Manitoba Hansard — 12 March 2024 (Sitting 28B, 43rd Legislature, 1st Session)

43-1-28b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

First Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXVIII No. 28B - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2024 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Third Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALTOMARE, Nello, Hon. Transcona NDP ASAGWARA, Uzoma, Hon. Union Station NDP BALCAEN, Wayne Brandon West PC BEREZA, Jeff Portage la Prairie PC BLASHKO, Tyler Lagimodière NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian, Hon. Keewatinook NDP BYRAM, Jodie Agassiz PC CABLE, Renée, Hon. Southdale NDP CHEN, Jennifer Fort Richmond NDP COOK, Kathleen Roblin PC CROSS, Billie Seine River NDP DELA CRUZ, Jelynn Radisson NDP DEVGAN, JD McPhillips NDP EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FONTAINE, Nahanni, Hon. St.

Johns NDP GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC HIEBERT, Carrie Morden-Winkler PC JACKSON, Grant Spruce Woods PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake-Gimli PC KENNEDY, Nellie Assiniboia NDP KHAN, Obby Fort Whyte PC KINEW, Wab, Hon. Fort Rouge NDP KING, Trevor Lakeside PC KOSTYSHYN, Ron, Hon. Dauphin NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom, Hon. Flin Flon NDP LOISELLE, Robert St. Boniface NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya, Hon. Notre Dame NDP MOROZ, Mike River Heights NDP MOSES, Jamie, Hon. St.

Vital NDP MOYES, Mike Riel NDP NARTH, Konrad La Vérendrye PC NAYLOR, Lisa, Hon. Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC OXENHAM, Logan Kirkfield Park NDP PANKRATZ, David Waverley NDP PERCHOTTE, Richard Selkirk PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Turtle Mountain PC REDHEAD, Eric Thompson NDP SALA, Adrien, Hon. St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu The Maples NDP SCHMIDT, Tracy, Hon. Rossmere NDP SCHOTT, Rachelle Kildonan-River East NDP SCHULER, Ron Springfield-Ritchot PC SIMARD, Glen, Hon. Brandon East NDP SMITH, Bernadette, Hon.

Point Douglas NDP STEFANSON, Heather Tuxedo PC STONE, Lauren Midland PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP WHARTON, Jeff Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt, Hon. Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC

659 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, March 12, 2024 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: Routine proceedings, introduction of bills. An Honourable Member: Can we sit? The Speaker: Oh, yes–please be seated. Now, routine proceedings, introduction of bills. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 15–The Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Amendment Act Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): I move, seconded by the Minister for Economic Development, Investment and Trade, that Bill 15, The Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les caisses populaires et les credit unions, be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Sala: I am pleased to introduce this bill today, which addresses several issu es in the current legis - lation, including the move to virtual or hybrid meetings, protecting employees from abusive behaviour and strengthening privacy provisions. These amendments were developed in con sulta- tion with Credit Union Central of Manitoba and will help ensure that the legis lation keeps up to date with current developments. Honourable Speaker, I'm very pleased to present this bill to the House for consideration.

The Speaker: The–is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the bill? [Agreed] * * * The Speaker: Is it the –the honour able Minister of Finance (Mr. Sala)–[interjection] Sorry. The honourable Minister of Justice. Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): My apologies. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. We'll get this right today. I move, seconded by the honour able member – sorry–the Minister of Health–that bill number–okay.

I move, seconded by the Minister for Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, that Bill 16, The Regula- tory Accountability Reporting Act and Amendments to the Statutes and Regula tions Act, be now read a second time and be referred to a com mittee of this House. That's–yes. First reading. Bill 17–The Workplace Safety and Health Amendment Act Hon. Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour a nd Immigration): I move, seconded by the Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism (Mr. Simard), that Bill 17, The Workplace Safety and Health Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la sécurité et l'hygiène du travail, be now read a first time. Motion presented. MLA Marcelino: I am pleased to intro duce Bill 17, The Workplace Safety and Health Amendment Act. The purpose of this bill is to re -establish the advisory council on workplace safety and health that was repealed as part of a gov ernment-wide reduction of standing committees in 2018. The minister-appointed 13-member advisory coun- cil will advise the minister on matters pertaining to occupational health and safety, legislative and regula- tory changes and the appoint ment of consultants and advisors.

The council will also under take a review of The Workplace Safety and Health Act every five years. This aligns with a mandate commit ment and ensures that worker and employer groups in Manitoba have a direct connection to the de partment on im portant workplace safety and health issues. I am pleased to present this bill in the House for its consideration. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: Oh–is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Maybe we're all having a bad day. The honourable Minister of Justice.

660 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 Bill 16–The Regulatory Accountability Reporting Act and Amendments to The Statutes and Regulations Act Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Okay, thank you very muc h, Honour able Speaker. I move, seconded by the Minister for Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care, that Bill 16, The Regula tory Accountability Reporting Act and Amendments to The Statutes and Regulations Act, be now read for a first time. Motion presented. The Speaker: Is it–the honourable Minister of Justice. Mr.

Wiebe: I'm pleased to introduce The Regulatory Accountability Reporting Act and Amend ments to The Statutes and Regulations Act. This bill establishes The Regula tory Account- ability Reporting Act. Each year under this act, the government will report on its red tape and regula tory accountability initiatives. Bill 16 will align our approach to red- tape re- duction with other juris dictions like Alberta and Saskatchewan, focusing on transparent reporting and results, not mindless counting that creates more red tape than it solves.

The bill also amends the statutes and regula tions act to make the public consul tation process for pro- posed regulations more efficient and effective. This government is committed to the principles of regulatory accountability, true public engage ment on the law-making process and delivering better results for Manitobans. The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Committee reports? TABLING OF REPORTS The Speaker: And I do have a report to table. In ac - cordance with

section 28(1) of The Auditor General Act, I am tabling the Auditor General's report titled Managing IT Security for Remote Access. Any further tabling of reports? Min isterial statements? The honourable member for Selkirk–[interjection] Lakeside. The honourable member for Lakeside. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Rutherford Farms Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): Today it is my pleasure to recognize Rutherford Farms, Rutherford family and their hard-working team. In fact, we are joined today in the gallery by Rick, Shae and Wendy Rutherford, Corey Park, Emily Laudin, Gueno Chicouene and Amy Spruyt.

Rutherfords have been farming in Gros se Isle, Manitoba, for almost 100 years. Early adopters of steam tractors, they were no strangers to the use of tech- nology on the farm. Started by Alex Rutherford, and with son Jack joining him in the 1940s, Rutherford Farms produced their first certified seed crop of Selkirk wheat in 1950. Since then, the Rutherford family has grown and produced pedigreed seed, celebrating 75 years of seed production next year. Rick Rutherford, son of Jack, began farming in 1978.

Rick understood that the farm had to grow in order to be sustainable, so he rebuilt the small family seed plant in 1980, later expanded it in 1997. Rick and his team of dedicated employees have grown many varieties of high-quality seed, retailing to many local farmers, as well as shipping across Canada and the US. Rutherford Farms' innovation and dedication to technology and sustainable farming practices allowed them to grow, bring their innovation to a wider market.

In addition to a long- 'stamling'–standing family lands in Grosse Isle, they've r ecently added land in Gypsumville, bringing their total holdings to 13,000 acres. Rutherford Farms' history of technology use and data collection caught the attention of Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative. With the EMILI group, Rutherford Farms has 'becun' a real- world test site for technology, ag and otherwise. * (13:40) With testing of new technology at the field- scale level, they are helping push viable technology forward in Manitoba and Western Canada.

Through this collabo- ration, Rutherford Farms was declared Manitoba's first smart farm. Rutherford Farms annual Harvest on the Crescent started in 2021 as a way for the ag industry to give back to the community. To date, over $100,000 has been raised for Harvest Manitoba. Thank you to Rutherford Farms.

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 661 Brooklands Active Living Centre Hon. Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): I rise today to recognize the very good work spearheaded by the Brooklands Active Living Centre. A proud pillar of the community since 1982, the active living centre is a charitable, non -profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of seniors through wellness initiatives like yoga and exercise, social events and outings, education classes and food programs. For Brooklands, the v alue of community is of high importance.

Twice a week at the centre, members 'congregrate' and connect with one another over a meal. They participate in friendly competitions like floor curling and build new skills through sewing and quilting. When Brookl ands' long -time neighbour, the Westlands Non-Profit Housing Cooperative fell victim to severe flooding, causing extensive damage to the building, it forced their tenants to leave their resi - dences and, for some, experience housing insecurity.

Since the flood, Brooklands Active Living Centre has been a proud collaborator and key advocate for the co-op's repairs, working to re-secure these affordable housing units for seniors, and everyone is hoping that we'll be able to move back in soon. In an effort to maintain Westland's connections to the community during their renovations after the flood, Brooklands Active Living Centre hosts a weekly coffee chat, providing opportunity for our Westland seniors to build and maintain relationships with their neighbours.

This is just one example of the incredible community leadership and advocacy that the centre consistently demonstrates for the betterment of our constituency. I want to welcome and thank Alice Steinke, Charlotte Leclaire, Christine Reuther, Kristy Scott and Arlene Sawicz, as well as the volunteers and members of the Brooklands Active Living Centre, for continuously setting an example of how we can all work better together, and I would like to add their names to Hansard. Thank you.

Alice Steinke, presiden t; Christine Reuther, vice - president; Kristy Scott, secretary Charlotte Leclaire; Arlene Sawicz ROGerKimLee Music Festival Mr. Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): Honourable Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of a small but growing local music festival and its founders, Dawn Mills and Derrick Cundy. The ROGerKimLee Music Festival is an annual event that is held in the town of Eriksdale.

Derrick and Dawn were looking for a way to celebrate and honour three friends and Manitoba resi- dents and musicians, Roger Young, Kim Russell and Lee Oreniuk, who had just recently passed away. These men are the namesake and inspiration for the ROGerKimLee Music Festival, and it's a festival that started modestly as a weekend companionship and good music. The response from family and friends and community has been outstanding. So, the seed was sown and the decision to make the ROGerKimLee Music Festival an annual event was made.

From the first event, at Derrick and Dawn's shop, which is RKL, now in its f ourth year, is held at the Eriksdale Sports Grounds and–in McEwen Park. The stage is shared by professionals, local, regional, young and emerging musicians and also seasoned performers. A wide gamut of musical genres can be heard echoing through Eriksdale during its now three-day event. While music is the primary attraction to the RKL– now features makers' music, various musical work- shops including guitar making, natural and foraging walks and an automobile show and shine, and, of course, great food.

The ROGerKimLee Music Festival believes music to be a powerful force for positive social change. It's my pleasure to recognize the ROGerKimLee Music Festival, its founders and its committed volun- teers for building and sustaining this culinary, enriching event for Eriksdale and the Interlake as a whole. The Speaker: The honourable Minister of Education– honourable Minister of Agriculture. Marcos Bardelli Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): Today I would like to honour Marcos Bardell [phonet ic]. Marcos brews beer at Obsolete Brewing Company in Dauphin, Manitoba.

He does a great job and the brew- ery is already making a name for itself. Marcos is an expert in his craft. He began brewing in 2009 back in his home country in Brazil. Honour - able Speaker, 2015 he managed the brewing for a

662 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 larger brewery in Brazil. After a decade in the busi - ness, the opportunity in Dauphin caught his eye. The project took Marcos and the team, Obsolete Brewing, 10 months to get off the ground. Since open- ing the doors in September, Marcos has made award- winning brews. And most recently, in February, Marcos was named a brewer–a year by the brewers of journal Canada. It's wonderful to see Dauphin and rural Manitoba attract talented young people like Marcos. Con- gratulations to Marcos and the entire team of Obsolete.

Good things are brewing in Dauphin and across this province. Thank you so much. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Seeing no further members' statements, before we move to oral questions, I would like to introduce some guests in the public gallery. I'd like to draw attention to–of all honourable mem- bers to the public gallery, where we have with us today 20 grade 7 and 8 students from Arthur E. Wright Community School, under the direction of Navre et Wander, Mrs. Bains; student teacher Maddy Mandryk; EAs Ms. Shanna and Ms.

Ramdeep [phonetic], who are the guests of the hon ourable member for Union Station (MLA Asagwara). On behalf of all members, we welcome you here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Bail Monitoring Unit Timeline for Launch Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Leader of the Official Opposition): I, too, would like to reach out and say thank you to the Rutherford family for being here, because I had attended the Sundaes on Tuesdays event in conjunction with Rutherford Farms and the Oat Growers Association of Manitoba. Honourable Speaker, the NDP Premier said last week he does the work first and puts out press releases later. But that's not true.

The Minister of Educa tion, we know, is not doing his homework; either is the Premier. But Chief Danny Smyth of the Winnipeg Police Service has since clarified that the bail monitoring unit announced by the NDP will be months in the making. I table that assurance here today for the members, Honourable Speaker. Clearly, the Premier misspoke. Will he withdraw his comments today? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): We've done important work with law enforcement to keep communities safe, and those investments are going to continue to come online.

One thing that really concerns me about the Leader of the Opposition's conduct, however, is that trans chil- dren are not safe with him in the political sphere. That's based on the comments he made in The Globe and Mail earlier today. He said that when it comes to the sort of hateful transphobic rhetoric that the PC party peddled in the last election, not only does he want to revive the issue, he wants to, quote, put an exclama - tion mark on it. That is wrong. We should all be united across party lines in standing with support for LGBTQ children.

Will the Leader of the Op position clarify his in - tention right now? The Speaker: The honourable interim Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Ewasko: Honourable Speaker, members on this side of the House know it's dedicated law enforcement and community organizations, like the downtown com- munity safety patrol, are doing their work to make communities safer. Members on this side of the House thank them for their dedication, and this is in contrast to the Premier and the NDP who constantly are taking the credit for the hard work of others.

The Premier clearly made promises six months ago that he knew he wouldn't be able to keep because he was willing to say anything to be elected. * (13:50) Will he apologize for his misinformation today, Mr. Honourable Speaker? Mr. Kinew: I'm compelled to point out the fact he didn't answer the point that I raised. On the subject of saying anything to get elected, the hate-filled campaign that the PCs ran in 2023 relied on transphobic sentiment. And the PC Party leader of the day is hoping to put an exclamation mark on these remarks now.

But I know why he doesn't raise it here, because they don't have the courage to make those comments here in the Legislature. They want to whisper this on doorsteps. They want to use it to sell memberships in their leadership campaign. But for us, this is a serious issue.

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 663 Every time they raise this issue, we will answer. This is not just about trans children in our school s. This is about our colleague from Union Station. This is about our colleague from Kirkfield Park. This is about Manitobans who deserve respect as a basic modicum from political leaders. Clarify now, via the Chair, whether you stand by these transphobic comments. The Speaker: The honourable interim Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Ewasko: Honourable Speaker, 172 days ago, this Premier stood on debate stage and promised meaning- ful bail reform within 100 days. He said he didn't need the federal government, he could implement stronger conditions on bail, but he has failed to deliver. The bail monitoring, obviously, will not be ready for months. The fact is, contrary to his claims, the Premier is so far, Honourable Speaker, weak on crime. Will the Premier stand in this place and apologize for his broken promises and his failure to protect Manitobans? Mr. Kinew: We're tough on crime. We're tough on the causes of crime.

That's why we've already imple - mented ne w bail standards for prosecutors in Manitoba, and we've provided new funding for law enforcement. However, let's monitor the comments that the Leader of the Op position will not make. He goes to the national newspaper of record and says that he wants to put an exclamation mark on transphobic senti- ment, on a divisive campaign that seeks to divide Manitobans, instead of bringing us together for one future. Again, we will answer these charges, these calls that the member for Lac du Bonnet makes every single time he makes them.

The reason that we will stand up for trans kids in Manitoba is the same reason that we took the approach that we did when it came to the ceasefire in Gaza. It's the same reason that we said no to the Sio project that would have affected his constituents and many others. It's because we believe in one Manitoba where everyone should be treated equally and where everyone– The Speaker: The member's time has expired. Downtown Community Safety Patrol Request for Brandon Program Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): Honourable Speaker, this Premier is celebrating prematurely in declaring victory before he's put in any work.

The work to reform day in and day out is being done by dedi - cated law en forcement officers and com munity or- ganizations such as the downtown com munity safety patrol. While the NDP refused to support them in opposi- tion, I hope this Premier has come to his senses. Can the Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe) confirm that his office will continue this amazing community- protecting work that was initiated by our government? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Actually, the work of the DCSP was initiated by people on the front lines like Mitch Bourbonniere. We'll continue to thank them. We'll continue to support them.

We won't try to take credit for their good work. Our team has invested in law enforcement. We've implemented new standards when it comes to pro - secution. But I do feel compelled to ask the member from Brandon West whether he agrees with the hate- ful rhetoric that was the subject of the PC campaign. Again, we know that the member opposite, from Lac du Bonnet, wants to put an exclamation mark on transphobic commentary. Is that some thing that the member for Brandon West supports as well? The Speaker: The honourable member for Brandon West, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Balcaen: Honourable Speaker, in my years with the Brandon Police Service, I saw many com munity safety changes come to Brandon. The Mayor of Brandon sees the value of the DCSP prog ram and has ad - vocated for it with me, the Premier and the Minister of Justice. I was hoping to see the dev elopment of a similar downtown com munity safety program for our city. The minister must realize the necessity for this pro - gram and not put his ideology ahead of the needs of Manitobans. Will he commit today to the need for a program such as the downtown com munity safety program in Brandon? Mr.

Kinew: We support the im portant work of the downtown community safety patrol. We have a good relationship with Mayor Fawcett and certainly we

664 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 would welcome the member's continued advocacy on behalf of our shared constituents. I'd also point out that members of our team have walked in the past with the Brandon Bear Clan Patrol. So we're definitely committed to this sort of street- level outreach that takes place to help make com mu- nities safer. But we all have to stand together when it comes to keeping people safe in our com munities. It's very clear that the member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr. Ewasko) wants to target trans children to sell some memberships in the upcoming PC leadership campaign.

So, I'll put the question to every single member of the PC caucus, beginning with the member for Brandon West: Does he support putting an exclamation mark on this transphobic, divisive commentary? Mr. Balcaen: Well, I'm also proud that I support the Bear Clan and walked with them. This is certainly not a partisan issue; this is about safety in my city and all of Brandon constituents. I would hope that my colleague for Brandon East was raising this issue at their Cabinet table, but I haven't heard anything from either him or the Minister of Justice, so safety clearly is not a priority for the NDP.

A good idea is a good idea, and without question, this program has worked in Winnipeg. This minister needs to put the partisan lens aside for a moment and recognize that when some thing works, we should replicate that success in other communities. Why does this minister oppose community safety in Brandon? Mr. Kinew: The minister, who happens to also serve as the MLA for Brandon East, has raised the important issue of com munity safety in Brandon many times. The people of Brandon have a strong advocate at the Cabinet table.

And I want to indicate that we're very welcome to hearing this sort of advocacy for the member from Brandon West, because it is indeed a non- partisan issue, when we talk about keeping people in our com- munity safe. But that's why we have to reach across the parti - san aisle and not try to inflame transphobic rhetoric. I was very proud when anti -LGBT book bans were on the docket for debate in the Brandon School Division, that the com munity of Brandon rallied together and opposed it and said, this is not who we are. Will the member for Brandon West do the same and condemn his anti-trans leader's rhetoric?

Child Welfare System Call for Public Inquiry The Speaker: The honourable member for Roblin (Mrs. Cook). [interjection] Sorry. The honour able member for Midland. Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): Honourable Speaker, yesterday I asked this NDP gov ernment about a voicemail by Myah -Lee Gratton to her CFS worker, pleading for help, that went unanswered. Tragically, she passed away. The Minister of Housing, Homelessness and Addictions shamefully called this casework. The family deserves answers and for the minister to treat this situation as more than just casework.

If she's not going to take this seriously, will the government at the very least call a public inquiry today? Hon. Bernadette Smith (Acting Minister of Families): February 11th was a tragic day for all of us here in this province. And you know, I want to say to the member, they continually bring this up in the House here. These are, you know, a two- year-old, a four -year-old, a seven - year-old. I mis understood when she said the name because the name wasn't pronounced properly yester- day, so I take full responsibility for that. * (14:00) But I want to say to the member, we are all grieving.

This is something that our government is taking as a priority, you know, our Premier (Mr. Kinew) went to the vigil, our Premier went to the funeral, the Premier has met with the family. There is an ongoing investi gation, and I can assure that member that our Fa milies Minister is working on– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Midland, on a supple- mentary question. Mrs. Stone: When pushed on the matter of children in care, the Minister of Families (MLA Fontaine) was too busy to make the time to discuss what we can do better to serve vulnerable children in Manitoba.

Yesterday, her colleague made reference to the transfer of jurisdiction at Peguis First Nation as a sign

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 665 of the right way to do things. I would like to remind the minister, this occurred under our PC government. I would like to table a media story that quotes former minister Quires [phonetic] as–Squires, as saying, we're really looking forward to working with them as a province, to ensure that the child- welfare system is truly transformed. End quote. Is the minister too busy taking credit for our PC government's work to imme diately address vul - nerable children in care? Ms.

Smith: You know, what I want to say to that mem- ber is that we are working with First Na tion commu- nities. You know, as a First Nation person myself, and as someone who was in care of the CFS system, I want to say to that member to get on board and start working with us and not against us. Because it's going to take all of us to get our chil- dren back to where they need to be.

And I recog nize that not all children can be in the care of their families, and I want to uplift, you know, all of the foster parents and all the caregivers that are opening up their homes to, you know, these children that are such sacred beings to all of us. And I want to say to that member to– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Midland, on a final supplementary question. Mrs. Stone: Honourable Speaker, AMC has said that this case is symptomatic of systemic issues within the child-welfare system that require immediate attention. Let me repeat: imme diate attention.

Systemic issues require an examination of the entire system. So why is this minister and this NDP government fighting a public inquiry to give the family, the com - munity and Manitobans answers that we all deserve? Ms. Smith: We know that this is a complex issue. We know that the RCMP are conducting a full criminal investigation. We also know that MACY is also c on- ducting a review after the investigation is complete. What I'll say to that member is to quit using this as a political pawn. You know, these are families that are grieving: four-year-old, seven-year-old, a two-year-old. We need to work together.

L ike, there's violence happening in our city. Let's come across party lines here and let's figure out solutions together and quit bringing this to the floor. And let's, like, come together as leaders in this province and show real leadership. The Speaker: The honourable member for–[interjection] Order. Order. Animal Overpopulation Request for Funding to Address MLA Jeff Bereza (Portage la Prairie): In an open letter sent to the Premier (Mr. Kinew) yesterday, which I table, 45 animal welfare organi zations from across the province called a state of emergency for animal welfare in Manitoba.

The letter states that Manitoba is ex periencing ongoing animal over - population issue. In the last two months in Manitoba, six com mu- nities have been forced to perf orm dog cullings to violent attacks. This is unacceptable, and it's unneces- sary loss of animal life and a drain on the animal wel- fare volunteers. Will the Premier do the right thing and commit to requesting funding today? Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture): Thank you so much, Honourable Minister, and thank you for the question, member opposite.

Obviously in the last number of years, we've seen a rise in animals' high popula tion numbers. I want to ensure the member opposite we've just r ecently met with the Winnipeg human rights–or humanity organi- zation to deal with animals that are in unoccupied areas. I want to ensure the member opposite we will continue to work on behalf of animals that have been abandoned, and continue to be abandoned, for the betterment of the province and its people. The Speaker: The honourable member for Portage la Prairie, on a supplementary question.

MLA Bereza: Without volunteers, our animal wel - fare system would completely collapse. This declara- tion of a state of emergency should be taken seriously. As stated in the open letter, Manitobans have been attacked, maimed and even killed due to animal overpopulation. Manitobans deserve to feel safe. Volunteers defer –deserve to feel supported. And animals deserve to be free from suffering. So I'll ask again: Will this NDP Premier do the right thing and commit to this funding today? Mr.

Kostyshyn: The importance of safe communities and opportunity where animal populations in Manitoba's–our intent is to work with those organizations to make that a safe community. We have provided $150,000 to work

666 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 with the Winnipeg Humane Society, and we continue to communicate. In fact, last week we had the board of directors sitting at our–in my office along with the chief veteri- narian officer to strategize moving forward for the betterment of the –unfortunate–the animals that have been somewhat left alone. But I want to assure you, it's six months or five months we've been in government; I wonder what the last sev en years, the previous gov ernment, what did you do to address the problems that we're being faced with here?

The Speaker: The honourable member for Portage la Prairie, on a final supplementary question. MLA Bereza: I'll start off with this: what about the rest of Manitoba? Just this morning, one of the signatory organizations, Feed the Furbabies Canada, updated on social media that since they sent the letter yesterday, another child has been attacked, a seventh community has been forced to call a cull and they still have heard nothing from this NDP government. I know some of the members opposite have been animal welfare advocates for years. How is–now is the time to stand up, do the right thing without delay.

Since this Premier (Mr. Kinew) won't commit, I'll ask the minister again: Can you at least respond to these organizations in their time of need, or are the NDP just– The Speaker: The minister's time is expired. Mr. Kostyshyn: In 2023, 1,730-ish animals were seen in 23 northern, remote Indigenous communities, with nine–1,198 of them being spayed and neutered and looked after by the people. These are op portunities that we, as this gov ern- ment, decided to make the move. I ask again to the member opposite and the PC Party across from me: What did you guys do in seven and a half years of gov ernment?

Do you stand behind what we need? We are here to work with all people. [interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Kostyshyn: We don't designate certain areas, and we work with the Winnipeg Humane Society. Thank you for the question and I hope you'll take– Provincial Standardized Testing Government Position Mr. Grant Jackson (Spruce Woods): Day 161 of this government and the flip-flops just keep on rolling. The Edu cation Minister ca me out of nowhere and announced he was cancelling all prov incial exams, only to have his deputy minister send a memo saying they're back on.

Who is running the Education Department for this government, and what is this minister's actual view of provincial exams? Are they good for students or not? Hon. Nello Altomare (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): I want to thank that member for the question. It's an im portant piece be- cause, as you know, people really care about their public schools. I will say that we're a listening gov ernment, and it's exactly what we model when we're in schools. Schools listen.

They're really good at conducting them- selves and ensuring that parents have a voice in the system, that all stakeholders understand the directions that we're heading in and that's some thing that we're going to continue to do. * (14:10) We have all day for listening to the people that want to see our schools perform at the very highest levels. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: The honour able member for Spruce Woods, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Jackson: Well, it's a very simple question, Hon- ourable Speaker, and ap preciate the minister's com- ments, but Manitobans want to know what the opinion is of the person who's at the top, who's leading this department. So I'll ask it one more time, and it's hopefully going to get a straight answer. Does this Minister of Education believe that stan- dardized tests are good for students, yes or no? MLA Altomare: Again, I want to thank the member for that question, and I do want to ensure the follow - ing, Honourable Speaker. This is something–we're not going to politicize this issue.

As a matter of fact, Manitobans, when we come into this House, expect us to lift the level of discourse when it comes to public schools. We will continue to do that.

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 667 And what we're modelling is, we're modelling the fact that we've heard the concerns regarding prov in- cial assessments, and we're going to look at that again so that not only are we going to reinstate them, but we're going to get it right because the previous gov - ernment left it completely bare of resources to ensure that they did it the right way. So thank you for that question, and we'll have more to say moving on. The Speaker: The honour able member for Spruce Woods, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Jackson: Well, he's got more to say; it's a good thing we get three questions in a set, I guess. The minister's justification for this flip -flop is a bit hard for Manitobans to believe. He was critic before he was minister, and before that he worked in the public education system. Now, despite campaigning on his reputation as a teacher and principal, in the Free Press today he claims he regrets not having spent more time working on this file before announcing the cancellation. After a lifetime working in the edu cation sector, how are Manitobans to believe that he is not well enough informed on this issue?

MLA Altomare: I do want to thank the member for that question because it's a good one. I will say this, that, absolutely, we're going to take responsibility for every decision that we make. This is something that we model in schools, and this is some thing that as minister I'm going to model to the system. The other thing that I'm going to say is, of course, assessments play an important role in a student's life at school. We want to ensure that that piece continues. That's why we revisited it, adjusted our plan.

But moving forward, Honourable Speaker, I want to assure Manitobans that when we come up with our new modern assessments, that were not touched for over 20 years, we're going to have it to a point where it–not only will it be modernized and current, we're also– The Speaker: Minister's time has expired. MPI Special Risk Extension Policies Insurance Coverage for Carriers Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): For-hire truckers and carriers help our economy move.

They deliver our Amazon packages, contribute more than $2 billion to Manitoba's GDP and help rural constituencies like mine get their mail, goods and services every single day. Since this fall, the minister's office has put a pause on special risk extension coverage. These essential businesses are being told to wait and stay grounded when asked about insurance coverage that they need to operate. Will the Minister respon sible for MPI commit today to immediately fixing the issue and stopping his NDP government's failure? Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister responsible for the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation): Well, I want to thank the member opposite for the question. We had an opportunity just the other day, here in the Legislature, to come together at committee to ask the experts at MPI about some of the challenges that they've been facing under the former government and how those decisions of the former gov ernment im - pacted the work that they do. We've got a lot of faith in the people that work at MPI, and we have a great new CEO who's ready to get to work to f ix so many of the problems caused by the previous gov ernment.

But what this member would've learned at that time is that those decisions by this former gov ernment have had a real impact on customers. I think that's what he's describing in his question. The Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a supplementary question. Mr. Narth: We just need answers. We've raised this issue for the minister's attention. He is responsible for this Manitoba Public Insurance and it is illogical that he is abandoning for-hire truck- ing carriers by freezing special risk extension policies. These businesses want to serve Manitobans.

These are good jobs and necessary for our economy. When this minister denies these Manitoba ns the coverage that they need to operate, he's impacting not only these businesses, but everyone that relies on those services. Will he commit today to addressing this terrible oversight? Mr. Wiebe: Immediately upon taking on this role, we moved quickly to replace the board hand -picked by the former government at MPI.

668 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 We brought in a team that was dedi cated to end- ing the strike, to getting us back on track at MPI, to start dealing with the years of mismanagement brought to them by the former government. We tasked them with getting us back on track and starting to focus on delivering service, good customer service, back to the people of Manitoba. I know that the member opposite is concerned with some of the changes and some of the problems caused by the former gov ernment. We're going to work hard to make– The Speaker: The minister's time has expired.

The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Narth: The minister has a lot to say today, but his office has already confirmed what we feared. In response to a matter raised to his office, Manitobans were told, and I quote, it is recommended that they explore alternative insurance providers. His office is telling Manitobans that MPI is no longer providing the insurance they need–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Narth: –to operate their busi nesses. I'd like to table the letter from his office.

Why is this minister undermining our public in - surer by forcing busi nesses to use private insurance from other jurisdictions? The Speaker: The member's time has expired. The–[interjection] Order. Order. Order. When the Speaker is standing, I expect members to cease talking. Those are the rules. Please follow them. Mr. Wiebe: Well, I want to be clear that on this side of the House, we believe in publicly owned auto insurance for all Manitobans. You know, the members opposite tried their best to wreck MPI when they were at the helm.

They tried everything that they could to drive it into the ground, to show Manitobans that public insurance wasn't the right way to go. Well, we strongly disagree with that sentiment. We will stand with Manitoba Public Insurance. We will stand with the great employees of public – Manitoba Public Insurance, and we'll stand with the customers throughout Manitoba who rely on afford- able Autopac every single day. The Speaker: Order, please. The member's time has expired.

Hospitality Sector Labour Shortage Employer Specific Draws MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): We know that there are severe labour shortages right across the province and employers des perately need skilled workers to fill positions in many labour sectors. The hospitality industry took a huge hit during the pandemic; we all know this. And they really rely on employer-specific draws, which there haven't been any of since October. Can the minister explain to the House why she is doing this, and has she done any analysis on the impact this will have on our restaurant industry? * (14:20) Hon.

Jamie Moses (Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources): We're very happy with the question. I just want to thank the member for that. It's very important to understand that our govern- ment is working hard to stimulate and grow our economy in Manitoba that works for all Manitobans. We've done a lot of work over the last few months to understand the gaps, and we're addressing those gaps.

We've got a plan to increase the skilled labour in Manitoba and make sure that those workers not only are safe in their jobs, but they're valued and that we're addressing those gaps in the labour market so that we have an economy that works for all Manitobans. The Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. Labour Shortage and Immigration Certificates Issued in 2023 MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Immigration in Manitoba is very concerning right now not only for the applicants, but for the employers who desperately need to fill labour shortages across our provi nce.

Concerns have been raised with the number of people coming under the program. Will the minister share with us today if the Province of Manitoba has used every single certificate that they were provided in 2023? Hon. Malaya Marcelino (Minister of L abour and Immigration): Thank you, member opposite, for your question.

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 669 Our immigration de partment is working really, really hard to be able to process all the federal allotments that we've been assigned for this year, and I–our office is constantly in meetings with different employers to make sure that we can ensure that they have the labour supply that they need. We just finished having one with McDonald's and with Tim Hortons franchise owners, just on a Thursday, with the MLA for Burrows and the MLA for The Maples. These folks represented 4,000 people.

And our Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program will be happy to continue working– The Speaker: Minister's time has expired. The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary question. Provincial Nominee Program Application Processing Times MLA Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): That is exceptionally disappointing, Honourable Speaker. Prior to the last election, Provincial Nominee ap- plicants didn't have to wait for more than three months to receive a decision on their applications.

Since the election, I have had hundreds of people reach out to me, many of whom have been waiting nine months just to hear if they're going to be issued a certificate. Under the previous NDP gov ernment, backlogs ballooned for years; we're talking four to five years just to find out if they're going to be accepted into the Provincial Nominee Program. Can the minister please share with us why back - logs are beginning to grow, and assure applicants and members of this House that their applications will be assessed in a timely manner? Hon.

Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): Our de partment is very, very com - mitted to addressing these backlogs. You know, under the previous PC gov ernment, all we saw were cuts, cuts and cuts. Because of the previous–the PC gov ernment, we were not even able to accept an additional 2,000 people and their families that Manitoba should've accepted, due to their cuts. That's 2,000 newcomers that we were not able to process because of their cuts. That was extremely shameful for them to be able to do that to these newcomers.

As a newcomer myself, I know what it means to be able to come to this country and be able to live your best life here. And because of their cuts, we were not able to process 2,000– The Speaker: Minister's time has expired. Manitoba Hydro Assets and Subsidiaries Government Directive Issued MLA Mike Moyes (Riel): Honourable Speaker, Manitoba Hydro is our province's Crown j ewel. It is the source of our Manitoba advantage of affordable, low-carbon energy. We know that the former PC gov- ernment sold off subsidiaries of Manitoba Hydro and had plans for further privatization.

I am so proud to be part of a long history of NDP governments who have built up Manitoba Hydro and kept it public for the benefit of Manitobans. Can the Minister of Finance please share with the House how our gov ernment is protecting Manitoba Hydro for future generations? Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro): Thank you to my excellent col - league for that important question. Our government will always keep Manitoba Hydro public. And that's why we've given a directive that Hydro retain ownership of its subsidiaries, ownership interests and intellectual property assets.

I'll table that directive for the House. Manitobans don't have to look back far to remem- ber the very dark days of the PC gov ernment. They hiked up rates by 20 per cent, they interfered with the PUB and they sold off Hydro's subsidiaries. Luckily, Honourable Speaker, Manitobans have a new gov ernment that will keep Hydro public, keep rates low. We're going to keep creating good jobs for Manitobans while building a low -carbon energy future. Addiction Treatment Services Government Funding Intention Mrs.

Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): We have had–heard very little on how the minister will address those with addictions. Manitobans are rightfully con- cerned, but not enough is being done to provide treat- ment and care for individuals struggling. Will the minister confirm for the House today what–that recovery-oriented-care options will continue to be funded to those who are asking for help with addiction recovery? Hon. Bernadette Smith (Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness): We are taking a harm

670 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 reduction approach, something that the previous gov- ernment didn't take. We are taking an approach where we're actually listening to those who are struggling with addictions. We are meeting with experts. We are meeting with those who are on the front lines. We are actually supporting mobile overdose prevention workers, and we are actually working towards opening our first supervised consumption site here, right in Winnipeg. The Speaker: The honourable member for Morden - Winkler, on a supplementary question. Mrs.

Hiebert: Honourable Speaker, under the previous PC gov ernment more than seven RAAM clinics were opened and funded. These clinics provide education, counselling, medi cations and many other addiction treatments and services, as well as referrals. Can the minister tell us today if they will be con- tinuing to fund and support these clinics for Manitobans struggling with addictions? Ms. Smith: Well, I can tel l that member that those clinics will remain open with added supports.

And actually we have been meeting with those very pro - viders who have been giving us expert advice on opening up our first safe consumption site, something that they had been telling this previous gov ernment that they should have done a long time ago. But they wouldn't take their advice. Instead, what did they do? They threw a report on the floor that was from experts who were supporting people with addic- tions. We saw addictions rise in this province under the previous gov ernment. We saw people lose their lives under the previous gov ernment, something that we will not turn a blind eye to.

We will support people in this province with their addictions and continue– The Speaker: Minister's time has expired. The time for question period has expired. PETITIONS Amending The Winnipeg Foundation Act MLA Robert Loiselle (St. Boniface): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows: The Winnipeg Foundation was amended by the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in 2011, but in these ensuing years changes in the methods of govern- ance of the Winnipeg Foundation board have been necessitated and updated to the Act.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To amend the Winnipeg Foundation Act by: (

a) Removing the requirement that the mayor of the City of Winnipeg be a director of the Winnipeg Foundation; and (

b) Removing a require ment that copies of the audited financial statements be provided to the public on request and that infor mation respecting the financial statements be published in a newspaper; and (

c) Ensuring that the infor mation respecting the audit of the financial statements of the Winnipeg Foundation be published on its website. The Speaker: Any further petitions? Seeing none, Orders of the Day. The –Govern- ment Business. * (14:30) ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon. Matt Wiebe (Acting Government House Leader): Honourable Speaker, can you please resume debate on the Government motion calling for a cease- fire in Gaza, followed by second reading of Bill 9– The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act.

The Speaker: It has been announced that we will resume debate on the motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, followed by second reading of Bill 9, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act. The debate on the motion is open. The Honour - able acting opposition House leader. [interjection] The honourable Government House Leader. Mr.

Wiebe: On House business, Honourable Speaker, could you please canvass the House to see if there is leave to not see the clock until the question has been put on the motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, brought forward by the Hon ourable Minister of Labour and Immigration (MLA Marcelino). The Speaker: Is there leave to not see the clock on the motion until the question has been put on the motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, brought forward by the Honour able Minister of Labour and Immigration?

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 671 Some Honourable Members: No. The Speaker: I hear a no. Leave is denied. DEBATE ON GOVERNMENT MOTION The Speaker: The floor is open for debate. Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): I'm honoured to be able to rise today to speak to this very important motion. And this is a very important motion. It is important for other provinces across the country to know where this House stands on this issue . It is important for the Gov ernment of Canada to know where this House stands.

And it's im portant for Manitobans to know where, as legislators, we stand. In so many ways, the ongoing devastation and fear cuts to the heart of our understanding about the nature of democracy and human rights here in Canada and around the world. It highlights, in so many ways, the ugly realities of anti- Semitism and of Islamo - phobia. And it lays bare before us now how the forces of hate and of prejudice are connect ed, how our friends and our neighbours across our communities, across our province, are impacted by events that are unfolding half- way across the world.

We all must play a role in the global project of building a world based on a fundamental commitment to recognizing our shared humanity, of holding stead- fast to that fun damental tenet that we are all born to live free and equal in dignity and in human rights, of finding peace –as peace, finding peace as a starting place for progress toward a better future. And not just a better future here in Manitoba, but a better future across our country, and a better future across our globe. Honourable Speaker, those commit ments, those sacred commitments, require all of us to show courage.

They call on us to say, with one united voice, ceasefire. But the opposition is trying to duck this incredibly important issue. They are trying to filibuster this mo- tion and prevent it from being voted on. And, Honour- able Speaker, I think we know why the opposi tion is doing this. They're doing this because they are not ready, they are not prepared, to say the one word that so many need for us to come together as legislators and say , ceasefire; to say that publicly ; to truly advocate.

The opposition needs to s top hiding behind fake procedural objections and simply tell Manitobans today, in this House, in this Chamber, where they stand. Do they support the motion or not? On this side of the House, Hon ourable Speaker, we think Manitobans deserve to know. Manit obans deserve to know plainly and clearly where we, as legis- lators, stand on this issue. This is our moment, as legislators in Manitoba, to have one voice, but the opposition instead refuses, lacks the courage.

Honourable Speaker, they have an opportunity right now, and so I ask the opposition: Will they stop trying to run from a vote and will they simply stand today in this House and be counted? Thank you, Honourable Speaker. I'd like to ask for leave to have the question be put to the House right now. The Speaker: Is there leave to have the question put to the House? Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Some Honourable Members: No. The Speaker: No. I hear a no. Leave has been denied. Anybody else wish to speak? Mr.

Derek Johnson (Interlake-Gimli): Although I'm not fasting, I do have a raspy voice, so I'd just like to thank my colleague for endeavouring to do what he's doing but I apologize to those who are listening with my sore throat. So, not contagious –it's been a while, so nobody panic. It's all good. But I just want to, obviously, talk a little bit about this motion before bringing an amendment forward. This motion that's currently on the floor does not speak to the need for provisions of aid–[interjection]– thank you very much for that. Our great staff here heard my voice and brought some water.

I want to thank her for that. Thank you very much. There were no provisions of aid in this motion that's before us here today. Our amendment that we're going to be bringing forward and that we di scussed yesterday as well, talks about provisions of aid. We have historically helped in times of need, through 'crisises' around the world and I think this is definitely a time of need. It also does not speak to the release of hostages; I think it's very important. You know, a ceasefire is one thing, but to release all the hostages is important. So this is just another example of the NDP that are

672 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 picking politics over helping those that are actually in need. This motion is limited. The NDP could he lp directly, as I mentioned before, like our PC government has historically. We helped with Ukraine and our PC government provided $800,000 in direct funding for the Ukrainian war effort. That is what provides immediate aid. Now, in general, any innocent civilian, particu- larly a child experiencing famine due to war, is a tragedy. I think we can all agree on that.

We, too, are calling for a commitment to peace, security and are encouraging negotiations of a ceasefire. I'm not sure if the members opposi te–they didn't want to include the word negotiations–so I'd like them to point out a single ceasefire that happened without negotiations. Obviously, both sides have to get around the table and negotiate that ceasefire. This does not have to be a political issue. This should not–this should be a non-partisan call for peace. There are families and children starving and also no access to clean drinking water, nutritious food and now aid is having trouble reaching them.

It's very important that we are committe d to ensuring that aid reaches the area. We, as Canadians, need to do whatever we can directly to help, and this NDP government could pro- vide direct help, as we have in the past but they are choosing not to. This motion fails to provide any concrete ac tion to address the struggles of starving children in Gaza. Families have been torn apart in Israel and Gaza. Innocent lives have been lost on both sides. * (14:40) Now, millions of people have been displaced due to this war, and that, as well, is a trag edy.

Hostages, as I mentioned earlier, have been taken on both sides, and there is no consid eration in their motion, as pre - sented, for timely release and safe return of these hostages to their families. So many Manitobans and Canadians alike have personal connections and loved ones that have been deeply impacted by this conflict. We probably can think of somebody in our fairly close circle that has been affected on one side or the other or both.

So both the Muslim and Jewish com munities are incredibly tight -knit and are major contributors to Manitoba's cultural landscape, and I think we can all attest to that here in the House, as well. The NDP wants to call for a ceasefire in what is the most complicated geopolitical situation globally. They fail–once again, they fail to recog nize the need for fulsome negotiations. They fail to understand, despite the Premier's (Mr. Kinew) words that Hamas and its terrorist 'organations' cannot be trusted. There can be no peace while women and children are held captive.

Innocent men, women and children are paying the price each and every day. This motion must be amended to address the fact that aid supplies are not reaching those that need them most. So again, I want to give a shout -out to the MLA for Fort Whyte for all of his efforts here in speaking yesterday, and he'll be speaking again today. And our caucus is proud to have the first Muslim MLA and our first Muslim minister of the Crown in Manitoba. So give him a round of applause. Now, also, our caucus w as proud to pass The Jewish Heritage Month Act in 2022, and proclaiming every May officially as Jewish Heritage Month.

Honourable Speaker, 2022, our PC gov ernment was proud to officially adopt Inter national Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working defin ition of anti- Semitism. There is so much to speak about here today. I do not want to hold up the member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Khan). I think, as we heard yesterday, he's fast - ing, and probably the earlier he gets up to speak in the day, the easier it is for him; he gets pretty dry by this time of the day. So I would like to bring forward this motion and, hopefully, members opposite will have consideration to pass this motion.

So I move, seconded by the member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr.

Ewasko), that the motion be amended by striking out everything following "ceasefire" and replacing that text with "and the surrender of Hamas, and to provide immediate relief for the Israeli and Palestine people to address the humanitarian crisis and all civilian suffering in the region." The Speaker: It's been moved by the honour able member for Interlake-Gimli, seconded by the honour- able member for Lac du Bonnet, that the motion be amended by striking out everything following "ceasefire" and replacing that text with "and the surrender of Hamas, and to provide immediate relief for the Israeli and Palestine people to add the humanitarian –to address the humanitarian crisis and all civilian suffering in the region."

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 673 The motion–just a small correction: the Israeli and Palestinian people. The motion is in order. The floor is open for debate. An Honourable Member: Point of order. Point of Order The Speaker: On a point of order, the Honour able Minister of Justice. Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Acting Government House Leader): Honourable Speaker, I have to admit I'm quite disappointed here today that the House refuses to move on to the substantive motion that has been brought forward by the government on a very serious issue, a serious issue that impacts com munities throughout this province and around the world.

In consulting with the clerks, consulting with the rules of this Chamber, it's been made abundantly clear to all members of this House that any amendment that's brought forward does need to be substan tially different or unique as compared to any resolutions or amendments that have been brought before. Now– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Mr. Wiebe: I recognize some members are new to this Chamber and might not understand that a point of order is a serious matter, but it's actually not them who are heckling here today, I might point out, Mr. Speaker– Honourable Speaker.

Again, very clear rules in the House, and the understanding of those rules is that what we're doing in this House is we want to be debating new material. In other words, it would simply be a rehash of the debate that we already had yesterday that the mem - bers, you know, put on the record that they were so interested in having yesterday, you know, not allow - ing us to move on to the government motion. We had that debate. In fact, it took more than two hours here in this Chamber. We had that debate and we voted on it. The members opposite lost in that motion.

Now, here today, the Government House Leader himself, when he gets up, rises, and says, well there's not much difference in what I bring forward as an amendment today. There's not much different, is what he puts on the record. And so I would suggest to the Honourable Speaker, and I would hope that the Honourable Speaker does take this matter quite seriously, because it does impact the ability of this House to debate matters in a serious substantive way, rather than simply using procedural techniques to avoid answering a very simple question: Do we stand with the people of Gaza?

So, my point of order is that this amendment clearly revives a question that has already been considered by the House, that was clearly–expressed its will on this matter just yesterday. The op position cannot revive a question that has already been settled by this Assembly, and therefore, we believe that this amend- ment should be seen as out of order. The Speaker: Before recognizing any other members to speak on the point of order, I would just remind members to make sure your comments are relative to the point of order. Mr.

Johnson: And the member is quoting the revival clause, and we specifically vetted this so there's enough substantial difference. We vetted it through the clerks, which do an amazing job for us here. I want to thank them for all their hard work and help through a process like this. We wouldn't just pull something out without being vetted and brought forward. Now, the member clearly did not state a rule that was broken of the House. So therefore this is a not a point of order. This is substantial difference and does not fall under the revival clause that the member is referring to. The Speaker: So–order.

There is no point of order. I would indicate that I ruled the amendment was in order. Bosc and Gagnon, o n page 541, states that an amendment is out of order procedurally if it raises a question substan tially the same as one which the House has decided in the same session. I've reviewed the text of the amendment, and I am of the opinion that the amendment is different than the previous one moved by the interim Leader of the Official Opposition. * * * The Speaker: The floor is open for debate. The honourable member for Fort Whyte. Oh– Mr. Obby Khan (Fort Whyte): Thank you, Honour- able Speaker.

The Speaker: The honourable member for Waverley (MLA Pankratz) was standing first. [interjection] The honourable member for Waverley. * (14:50)

674 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 MLA David Pankratz (Waverley): Well, I am very proud to stand and put some words on the record today regarding the urgent humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, and I am disappointed that we're having to take it this far. I think there have been some im portant words that have been put on the record, and I had hoped that we could vote on this motion as a govern- ment and move forward in a good way together.

You know, today as I stand before you to under - score the importance of advocating for a ceasefire immediately, a cause that transcends political affilia - tions, religious beliefs and national borders, echoing the core values that define us as Manitobans and as part of the global family. You know, as friends, family members, neighbours observe the holy month of Ramadan, I'm reminded of the words of the Manitoba Islamic Association, who I spoke with recently. And put simply, they say Ramadan is about humanity.

And being a friend of the MIA, whose grand mosque is in my constituency of Waverley, you know, I know these words to be deeply true. Now, let's be clear. A ceasefire and the situation in Gaza is not just a distant conflict but a profound human tragedy, and the echoes of despair resonate here in our province, reminding us of our shared duty to uphold the sanctity of life and the dignity of all people. It's a moment that calls for empathy for the kind of courage and compassion that compels us to look beyond our differences and act with unwavering moral clarity.

In parallel, my conversations with members of the Muslim community, particularly at the MIA and in Waverley in the con stituency, have been profoundly illuminating. Manitoba Muslims have shared their experiences of fear and uncertainty, not just about distant homelands but about their place in the world where they increasingly find their faith misunderstood and their peace threatened. I've spoken with a number of families in Waverley and across the province who've lost family and friends.

Their stories remind us that our calls for peace abroad must be matched with a commit ment to respect incl usion and under - standing at home, ensuring that our Muslim and Jewish neighbours feel valued and safe in our shared community. Calling for a ceasefire is fundamentally an appeal to our common humanity. It's an acknowledgment that every life is precious, that every child deserves a future unmarred by the shadow of violence and that the world cannot stand idly by while suffering and chaos prevail. The relentless cycle of violence has brought nothing but devastation and deepening divisions.

And yet, we know in quiet of reflection that peace is possible, that reconciliation can triumph over retribution and that the arc of history bends towards justice. The holy month of Ramadan, a time of reflection, prayer and community, further amplifies the need for peace and understanding. It's a period when the values of patience, compassion and generosity are most vividly ex - pressed, serving as a reminder to all of us of the uni - versal aspirations for peace and goodwill that tran - scend our diverse traditions.

Recognizing and respecting these sacred times reinforces our shared commit ment to a province and world that honours all faiths and upholds the dignity of all communities. A ceasefire is the first crucial step towards a lasting peace. It provides a respite from the violence, a moment of calm in which meaningful dia- logue can begin and the foundation upon which a durable resolution can be laid. It's an oppor tunity for all parties to step back to re -evaluate the path of conflict and to consider the prof ound benefits of peace.

This pause enables humanitarian aid to reach those in dire need, offering a lifeline to the innocent and a glimmer of hope from these darkest of times. Moreover, let's not forget that the implications of this conflict extend far beyond the borders of Gaza. In a world more interconnected than ever, the reverbera- tions of this crisis are felt by all of us, influencing economic stability that brought our quest for a world where justice prevails over discord and unity over division.

Equally, we must con front the shadow of increasing Islamophobia and anti -Semitism, a deep problem that undermines our collective quest for peace and justice. The rising tide of discrimination and prejudice faced by the Muslim and Jewish com munity here in Manitoba is a stark reminder of the work that remains in building a society that truly embodies the values of respect, tolerance and mutual understanding. To me it's clear: we need to stand united in our call for an immediate ceasefire.

This call is not merely a plea for a temporary halt in hostilities, but for the beginning of a new chapter; one in which dialogue replaces gunfire, where understanding supplants ani- mosity, and where a spirit of solidarity triumphs over strife. In closing, let's re member that our history is not yell–yet fully written. We have the power to shape the future. Our words matter to build a legacy of peace. The call for a ceasefire in Gaza is a testament to our

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 675 unyielding hope and our faith in the boundless poten- tial of humanity when we come together. I've had a number of conversations recently with members of our government that touched on the idea that we want to govern in the way that makes our children, our grandchildren proud. So to that point I'd like to finish by saying, let's not be remembered as the generation that turned a blind eye to suffering, but as architects and supporters of peace. Thank you. Mrs.

Kathleen Cook (Roblin): I want to start by first just commenting that I don't actually understand what the NDP are trying to accom plish with this motion. They already put out their news release yesterday, and instead of debating their own legislation for the second day in a row, they prefer to talk about a tragedy unfolding across the world, over which the Manitoba government has no influence. And I think we, as legis lators, need to be self - aware enough to understand where our sphere of in- fluence begins and ends.

And certainly we need to be working with individuals and groups in our constit- uencies who are directly impacted by this conflict. And that is where we can make a difference. Not with motions like the one put forward by the NDP that are binding on no one and accomplish little. That being said, I note that the Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe) says that this is a very serious topic, and I would agree. And far from being superfluous, our amendment to this motion is an attempt to get it right.

It is an attempt to make it into a motion that is more inclusive of all Manitobans who are impacted by this tragedy; that is more com prehensive, that is more thorough and that is some thing that all members of this House could actually support. So on that note I will shift my comments to the way that the war in the Middle East has impacted the people i n my con stituency. Yesterday in my com - ments, I noted that my constituency, like most of ours, has people of both Jewish and Muslim ancestry. It is my honour to represent them both. Sadly–I'd thank the Minister of the Environment to stop heckling me.

S adly, the events that have unfolded in Israel and Gaza over the last several months have had a terrible impact on those with loved ones overseas, and it's unfor tunately been incredibly divisive here in Manitoba. There has been a documented uptick in bl atant anti-Semitism. This has caused a great deal of distress for Jewish people in Manitoba attending synagogue, school, or really anywhere else that they may be targeted. Folks in my con stituency have written to me expressing grave concerns about the harassment and intimidation, and even violence that we've seen erupt in other Canadian cities.

This is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. And I want to touch on some thing the Premier (Mr. Kinew) said in the Legislature y esterday that I found a little troubling. He said, quote, consider the Jewish students who face hostility on Manitoba campuses because of the actions of the government of Israel. And that statement didn't sit quite right with me, and I thought on it for a little while, and I realized it's because they're facing hostility because of anti - Semitism.

And the Premier did acknowl edge that those actions constitute anti-Semitism, which I appre- ciate, but we cannot give those who would harass and intimidate Jewish people an excuse in saying that it is somehow caused by the actions of a foreign gov ern- ment. It's caused by anti-Semitism, full stop. I would further argue that anti-Semites have been emboldened in the current global political climate.

One can critic ize the actions of the state of Israel without targeting Jewish people collectively or indivi- dually, at their homes, places of worship, busi nesses and schools. * (15:00) At the same time, there has also been a docu- mented increase in Islamophobia. Yesterday we heard a passionate and heartfelt plea from my colleague, the member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Khan), who described meeting a constituent while door-knocking who asked him to use his platform to dispel the myths and lies about Islam, something I know my colleague tries to do every day, not just in his words, but by his example.

We see Islamophobia rear its ugly head all too often in the racist and hateful actions of those who target Muslims simply because of their faith. This, too, is completely una cceptable and should be con- demned by all of us in this House. I would just like to put on the record that I'm talking about anti -Semitism and Islamophobia, and I'm being heckled by members opposite. Speaking about some thing that's in credibly im portant to the people of my constituency. This morning the House unanimously passed a private member's bill put forward by the member for

676 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 Assiniboia (MLA Kennedy) to esta blish Islamic heritage month, and I think that this speaks to this Legislature's commi tment to fighting Islamophobia and promoting Islamic culture and heritage here in Manitoba. And I congratulate the member opposite on the passage of her first bill. As I mentioned in my preliminary comments, our province is home to people of both Jewish and Muslim Manitobans. And all Manitobans, I think, are troubled by what has happened and is happening in Israel and in Gaza.

As a mother, as a human being, I am horrified by the scale of the destruction in Gaza and the unend- ing suffering taking place t here. The famine and the health crisis has had a devastating impact on innocent Palestinian people, a trauma that will linger for gen - erations. And Hamas does not care. Hamas serves only Hamas, not the Palestinian people. The innocent people of Gaza deserve to live free of Hamas terror. And I am not a foreign policy expert. I represent one- fifty-seventh of Manitoba here in our prov incial Legislature. I don't have all the answers.

But Israel has said that this war would be over tomorrow if Hamas laid dow n its weapons and returned the hostages that were so brutally taken from their homes on October 7. Hamas must be destroyed. And what is missing from the NDP's motion is any mention of this, or any mention of the hostages. We tried to amend the reso lution yesterday to make it a more comprehensive; the hostages must be released and aid must immediately flow to the people of Gaza. These things are not mutually exclusive. It is not one or the other. We could put forward a motion that pushes for both.

But the NDP defeated our amend - ment, so today we are trying again. Surely the NDP will agree with us today that Hamas must surrender. Genuinely, I do not understand why members oppo- site will not take an approach to this topic that is more inclusive of all Manitobans who feel a connection to these tragedies. In speaking to our amendment yesterday, I felt it important to put a few words on the record about the terrible sexual violence and the atrocities that occurred on October 7.

It's horrifying and it's uncom- fortable, but if we are going to debate this resolu tion in the Legislature, we have to include this as part of the con versation. The UN has now confirmed that Hamas committed rape, sexualized torture and other cruel and inhumane treatment of women on October 7 and in the days that followed. I know all of us in the Chamber abhor these evil acts. There will be no justice for the victims of these terrible crimes until Hamas is destroyed. And speaking of women who have been impacted by this conflict, I wanted to put a few words on the record about Vivian Silver.

Vivian Silver was a Winnipeg Israeli-Canadian peace advocate, a tireless activist for peace, a bridge builder and a women's rights activist. And she was tragically killed in the attacks on Israel on October the 7th. Just days earlier, on October the 4th, Vivian Silver had organized a peace rally in Jerusalem, attended by 1,500 Israeli and Palestinian women, showing that even though she may have officially retired in 2014, Vivian Silver's entire life was a testament to how one can devote themselves to peace and to bettering the world.

Vivian was a founder of Women Wage Peace, a coalition of Jewish and Arab women seeking a nego- tiated peace in Israel. I would like to send my deep condolences to her family and take a moment to acknowledge this great loss. People like Vivian are why we are calling for an amend ment to the motion. There are people who have dedicated their entire lives to advocating for peace, and we as legislators need to learn from their examples. A little bit closer to home, I also want to talk for a moment about the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre.

It's a personal -care home in the con stituency of my colleague, the member for Fort Whyte ( Mr. Khan). And he and I had the privilege of visiting there just a few weeks ago. The facility doesn't serve only Jewish Manitobans, but it does have a significant population of Jewish residents, and as a non-profit, it receives sig- nificant support from the Jewish com munity. It is a beautiful facility. And we learned all about the good work that the adminis tration and the staff there are doing to care for their residents every day, and it was evident from the moment we walked in how well cared for those residents are.

They are t reated like family. And we learned about some of the issues being faced by the non-profit sector in health care. And they also did tell us about the uncertainty and fear in the Jewish community following the October 7 attacks, and that's a sentiment I' ve heard echoed by others in the Jewish community. A group of parents in my constituency reached out to me, asking for help to deal with anti-Semitism in public schools. There is a very real fear out there, and I think that any motion passed in this Ho use today on this topic needs to acknowledge that side of the equation as well.

And I think that's where this amendment is so im portant. It

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 677 is more inclusive of all Manitobans who are impacted by this tragedy. The NDP's motion is not. Any innocent civilian experiencing famine due to war is a tragedy. And I don't have the quote in front of me, but there's a quote about, you know, a large num- ber of deaths is a statistic and one death is a tragedy. And we have to remember that every single one of these deaths is a person with a family and a story and a life that has been tragically cut short due to a war and a terrorist entity, Hamas.

And we are calling for a commitment to peace and to security and encouraging negotiations towards a ceasefire and calling on Hamas to surrender. This doesn't have to be a political issue. It could be a non- partisan call for peace. But the NDP are taking an incredibly narrow approach to this. We all understand and agree there are families and children starving, without access to clean drinking water, nutri- tious food, and aid is not getting in, and this is unacceptable. We agree that as Canadians we need to do whatever we can directly to help.

The NDP gov - ernment could be provi ding direct help, but they're choosing not to. The motion fails to provide any concrete action to address the struggles of starving children in Gaza. The motion is just words. Families have been torn apart in Israel and Gaza; innocent lives have been lost, and millions of people have been displa ced. And then there's the issue of the hostages, people taken from their homes forcibly on October the 7th, many of whom have not been returned. The hostages must be returned, and that should be part of this motion.

So many Manitobans have personal conne ctions and loved ones that have been deeply impacted by this conflict. Both the Muslim and Jewish com mu- nities are incredibly tight-knit and major contributors to Manitoba's cultural landscape. Back in '22, the Legislature passed a motion proclaiming Jewish Heritage Month. Just today we've passed a bill –passed first reading of a bill for Islamic heritage month. And those are both great steps, concrete things we can do here in Manitoba.

But the NDP's motion fails to recognize the need for negotiations, fails to understand that Hamas is a terrorist organization and cannot be trusted. There can be no peace while women and children continue to be held captive. Innocent men, women and children are paying the price for this each and every day. The motion should be amended to include the surrender of Hamas and the delivery of aid to the innocent people of Gaza who are suffering. Before I conclude my comments, I just want to state unequivocally that I believe Israel has the right to defend itself. Israel has the right to exist.

And I made this comment yesterday in speaking to a pre - vious amendment, but those shouldn't be controversial words. Every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself. * (15:10) And what we are seeing unfold in Gaza is a tragedy, and I think it is incumbent on us, as legislators here in Manitoba, to recognize the deep impact that our words here have on people of both Muslim ancestry and Jewish ancestry.

The impact on Manitobans will be far greater than the impact on the actual conflict, so I think it's impor- tant that all of us bear that in mind when we rise to speak to this motion, or when we fail to speak to a proposed amendment because, as members opposite have demonstrated, they are only willing to consider their version and not any constructive feedback that actually seeks to improve what they've put forward. With that, I'm going to pass the floor on to others who may wish to speak to this amendment. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: The Honourable member for Fort Whyte (Mr. Khan). Mr.

Khan: Thank you– The Speaker: Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry. I'm not paying attention again. The honourable Member for Assiniboia. MLA Nellie Kennedy (Assiniboia): I rise today to speak on the gov ernment motion for a ceasefire i n Gaza. I'm somehow confused, though, by some of the words that our colleague across the way has just finished saying. You know, I think the Premier (Mr.

Kinew) of a province such as ours in Manitoba, standing up and calling for an enduring ceasefire, an immediate ceasefire due to the humanitarian crisis that's occurring across this world is, in fact, powerful, and we do have power behind our voice. It's our job as legislators and a part of this province to be able to speak to the humanitarian crisis that's occurring across the world. You are correct in saying that we have people of the Jewish faith and people who are Muslim and Palestinian who live here in this province. I have met with many of them.

Many of the people who live in Assiniboia are of Palestinian lineage. They have family

678 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 who live in the region, and it is horrifying to think that while we sit here with procedural loopholes that are going about instead of actually calling for what is needed, a ceasefire, is abhorrent. We need to ensure that the people of Gaza and the people who live in this province, and the people of Israel, understand that our position is that there is a humanitarian crisis that's occurring. Women, children have been killed at alarming rates within Gaza. There is nowhere for people to go.

The Israeli Army and the Israel has chosen to attack Hamas in a way that is detrimental to the entire population of Gaza. It is not that they are attacking Hamas; they are literally killing thousands and thousands of women and children. This must end. Our government, our motion for a ceasefire, it's essential for Manitobans to know where this House stands on the matter, and sitting and debating this amendment is just honestly a waste of time. According to local media and authorities, the conflict in Gaza has seen the killing of over 30,000 Palestinian people, many of whom are children and women.

Both the Palestinians state and Israel have the right to exist. Each civilian life lost risks entrenching hardline views and pushes reconciliation between the parties further away. Our Premier (Mr. Kinew) supported Canada's vote in favour of the United Nations' resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Why will the members opposite not support this motion? Millions of Palestinians are currently displaced in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. These Palestinians are crammed into tent cities or in houses where rocket attacks and drone strikes are occurring.

Rafah was the last refuge for Palestinians trekking south to avoid Israel's air and ground campaigns, following orders from Israeli Defense Forces, the IDF officials. For Palestinians to leave Gaza City, and then to Khan Yunis. With bombs getting closer and closer to Rafah, there are fears of nowhere else for Palestinians to go. This is a humanitarian crisis: the inability for these people to have food and water during the month of Ramadan, to not be able to have food and water to break their fast in this holy month of Ramadan.

There is a need for an immediate ceasefire and I stand with our Premier and with our Caucus and ask that the mem- bers opposite support our motion. Thank you. Please ask for leave after you are done speaking– Honourable Speaker, we ask for leave for the question to be put forward on the House. Thank you. The Speaker: Is there leave for the question to be put forward? Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Some Honourable Members: No. The Speaker: I hear a no. Leave has been denied. The honourable member for Fort Whyte. Mr. Khan: Honourable Speaker, third time's a charm; I appreciate you recognizing me.

You know, there's so much I want to talk about and there's so much I could go on and on about today. And I will get back to those points afterwards and I have a lot to talk about it, and then when I went to bed last night–actually, no, so I'll back up. When I opened my fast last night at 7:30, it was– I thought it was 6:30. I got home at sunset, it was 7:31. I got home and my son who's 11 years old fasted for the day. He did what's called a chirri fast, which means birdie fast. I forget the term in Arabic, but I said, you can fast but, you know, at lunch you can eat some food.

I said, eat some food or water, whatever you can. Just go as long as you can. He's 11. And he gets home at 5:00 and he's exhausted, he's tired, he ate food. And so we're sitting there talking about, you know, what does it mean, how did you feel, the water. He goes, dad, that first sip of water, I could feel it go all the way down my throat to my stomach and all the way to the very bottom. And we joked a little bit. We talked about how blessed we are to have the food and water here. And I use these as teaching moments with him and I said, let's talk. I said, well, what about people that don't have that?

And you can think about, I mean, whether it's Israel or Palestine or sadly people here in Canada, but to hear that from an 11-year-old, say, Dad, there's people all over the world that don't have food and water. He says, we chose not to have food and water for today, but those pe ople have no choice. It puts things in perspective of what we're actually doing here with all sincerity. And I wanted to start off today in a much different tone than yesterday's went. I want to thank the member for Assiniboia (MLA Kennedy) for bringing t he

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 679 Islamic heritage month bill forward today. Absolutely honoured that I was in this building when we could pass that forward unanimously. It's great for the com- munity and it's great for the province. I was honoured when we brought forward Jewish Heritage Month and all of the other months that we recognize that have made significant contributions to this province. And as we sit here as elected officials and we all recognize this going forward, that's why we're here, to make Manitoba better.

And if we're standing here today and I'm sitting here, standing here and, okay, what am I going to talk about? How am I going to get this across? How are we going to echo this? I said, you know, children I think is really the gateway to opening your heart. So when we look at that and we say, what are we actually talking about here in our precious time that we have to discuss this very important motion? It's not a waste of time. What we are elected to do here is im portant. People's lives are important. Words are im portant. Every word we say is important. Members opposite know this very well.

I, unfor - tunately, have misstepped with comments and they'll call me on it right away. We've had colleagues, whether they be from dif- ferent demographics, different ages, different places in Manitoba, different backgrounds, have slipped up with words and members opposite or us on this side will call them out for it immediately. Words matter. Comments matter. What we're putting on paper here matters. It might not matter in the grand contextual thinking that we're going to stop the war in Israel and Palestine. We're not. But it matters to the people in Manitoba that we're elected for.

It matters that we get this right as we go forward. * (15:20) So, you know, members opposite, they want to say we're filibustering; we're not. We're putting together, forward, a better motion than what they have because words matter. When you say something, it matters. As an elected official, it matters. And no one in this room can tell me that they can go on social media or out in the media and say what they want and it won't make the front page of the paper tomorrow. It will. Because what we say matters.

The gov ernment's motion is proposing for, and quote, immediate call for a ceasefire in the Israel and Gaza war to address the famine crisis. Okay. So let's get that straight. It is immediate call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war to address famine, okay. Imme - diate call for ceasefire. The rest we can say, okay, we got that. Immediate call for ceasefire. You look at our motion that we're putting forward now, and our motion goes all the way up and including the word of ceasefire.

So the member for Union Station (MLA Asagwara), the member for Assiniboia (MLA Kennedy ), the member for –no, that's all, I couldn't hear the other member. So those two mem - bers have stood up. The member yesterday, the MLA for Rossmere, stood up and said we need stronger words, that encourage negotiation wasn't strong enough. Okay. That was the only objection the member from Rossmere had was–MLA–said that encouraging negotiation was not strong enough. So we changed it. That was the only objection from the NDP that got up yesterday on this motion. One objection. Those words weren't strong enough.

We took it back. We listened. We sat with our leader, the member from Lac du Bonnet. We sat with our caucus. We said, okay; that's not strong enough. We need something stronger because that was the only objection they came up with. So we moved forward with imme diate call for a ceasefire. That's what they said in their motion. Agreed. So now, what does the member from Union Station have to say? What does the member from Assiniboia have to say? That's all they've really put up to talk about this, a nd the member yesterday for Rossmere. Mr.

Tyler Blashko, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair Their objection was we didn't have the word ceasefire. Well, they obviously didn't read the motion we put forward because the word ceasefire is in there. The word ceasefire is in there. So if that is your only objection to the NDP, why will they not support this motion? Immediate call for a ceasefire is what the NDP say; immediate call for a ceasefire and surrender of Hamas and provide imme- diate relief for the Isr aeli and Palestinian people and to address the humanitarian crisis and all civil suf - fering in the region.

Like, anybody at home, the thousands of viewers that are listening at home, or the ones that will get this clipped and listen, what is the objectio n. Honestly, for–please tell me so I can go home and explain to

680 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 my 11-year-old son why his dad couldn't do a better job at work; why his dad couldn't protect the people. You know, you have the member from Riel heckling me now. You have the member from Ri el heckling when I'm talking about going home and talking to my son about this. He was–yesterday when he was heckling me yesterday–[interjection] An Honourable Member: I think it was me. Mr. Khan: Mike Moyes, Mike Moyes, Mike Moyes. An Honourable Member: He's not here today. Mr. Khan: Moyes is right there. Yes. I'm not blind.

I know I'm tired and I'm hungry but I can still see properly and I can hear properly– The Deputy Speaker: Order. Just a reminder that you have to refer to members as a–from their–as their con- stituencies. And even if you're whispering, we can hear you. Mr. Khan: Yes, the member from Riel, as I men - tioned, and this was yesterday. As I mentioned, I go home and that I said–I can go home and tell my son, because we talk about work, that this is what we did. And the member wants to heckle.

I sincerely ask if the member has so much to say, if he can stand up, because he's been heckling me quite a bit the last two days, for him to just stand up on the record and say why he won't support our motion. So far, all we've heard is that they want the word ceasefire in there. We added the word ceasefire. We made the language stronger. But our motion goes farther. Why is the NDP afraid to go farther to protect everyone? Or, are the NDP just playing games, playing political games? Bringing this up on the first day of Ramadan, when the Premier (Mr.

Kinew) stands up and misleads the Muslim community that was here, that I spoke to, that said, we came for a ministerial statement on Ramadan; we had no idea the Premier was going to talk about Israel-Gaza. That they were sideswiped by that. They came for a joyous occasion to celebrate Ramadan–and it is joy- ous. This–the self-discipline that it requires resonates in so much joy in the community, in one another, and so much love for one another. They had no idea that the Premier would sideswipe them with a min isterial statement about the Gaza-Israel conflict. Now, an im portant one? Yes.

One that we're discussing today, very im portant. But to mislead the Muslim commu nity under false pre tenses and then say, this is what it is; what are we doing? Are we play- ing political games, and are we now–has this Premier stooped so low to use com munities as marginalized chess pieces in his game of chess? [interjection] Okay, and now op position's upset about that, what–my comment. And I figured they would be. So why will we not move forward with this motion? Honestly, I'm –I address the Speaker, I think, still. Your motion says immediate call for ceasefire to end the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Great.

Awesome. Our motion says, immediately call for a ceasefire in Israel- Gaza, and the surrender of Hamas, and provide imme- diate relief for Palestinians and Israelis, and address the humanitarian crisis and all suffering in the region. Ours goes farther. Not ours, sorry; the Legislature's–the Legislature can go farther. We can all go farther together. It's not too late. We don't want to play games. Let's stop play- ing games–as they call it. You want to move forward, let's move forward.

We on this side of the House, the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba, are ready to move forward with a stronger motion than what the NDP have brought forward. We are not playing games. They want to stand up–the member for Union Station (ML A Asagwara), the Minister of Health, said they're afraid to use the word ceasefire. We used it. MLA for Rossmere said, encouraging negotiations wasn't strong enough; we got rid of it. MLA for Assiniboia says the same thing: we need stronger language, we need to call for a cease- fire, and we did it. What else?

How about we add in surrender of Hamas, we add in immediate relief for all the people there, we add in humanitarian crisis and we add in civilian. Please tell me what I'm missing here, because if I'm missing something, I want to go home and tell my son, this is what I missed. This is what I missed. And yesterday's motion included the hostages on both sides. We added that in. They didn't deem it worthy enough. No; just the ceasefire. So you lay down your arms, and what? Seriously, what happens then?

I'm literally asking, like, you lay down your guns, they go, okay, well, there's no binding commit- ment for humanitarian aid, we don't have to do anything. We don't got to return the hostages, we don't got to do anything. No immediate relief, forget about the civilian suffering. This is the real sad part –real sad part. As we are elected to do better by people in Manitoba, we also

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 681 send a message to the world. Whether they're watch - ing or not is irrelevant ; we've got to put our heads down at the end of the night. We've got to be able to look ourselves in the mirror, and we've got to say, okay, was their motion or our motion better, period. That's it. Yes, there's partisan politics. I get–I'm learn- ing, I've been here for two years. I understand partisan politics; I'm learning. Certain issues, okay, you've got to vote this way, you've got to vote that way, it's what the party wants. This is a non-partisan issue.

Come on, I'm begging you guys on the opposite side of the room to look at the wording in our motion. There are rational people on that side that can look at this and say, their motion is better, period. Our motion's better. * (15:30) They don't want to look at me; they're all on their iPhones, except for one member over there, which I greatly respect, so I'll appreciate that. I say thank you for paying attention the entire time. No one else has engaged me the whole time. Sorry –two members, apologize. The other member is in front of another member; I couldn't see them. They don't want to engage.

They don't want to have this debate. They don't want to stand up and say why they are against our motion. Just tell me that. Manitobans deserve that. Yes, we're going to vote on it at the end and yes, they have more votes, and yes, they're going to win. And that's the way this –our democracy is crafted; I get that. But this is not a partisan issue. We're not talking about some thing that's divided us. We're not talking about, you know, maybe the way we see how we want to run Hydro or the way we want to run education or the way we want to –hospitals or health care or ag or whatever the other issue is.

This is not that. This is really not that. We're not talking about saying, you know, is the Minister of Education going to do exams or not? This is not a –partisan; it's not a ideological philosophical thing on–there's no funding associated with this. It's a simple matter of what motion is better. If the NDP came forward with a better motion, I would've been the first one over there. Well, I wouldn't actually cross the line; I'd still stay here, but I would've voted for it.

So, Honour able Speaker –Honourable Deputy Speaker, you know, when we're talking about this motion it is important to remember that words matter. Every word in this thing–motion matters. And I know the opposite members on opposite side of the House– I don't know, I would assume some of them don't think fondly of me; that's okay. We're on different sides. For now, ultimate goal is for M anitobans. I get it. I'm a six-foot-four, 250 pound, very large, booming voice, heckling quite often, so they –I get that energy. I understand that. I don't understand why this motion can't go forward. I just–I fundamentally don't.

And if they get shut down–if it gets voted against it at the end of the day, I would humbly ask that maybe one or two of those members who, you know, don't view me the way some of them do, can come across and just say this is why, because we have a right to know. My son has a right to know why we didn't do a better job putting a better motion forward. Manitobans have a better right to know. The Muslim com munity has a better right to know. The Jewish community has a better right to know. Canada has a better right to know, a right to know why we didn't do better with a motion.

When we talk about words –I've already men - tioned it. I've mentioned their objections to it. It was just one; we've changed that, we've gone farther. We're ready to move forward on this. Talked about partisan politics. This is not a partisan issue. This is an issue for the world to see. Winnipeg is an amazing place to live. I love it here. From Ottawa, born and raised, went to school in Vancouver, played for the Bombers, chose to settle here. And I chose to settle here because of the com - munity here.

I chose to settle here because I was welcomed in all communities regardless of how big I was, how long my hair was, how crappy the football team was, how awesome the Bombers were. I was welcomed into all communities. Over that time I got to build substantial bridges in these communities: Jewish community, Muslim com- munity, of course, because I'm Muslim and, hope - fully, they still like me. I build bridges and I chose to stay for community. I had no ambitions of wanting to get into politics. It was about community, about bring- ing people together by doing that.

I didn't even know what partisan politics was 'til a few years ago, really until I started to dive into it. It's about building com munity. And if this mo - tion, as members opposite say, this is not a partisan issue, why are we not moving forward for com mu- nity? Like, just somebody, please just tell me why afterwards. Stand up. You have time today, please.

682 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 Manitobans, Palestinians, I sraelis, Muslims, Jewish people, everyone has a right to know why this NDP government will not support a better motion. So, the next speaker, I encourage you stand up, if they're going to put someone up, and talk about this. Bring up a different concern we don't have. When we talk about what else could be done if this government wasn't just virtue signalling, wasn't catching the Muslim community off guard by having the ministerial statement with the ceasefire statement instead.

Why has this NDP government not done more to help the suffering that's happening there now? Why haven't they? You say, well, what can they do? Well, the previous gov ernment, PC government, sent over $800,000 to Ukraine. Has this gov ernment, since October 7, done anything like that to help the people suffering in the Middle East, in Gaza? We talk about a humanitarian crisis. They want to put a motion forward. They want to virtue signal that this motion is fantastic, but then when we bring a better motion to have it have more impact, they say, oh, no, no. We don't want that much virtue.

We don't want to look that good. We can't have the PC Party take over the credit for this. Take it. Take the credit. Do the right thing. Do the right thing. They could have stepped up with $800,000 or more or less. Twenty–$10,000, $100,000, $1 million, whatever. It's within the power of this gov- ernment to do that. Nothing. Paying Ukraine was a one–no, Ukraine wasn't one time. Pakistan; remember there was those immense floods where, I believe, one third of Pakistan was covered underwater. This gov - ernment sent $200,000 to help.

Now, $200,000 when an entire country–one third of the country's covered underwater isn't going to do much. It's not. It's something. Something is better than nothing. Actually, $200,000 is going to do a lot. I stand corrected. I was thinking of the exchange rate, the rupees and the money. That is going to do a lot. It's going to help a lot of people. It's going to feed a lot of people. It's going to help them, that country, on a road to recovery. Why has this gov ernment not done that?

Like, I literally, like, when I sit there and I look at the notes and my colleagues say, how do you come up–I said, I'm not even looking at my notes; I'm just speaking from the heart. And I'm not speaking from the heart because I'm Muslim. Not. I'm speaking from the heart because I'm a human being. I'm not trying to go to war or attack or be divisive with the NDP today. I'm really not. That didn't go over well yesterday. Today's a different approach. The approach is look at our motion; look at your motion.

If you don't have them in front of you, we can get copies brought to you of both of them and you can just see the difference. It is amazing what–we all say, for the betterment of Manitoba, we represent everyone in Manitoba. We all say this. I've said it dozens of times. I think in the House today I've heard it at least a half a dozen times that we're all in this together. If we are in this together, what better way to signal to Manitoba that we can work together across party lines by adopting this amendment? What better, more powerful way? Everyone knows the NDP has the votes.

Everyone knows you guys call the shots. Everyone knows you guys won the last election. We get all that. We know that. You guys have the power. Well, as cliché as it sounds, with great power comes great respon sibility. With great power comes the responsi bility to do the right thing. With great power might mean, hey, you've got to take the g uys that don't have–the side that doesn't have all the votes and say let's work together to get this done for the betterment of the conflict of what's happening. Again, this isn't going to have an effect on the conflict. Well, what's it going to have an effect on?

The people right here in Manitoba. It is. The Muslim- Jewish community here that has had to live through this, living through this. The Islamophobia, the anti-Semitism, the verbal and physical attacks that have incurred–the vandalism, the breaking of buildings. The, you know, MLA for Waverley has had lots of connections. He goes to the mosque there regular. He's got to meet a lot of those people. He's well aware of some of these stories. It's devastating. And what are we doing? We're sitting here fight- ing over a better motion? Like, you literally cannot tell me this is not a better motion.

Whether you're a teacher or a firefighter or you are a lawyer, you're a public servant, whatever you may be, you can look at this and just say, this is a be tter motion. Let's get it done for the betterment of Manitoba. Let's get it done. When you talk about, well, what is this actually going to do? It's going to send a real message to Manitobans. * (15:40)

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 683 The wording is what the wording is. Every word matters, and when we brought this motion forward, we believe we did the best attempt we could at making those–every word count. Some people still might not like all the wording. There might be some com mu- nities that still don't like the certain words in the re. And that's going to happen. But what's stronger than that is the fact that the NDP, the PCs and the Liberals work together on an amended motion to get this done. We can work together to get this done. That sends a stronger message.

That is the strong est form of combat of divisiveness in this province. That will bring people together, saying hey, they actually can work together to get something done on that; they were on opposite sides before, and now they're together. And now they're together; they actually represent what we want, what our con stituents–all of our con- stituents–want. Our constituents don't care if we're NDP or PC or Liberal or Green or whatnot. They want a better Manitoba for them selves, for their kids, for their grandkids. The y want an affordable Manitoba. They want a safe Manitoba.

They want a Manitoba where a gov ernment is working for them and with them. They want a Manitoba where people can work across party lines to see the bigger picture. This is that opportunity. We can combat Islamo- phobia and anti -Semitism right now by doing this together. We can talk about curriculums–and I brought that up earlier–and about tool kits, and how tool kits aren't the same thing as curriculums, and, hopefully, this government will commit to adding Islamic educa- tion into the curriculum.

Because a tool kit is not the same thing, and if they want to send a signal, a just – pure signal, they will add it to that. I will continue to advocate for that, because that needs to be there, alon g with many –I mean, we–the Minister of Education's sitting there, and we need to look at all of these topics and how do we get them in, because the world has changed. The world has changed from five years ago, 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30, 40, 50, 60–trying to see who's the oldest–I'm trying to see who's the oldest one around here –and whatnot, that we can all be part of.

This sends a message that we can get it done. We can get it done together; we can move this bill forward; we can combat all of the th ings that are happening in the Middle East, and we can make Manitoba a better place, because that's what this motion should be about. It shouldn't be about grand- standing; it shouldn't be about surprising people with a min isterial statement and going out with pressers and saying this is –you know, I get it. That's the partisan politics of it; I get that aspect. But when we peel back the layers of the onion and we say, okay, what's at the core of this issue?

The core of the issue, if it is really to help the people of Gaza and put a ceasefire to the conflict of Gaza and Israel, then this is what it is. It is a call for immediate ceasefire. It is surrender of Hamas. It is humanitarian aid. It is imme diate relief for the people of Israel - Palestine. And it is for–to support all to help a humanitarian crisis on all civil sufferings. This is what this is. But I know I'm going to run out of time, and I'm going to use the full 30 minutes to talk about this, because, hopefully, this is the end of it. I pray that it's the end of it; I prayed last night.

During the month of Ramadan it's, well, you know, I guess I made my points known. But you know, praying in Islam, there's five pillars, and one of the pillars is fasting –which I'm observing now –and another one is prayer; it's five times a day in prayer. And it's tough to pray five times a day. Clockwork: you got an alarm, you got to go and you got to pray at these times. And one of the prayers is right before you go to bed; it's when it's completely dark outside, a nd the other one's right before the sun comes up. And I prayed for peace. I have been praying for peace from October 7th and before.

Yes, I'm more emotional about this topic. It's the same faith, same brothers and sisters. And I don't just say that for the Muslim community; I say that for the Jewish community as well. We are all of the same; we are all of people of the book, and Christians alike that are there, and non-believers that are there. People are dying. We can do something today that sends a message from Manitoba that we are united in the cause for peace. We are united for a ceasefire in Israel-Gaza. We are united when it comes to the surrender of Hamas, to provide imme diate relief for Israel and Palestine.

We are united for the human - itarian crisis and all civil suffering in the region. That's the motion. And then we are united for Manitoba. We are united for all of the com munities within this great province, that when it comes time to get things done that are in the best interest of th ose communities, we will put partisan politics aside. There is no debating which motion is better. The conversation of filibuster game is not even on the

684 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 12, 2024 table. It's not. If it was exact same thing, or if it was– we were proposing some thing that was worse, sure, you could say that. I wouldn't have a leg to stand on, here. My whole speech has been about–30 minutes–is about our motion changes and how it's better. If it wasn't, I'd be filibustering. You're right. If it was the same, I'd be 'filibu'–I'm not. So what am I doing? Why am I standing up, mouth exhausted, repeating words, wearing my heart on my sleeve for people to see that this is an oppor - tunity for us to do better.

It's an oppor tunity to look across party lines and say, we can do this. The member from Assiniboia took a great step today for the Islamic community. This is a step forward and how we can do this together. There is no argument on which motion is better. I just hope, and I pray sin - cerely with the purest of in tentions that this motion gets passed as amended, which is better for everyone. Thank you very much, Honourable Speaker. The Deputy Speaker: I see a speaker. [interjection] Yes. The member for Radisson. [interjection] Sorry, could you repeat it, member for Radisson? MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz (Radisson): Oh.

Am I calling the question? [interjection] Okay. Thank you, Hon ourable Deputy Speaker. I want to start off by just really explicitly saying how offen- sive it is that people in Gaza are starving to death. The Speaker in the Chair Women in Gaza are being raped. Children in Gaza are being murdered violently as they play. And the opposition thinks that it's okay to be here talking about whose amendment, whose language is better than the other's.

What people in Ga za need is an immediate ceasefire, and I'm glad that everyone in this Chamber, in this House, can get on board with the fact that words matter, because our Premier (Mr. Kinew) has given the Province of Manitoba and the rest of the world, all of Canada, his word, not once but twice, that our gov- ernment stands with those who are most affected by this conflict, by this war, by this humanitarian crisis, that he is calling, and condemned Hamas, called for a return of hostages, called for an imme diate and en - during ceasefire. If words truly matter, that would be enough.

If words truly matter to every single person in this Chamber, all of us would be able to get on board with the motion originally as written and pass it unanimously. And so, Honourable Deputy Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise in this House today to speak to a motion put forward by our government yesterday, a motion that calls for an imme diate and enduring ceasefire in Gaza.

Now, my heart is heavy because while we stand and are forced by the opposition to play their political game and delay this motion, real people with real heartache are anxiously waiting for their repre sen- tatives, all of us in this House, to take real leadership. Manitobans who have been deeply hurt by the war in Gaza are waiting to know where their represen - tatives stand, so I will keep my comments brief so that we can come to a timely resolution. Both the Palestinian state and the Israeli state have the right to exist.

According to local media and authorities, the conflict in Gaza has seen the killing of over 30,000 Palestinians, many of whom are women and children. Meanwhile, Hamas's attack on Israel last October saw the largest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. In Radisson, I hear regularly from constituents these days who are troubled and frustrated at the rise in very explicit anti-Semitism. * (15:50) Meanwhile, I also hear constituents who practise a job, who tell me about the same experiences that they have with Islamophobia. Honourable Speaker, life is sacred.

I truly fear that with each sacred civilian life lost, we are seeing the entrenching of hard -line views and pushing recon - ciliation between these parties further and further away. Here in Manitoba, we have people of all back - grounds and both stripes calling for unity, holding space and holding hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict despite the carnage. Our government team is focused on responding to this conflict with compassion for those deeply im - pacted.

Our government team is willing to help those seeking refuge from war in Gaza by provi ding sanctuary, community support and ensuring that they can return home –many of these things that our Premier has stood up in this House again, not once but twice. We are also taking a meaningful step today and every day by urging members of this House to

March 12, 2024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 685 unanimously and unequivocally call for an immediate and enduring ceasefire. Beyond calling for an imme diate ceasefire, our government is also working to reduce the hate and bigotry in our province. Holding Jewish peoples respon- sible for the humanitarian crisis and famine caused by the Israeli government is wrong. Similarly, holding Muslim peoples responsi ble for the terrorist actions of Hamas is also wrong.

And so while the opposition can chirp all day and maybe all night, saying that little old Manitoba could never possibly bring peace to the Middle East, people all across Manitoba are watching, and we have an op- portunity to unanimously demonstrat e that we are willing to try right here at home. So thank you, Honourable Speaker, and we once again ask for leave for the question to be put. The Speaker: The last speaker asked for leave to put the question. Is there leave? Some Honourable Members: Leave. Some Honourable Members: No. The Speaker: I hear a no. Leave has been denied. Hon.

Jamie Moses (Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources): On House business? The Speaker:

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-1-28b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 1st hansardpdf 28b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	aeabdaaa81c9ce0b07b4d94cf9d1105293ee233e

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