Manitoba Hansard — Sitting 1 (26th Legislature, 2nd Session)

26-2-1

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Legislative Assembly Of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Speaker The Honourable A. W. Harrison Volume IV No. 1 January 19, 1960 2nd Session, 26th Legislature Printed by R. S. Evans. Queen,s Printer for the Province of Manitoba, Winnipeg

ELECTORAL DIVISION ARTHUR ASSINIBOIA BIRTLE-RUSSELL BRANDON BROKENHEAD BURROWS CARILLON CHURCHILL CYPRESS DAUPHIN DUFFERIN ELMWOOD EMERSON ETHELBERT PLAINS FISHER FLIN FLON FORT GARRY FORT ROUGE GIMLI GLADSTONE HAMIOTA INKSTER KILDONAN LAC DU BONNET LAKE SIDE LA VERENDRYE LOGAN MINNEDOSA MORRIS OSBORNE PEMBINA . PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE RADISSON RHINE LAND RIVER HEIGHTS ROBLIN ROCK LAKE ROCKWOOD-IBERVILLE RUPERTSLAND ST. BONIF ACE ST. GEORGE ST. JAMES ST. JOHN'S ST. MATTHEWS ST. VITAL STE.

ROSE s·ELKIRK SEVEN OAKS SOURIS-LAN SDOWNE SPRING FIELD SWA.N RIVER THE PAS TURTLE MOUNTAIN VIRDEN WELLINGTON WINNIPEG CENTRE WOLSELEY NAME J, D. Watt Geo. Wm. Johnson Robert Gordon Smellie R. 0. Lissaman E. R. Schreyer ]. M. Hawryluk Edmond Prefontaine J. E. Ingebrigtson Mrs. Thelma Forbes Hon. Stewart E. McLean William Homer Hamilton S. Peters John P. Tanchak M. N. Hryhorczuk, Q.C. Peter Wagner Hon. Charles H. Witney Hon. Sterling R. Lyon Hon. Gurney Evans Hon. George Johnson Nelson Shoemaker B. P. Strickland Morris A. Gray A. J. Reid Oscar F. Bjomson D. L.

Campbell Stan Roberts Lemuel Harris Walter Weir Harry P. Shewman Obie l38izley Hon. Maur:ice E, Ridley John Aaron Christianson Russell Paulley J. M. Froese W. B. Scarth, Q.C. Keith Alexander Hon. Abram W. Harrison Hon. George Hutton J. E. Jeannotte Laurent Desjardins Elman Guttormson D. M. Stanes David Orlikow W. G. Martin Fred Groves Gildas Molgat T. P. Hillhouse, Q.C. Arthur E. Wright M. E. McKellar Fred T. Klym A. H. Corbett Hon. J. B. Carron E. I. Dow Hon. John Thompson, Q .• C. Richard Seabom James Cowan Hon. Duff Roblin ADDRESS Reston, Man. 212 Oakdean Blvd., St.

James, Wpg. 12 Russell, Man. 832 Eleventh St., Brandon, Man. Beausejour, Man. 84 Furby St., Winnipeg 1 St. Pierre, Man. Churchill, Man. Rathwell, Man. Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Sperling, Man. 225 Melrose Ave. , Winnipeg 5 Ridgeville, Man. Ethelbert, Man. Fisher Branch, Man. Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Neepawa, Ma_Tl, Hamiota, Man. 141 Cathedral Ave., Winnipeg 4 561 Trent Ave., E.

Kild., Winnipeg 5 Lac du Bonnet, Box 2, Group 517, R.R. : 326 Kelvin Blvd., Winnipeg 9 Niverville, Man. 1109 Alexander Ave., Winnipeg 3 Minnedosa, Man. Morris, Man. 185 M..aplewood Ave., Winni]:Jeg 13 Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 15 Dufferin W. Ptge la Prairie, Man • 435 Yele Ave. W., Transcona, Man. W:in..l<ler, Man. 407 Queenston St. , Winnipeg 9 Roblin, Man. Holmf:ield, Jlv1..an. Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Meadow Portage, Man. 138 Dollard Blvd., St. Bonliace, Man. Lundar, Ivian. 381 Guildford St., St. James, Wpg. 12 206 Ethelbert St. � Winnipeg 10 924 Palmerston Aveo, Winnipeg 10 3 Kingston Row, St.

Vital, Wpg. 8 Ste. Rose du Lac, lVlall. Selkirk, Man. Lot 87 Fiver Road, Lockport, Man. Nesbitt, Man. Beausejour, Man. Swan River, Man. Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Boissevain, Man. Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1 594 Arlington St. , . Winnipeg 10 512A, Avenue Bldg., Winnipeg 2 Legislative Bldg. , Winnipeg 1

THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2:30 o'clock, Tuesday, January 19th, 1960. The Sergeant-at-Arms, carrying a Mace followed by the Speaker, Mr. Abram Harrison Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Charland Prud'homme, Q.C. entered the House. His Honour Errick .F. Willis, Q.C., the Lieutenant-Governor, entered the Chamber and seated himself on the Throne. HONOURABLE ERRICK F . WILLIS, Q. C. (Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Manitoba: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba: I welcome you to the second session of the 26th Legislature of the Province of Manitoba.

I should like first of all, on behalf of all the people of the province as well as on my own behalf, to add an expression of united goodwill and appreciation to my distinguished predecessor, the Honourable J. S. McDiarmid, for the many services which he and Mrs. McDiarmid rendered to our province over the years. I am happy to report that there has been substantial and satisfactory progress in all the principal fields of responsibility of the provincial government. The 1959 prov incial road building program completed was the largest on record.

An other large highway program, including access roads, Roads to Resources, and natural re. sources development roads will be proposed for 1960. The year 1959 will be recorded as a diffi cult year for many Manitoba farmers. Excessive moisture conditions blighted any hope of a harvest for many whose farms were located in the agricUltural area east of the Red River. The unprecedented heavy snowfall of early October, and subsequent sub-zero weather, extending over a wide area of the province abruptly ended the completion of what appeared on many farms to be a promising harvest.

While in the more favoured agricultural areas production was reasonably satisfactory, I note that approximately one million acres of unharvested crops representing 20 to 25 million bushels of grain and other crops re,nain snow-covered with little hope of salvage value. While the estimated value of Manitoba's 1959 total agricultural production of approx imately 321 million dollars is slightly more than one million dollars higher than that of 1958, I must emphasize that net farm income for the year just closed will be lower than that of 1958.

To prevent heavy liquidation of livestock from farms upon which unthreshed crops and feed supplies were buried by the early October snowfiill, my Government is providing transport ation assistance programs on the movement of feed grain, hay, straw, shav ings and sawdust into the stricken ro:·ea. As a further measure of assistance to farmers who have harvested less than 50% of their total crop acreage, my Government is sharing with the Government of Canada an acreage payment program. My Government expects that these programs of assistance vlill require a heavy provincial outlay.

My Government is pleased to report that, at the request of the province and with its co-op eration, a comprehensive economic land classification study has been undertaken by the Economics Division, Canada Department of Agriculture. This study will provide the basis for sound land use and a.,o-ricultur.al development policies. An expanded weed control program- is to be undertaken in co-operation with municipal authorities.

My Government is pleased to report that the Manitoba Agricultural Credi t Corporation .. which has been functioning over the last ten months has approved loans totalling approximately ' $4, 000, 000.00. My Ministers inform me that the newly established Crop Insurance Agency will shortly be offering to· farmers, in three test areas, comprehensive crop insurance. Recent surveys indicate that only 7% of farm homes in this province are equipped with modem water supply and sewage systems.

My Government, . through the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture and Conservation, is introducing a useful program to assist rural people to plan and install their own modern water supply and sewage disposal systems for their farm and home. During the past year my Government has undertaken essential engineering investigatioJ;J.S consequent on the major flood protection program recommended by the Royal Commission on January 19th, 1960. Page 1

(Hon. Mr. Willis, cont'd.), ••• Flood Cost Benefit.. These investigations are now nearing completion and you will be asked to provide aclditional funds to put under way the next step in implementing the program. In addition you will be asked to provide funds to carry on other water control and conservation programs throughout the province. · Increased sums for agricultural research at the University of Manitoba will be proposed.

You will be asked to consider legislation in respect to the administration of recreational matters and certain changes in a number of Acts administered by the Department of Mines and Natural Resources. Industry is flourishing in Manitoba. The V'alue of factory production in 1959, $743.6 million, is a record for the province. Since the Manitoba Development Fund commenced operations in 1959, loans totalling $2,905, 000.00 have been approved. The fact that the larger part of the investment is being made in rural areas illustrates my Government's policy of industrial decentralization.

My Ministers have welcomed the appointment of the Royal Commission on Transporta tion to inquire into the problems relating to railway transportation and the inequities in the freight rate structure. My Government favours retention of the Crew's Nest Pass grain rates and is actively opposing the request of the railways for any changes in this contr:1.ct which for so many years had been a bulwark of prairie agriculture.

My Government will also propose to the Royal Commission new methods for removing inequities in the freight rate structure which adversely affect the well-being of industry and agriculture in Manitoba. My Government is pleased that Atomic Energy of Canada Limited has selected Manitoba for a new atomic energy research and development project. Negotiations regarding the location of this development are now proceeding.

My Government records with satisfaction the early success of the school divisions and the increased provincial financial support provided for in the legislation presented and passed at the Special Session of the Legislature held in October and November, 1958. There has been an increase of 11.6% in the number of boys and girls enjoying high school education in the province with an increase of 30% in rural Manitoba alone. You will be asked to vote the largest appropriation in our history for the support of education for the fiscal year 1960-61.

Appropriations to assist the University of Manitoba will also be the highest on record. My Government has received the final and completed report of the Manitoba Royal Commission on Education and desires to acknowledge the faithful discharge of their duties by the members of the Commission. The Report makes a number.of recommendations for education in Manitoba. My Government is studying the extent to which, and the·w:zys and means by which, the recommendations of the Commission might be implemented in the public interest, and policy on all these matters will be announced in due course.

I am informed that good work has been done in the field of rehabilitation of offenders and that probation services will shortly be made available in most of the province, The House will be asked to set up a Special Select Committee to review and t6 report at the next session on onus sections in our provincial statutes.

The House will be asked to set up a Special Select Committee to consider certain amendments to the Rules of the Hous.e. · Amendments will also be offered to the Rules of the House and to The Regulations Act to establish a standing Committee of the House to review all regulations made pursuant to statutory authority.

The Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections will be asked to consider certain amendments to The Election Act, My Ministers tell me that good progress has been made in the field of health and public welfare during the last year, including reassurance of the effectiveness of the Salk V acoine polio immunization program and of the Hospital Insurance Plan which is now well established and functioning effectively, Further details of plans for increased provincial responsibility in the field of health and public welfare will be made known to the House during the session, I believe you will be particularly interested, however, in the action which my Government proposes to take after study of the report it has received on people of Indian ancestry in Page 2 January 19th, 1960.

(Hon. Mr. Willis, cont'd) •••• Manitoba. During the coming year it has been decided to instit ute an experimental program of community development in certain selected areas where that type of activity looks promising.

Manitoba will participate with the Federal Government in World Refugee Year and has agreed to accept tuberculous i=igrants for treatment in our sanatoria. · As a result of continued experience gained in the administration of the Hospital Insur ance Plan, an independen t Hospital Survey Board has been established to make a detailed study of the needs for future hospital expansion throughout the province. The Board will report its findings and recommendations to my Government during the coming year.

You will , however, be asked to grant financial help to a number of hospital building projects for which interim approval is expected. The quality of care of the mentally ill will be improved by the provision for incr eased teaching staff and medical residencies in our institutions and the standardization of training curricula for psychiatric nurses.

My Government has already ann ounced that the Social Allowances Act will be proclaimed on February 1st when the Department of Health and Public Welfare will begin to receive appli cations and to make allowances available to needy pensioners and to the aged and infirm requir ing care by some other person or institution or nursing home. The Department of Health and Public Welfare will at the same time assume the full cost of all children committed to the care of the Director of Public Welfare and to the Children's Aid Societies.

My Government will ask for substantial increases in expenditures to finance this first and biggest step in putting into effect the social allowances program. A further substa ntial appropriation of funds will be sought for the construction of elderly persons' housing accommodation. Since the report of the Greater W:irmipeg Investigating Commission was tabled last year, my Government has been diligently considering the many questions rising from it.

My Ministers have met with representatives of the municip alities concerned and have the benefit of the views of the official spokesmen on behalf of each of these municipalities. You will be asked at this session to consider legislation providing for the establishment of a central control of certain essential common services in the Greater Winnipeg area. The Licence and Registration Suspension Appeal Board has now begun its operations. You will be asked to consider changes in the Unsatisfied Ju dgment Fund and connected matters.

My Government also proposes to e:l..'tend the safety program to larger areas of the province. Arrangements are being made by the Manitoba Power Commission to distribute power to Churchill commencing in 1960. · Under a recent decision of the Hydro-Electric Board which has been approved by my Ministers, an immediate start will be made on the development of the Grand Rapids site on the Saskatchewan River approximately 250 miles north of Winni peg. My Government has the assurance of the Board that the interest of residents in the area will be protected.

This large and important hydro-electric project is estimated to cost more than 140 millions of dollars and will require five years for completion. It is the intention of the Board to

schedule the work on this project so that initial generation and transmission of power to southern Manitoba may be achieved by the autumn of 1964 if the electrical needs of the province require it. My Ministers regard as of the greatest importance the decision to proceed with this great new project, not only for the purpose of providing an ample source of electrical energy but also as a stimulus for the development of our northern territories and of the resources of the lower Saskatchewan and upper Nelson basins.

To ensure that the personnel program of my Government may provide the most modern concepts and techniques, the first major revision of The Civil Service Act since 1948 will be placed before the Legislature. You will be asked to consider the capital appropriation which will be required for these and other purposes of the Hydro-£lectric Board, the Manitoba Power Commission and the Manitoba Telephone System. Estimates for the requirements for the public services of the province for the next fiscal year and the public accounts for the last fiscal year will be placed before you :for your consideration.

In leaving you I pray that you may have the guidance of Divine Providence in your deliber ations and decisions. January 19th, 1960 . Page3

In leaving you I pray that you may have the guidance of Divine Providence in your deliberations and decisions. MR. SPEAKER: Oh Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and.wisdom come, by Whom Kings rule and make equitable laws, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, Oh Merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only .that which is in accordance· with Thy Will, that we may seek it with wisdom, know it with certainty, and accomplish it perfectly for the Glory and Honour of Thy Name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.

HON. DUFF ROBLIN (Premier): Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honour able the Minister of Industry and Commerce, that leave be given to introduce a bill No. 1

an Act respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office, and that the same be now received and read a first time. Mr. Speaker presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR. SPEAKER: In order to prevent mistakes I have obtained a copy of the address of His Honour which was read. I beg to inform the House that Frank B. Skinner has been appointed Sergeant-at-Arms for the Second Session of the Twenty-Sixth Legislature. MR. ROBLIN: Mr.

Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable the Minister of Education, that the votes and proceedings of the House be printed, having first been perused by Mr. Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the same. Mr. Speaker presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR. ROBLIN: Mr.

Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable the Attorney General, that the Select standing Committees of this House for the present session be appointed for the following purposes: Law Amendments; Public Accounts; Municipal Aff airs; Agriculture and Conservation; Public Utilities and Natural Resources; Privileges and Elections; Private Bills; Standing Orders,; Printing and Library; and Industrial Relations; which several connittees shall be empowered to examine and enqu ire into all such things and matt�rs as may be referred to them by this House and to report from time to time their ob servations and opinions thereon with power to send for persons, papers and documents and examine witnesses under oath.

Mr. Speaker presented the motion, and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR. ROBLIN: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable the Minister of Health and Public Welfare, that a committee of seven persons be appointed to prepare and report with all convenient speed a list of members to compose the Select Standing Committees ordered by this House, and that such Committee shall be composed as follows: Honourable Messrs. Roblin, Lyon, McLean. Messrs. Alexander, Campbell, Molgat and Paulley. Mr. Speaker presented the motion, and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR. ROBLIN: Mr.

Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable the Minister of Public Works, that the speech of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, be taken into consideration tomorrow. . Mr. Speak�r presented the motion, and after a voice vote declared. the motion carried, MR. ROBLIN: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable the Minister of Labour, that the House do now adjoUllU. Mr. Speaker presented the motion, and after a voice vote declared the motion carried, and the House adjourned until2:30 the following afternoon. Page 4. January 19th, 1960.

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	26-2-1
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	26th 2nd hansardpdf 1.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	ad9c713963a57f14c9dd644c875d1be187783930

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