the systems that had a role in the life and death of Tina Fontaine, as well as the function of the administration of justice after her death.

(2) To urge that the terms of reference of a public inquiry be developed jointly with the caregivers of Tina Fontaine and/or the agent appointed by them. Signed by many Manitobans. Early Learning and Child-Care Programs Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Mani toba families and contributes to a stronger economy. (4)–oh, strong economy, sorry.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has increased to–has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately renumerated.

(6) Accessible, affordable and quali ty early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. And this is signed by Sharmy Ganesan, Ashleigh Daudsha [phonetic], Hannah Wright and many other Manitobans. Mr.

Andrew Swan (Minto): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Early learning and child- care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy.

(2) Licensed, not -for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually.

(3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, positive impact on children's development, is a fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy.

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the f iscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating expenses continue to increase.

(5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is skilled and adequately remunerated.

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1911

(6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child- care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to increase funding for licensed, not -for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. And, Madam Speaker, this petition is signed by William Cottingham, Tristan Halliday, Brenda Frieze and many other Manitobans. Quality Health Care Mr.

Matt Wiebe (Concordia): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. And the background to this pe tition is as follows:

(1) The provincial government's program of cuts and restructuring in health care have had serious negative consequences, reduced both access to and quality of care for patients, increased wait times, exasperated the nursing shortage and significantly increased workload and the rely on–reliance on overtime from nurses and other health- care professionals.

(2) Further cuts and consolidation are opposed by a majority of Manitobans and will only further reduce access to health-care services.

(3) The provincial government has rushed through these cuts and changes, and failed to adequately consult nurses and health- care professionals who provide front-line patient care.

(4) Ongoing cuts and changes appear to be more about saving money than improving health care. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government reverse cuts and closures that negatively impact patients' ability to access timely, quality health care.

(2) To urge the provincial government to make real investments in Manitoba's public health -care system that will improve the timeliness and quality of care for patients by increasing the number of beds across the system and recruiting and retaining an adequate number of nurses and other health- care professionals to meet Manitoba's needs. And this petition is signed by Andrei Oprea, Tom Henderson, Karl Sorensen and many other Manitobans. House Business Madam S peaker: The honourable Government House Leader, on House business? Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): On House business.

I'm sorry to delay the opposition from delaying their own motion, but I would ask for leave of the House to revert back t o tabling of reports to table the–committee reports, to table the report on the hiring of the Ombudsman. Madam Speaker: Is there leave to revert to committee reports? [Agreed] COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs Sixth Report Mrs. Sarah Guillemard (Chairperson): I wish to present the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs. Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Your Standing Committee on Legislative– Some Honourable Members: Dispense.

Madam Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS presents the following as its Sixth Report. Meetings Your Committee met on the following occasions in the Legislative Building • August 27, 2018 (3rd Session – 41st Legislature) • May 9, 2019 (4 th Session – 41st Legislature) (in-camera) Matters under Consideration • Recommendation for the appointment of the Ombudsman for the Province of Manitoba Committee Membership Committee Membership for the August 27, 2018 meeting: • Mr. A LLUM • Mr. CURRY

1912 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 • Hon. Mr. FIELDING • Ms. FONTAINE • Hon. Mr. GERRARD • Mrs. GUILLEMARD (Chairperson) • Mr. JOHNSTON • Mr. LAGASSÉ • Mr. MARTIN (Vice-Chairperson) • Hon. Ms. MAYER • Mr. SWAN Committee Membership for the May 9, 2019 in camera meeting: • Hon. Ms. CLARKE • Mrs. GUILLEMARD (Chairperson) • Ms. KLASSEN • Mr. LAGASSÉ • Mr. MARCELINO (Tyndall Park) • Mr. MARTIN • Mr. NESBITT • Mr. SMITH (Southdale) • Hon. Mrs. STEFANSON • Mr. SWAN • Mr. WIEBE Your Committee elected Mr. S MITH (Southdale) as the Vice-Chairperson at the May 9, 2019 meeting.

Motions: Your Committee agreed to the following motion at the August 27, 2018 meeting: • THAT a sub- committee of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs be struck to manage the process of hiring a new Ombudsman for the Province of Manitoba, under the terms and conditions as follows: (

a) the sub -committee consist of four Government Members, two Official Opposition Members and one Second Opposition Party Member; (

b) the sub -committee have the authority to call their own meetings, the ability to meet in camera, and be able to undertake duties it deems necessary in order to fulfil its responsibilities in the hiring process; (

c) the sub -committee must report back to the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs with a recommendation that has been agreed to by all members; and (

d) the Committe es Branch staff as well as the Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services staff be authorize to attend all meetings of the sub-committee. Your Committee agreed to the following motion at the May 9, 2019 meeting (in camera): • THAT the report and recommenda tion of the Sub-Committee be received. • THAT the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs recommend to the President of Executive Council that Jill Perron be appointed as the Ombudsman for the Province of Manitoba. REPORT FROM THE SUB-COMMITTEE Your Sub-Committee presents the following as its First Report.

Meetings: Your Sub-Committee met on the following occasions: • November 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. • December 18, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. • March 5, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. • April 16, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. All meetings were held in camera in Room 255 of the Legislative Building. Matters under Consideration: • Recruitment and Selection of the Ombudsman Sub-Committee Membership: Sub-Committee Membership for the November 5, 2018 meeting: • Hon. Mrs. COX • Mrs. GUILLEMARD • Mr. LAGIMODIERE • Ms. LAMOUREUX • Mr. MARCELINO (Tyndall Park) • Hon. Mrs. MAYER • Mr. SWAN Your Sub- Committee elected Mr. L AGIMODIERE as the Chairperson and Mrs.

G UILLEMARD as the Vice-Chairperson during the meeting on November 5, 2018. Sub-Committee Membership for the December 18, 2018 meeting: • Mr. ALLUM • Hon. Mrs. COX • Mr. LAGIMODIERE • Ms. LAMOUREUX • Hon. Mrs. MAYER • Mr. SMITH (Southdale) • Mr. SWAN

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1913 Prior to the proceedings on December 18, 2018, Mr. LAGIMODIERE resigned as the Chairperson. Your Sub-Committee elected Mr. SMITH (Southdale) as the Chairperson and Mr. L AGIMODIERE as the Vice-Chairperson during the meeting on December 18, 2018. Sub-Committee Membership for the March 5, 2019 meeting: • Mr. ALLUM • Hon. Mrs. COX • Ms. KLASSEN • Mr. LAGIMODIERE (Vice- Chairperson) • Hon. Mrs. MAYER • Mr. SMITH (Southdale) (Chairperson) • Mr. SWAN Sub-Committee Membership for the April 16, 2019 meeting: • Hon. Mrs. COX • Ms. KLASSEN • Mr.

LAGIMODIERE (Vice- Chairperson) • Mr. MARCELINO (Tyndall Park) • Hon. Mrs. MAYER • Mr. SMITH (Southdale) (Chairperson) • Mr.

SWAN Staff present for all Sub-Committee meetings: • Deanna Wilson, Director, Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services • Monique Grenier, Clerk Assistant/Committee Clerk Agreements by the Sub-Committee: Your Sub- Committee reached the following agreements during the meeting on December 18, 2018: • The Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services will deal with all the logistics and paperwork involved with the hiring process of the Ombudsman, which includes the Advertising Plan, Selection Criteria, Advertiseme nt and Interview Questions. • The Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services will conduct the paper screening of applications received and report to the Sub-Committee, five (or more) qualified candidates for review. • The Sub- Committee will review the list of qualified candidates and determine which applicant(

s) to be interviewed by the Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services. • The Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services will conduct interviews and report to the Sub- Committee, the interview rating results for consideration and selection. • The Sub- Committee will review the interview rating results and determine the candidate to be recommended for the position of Ombudsman.

Your Sub- Committee reached the following agreements during the meeting on March 5, 2019: • The Sub- Committee agreed to interview the top six candidates that held screening results of 11 and above. • The Sub-Committee agreed that in the event the number of candidates drops below four, the next two candidates that held screening results of 10 will be interviewed.

Your Sub- Committee reached the following agree - ments during the meeting on April 16, 2019: • Pending successful reference checks, the Sub-Committee agreed to recommend to the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs that Jill Perro n be appointed as the Ombudsman for the Province of Manitoba. • In the event the successful candidate declines or is no longer available, the Sub- Committee agreed to meet again to discuss further options. • The Sub- Committee reviewed and adopted a document ent itled "Terms of Reference for Hiring of Independent Officers of Assembly" dated April 16, 2019, prepared by the Legislative Assembly Staff.

The document is set out in the

Schedule to this report. Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services Activities: As agreed to by the Sub-Committee on December 18, 2018, the Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services was tasked with all the logistics and paperwork involved with the hiring process of the Ombudsman. On March 5, 2019, the Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services reported to the Sub -Committee a list of thirteen qualified candidates for review and selection to be interviewed.

1914 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 The Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services considered applications for the position of the Ombudsman as follows: • Two hundred and twenty -two were received for the position. • Three individuals were interviewed for the position on March 13, 2019. • Three individuals were interviewed for the position on March 14, 2019. On April 16, 2019, the Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services reported to the Sub-Committee the interview rating results of the six candidates.

SCHEDULE Legislative Assembly of Manitoba Terms of Reference for Hiring of Independent Officers of the Assembly April 16, 2019 Purpose: On August 27, 2018, the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs passed a motion to strike a Sub-Committee to manage the process of hiring a new Ombudsman for the Province of Manitoba.

The Sub-Committee, consisting of four Government Members, two Official Opposition Members and one Second Opposition Party Member, has the authority to call its own meetings, the ability to meet in camera, and be able to undertake duties it deems necessary in order to fulfil its responsibilities in the hiring process The Sub-Committee must report back to the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs with a recommendation that has been agreed to by all members.

The Sub-Committee will be assisted in their duties by the staff from the Committees Branch and the Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services wh o are authorized to attend all meetings of the Sub-Committee. Roles and Responsibilities: 1. The Sub- Committee assigns the Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services to deal with all the logistics and paperwork involved with the hiring process of the Ombudsman. 2. The Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services will: (

a) devise a hiring process which includes an advertising plan, a paper screening process, an interview process and a selection process; (

b) draft an advertisement, paper screening criteria and selection criteria; (

c) print the advertisement as set out in the advertising plan; (

d) conduct the paper screening of applications received; (

e) report to the Sub- Committee, five (or more) qualified candidates for review and selection to interview; (

f) conduct interviews on candidates selected by the Sub-Committee; (

g) report to the Sub- Committee, the interview rating results on the candidates selected by the Sub-Committee; and (

h) conduct reference checks on candidate(

s) and report to the Sub- Committee any issues or concerns identified. 3. The Sub- Committee Members will individually have the ability to view the list of qualified candidates along with their background paperwork confidentially at the Legislative Assembly Human Resources Services Office prior to the Sub-Committee's review. 4. The Sub- Committee will review the list of qualified candidates and select which applicant(

s) to be interviewed by the Legislative Assembly Human Resources Services. 5. One representative from each recognized political party shall be entitled to observe the interviews while having participation in the scoring process. 6. The Sub- Committee will review the interview rating results and pending successful reference checks, determine the candidate to be recommended for the position of Ombudsman. 7. The Sub-Committee must provide a report to the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs that includes a recommendation for a new Ombudsman for the Province of Manitoba. * (15:00) Mrs.

Guillemard: I move, seconded by the honourable member for St. Norbert (Mr. Reyes), that the report of the committee be received. Motion agreed to.

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1915 Madam Speaker: Grievances? The House–yes– ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS OPPOSITION DAY MOTION Madam Speaker: The House will now consider the opposition day motion of the honourable member for Flin Flon. I will now recognize the honourable member for Flin Flon. Mr.

Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I move, seconded by the member from Minto, that on the 100th anniv ersary of the 1919 general strike, the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba call on the provincial government to recognize and commemorate all workers who fought for labour rights that bettered working conditions for all Canadians, especially those who were killed during the strike, by taking concrete steps to promote increased union ization in the public and private sector, enshrining the right to collective bargaining in legislation, legislating a living wage for all Manitobans, and investing in measures to ensure and enhance safe working conditions.

Motion presented. Mr. Lindsey: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and it gives me great pleasure to rise in the House today to introduce this motion, which will really do something, as opposed to just having a mot ion that feels good for the moment. We really –we want to encourage the government to do the things that we talked about in this motion, which is to really stand up, not just for workers' rights, but stand up with workers in this province for those rights. You know, the 1919 strike, we saw Conservative and Liberal governments of the day stand against Manitobans.

Thirty thousand Manitobans took to the picket line, took to the streets, took to the strike action, because of the way they were being treated. And now here we are, 100 years later, and we really want to ensure that, particularly governments of the day, honour all those working women and men that stood in solidarity with each other. Mr. Doyle Piwniuk, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair You know, it wasn't just unionized workers that participated in that 1919 strike, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It was working people in the province, union and non-union, who stood up and said, enough is enough; we're going to stand together.

And out of that labour movement back then, Mr. Deputy Speaker, things like eight -hour shifts were born. They certainly weren't born right at that particular moment in time. It took more negotiating and more pressure on governments to actually change working conditions. And working people really, for 100 years, had been fighting incremental battles to make workplaces better and to really recognize their rights to collective bargaining and their rights to strike when that bargaining's not successful.

Now we've seen recent federal governments that, really, passed legislation that was unconstitutional, when they legislated postal workers back to work. That's not action that government should be proud of. It's not action that we should recognize in this House as being right, good and proper.

What, really, we're encouraging this government to do, is to actually enshrine some of those rights in legislation in Manitoba, so that from this day forward workers will be able to stand and say, yes, somebody was actually listening; somebody actua lly cared that workers died in 1919 doing nothing more than standing up for their rights in this free country of ours. So, really, I mean, it would be nice, Mr. Deputy Speaker, if maybe June 21st was declared a Manitoba holiday to recognize truly the significant events of that particular day.

I mean, today it's a hundred anniversary of when the strike started, but in June it will be the 100th anniversary of when governments decided to attack workers with clubs and guns. It'll be 100 years in June since two workers, in particular, died and so many others were injured. So, really, what this motion is about is about encouraging this government, this particular PC government, to abandon its present attack on working people in this province. It's encouraging this PC government to actually stand up and recognize workers' constitutional rights, recognizing workers' constitutional rights to strike.

So, really, something concrete and good should come out of this motion, I hope. You know, it's not a phony thing to stand up–for me to stand up and support working people because that's who I am. I was a strong union member, advocating for working

1916 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 people's rights when I was a worker in an industrial plant. I continue to stand with my working sisters and brothers, p articularly unionized ones, but also those that want to become unionized and those that should become unionized so that they can enjoy the benefits that should be available to all working people but are not.

And the best way for working people to enjoy those benefits I speak about is to become unionized and, really, that's the best thing for the province, it's the best thing for this government, to stand up and say, yes, you're right; we recognize that unionized workers are productive workers. They're wel l-paid, they have health care, they really are the backbone of this great province. It was working people that really built this province on their blood and sweat. And so it would be nice to have a day to recognize those forefathers and foremothers that took to the streets in solidarity.

When I first got involved, the concept OBU –One Big Union–was foreign to a lot of workers. They'd forgotten where they came from, and I really took it upon myself to fully understand that concept and, really and truly, whether all workers have the same union name, the concept of the One Big Union is workers standing with workers to support workers, not a bad concept because solidarity wins the day. What would be really nice, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, is if the government of the day recognized the importance of the historical event of 1919 but, more importantly, recognized the historical opportunity that they have as a government, as a PC government, to stand up and say, yes, we actually appreciate workers in this province, and here's what we're going to do to show that.

It's not false words; it's –let's pass some legislation that actually supports workers rather than passing legislation that tears workers down. * (15:10) And it's unfortunate that that's the legacy that this particular PC government is going to leave behind for themselves, is they were against working Manitobans. But today –today–we offer them the opportunity to change, and we can all change; we can all do better.

So I encourage this government and every member in this House to do better, to stand in solidarity with Manitobans who get up, go to work and build this province and make this province better every day of the week. While they're busy making this province better, let's make this province better for them. So this resolution, I want it to be not just empty words on a paper that gets read and talked about and forgotten. I really want to encourage the government to look at what's there.

Things like a decent living wage so that working people can feed their fa milies– living wage so that working people can send their kids to school. That should be something that we all aspire to, and I encourage this government to really look at this resolution and then act. Act on the contents of the resolution so that they can be the ones that can stand up even in an election and say, you know what, we were wrong with some of the things we did to attack workers. We're going to change that.

We're going to enact strong health and safety language; we're going to actually have a department of labour; we're going to train the minister so he understands what labour's all about, if he didn't come out of labour; we're going to make sure that as a government, we've done the right things for the people of Manitoba rather than leaving the l egacy of doing the wrong things for the majority of Manitobans.

So that's really what I want to come out of this particular motion is to recognize the strength that working people have in this province; men and women, when they walked off their jobs and said, we deserve better. And I want this government to stand in solidarity with workers, as we do, and say, you deserve better, and we as a government, we as the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, will work together to get you the life you deserve and the working conditions you deserve. Thank you. Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member's time is up. Mr.

Blair Yakimoski (Transcona): It is truly an honour to speak on this historic day because, as was mentioned by the member from Flin Flon, 100 years ago today, the Winnipeg General Strike began. It's almost hard to believe it was that long ago–100 years ago–that this historic event occurred as the conditions of the–after the First World War–changed for those returning from serving their country. Many of th em found their jobs replaced by immigrants; many who came from this –in the second wave of Ukrainian immigration were labourers.

The post-war economic landscape was experiencing massive inflation, job losses, and we did not have the social safety nets we do now.

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1917 As I said a week or so ago, I congratulate, and I think I would support the resolution from the member from Burrows. I congratulate her for bringing this forward, but this isn't that. This is the NDP finally realizing that although their history is tied to the 1919 general strike, they couldn't stand that the hard -working member from Burrows beat them to the punch. They couldn't stand that she did her work– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. Mr. Yakimoski: –and she engaged with the local unions to bring them here.

I would like to look around; they're not here. I don't know where they are, but they were here a couple weeks ago when they had the opportunity to support–because we –I think we all agree the 1990 general s trike and the acknowledgment is really a non -partisan; it's an important day. It changed not just Winnipeg; it changed Canada. It's unfortunate. This isn't that. It–I know that in Ottawa, as I mentioned, Daniel Blaikie, a year ago he brought this forward. He knew in advance that he should be talking about this.

He should be telling people the story and he should bring it forth but his colleagues here chose to sit on their hands. They chose to wait and wait and they got beaten to the punch. I'm sure Dani el would have appreciated the support provincially in wanting to bring attention to this momentous event, and I wonder why the provincial NDP chose not to bring this forward. The member from Flin Flon says we are attacking workers' rights. I disagree. I disagree strongly.

I think workers' rights are very much supported and we've allowed them that because I think workers deserve the right to choose to join a union or choose not to join a union by voting with a secret ballot. We do know the secret ballot is a pillar of our democracy. I think the member from Flin Flon would agree. I think him and I would both agree on this, that a vibrant economy, a growing economy, a strong economy, as the Premier (Mr. Pallister) might say, capital at risk drives the economy. I think that would be a–be neficial to Manitoba's economy and, when the economy grows, workers benefit from a robust economy.

It appears it's already happening. I'm going to consult my notes. Oh, private sector's capital spending increased by 10 per cent in 2018, the highest amongst the provinces. Since 2016, private sector capital spending in mining, oil and gas extraction–important to Flin Flon, no doubt about that–increased by almost 23 per cent annually, the highest among provinces. Manitoba posted the strongest provincial growth rate over the past decade, averaging 2.2 compared to 1.6 real GDP growth in Canada overall–manufacturing employment, up 6.4 per cent so far in 2019, the highest among the provinces and the best since 2000.

We know around the year shortly after the y ear 2000 we had those dark, dark days, the days, the decades of debt, decay and decline. We know exports to the US are up. Manitoba's population is up. Manitoba's housing starts are up. Retail vehicle sales are up. So it's truly unfortunate that the members chose not to allow this to come to a vote and support it when they had a chance. Again, I congratulate the member from Burrows, and I think it's really too bad that they chose to play politics with this, but that's what they–they could have brought this forward and– but they chose not to. They sat around.

Again, as I'd mentioned during the member from Burrows' resolution, the –couple weeks ago, I am very much looking forward to this summer's productions on a lighter note, the musical, the movie, talking about seeing Winnipeg on the big screen. I very much look forward to that. I thank you very much for allowing me the time to get up and talk about this for a few minutes. I will take my seat now and thank you very much and I'll let someone else have the floor. Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): And, boy, did that previous speech miss the mark in so many ways.

And so I do hope to put some words on the record just what this particular day means to me and to our caucus and particularly to the member for Flin Flon (Mr. Lindsey), who's brought this forward. And it really is an amazing milestone in Manitoba and a day for us to celebrate but also to think back, with a certain degree of mourning, for those people who sacrificed their lives, in this case for many of th e freedoms that we take for granted here in this Chamber. * (15:20)

1918 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 You know, it occurs to me, and looking back and learning more as we have over the last number of months and certainly even over the last year as we've gotten ready to mark this occasion, it occurs to me, being in this very political place, the political themes that come out very clearly of the 1919 strike. And, I mean, very clearly we can link our political movement–our political party –directly to that action that happened in 1919. Of c ourse, many know that J.S. Woodsworth, one of the strike leaders, of course, was one of the founders of the CCF.

But more importantly –or just as importantly, I should say, Mr. Speaker –it was that combination of labour, of activists on the street and of political leadership that came together with labour to form the CCF and become the NDP. And it's the party that I'm very proud to be a part of. And it's amazing that we can draw our roots directly to the strike.

Likewise, members opposite would be able to trace their party history very much to the Citizens' Committee of 1,000, where it was very clear that they were there to break the strike, to step on workers' rights and to really quell any kind of dissension that they saw. And whether it be influencing the media and their control there or just any of the control that they exerted as employers and as the masters in that political system, they exerted that force then, as they do now.

But, you know, maybe on a more non- partisan note, you know, it actually –the strike moved the needle in terms of how we talk about workers' rights in this province and indeed, across the country and I would say even that extends throughout the world. And so we can all thank the strike –strikers that day, who began this day and continued on the strike for many weeks, for things that we take for granted; for, you know, for things like safety and health in the workplace; when we look at things like the right to collective bargaining. I would even say, Mr. Speaker, in a Legislature where we have the Premier (Mr.

Pallister) often scrambling to come up with ways that he's tied to the labour movement–I think he's called himself an old union guy –is the words that he's used–it shows where the needle has moved in this province and how much even Conservatives now wish to be part of that movement and wish to claim some piece of labour's power in this province. Of course, we know, Mr. Speaker, that those are simply words. And we know that when the rubber meets the road, that it's unfortunate that members opposite continue to govern as if they were those – tied to those strike breakers back in 1919.

We know very specifically with this government, one of their first acts coming in three years ago, almost to the day now, that they announced no department of labour. Get rid of the department of labour. Why would we need that? They eliminate things like the advisory committee on workplace, safety and health.

Again, one of their first acts when they came in as government was to say, we're going to f reeze the minimum wage and then we're going to tie it to the rate of inflation, ensuring that workers in this province will never get ahead and that there'll never be a more equal balance between workers and –in terms of what they're paid here. Again, one of the first things this government did was to interfere with the collective bargaining process at the University of Manitoba.

And we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the profs and with the folks at the university to come forward to say, it shouldn't be this government and it shouldn't be this Premier who interferes directly in the negotiating process. And we were happy to do that. And, of course, we know Bill 18, which–would require employers and unions to bear the cost of mediators in terms of ensuring t hat there is no job action and that workplaces continue to work. So it is just words from the other side. It's not action.

Despite the rhetoric and the wish by the members opposite to again grab a piece of the labour power in this province, they fall short every single time. And that brings me, of course, to our Liberal friends in the Legislature, who are now –at the eleventh hour–deciding that they also want to be best friends with labour. They want to stand with our labour friends and they want to join us and come on board. As I said, the needle has moved and I welcome them.

I welcome all members to stand with labour, to actually listen to them and to do the –to perform the legislative duty that they are asking us to do, to protect workers and, in fact, enhance workers. But what do we see from our Liberal friends? Instead of standing with workers, of course, we know the federal Liberal government legislated postal workers back to work. And I can say, Mr. Speaker, one of the proudest moments that I've had, as my time as a legislator but also as a human being, was standing with postal workers

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1919 at the museum for human rights, including my father-in-law, who, the last time he protested against an unlawful job action was actually hauled off by the police. T his time, he was a little more well-behaved but only by a little bit. And we had to hold him back at certain times, because he was that fired up, knowing that this Liberal government, once again, was stepping on their rights as workers. So, once again, you know, 100 years, Mr. Speaker, you know, we can, I think, come together as legislators, focus on what the member for Flin Flon (Mr.

Lindsey) has brought forward here, and that is a time to recognize the incredible sacrifices, to mourn with the labour c ommunity who lost people in that terrible tragedy, in the strike. And it is a time that, I think, all of us could come back together and say, these are issues that are still alive today. As I said, Mr. Speaker, we know that income inequality has gotten w orse. We know that workers are continually under pressure in the new economy. And it is time for us, as legislators, to come together and to say, as the new –as the economy changes, as workers become more precarious–how can we protect them?

How can we enhance their rights, not take away rights from them? And so this could be the beginning of that conversation. This could be an opportunity to lay down our swords, politically, and to say what is best for working people in this province. And we'll let them join us; we'll let them be union members for a day or for a week or for a month, if they will not just talk the talk but, in fact, walk the walk, here in this Legislature, and stand with workers. We all take inspiration from this incredible historical event.

We can all take inspiration from the workers who stood up, at that time, as they do and they continue to do today. When I stand shoulder to shoulder with nurses in front of this building, when I stand shoulder to shoulder with health -care workers in front–on the front steps of Concordia Hospital, I know that the power of the people continues to be important. And it's labour who continues to emphasize and to organize that power. And so, to them , I thank them. I stand with you in solidarity.

United with labour that we, as a political party, respect and continue to honour that historic relationship that our party has with labour, not simply as brothers and sisters, which we certainly are, but, really, as equals in this journey in standing up for all working people in this province and beyond. So I will simply end, Mr. Speaker, by saying another great CCFer and an NDPer who once said: Courage, dear friends; it's not too late to build a better world. And it certainly isn't.

And if only members on the other side would simply not just use their words but, in fact, their actions, to improve working people's conditions, I think we could have a better province, a more prosperous province, and a province that will serve all working people, not just in this century, but in the next century and for all time going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Scott Johnston (St. James): I don't think that one party has a monopoly on recognizing the significance of the event that happened in 1919. I think we fully understand that there was monumental changes that were made based on that event.

I think we all, in the House, recognize that. And, as far as us being strikebreakers in 1919, I think that's a little bit of a stretch. We weren't born. But I am pleased to rise and put some brief comments on the record with respect to this resolution, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And I'm also very comfortable in doing so, again, so soon, as we spoke in the House to the member from Burrows' resolution also. * (15:30) As you know, 100 years ago today, on the 15th of May, 1919, almost 30,000 workers walked off the job and shut down the city of Winnipeg.

Thi s was the start of the Winnipeg General Strike in 1919 which has become one of the most famous and influential strikes in labour history, not only Manitoba's, but Canada's. This was a turbulent time in Canadian history. This was massive unemployment, infl ation and also too, with the success of the Russian Revolution in 1917, many landed communists, as well as the start of early socialists rose revolutionary industrial unionism, which contributed to the post -war labour unrest which fuelled this landmark strike.

Following the breakdown of negotiations between management and labour in the building and metal trades, bargaining happened to co-ordinate for essential services, Mr. Deputy Speaker. This exercise is only possible due to the advancement

1920 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 15, 2019 which ultima tely came from the Winnipeg General Strike. The lessons learned and legislation in place allows for labour to safely come to the table and negotiate for their members. Madam Speaker, I can remember many times sitting down with MTS as a school trustee, wor king together to find solutions to our differences and bargain in good faith. Each step along the way was done to find a result which tried to satisfy both parties.

From my own experience I can remember many late nights in conciliation and trying to find a good agreement for both the school division, which I represented, as well as the members of the unions and the employees, faithful employees, that we had in our school division. Ultimately, it was through negotiations. No decisions could be made due to t he labour relations legislation in place. Thanks to the Winnipeg General Strike we were also able to go to arbitration to satisfy solutions.

This third-party process was able to remove the differences between two organizations and, in my experience, we w ould set–we would wind up with a solution that would usually satisfy all involved. Not everybody got their way. It's not a hundred per cent, but that's negotiation; you come to a conclusion based on give and take. Our negotiations were only enabled due to the legislation in place which originated from the experience we received from the general strike. Mr. Deputy Speaker, our government believes that unions play an important role in the labour force and know the importance of basic democratic rights.

Since the strike, many labour reforms and improvements have made–or have led to significant change, making Manitoba and Canada among the safest places to work in the world. Our government recognizes the important contri- bution labour has made to this province. That is why we were in favour of the member of Burrows' resolution which recognized the 100th anniversary of the general strike earlier this month. In fact, Madam– in fact, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the previous Filmon government was the one who, in 1994, ins talled a commemorative plaque in the hall of this Legislature recognizing the 1919 strike.

However, Winnipeg essentially came to a halt and workers were brought into the forefront. Following over a month fight with the citizens committee who opposed the strike, as well as the arrest of multiple strike committee members, the strike came to an end. This is something that is certainly deep in Manitoba's history and is certainly something that we will never, ever forget, both labour and management. So, Mr. Speaker, I'm certainly very comfortable in putting some words on the record that does indicate our –certainly our understanding of the significance of the 1919 strike in Manitoba.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): I'd like to thank the members from Transcona and St. James. It's nice to know that hard work does pay off. I rise today to talk very briefly about the Winnipeg General Strike. I believe that unions play an important role in our society today. Unions have stood as protectors for us over the many years, and it is a true honour to speak to how the 1919 strike made history in Canada by uniting workers with a common goal. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this common goal was all about the well -being of the worker.

It was about fighting for a living wage, for working conditions and collective bargaining. This strike laid the groundwork for the union movement that we have today and let there be no doubt it was an historical moment for our entire nation. Mr. Deputy Speaker, our labour movement and the value of looking for ideas on how to improve the quality of life for Canadians is not just for the workers, but it's much beyond that. Our unions today advocate for workers and for strong, socially progressive policies, and they have m ade a real difference in the lives of every Canadian. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, before I conclude my remarks, I feel compelled to say that I hope the NDP can learn from this demonstration that they should stop with the pettiness and partisan politics. It is not about who gets the credit and that is why not only will we be voting in favour of this motion, but we will do nothing to postpone the vote, as we would like to see the vote happen and have the motion passed today. Thank you. Ms. Flor Marcelino (Logan): I thank my colleague, the member from Flin Flon, for presenting this resolution, as well as my colleague, the member

May 15, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1921 from Burrows, who presented a bill last week, I believe, and–although I'm sorry I missed it. Mr. Deputy Speaker, in the late '80s to early '90s, my husband and I participated yearly in May Day rallies. I remember for many years, Nick Ternette was one of the rally marshals. With megaphone in one hand, he would walk briskly around the edge of the streets to make sure there was order and jubilation among rallyists. And then, for several years, during the following month the peace rally was held. Many of the attendees on the two rallies were familiar faces.

It was propitious, happy time then to meet Winnipeg's community activists, from the very young to the very old but still possess enthusiasm, passion and strength to walk the talk, literally and figuratively, for workers' rights, community issues and world peace. For several years, I brought my little children at the peace rally. The bigger ones walked and the small one rode a stroller. It was a big sacrifice for me bringing the kids to the rally, as I ended up carrying the baby in the stroller so the little ones walking can take their turns in the stroller when they get tired walking.

Normally, the parade route that started at City Hall proceeded on to Portage Avenue, then turned left to Memorial Boulevard and ended at the steps of the Legislature. One time, the route was deviated to proceed to the old side of what was once the Victoria Park, where thousands of strikers congregated, male and female workers who fought for their rights during the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. While at this, it is worthwhile to seriously consider erecting a concrete memorial to honour this momentous event in Winnipeg's history and the history of the labour movement in Manitoba and in Canada. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I joined a small group of labour movement adherents in the early 2000s and we had regular meetings for study and activity planning. There were events held and initiated where labour leaders from other countries were invited as speakers to labour conferences, along with conferences and fora attended by workers in Winnipeg and other Canadian cities. One year, one of the –still in the '90s and ea rly 2000s–one year, one of the MayWorks activities was a visit to the gravesite of Mike Sokolowiski. I chose to go to that event.

There were only a few of us who went to see Mike Sokolowiski's unmarked burial site. It was difficult to locate his gravesite in the pauper

section at Brookside Cemetery. The little numbered markers in the ground had to be located, cleared of soil and grass, then chec

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	41-4-52
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	41st 4th hansardpdf 52.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	aa81236ec4351dd0603b243cb4d24d57be53ef40

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (pdf).