Manitoba Hansard — Sitting 69 (29th Legislature, 1st Session)

29-1-69

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Speaker The Honourable Ben Hanuschak Vol. XVI No. 69 8:00p.m., Friday, October 10th, 1969. First Session, 29th Legislature. Printed by R. S. Evans - Queen's Printer for Province of Manitoba . . I

ELECTORAL DIVISION ARTHUR ASSINIBOIA Bl RTLE-RUSSELL BRANDON EAST BRANDON WEST BURROWS CHAR LESWOOD CHURCHILL CRESCENTWOOD DAUPHIN ELMWOOD EMERSON FUN FLON FORT GARRY FORT ROUGE GIMLI GLADSTONE INKSTER KILDONAN LAC DU BONNET LAKESIDE LA VERENDRYE LOGAN MINNEDOSA MORRIS OSBORNE PEMBINA POINT DOUGLAS PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE RADISSON · RHINELAND RI EL RIVER HEIGHTS ROBLIN ROCK LAKE ROSSMERE RUPERTSLAND ST. BONIFACE ST. GEORGE ST.JAMES ST.JOHNS ST. MATTHEWS ST. VITAL STE.

ROSE SELKIRK SEVEN OAKS SOURIS-KILLARNEY SPRINGFIELD STURGEON CREEK SWAN RIVER THE PAS THOMPSON TRANSCONA VIR DEN WELLINGTON WINNIPEG CENTRE WOLSELEY NAME J. Douglas Watt Steve Patrick Harry E. Graham Hon. Leonard S. Evans Edward McGill Hon. Ben Hanuschak Arthur Moug Gordon Wilbert Beard Cy Gonick Hon. Peter Burtniak Russell J. Doern Gabriel Girard Thomas Barrow Bud Sherman Mrs. lnez Trueman John C. Gottfried James Robert Ferguson Hon. Sidney Green Peter Fox Hon. Sam Uskiw Harry J. Enns Leonard A. Barkman William Jenkins Waiter Weir Warner H. Jorgenson lan Turnbull George Henderson Donald Malinowski Gordon E.

Johnston Harry Shafransky Jacob M. Froese Donald W. Craik Sidney Spivak, Q.C. J. Wally McKenzie Henry J. Einarson Hon. Ed. Schreyer Jean Allard Laurent L Desjardins Bill Uruski Hon. Al. Mackling Hon. Saul Cherniack, Q.C. Wally Johannson Jack Hardy Gildas Molgat Hon. Howard Pawley Hon. Saul A. Miller Earl McKellar Hon. Rene E. Toupin Frank Johnston James H. Bilton Ron McBryde Hon. Joseph P. Borowski Hon. Russell Paulley Morris McGregor Hon. Philip Petursson Bud Boyce Leonard H.

Claydon ADDRESS Reston, Manitoba 10 Red Robin Place, Winnipeg 12 Binscarth, Manitoba Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 2228 Princess St., Brandon, Man. 11 Aster Ave., Winnipeg l7 29 Willow Ridge Rd., Winnipeg 20 103 Copper Rd., Thompson, Man. 115 Kingsway, Winnipeg 9 Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 104 Roberta Ave., Winnipeg 15 25 Lomond Blvd., St. Boniface 6 Cranberry Portage, Manitoba 86 Niagara St., Winnipeg 9 179 Oxford St., Winnipeg 9 44- 3rd Ave., Gimli, Man.

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Boniface 6 Box 629, Arborg, Manitoba Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 471 Home St., Winnipeg 10 11 Glenlawn Ave., Winnipeg 8 463 Kingston Crescent, Winnipeg 8 Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Nesbitt, Manitoba Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 310 Overdale St., Winnipeg 12 Swan River, Manitoba 56 Paul Ave., The Pas, Manitoba Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 Kenton, Manitoba Legislative Bldg., Winnipeg 1 777 Winnipeg Ave., Winnipeg 3 116% Sherbrook St., Winnipeg 1

1665 THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 8: 00 o'clock, Friday, October 10 , 1969 : Opening Prayer by Mr. Speaker. 1, MR. SPEAKER: Presenting Petitions; Reading and Receivmg Petitions; Presenting Reports by Standing and Special Committees; Notices of Motion; Introduction of Bills. Orders of the Day. ORAL QUESTION PERIOD MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Birtle-Russell. MR. HARRY E. GRAHAM (Birtle-Russell): Mr. Speaker, Ild like to address my question to the Honourable Minister of Transportation.

Could the Honourable Minister give me any indication now as to whether or not we will have new lioence plates next year? MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Churchill. MR. GORDON W. BEARD (Churchill): Are we going to cl os� tonight? MR. LAURENT L. DESJARDINS (st. Boniface): If you sit down and keep quiet. MR. _SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Riel. 11 . MR. DONALD W. CRAIK (Riel): Mr. Speaker, in the absent;:e of the House Leader or the First Minister, may I perhaps ask the Minister of Finance, will the Committee on Public Utilities be called during this session of the Legislature? HON.

SAUL CHERNIACK, Q.C. (Minister of Finance)(St. Johns): Mr. Speaker, we shall see. MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Lakeside. MR. HARRY ENNS (Lakeside): Mr. Speaker, in the absence1 of the First Minister I direct my question to the Minister of Finance. Has the Government of Manitoba heard of Mr. Durnin? MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Speaker, I'm not aware of what the government hears of, but I personally know several people by that name. ' MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Riel. MR. CRAIK: A supplementary question. Are they all agreed? MR. CHERNIACK: I would say they are all agreeable. ORDERS OF THE :OA Y MR.

CHERNIACK: Mr. Speaker, if we 're ready to proceed with the business of the day, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Consumer Protection and Corporate Affairs, that Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair and the House r�solve itself into a committee to consider of the supply to be granted to Her Majesty. - j - MR. SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote d�clared the motion carried and the House resolved itself into Committee of Supply with the Hohourable Member for Elm wood in the Chair. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY MR. CHERNIACK: Mr.

Chairman, I wonder if we could deal now with Consumer and Corporate Affairs on Page 7. MR. CHAIRMAN: Department of Consumerand Corporate Affairs. The Honourable Minister. HON. RENE E. TOUPIN (Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs)(Springfield): Mr. Chairman, I had about four or five pages ready here but I'll try and reduce this to a few phrases. In the government reorganization, this department repla?es the Department of the Provincial Secretary and the Public Utilities.

While some of the responsibilities of the former departments have been reassigned to other government department�, such as the Queen's Printer and the Civil Service Commission to the Department of Goiernment Services; Emer gency Measures Organization to Municipal Affairs; and the Motor Vehicle Branch to Trans portation; the newly formed department will continue to administer the Companies Branch, the registration of business names, applications under The Change of Name Act, authorization under The Charities Endorsement Act, the Public Utilities Board and the recently established Securities Commission.

The Public Utilities Board and its staff has included in its responsi bilities the registration of real estate brokers and salesmen and m�rtgage brokers. The Boxing and Wrestling Commissions and the Horse Racing Commission have been added to the responsibilities of this department, having been acquired from the Department of the

1666 October 10, 1969 (MR. TOUPIN cont'd. ) ....• Attorney-General and the De partment of Agricultu re . Any further comments will come forth if there are any questions. MR. JACOB M. FROESE (Rhineland ): Mr . Chairman, I don't intend to discuss the estimates at length . I just wanted to know from the Minister has the Consumer Bureau been set up and who wi ll be its direct or? MR. TOUPIN: Mr . Chairman, in answer to the Honourable Member from Rhinelan d, the Bu rea11 has not been set up to this date; the director has not been chos en. We hope that the bureau will be in full operation by the 1st of January, 1970.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Resol ution 24. The Honourable Member for Riel. MR. CRAIK: Mr . Chairman, it just suddenl y occurs that for the last two months we have been directing our questions to the wrong Minister. I just real ized now that he 's the Minister of Public Utilitie s. Would he call the Committee on Publ ic Utilitie s? MR • TO UP IN: I'll take that question as notice . MR. CHAIRMAN: Resolu tion 24. The Honourable Member for Assiniboia. MR. STEVE PA TRICK (Assiniboia): Mr . Chairman, I wish to thank the Honourable Minister for his short statement.

I feel that in the la st, almost two months, we have had considerable debate in respect to Consumer Affairs and the consumer le gislation that has just been passed in this session.

I do feel that the Consumer Bureau will probably be the most important function in the le gislat ion that we passed this year , and I would like to serve notice to the Minister that I think in order for the Consumer Bureau to do a proper job that he '11 have to do a considerable amount of advertising in order to make it acce ssible to people where they'l l be famil iar with it and know that they can phone the Consumer Bureau in any problem that they have , so that there will be somebody come out to see them and try to resol ve the proble m that they have .

Not only that you'll have to do it through advertising, I think you'll have to do a certain amount of publication , education and perhaps maybe the Consume .r Bureau should also have speakers available to cer tain clu bs, service cl ubs and many organiza tions, that people will be familiar with it. So I think that there 's a certain amount of education that will have to be done in re spect to the Consumer Bu reau itself, and I think your Consumer Bureau will probably be the most important function in this whol e consumer le gisl ation.

The other point that I just wish to raise , and since I know that the Minister is re sponsible for the Motor Vehicle Branch, some two year s ago when the new licen ce s were issued for automobil es, it seemed that there was considerable amount of publicity in your papers and the la st ... MR. TOUPIN: Mr. Chairman, I am not re sponsibl e for the Motor Vehic le Branch. This has been transferred to the Department of Transportation. MR. PA TRICK: Okay, that's fine . So this is the only point I wish to make at the present time. MR. CHAIRMAN: The Honourable Member for Rhine land . MR. FROESE: Mr.

Chairman, one further question. Is it the intention of the government to bring the administration of cre dit unions under this de partment, and how soon? MR. TOUP IN: Mr . Chairman, this is a question of poli cy . MR. CHAIRMAN: Resolu tion 24. The Honourable House Leader of the Liberal Party . MR. GORDON E • JOHNSTON (Portage la Prai rie ): Mr .

Speaker, I just draw to the attention of the Committee that the Ombudsman come s under the department of the Minister , but woul d it be correct to assume that when the Ombudsman is appointed and bec ome s operative , that he will be under the De partment of Legisl ation and re port directl y to the House ? MR. TOUPIN: Mr. Chairman, the Ombudsman is no longer under my de partment . MR. CHAIRMAN: The Honourable Member for Assiniboia. MR. LEONARD A.

BARKMAN (La Verendrye ): If the Minister or the government should see fit to put the credit union activities under his department, I'm sure it would be in very good hands. MR. CHAIRMAN: (Resol utions 24 to 27 were passed. ) The Honourable Member for Swan River. MR. JAMES H. BILTON (Swan River): Public Utilitie s Board. Am I to un::ler stand that the Honourable Minister is res ponsible for the Manitoba Te le phones, particular ly ? MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, I have the honour to be the Minister res ponsible to re port for te le phones and hydro. MR.B ILTON: Ic an wait.

October 10 , 1969 MR. CHAntMAN: Resolution 28 --passed; Resolution 29 for Swan River. 1667 The Honourable Member MR.BILTON: Mr. Chairman, the Censor Board. During this session several members of the House were invited to a showing through the good offices of; the Minister of Culture to the Censor Board. It is not my purpose to discuss the show we sltw, although I wouldn't mind seeing it again.

It did occur to me at that time that possibly the li.ccommodation of the Censor Board and the importance of the Censor Board is not overly appr�ciated, and I wondered if in their interests of doing what they're supposed to do in the interests of public opinion and public viewing, if some consideration couldn't be given towards improvmg not necessarily the premises but possibly increasing the staff in order that they can do a bette:ri job of the big job they have to do. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, before we leave the department, I want to confirm what was stated by the Honourable Minister about the Ombudsman,.

There has been a report already made to the Legislature that the appropriation would be hoansferred under Legislation. That was announced when the supplementary estimates were considered. MR. CHAffiMAN: Resolution 29 --passed. That completes the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, could we now move to Page 2, Legislation. MR. CHAntMAN: Page 2. Legislation. (Resolutions 1 and. 2 were passed.) Resolution No. 3 --The Honourable Member for Rhineland. MR. FROESE: Mr. Chairman, normally I would be making a speech under this

section but I don't intend to dwell on it. I only wish to leave a note with the Minister in charge of this area of legislation that when the House Rules Committee meets thllt they will also take into consideration the matter of secretarial allowance for me and probably other members who are in a similar situation that need this type of service • I don't think this is asking too much. We've been giving special allowances to other members for travelling and other things, and 1 think that this matter should be considered when the committee meets. MR. CHAffiMAN.: The Honourable House Leader of the Liberal Party. MR.

G. JOHNSTON: Mr. Speaker, I don't intend to make a speech ·on the Minister's estimates but there are two questions I would like to pose to him. One is, if he'll recall, under the Roblin administration the $50.00 rebate on personal property was in force and there was some discussion at that time as to what disposition and the amount of the funds were of the people who did not apply for the rebate.

Now after two months in office I would hardly expect the Minister to have this at his fingertips, but if he should have it it would be interesting for the House to know how much money accrued to the province from the people across the province who did not apply for their $50.00 rebate with respect to their property tax. The second question is -and I'm sure the former Member for Lake side would be inter ested. Each year without fail, when this department comes up, he always enquired as to what the provincial position is with respect to debt.

The question is phrased in two parts: what is the total debt of the Province of Manitoba, the gross debt of the province; and what, as Mr. Roblin used to say, what's the net debt of the province. And I would hope the Minister c.ould supply these answers. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, I could give a quick answer by saying we 're now dealing with the Department in Legislation and not Finance and I might buy a few moments, precious moments. Maybe I'll do that. I'll answer the first question though because that answer I'm sure is not available readily.

This obviously would come under the Department of Education because it was the department which had the allocation for rebate of what they called the school tax rebate. And that's a very interesting question. I'm looking forward myself to learning the answer and I'm sure I will, but probably not tonight. As to the most interesting questions and the debate we've heard in the past on the capital debt, I wouldn't be surprised if somewhere in this book is the answer; maybe I'll have the answer before we complete Finance Department. MR. CHAffiMAN: The Honourable Member for Rhineland . . MR. FROESE: Mr.

Chairman, in connection with the tax rebate matter, I've had requests from municipalities that the money be turned over to the municipalities, rather that the funds be left with them instead of the government so they could be put to use at the local level, and that if request for payment is made that it be made at the municipal level. I would like to hear from the Minister about their reactic:m to this. I know that this is not particularly a matter·

1668 October 10, 1969 (MR. FROESE cont'd.) ••••• under this department, that it falls within the Department of Education, but maybe he could still give us an answer. MR. CHAffiMAN: (Resolutions 3 to 5 were passed.) This completes the Department of Legislation. -- (Interjection) -- We have finished Page 3. MR. CHERNIACK: I see we've finished the Executive Council as well. Well, Mr. Chair- man, according to my list that leaves only the Department of Finance on Page 8. MR. CRAIK: Mr. Chairman, before we leave it I think probably .••• MR . CHAmMAN: The Honourable Member for Riel. MR. CHERNIACK: Before we leave what?

MR . CRAIK: Before we leave Page 3 -- (Interjection) -- No, I think probably the Minister of Finance was doing the same thing as the rest of us and was looking at the numbering on the left hand side which is almost the same as the numbering on the right hand side, but Items 1, 2 and 3 on the right hand side, or on Page 3, coincide with 3, 4 and 5- at any rate I think he'll agree that we 're both doing the same thing whether he shows it or not. -- (Interjection) - Well, I was doing the same thing.

I'd like to mention with regard to Page 3 that the First Minister has announced that a consultant now will be- I don't know if he's termed as a consultant or not - Mr.

McLeod, with respect to Executive Council, it comes under this section, will be examining the recommenda tions on the Committee on Operation Productivity, and if possible, I wonder if the Minister of Finance could indicate to us in a little more detail exactly what the intentions are behind the reinterpretation of the Operation Productivity report which was arrived at after a good deal ·of study and a good deal of expenditure by the former government with the consultants who brought in the report and consequently resulted in a fairly lengthy period in which reorganiza tion of the government took place.

I think this is very important at this stage of the game. Is it the intent that Mr. McLeod will in fact be re-examining the recommendations of Operation Productivity and ••.• MR. CHERNIACK: Is there any chance that he what? MR. CRAIK: Will be re-examining the recommendations of Operation Productivity and the government will subsequently be reorganizing on the basis of his

interpretation of it? It has been quite unclear as to exactly what the government's intent is behind his hiring although it's apparently related to Operation Productivity and Operation Productivity is the biggest thing that's happened under Executive Council in a great many years in terms of government organization. So can the Minister tell us exactly what is involved here, if it is the government's intention to embark on a new program with this consultant or whether they have finished implementing the recommendations of Operation Productivity or what their move is from here. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr.

Chairman, not that I want to take up the time of this committee, but I must disagree with the honourable member who says that the Operation Productivity is the biggest thing that happened to the Executive Council. I would think the biggest thing tha t happened to the Executive Council was the change of personnel.

But having said that, we can now say something about the Operation Productivity which was a voluminous report and for which we felt it advisable to retain the services of a person who we thought was extremely able and expert in the field of public administration, and he has been studying not only the Operation Productivity but also the actual way in which it is operating today and what the various depart mental functions are. We have not gone beyond his doing the study.

We have now to review the study which has been made by him and will then be able to assess the reasonableness and practicality of his proposals or comments - and I can't comment on them because I'm not familiar with them - and then decide where we go from there. MR . CHAffiMAN: The Honourable Member for Rhineland. MR. FROESE: On this Operation Productivity or this management report, I wonder if this report could not be made available to members other than the government and the previous government.

It just is a case now that most of the members of this House have had access to this except just a few on this side haven't, and I think that this report should be made available to the members of the House that have not been able to assess it, to read it and assess it, so that we could also assess the situation and whether any new ideas are being brought into . operation whether they are good ones or not. MR. CHERNIACK: We1ll certainly consider the proposal. MR . CHAffiMAN: The Honourable House Leader of the Liberal Party. MR. G. JOHNSTON: Mr. Chairman, I jlas just wondering if in the amount of $306, 4 72

October 10, 1969 1669 (MR. G. JOHNSTON cont'd. ) •••.• with respect to the Planning and Priorities Committee of Cabinet--we're speaking on the salary of - or on (1) of Administration, is that not right, Mr. Chairman? MR. CHAffiMAN: Well I thought we had passed the department but apparently we're starting at Resolution 3 again. MR. G. JOHNSTON: Wetl this could well come under Resolution 4, but my question to the Minister is: is the Member for Crescentwood's salary or any part of his expenses contained in that item? MR.

CHERNIACK: The Member for Crescentwood is a member of the Legislature of the Province of Manitoba and draws the same return, indemnity and expenses as do other members of the Manitoba Legislature who do not receive any extra emolument. In other words, he doesn't receive as much as th! Honourable House Leader of the Liberal Party but he does receive the same amount as the other members of his party who are in the Legislature. A MEMBER: It's a labour of love. MR. G. JOHNSTON: So, Mr.

Chairman, it's quite clear then that the Honourable Mem ber for Crescentwood's contribution to the government is strictly as an MLA and not taking a salary for other duties? MR. CHERNIACK: I've just heard the statement that it was "a labour of love" and it is, Mr. Chairman. His contribution is without recompense other than satisfaction of making a contribution. Otherwise, his return is the same as others. MR. G. JOHNSTON: One other question, Mr. Chairman.

The Planning and Priorities Committee of Cabinet and the Management Committee of Cabinet, do these committees make a report, that is a written report, and if so, is that report available to this House? MR . CHERNIACK: No, Mr. Speaker, I want to make clear that these committees are committees of Cabinet and have the same confidentiality attributable to them as minutes of Cabinet itself. They are not available. MR. CHAffiMAN: (Resolutions 3 and 4 were passed.) Resolution No. 5 --The Member for St. Vital. MR. JACK HARDY (St. Vital): With respect to No. 5, Mr.

Chairman, may I direct a question to the Honourable the Minister of Finance? Less recoveries from departments and agencies, Item No. 3, $885, 000.00. This was for computer charges to the various govern mental departments. Is the Minister considering any investigation or any assessment of a recovery such as this as opposed to the government services wherein postage in the amount of approximately a half a million dollars in effect are not charged to the department? MR. CHERNIACK: I don't quite understand the value of the suggestion but certainly it's noted and we 'll look into it. MR. HARDY: May I suggest, Mr.

Chairman, that value-wise that on the one hand charges are made to various departments for computer services

whereas all departments within the government utilize the post office services and they are not charged for this service. MR. CHAffiMAN: Resolution No. 5 --passed. Department completed. Next Depart ment. Page 8, the Department of Finance. The Honourable Minister. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr.

Chairman, I've already had occasion to deal with the competence of the staff of the Department of Finance so I won't say anything other than the department practically runs itself and does indeed seem to manage without the need of a Minister, but it does also seem to give the Minister the impression that he's very important around there. MR. CHAffiMAN: The Honourable Member for Charleswood. MR. ARTHUR MOUG (Charleswood): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I would just like to offer my congratulations to the Minister of Finance, and I am pleased to hear that the depart ment was so well organized by the previous government that it was just a matter of taking it over and carrying on. The reason I rise this evening is a question I directed to the Minister of Government Services this afternoon and I think that the Finance Minister possibly would have liked to answer that question. I asked it at 2:30; I was talking to the employee at 3:15 and he had received his cheque. This I thought was real good. I hope the government continues to carry on in this manner.

And particularly the Minister of Government Services, I hope he can give us this service on Municipal Affairs. MR. CHERNIACK: I wonder if I might just reply to that. I certainly agree with the honourable member, I share his hopes. May I say that the department runs very efficiently.

1670 October 10, 1969 (MR, CHERNIACK cont'd.) • il wonder if I might mention that the Deputy Minister was a deputy minister trained under the Liberal administration and later had an opportunity to work with me in the Metropolitan Corporation and then came back here, so maybe I can take a little credit. MR. MOUG : Mr. Chairman, I would wonder how liberal is that if a person has to work over 30 days before receiving their first pay cheque. It seems to me -and I'll agree with you, Mr.

Minister, that this was the habit of the previous government, -but presently we have a labour government, and if we are protecting the labour of this province with the government we have today, can any of us afford to wait 30 days for our first pay cheque as we are hired on to our first job -our new job? MR. CHERNIA CK: I suppose, Mr. Chairman, I ought to clarify to the honourable member that I answered two questions. One was in relation to the cheque which I take seriously, and I said I agree with his hopes that we will be able to function quickly.

The other reference was to the administration of the department and that was my reference in that respect, unrelated completely to the question of cheques. MR. MOUG : Mr. Chairman, as I got up to refer back to that, I think I asked you another question, Mr. Minister. Is it fair for anybody to have to wait in excess of 30 days on their new job to receive their first cheque? After all, they need groceries the same as me. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, I thought I made it clear that I agreed with the honourable member.

He said he hopes that we will continue with the kind of service that he received today and I said I agree with him. Now do we have to start debating this issue? MR. CHAIRMAN: The Honourable Member for Swan River. MR. BILTON: Mr. Chairman, I have a subject to bring to the attention of the Minister of Finance. He has prior knowledge of it by the fact that I did write the Premier indicating to him the problem that has been indicated to me by many of my constituents, and that has to do with the TV to northern Manitoba. For many years we did not have it.

In fact we were many years behind southern Manitoba in receiving TV coverage. A great effort was made by the members of Parliament in Ottawa to do something about it, and in due course some businessmen in Yorkton applied for a licence to serve what they call the shamrock area, and this shamrock area covered northwestern Manitoba. In the meantime, the effort was continued toward northern Manitoba and they in turn were given what is known as a canned reception.

For a long time we continued to press for coverage into northern Manitoba, and as I said a moment ago, Yorkton came into the picture and they are now serving in their coverage the Dauphin area and the Swan River area north to Mafeking. The reception in some of these areas that I've just outlined has been a reason for complaint by many many people. The effort in Ottawa was continued and many of us got together and sent representation under the auspices of the Chambers of Commerce as far north as Flin Flon to Ottawa.

Finally their efforts were crowned with success, and in cooperation with the Manitoba Telephones, the CBC in their wisdom saw to it that now northern Manitoba is supplied with live television on the hour from Winnipeg direct, In the beginning it was my understanding, and the understanding of the people I represent, that as and when this came to pass the area I'm speaking of would be coupled into this system.

I regret to say at this late date that this has not been done, and I'm speaking in terms of 65, 000 people that are being ignored insofar as Manitoba coverage is concerned, that is from the capital City of Winnipeg. We in northwestern Manitoba are continuing to be ignored.

I understand that the transmission line, or whatever it is that goes between the lakes to serve northern Manitoba, can very well, with some slight expense, be converted to accommodate the people to which I refer, and I wonder if the Minister would take this matter under advise ment and see if something could not be done in order that the se 65, 000 Manitobans might get coverage from the capital city of their province.

I understand the investment that went into this layout by the people of Yorkton, and they have to some degree done nobly, but I believe that those of us in northwestern Manitoba should have the same consideration that all the western provinces have, and it's within the confines of the Manitoba Telephones, as I understand it, with the impetus from the Minister, to do something about this particular situation.

I know it would be serving a purpose, and you know, one of the sad things of the whole business was that during the last election the people that I represent were held until the next day before they actually got any information as to whether I was elected or not and people went to bed crying. However, it turned out all right the next morning.

October 10, 1969 1671 (MR. BILTON cont'd.) j But 1Ii all sincerity, Mr. Minister, I would ask you to take �his matter under considera tion. I will be in touch with you again in writing, supplementing what I am saying now, .on the advice of the local people. There is a situation that should be lo�ked into and should be improved. ', MR.

CHERNIACK: The ·Honourable Member for Swan Riverj has already approached us in this connection; we're acquiring more information; I've writteri to him just recently in that connection and I have undertaken to make further investigations. :, The problem is really one of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, but to the extent that �e can assist, I should think we would want to try. ' MR. CHAIRMAN: Re solution 30 -- The Honourable Meinbe:r for Rhine land. MR. FROESE: Mr. Chairman, under the Minister of Finance we find that there is an item dealing with Federal-Provincial relations.

This is of intere!st to me and I would like to know from hiin who are the people working in this department, and are there any reports made on the work that is being done. If they are available I would certainly like to know. I think. this is a matter that is discussed too little in this House, the matter of Federal-Provincial relations, that we should have greater opportunity to discuss thesb matters because I feel that this is a matter that is growing in importance as to the jurisdictions, and there is many other areas that I think we should have a proper discussion on.

This isi the tail-end of the session, certainly it's not conducive tonight to discuss this at any length, but I would like to appeal to the Minister that if there are reports available that these be circu'lated to the members, and that at the next session that this department be brought in earlier 'for discussion so that we can have a proper discussion on this very matter. It's a thing thaft I would like to discuss in much greater detail. , The other matter is the taxation. We show here an item of $1,094,000 in connection with taxation.

I would like to know from him -I am almost sure �hat this does not cover the commissions for sales tax collection, and I think this is just for a:dministration purposes. • I Could he tell us though how much is paid out in commission for cqllecting the sales tax? MR. CHAIRMAN: The Honourable Member for Churchill. ' MR. BEARD: Mr. Chairman, my lottery ticket calls for 11:30 closing and I'm afraid we are running ahead of schedule, so if you have got any worn-out: telephones, Mr. Chairman, I would hope that the Minister would direct them up to the northern communities; we could use them.

Those that are going on direct dial -- seriously, I under stand that there are obsolete or what they call obsolete equipment in southern Manitoba and we pertainly could use them in many of the co=unities in the north, and we would hope that they would seriously take this under consideration. MR. CHAIRMAN: The Honourable House Leader of the Liberal Party. MR.G. JOHNSTON: Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask the former speaker a question. What day is his lottery ticket for ? MR. CHAIRMAN: The Honourable Minister of Finance. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr.

Chairman, the Honourable Member :for Rhineland asks about Dominion-Provincial relations. The division of the department that deals with Federal Provincial relations is one which deals mainly with taxation aspects, the fiscal arrangements with the Federal Government. The staff is made up of a number qf people who are in that division, headed by the Assistant Deputy Minister, Mr. Lance Partridge. They make extensive research studies; they make reports; they are all made in supporti of consideration and representations which are to be made by this government in dealirig in Dominion-Provincial relations.

It seems to me that it would be wrong for that to be pu�lic because these are part of very delicate negotiations that take place. Insofar as Dominion�Provincial relations gener ally are concerned, by all means they should be discussed and they should be discussed on the level of the Ministers involved. Now as to the question pf taxation, the questions asked by thEll honourable member I really don't know that I am in a position to answer the questions. �- (Interjection)-- If I'm not, who is? Who asked that question?

Well let me tell the Honourable Member from Birtle-Russell that I am doing the best I can after having been in office since July!, 15th, and possibly others could do a better job than I, but I don't pretend that I can answer those questions that the honourable member seems to think I should. · Now the million dollars and some referred to under the itemi. of taxation is, I believe, ! ! I L

1672 October 10, 1969 (MR. CHERNIACK cont'd.) ••••. all --yes it is. The $706,000 referred to in item (b) (1) is salaries --Oh, I'm sorry, I'm looking at the wrong one. Salaries under (5)(a), it says that; the other expenditures are supplies, expenses, etc. The amount of commission paid, I don't know that I have that information and I would be quite prepared to give that information to the honourable member at any time that he wants to call me and I can get it, because certainly our depar tment would be glad to do so but I am unable to do so at this stage. --(Interjection) - Yes, he's an excellent assistant, Mr.

Chairman. The gross debt would appear to be $417,604,524 as at March 31, 1969, according to the --that is the gross provincial debt, and the net debt, that is after taking off the investment, the assets, sinking fund, etc., the net direct public debt is $88,592,138. MR. G. JOHNSTON: While the Minister is on •.•• MR. CHERNIACK: Let me finish please. The self-sustaining debt as at the same date, March 31, 1969, is $697,654,211, and the Hydro and Utilities have sinking funds that are set up as well amounting to some $36, 944, 007 as of March 31, 1969. I think I have done pretty well on the information so far.

If my honourable friend now wants to embark on a discussion of what is real money and what is really owing and what is backed up by others, I'll be happy to do so at great lengths for a number of hours to come. MR,G, JOHNSTON: Well, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the Minister's answers with the help of his new assistant, but I wonder if he could tell us what is the debt of the province, not only the gross net but the debts that they guarantee -municipal debt, hydro, telephones, etc., that the province of Manitoba guarantees as well as their debt. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr.

Chairman, I can only repeat that the indirect funded debt, guaranteed debt is the figure I have already given, 697 million etc. This is the self-sustaining debt as far as I can gather from the information supplied to me. MR. CHAIRMAN: The Honourable Member for St. Vital. MR . HARDY: Thank you, Mr . Chairman. May I direct this question to the Honourable the Minister of Finance. Is it the intention of the Minister to now investigate the possibility of increasing the commission paid to vendors that are on a quarterly basis pursuant to the Revenue Tax Act? MR. CHERNIACK: Mr.

Chairman, I am not aware that there is a demand for this at all and I certainly wouldn't want to increase any expenditures unless I had to. MR. HARDY: A supplementary question, Mr. Chairman. I am sure that the Minister is aware that those that are on a quarterly basis are paid in the same manner as those that are on a monthly basis. MR. CHERNIACK: I accept the statement of the honourable member. MR. CHAIRMAN: Resolution 30. The Honourable Member for Souris-Killarney. MR. EARL McKELLAR (Souris-Killarney): I'll wait until 35. I'll wait until you call 35. MR .

CHAIRMAN: (Resolutions 30 to 34 were passed.) Resolution 35. The Honourable Member for Souris-Killarney. MR. McKELLAR: Mr. Chairman, I was just interested to know, during the session the Honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs was answering all questions dealing with insurance, and in the book here it comes under the Department of Finance. Now I am just wondering has there been a transfer from your department to the Department of Municipal Affairs? MR . CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, the Insurance Branch comes under the Department of Finance.

The questions that were asked of the Honourable Minister of Government Services were relating to the gover� ent's investigation of the problem of automobile insurance, and that was a task which he undertook to do. May I say it was a labour of love, but he has under taken the responsibility of looking into that aspect. MR. CHAIRMAN: Resolution 35 --passed; 36 --passed. MR . CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, I am under the impression we have now completed the estimates • MR . CHAIRMAN: Excuse me, I am just checking this last item here. MR . CHERNIACK: That is statutory -the Public Debt on Page 9 is statutory. MR.

CHAIRMAN: Right. That completes the Department of Finance. MR. CHERNIACK: From here on in, Mr. Chairman, I look to the Clerk of the House for guidance and therefore I will move -with a question in my voice -I'm prepared to move that the committee rise and he agrees, so I do so now. MR. CHAIRMAN: The Honourable Member for Riel.

11, �'----- October 10, 1969 16'tlt MR. CRAIK: Mr. Chairman, just before we rise, may I make one further general request, that may the wisdom of Solomon prevail until we meet again. ', MR. CHERNIACK: Committee rise. MR. CHAmMAN: Committee rise. Call in the Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Committee of Supply has adopted certain ,resolutions and directed me to report the same . · ! IN SESSION MR.RU SSELL DOERN (Elmwood): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Kildonan, that the report of the Committee be recei�ed. MR. SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote !declared the motion carried.

CONCURRENCE MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, that the resolutions reported from the Committeej of Supply be now read a second time and concurred in. ' MR. SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote ,declared the motion carried. MR. CLERK: , 1. Resolved that there be gr.antedto Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $700,846.00, Resolution 1 and 2 separately and collectively, for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970. 2.

Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $1,290,329.00 for Executive Council for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of M�J.rch, 1970. . 3. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum hot exceeding $9,943, 019.00 for· Agriculture for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970. 4. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum·not exceeding $6,682,603.00 for Attorney-General for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of M�j.rch, 1970. 5.

Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $690,605.00 for Consumer and Corporate Affairs for the fiscal year ending th� 31st day of March, 1970. 6. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $2,501,422.00 for Finance for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970. 7. Re solved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $7, 561, 628.00 for Government Services for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 197 0 • . 8. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $96,035,599.00 for Health and Social.

Services for the fiscal year ending the 31st pay of March, 1970. 9. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $3,139,311.00 for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970 -Industry and Commerce. 10. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $1,177,033.00 for Labour for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970 ! .• 11. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $14,646,143.00 for Mines and Natural Resources for the fiscal year ending the, 31st day of March, 1970. 12.

Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum �ot exceeding $15,300,563.00 for Municipal Affairs for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970. 13. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $5,070,744.00 for Tourism and Recreation for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970. 14. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding'$50,459,251.00 for Transportation for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970. 15.

Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a sum not exceeding $149,457,365.00 for Youth and Education for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970. Supplementary: Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a further s� not exceeding $303, 278.00 for Legislation for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, �970. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a further sunl. of money not exceeding $254,680.00 for Agriculture for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970.

Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a further sum not exceeding $12,000,000 for Health and Social Services for the fiscal year ending the 31st qay of March, 1970. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a further s� or'money not exceeding $325, 000.00 for Industry and Commerce for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970.

1674 October 10, 1969 (MR. CLERK cont'

d) Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a further sum not exceeding $141,260.00 for Youth and Education for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970. Re solved that there be granted to Her Majesty a further sum not exceeding $4, 000, 000, General Salary Increase, for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970. Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a further sum of money not exceeding $2,000, 000 for Flood Control and Emergency Expenditures for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970.

Supplementary Estimates: Resolved that there be granted to Her Majesty a further sum not exceeding $118,975.00 for Legislation for the fiscal year ending the. 31st day of March, 1970. MR. SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable the Minister of Cultural Affairs, that Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into Committee to consider of Ways and Means for raising of the supply to be granted to Her Majesty. MR .

SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carried and the House resolved itself into a Co=ittee of Ways and Means with the Honourable Member for Elmwood in the Chair. COMMITTEE OF WAYS AND MEANS MR. CHAIRMAN: Resolved that towards making good the sums of money _granted to Her Majesty for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, the sum of $364, 656, 461.00 be granted out of the Consolidated Fund. Passed? The Honourable Member for Rhineland. MR.

FROESE: I do not necessarily want to prolong this session here tonight, but I notice from the estimated revenue for 1970 that we 're estimating something like 60 million under the Revenue Tax. Since we've already completed the previous fiscal year and most likely the Minister has an indication as to what was collected the last year, whether this is realistic. How much was collected under the Revenue Tax during the last year? MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Speaker, I don't believe I have that information readily available. · MR.

CHAmMAN: Resolved that towards making good the sums of money granted to Her Majesty for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, the sum of $19,024,218.00 be granted out of Consolidated Fund. (Passed.) Resolved that towards making good the sums of money granted to Her Majesty for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, the sum of $118,975.00 be granted out of the Consolidated Fund. Passed? The Honourable Member for Rhineland. MR.. FROESE: Where do you derive these figures from?

I would like to have some indication. What page ? MR. CHAffiMAN: Supplementary Estimates. There's no page reference. They were resolutions proposed by the Minister of Finance. MR . CHERNIACK: They were furnished to the honourable member. Are we dealing with the supplementary supply submitted today? The honourable member has them before him. We passed them in Committee of Supply. The honourable member is looking at the supplementary estimates that were filed a month or so ago. It's the distribution of the single page today that is now before us. MR . CHAIRMAN: •.• this afternoon.

Is that the difficulty? (Passed.) Committee Rise • Call in the Speaker . Mr. Speaker, the committee has passed several resolutions and ,begs leave to sit again. IN SESSION MR . DOERN: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Crescentwood, that the report of the co=ittee be received. MR . SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR . CHERNIACK: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable the Minister of Tourism and Recreation, that the Resolutions reported from the Co=ittee of Ways and Means be now read a second time and concurred in,

October 10, 1969 1675 MR . SPEAKER presented the motion. MR . CLERK: Resolved that towards making good the sums of money granted to Her Majesty for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, the sum of $364,656,461.00 be granted out of the Consolidated Fund. Resolved that towards making good the sums of money granted to Her Majesty for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, the sum of $19, 024,218.00 be granted out of the Consolidated Fund.

Resolved that towards making good the sums of money granted to Her Majesty for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, the sum of $118,975.00 be granted out of Consolidated Fund. MR . SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS MR . CHE!tNlACK introduced Bill No. 21,

An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970; Bill No. 33,

an Act for granting to Her Majesty certain further sums of money for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of 1970; and Bill No. 49,

an Act for granting to Her Majesty certain further sums of money for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970. MR . CHERNIACK: May we take a moment now to distribute the bills to the honourable members? GOVERNMENT BILLS MR . CHERNIACK presented Bill No. 21,

an Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, for second reading. MR . SPEAKER presented the motion. MR . SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Riel. MR . CRAIK: One question of clarification, Mr. Speaker. The sum we moved originally was $364 million; on the estimates book I wasn't able to find it. The one that corresponds in the estimates book is 377. Is there ••. MR . CHERNIACK: Let me explain that please. If I'm permitted to I suppose I'll be closing debate if I do, so ... MR .

FROESE: I had one further question in connection with the lapse of expropriations. There's an exception made in connection with

Section 3. I haven't had time to look at this; maybe the Honourable Minister could explain this one. MR . SPEAKER: Are you ready for the question? The Honourable Minister of Finance. MR . CHERNIACK: I'd like to hear a repetition of the question by the Honourable Member for Rhineland because I didn't understand it. MR . FROESE: On Page 3 of the Bill there's a

section dealing- Bill No. 21 -that was the only one-- oh, no, I've got a second one. I thought I only had the one. On Page 3,

Section 5, the lapse of expropriation, there's an exception made here. Maybe the Honourable Minister could explain it. MR . CHERNIACK: Well, Mr. Speaker, I don't pretend to be so familiar with the Bills to be able to answer precisely, but as I see it,

Section 3 seems to apply to various accounting and transfers of funds. It is right before the honourable member and I am sure he has the experience with which he can answer the question to indicate why it is "except as provided in

Section 3." The best reason that I can give is that the legal department and the Finance Depart ment have agreed on the wording. I think that's better than any explanation I can give in any detail. In answer to the honourable member ••. MR . FROESE: On a point of order. I find the

schedule refers to

Section 3, so that's . MR . CHERNIACK: All right. The answer to the Honourable Member for Riel is that the amount of $364 million etc., is the amount which was voted in the estimates. The difference of some $13 million is all statutory items which were not to be voted but are in statutes, dealing with statutory indemnities, members' pensions and public debt accounts. MR . SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR . CHERNIACK presented Bill No. 33,

An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain further sums of money for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, for second reading.

1676 October 10 , 1969 MR . SPEAKE R presente d the motion and after a voice vote decla red the motion carried. MR . CHERNIACK presente d Bill No. 49,

An Act for granting to Her Majesty cer tain further sums of money for the public service of the Province for the fiscal year ending the 31st of March, 1970 , for second re ading. MR . SPEAKER presente d the motion and after a voice vote dec lar ed the motion carried. MR . CHERNIACK: Mr . Speaker, I beg to move , seconded by the Honourable the Member for Logan, that Mr . Speake r do now leave the Chair and the House resol ve itself into Commit tee of the Whole to consider Bi lls Nos. 21, 33 and 49. MR .

SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote decl ared the motion carried and the House resol ved itself into Committee of the Whole with the Honourable Member for Elm wood in the Chair. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE MR . CHERNIACK: Mr . Chairman, would you deal with them page by page, if acceptable , but there are certain amendments that have to be made and I can stop you in time to propose the amendments. MR . CHAffiMAN: Page 1--passed; Page 2 •.. MR . CHERNIACK: Page 2, Mr . Chairman: I beg to move that subsection (1) of

Section 3 of Bill 21 be amende d by striking out the words "Provincial Treasurer" in the first line thereof and substituting therefor the words "Member of the Executive Council charged with the admin istration of the Financial Administration Act. " May I point out, Mr .. Chairman, that to the best of my information, all the amendments are in the same connection, in order to acce pt the change because of the enactment of The Financial Administration Act changing the name . MR . CHAffiMAN: Page 3 --passed. MR . CHERNIACK: I'm sorry, Mr . Chairman. Have you passed the amendment ?

The amendment to Sec tion 3, subsection .(1). MR . CHAffiMAN: Sec tion 3, subsection (1) as amended --passed. MR . CHERNIACK: Say, subsection (2)--passed. MR . CHAffiMAN: Subsection (2)-- passed. MR . CHERNIACK: I have an amendment for subsection (3), Mr . Chairman. I beg to move that subsection (3) of

Section 3 of Bil l 21 be amended (

a) by striking out the words ''Provincial Treasurer" in the first line thereof and substituting therefor the words "member of the Executive Council charged with the administration of the Financial Administration Act" and (

b) by striking out the words and figures "26 of the Treasury Act" in the sixth and seventh line s thereof and substituting therefor the words and figures "38 of the Financial Administration Act" . MR . CHAffiMAN: Subsection (3) of Sec tion 3 of the Bill amended --passed. MR . CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, I beg to move that subsection (4) of Secti on 3 of Bill 21 be amended by striking out the words "Provincial Treasu rer" in the second last line thereof and substituting therefor the words "member of the Executive Council charge d with the administration of the Financial Administration Act." MR . CHAffiMAN:

Section 3, subsection (4) as amended--passed. The Honourable Member for Rhinela nd. MR . FROESE: On Page 3 of the Bill dealing with Sections 4 and 4 (1) and 4 subsection (2) . These are the indemnitie s paid to the Leader of the Official Opposition and also the Leader of the second opposition party and the amounts are divided. I'm not sure is this just for the purpose of showing the expense all owance or is there a special tax deduction involve d as well ? MR . CHERNIACK: Well the answer is both. It's exactl y the way the honourable member recei ves an indemnity and an expense allowance in addition. MR .

FROE SE: So that he gets an additional tax exemption aside from the tax exem ption that we get as an indemnity? MR . CHERNIACK: He gets it exactly in the same way as the Member for Rhine land gets his . MR . FROESE: I'm not referring to the reg ular indemnity. I'm referring to the additional amount that the leader s are getting. MR . CHERNIACK: The answer is correct and the analogy is correct . It's in the same way and under the same system. MR . CHAffiMAN: 4 (1)--passed; (2)--passed; 4 -- passed; Sec tion 5 .•. MR . CHERNIACK: Mr . Chairman, I beg to move that Sect ion 5 of Bill 21 be amended by

October 10, 1969 1677 (MR. CHERNIACK cont'd) •.... striking out the words "The Treasury Act" in the second last line thereof and substituting therefor the words "The Financial Administration Act." MR. CHAffiMAN: (Sections 5 to 7 were read and passed.)

Schedule "A". MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, I beg to move that

Schedule "A" to Bill 21 be amended by striking out the words "Comptroller-General's" and "Comptroller-General" in the first and second lines of paragraph 4 under the heading 1-L�gislation and substituting therefor the words "Provincial Auditor's" and "Provincial Auditor" respectively. MR . CHAffiMAN: (The remainder of Bill No. 21 was read and passed.) Bill No. 33. By page? Page 1--passed. There are some amendments? -- on Page 3. (Pages 1 and 2 of Bill No. 33 were read and passed.) Page 3 -- MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, I beg to move that subsection (7) of

section 3 of Bill 33 be amended by striking out the words "Comptroller-General and the Provincial Treasurer" in the first line thereof and substituting therefor the words "Provincial Auditor and the member of the Executive Council charged with the administration of the Financial Administration Act." MR. CHAffiMAN: Subsection (7) of

Section 3 as amended -- passed. And at the bottom there's an amendment to Section (5). MR. CHERNIACK: Yes, have you passed (4)? Oh, I see. All right you're doing it page by page. MR. CHAffiMAN: We're doing it by page. MR. CHERNIACK: Yes, very well, Mr. Chairman. I beg to move that

Section 5 of Bill 33 be amended by striking out the words "The Treasury Act" in the last line thereof and sub stituting therefor the words "The Financial Administration Act." MR. CHAffiMAN: (Section 5 to

Schedule A of Bill No. 33 was read and passed.)

Section "A" -- MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, I beg to move that

Schedule A to Bill 33 be amended by striking out the words "Comptroller-General's" and "Comptroller-General" in the first, third and fourth lines of paragraph 4 under the heading !-Legislation and substitu ting therefor the words "Provincial Auditor's" and "Provincial Auditor" respectively. MR . CHAffiMAN: Amendment to

Schedule A -- pas�d;

Schedule A --passed. The Honourable Member for Rhineland. MR. FROESE: Just one question. On Page 7 -.General Salary Increases - $4 million. Could the Minister indicate just what percentage this might be? MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, I reported on this at some length at the time that I brought in the estimates and I believe at that time I stated the percentage increase. But I'm really not prepared to make the statement now lest I make a mistake. Now my impression is it is somewhere between 5 and 7 percent, and I get a nod. I'll try it at 5 or 6 or 7. It's up to 7 percent of an increase, Mr. Chairman. MR.

CHAffiMAN: (The remainder of Bill No. 33 was read and passed.) The Honourable Member for Arthur. MR. J. DOUGLAS WATT (Arthur): Did the treasury get the correct count? MR. CHERNIACK: I believe I did. MR. WATT: It is 7? MR. CHAffiMAN: Bill 49. (Bill No. 49 - Sections 1 to 6 were read and passed.)

Schedule A -- The Honourable Member for Rhineland. MR . FROESE: Mr. Chairman, could I make one general observation before the comple tion of reading of these bills as Committee of the Whole? I think there should be some way of allowing greater observation or looking into these bills than what is being done. Every year it's the same thing. We are rushed at the last minute and then these bills come in and I don't think we pay proper attention as members to this.

We take it for granted that everything is in order - and it is in order, I agree that I don't think there is anything that is not in order, but certainly the time allowed for discussion purposes I think is too short. I think we should have a chance at some future time - probably set aside some time where we could be able to discuss these matters. MR . CHERNIACK: Mr. Chairman, the statement made by the honourable member appears eminently reasonable but I must point out to him that the Schedules are the vital things and they are dealt with in estimates at great length and normally to the extent of 80 hours.

In this case we managed it in less than 80 hours, but the fact is that the estimates are gone into in great detail and although the member may be disturbed by the fact that I didn't have the answer

1678 October 10, 1969 (MR. CHERNIACK cont'd) . at band at the moment when he asked about the increase in sala ries, I do point out to him that I bad the exact information at the time we dealt wi th the estimates in detail . Now the other sections of the Act, Mr . Chairman, are prepared in conference by the Department of Finance and the Legisl ative Counsel and they are all administrative .

Now that doesn't mean they shouldn 't be looke d at, but I think that we have shown, both in opposition and now in government, that we have confidence in those people who are charged with the technical re sponsibility and I believe they'v e carried them out. As to the system, I would suggest that this might well be a matter that should be revie wed by the committee that has already been established to review procedures in the House and that committee may actually come out with some rec ommendation that would take care of the objection, or the statement rather, made by the Honourable Member for Rhine land. MR.

CHAmMAN: Committee rise . Call in the Speaker . Mr . Speaker , the Committee halll considered and passed three bills: Bill 21 as amended, Bill 33 as amended and Bill 49 withmit amendment, and wish to report same . IN SESSION MR. DOERN: Mr . Speaker, I move , seconded by the Honourable Member for Winnipeg Centre , that the report of the Committee be recei ved. MR. SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote decla red the motion carried. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr . Speaker, I beg to move , seconded by the Honourable the Minister of Transportation, that Bill No . 21,

an Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the public service of the province for the. fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, be now read a third time and passed. MR. SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote decla red the motion carried. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr . Speaker, I beg to move , seconded by the Honourable Member for Cre scentwood, that Bill No. 33,

an Act for granting to Her Majesty certain further sums of money for the public service of the province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, be now read a third time and passed. MR. SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote declared the motion carrie.d . MR. CHERNIACK: Mr . Speaker, I beg to move , seconded by the Honourable the Member for Gimli, that Bill No. 49,

An Act for granting to Her Majesty cer tain further sums of money for the public service of the province for the fiscal year ending the 31st day of March, 1970, be now read a third time and passed. MR. SPEAKER presented the motion and after a voice vote decla red the motion carrie d. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr . Speaker , would you care to turn to Page 3 of the Order Paper , it being the next item before us.

�I October 10, 1969 1679 PRIVATE MEMBERS' RESOLUTIONS! MR. SPEAKER: The adjourned debate on the proposed resqlution of the Honourable Member for Brandon West. The Honourable Member for BrandoD; West. MR. CRAIK: Mr. Speaker, before we embark on this, coulli we come to some sort of general agreement with respect to the private members' resolutiqns?

Would it, for instance, be agreeable that on those resolutions that have not been introduced that we simply bring them forward for the vote on them, and for those that have not been introduced yet that just a short introductory statement be allowed by the sponsor and if it so desires vote o"n them ilnmediately? MR. FROESE : Mr. Speaker, on the same point of order. Personally ! would rather see that these resolutions be withdrawn because I wouldn't want to pa�:�s some of them without mak ing some remarks or qualifying my vote and therefore I wouid ... � MR. CHERNIACK: Mr.

Speaker, the position of the governinent is that private mem-, bers' resolutions are private members' resolutions and whether they be withdrawn cerhtinly I think this side would give consent to that.

But if they're to be ptesented then the co� ents made by the Honourable Member for Riel I think have been heard J:>y all members of the House and I would lend my support to what he says without indicating that any member is really pro hibited or prevented in any way from speaking except to the extent that he himself feels the restriction on himself under the circumstances from debating at lfngth. _ I think t� t that is probably a statement that should be satisfactory to the Honourable Member for Riel. MR. CRAIK: Perhaps Mr.

Speaker - I think that the Memb�r for Rhineland was referring particularly to those that have not yet been debated in the House w;hich are the latter resolutions in the list here. But with respect to the ones that have been debated 'which are the majority of the resolutions here then perhaps we could compromise and sugg1st that at the discretion of the sponsor he may wish to speak or he may wish not to speak. MR.

CHERNIACK: Since we are on a point of order, may l indicate to m�mbers of the House that it is my proposal now to seek out the Lieutenant-Gove�nor and I trust the House will not take _it amiss if when he is ready we break in at whatever 1stage we're at so. that we could acc ommodate both the Lieutenant-Governor and having the �ills processed. MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Brandon West. MR. EDWARD McGILL (Brandon West): Mr.

Speaker, on this resolution i had on Tuesday afternoon at 5:30 very nearly concluded my remarks whi?h would have closed debate and I had just briefly commented on the contributions made by the Honourable Member for Kildonan and the Honourable Member for The Pas. I think that th� need for legislation of this type is quite understood by the members of the Assembly. I think it's the kind of leadership legislation which this province could well undertake and which the� could use perhaps as a guide the legislation which was passed in British Columbia last Ytjar.

I think this might well be improved upon and I commend this resolution to the government and I think that I would just close my remarks at this time. Thank you. I MR. SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR. SPEAKER: The proposed resolution of the Honourable: Member for ste. Rose and the proposed motion of the Honourable Minister of Finance in am�ndment thereto. The Honour able Member for Souris-Killarney. MR. McKELLAR: Mr.

Speaker , I just rise for a moment t6 say I'm somewhat disap- pointed the government didn't agree to the bill that we had before the Twenty- Eighth . ' •t , " Legislature, last Session of the Twenty-E ighth Legislature. I think it was a good bill. I'm sorry they're not going along with the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta in rebating estate tax, so we'll have to vote against the amendment and we're, voting for the original motion. 1 MR. SPEAKER put the question on the amendment and after a voice vote declared the motion lost. MR. CHERNIACK: This is Resolution 4, Mr. Speaker. The amendment?

Yeas and ·nays, please, Mr. Speaker. MR. SPEAKER: Ca ll in the members. A STANDING VOTE was taken, the result being as- follows: : YEAS: Messrs. Allard, Beard, Borowski, Boyce, Burtnial!:, Cherniack, Desj ardins, Doern, Fox, Gonick, Gottfried, Jenkins , McBryde, Malinowski, Petursson, Shafransky, Toupin, Turnbull, Uskiw and Uruski. _ ] ____ _

1680 October 10, 1969 NAYS: Messrs . Bark:man, Bilton, Claydon, Craik, Einarson , Enns , Froese, Girard , Grab am, McGill, McKellar, Moug, Patrick, Sberman, Watt and Mrs. Trueman . CLERK : Yeas , 20; Nays, 16. MR . SPEAKER declared the amendment carried. MR . HARDY: Mr. Speaker, may I advise that I have been paired with the Honourable the Attorn ey-General. If I had voted I would have voted "nay". MR . SPEAKER: Are you ready for the question on the motion as· amended? MR . SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion carried . MR .

SPEAKER: The proposed motion of the Honourable Leader of the Official Opposition and the propos ed motion of the Honourable Member for St. Boniface in amendment thereto . The Honourable Member for Birtle-Russell. MR . GRAHAM: Mr. Speaker, I don't think I will say any more at this time. I just let this go to a vot e. MR . SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion carried . MR . DE SJARDINS: Yeas and nays , please. A MEMBER: Oh, come on. MR . DE SJARDINS: Oh, yes, yeas and nays. Yeas and nays , Mr. Speaker. MR . SPEAKER: Call in the members.

A STANDING VOTE was taken, the results being as follows: YEAS: Messrs . Allard, Bark:man, Beard , Bilton, Borowski, Boyce, Burtniak, Chernia ck, Claydon, Craik, Desjardins, Doern, Einarson, Enns, Fox, Girard , Gonick, Gottfried, Hardy, Je nkins, McBryde, McGill, McKellar, Malinowski, Moug, Patrick, Petursson , Shafransky, Sherman , Toupin , Turnbull, Uskiw, Uruski, Watt and Mrs. Trueman . CLERK: Yeas , 35; Nays, nil. MR . SPEAKER put the question on the motion as amended and after a voice vote declared the motion carried . MR .

SPEAKER: The adjourned debate on the proposed resolution of the Honourable House Leader of the Liberal Party. The Honourable House Leader of the Liberal Party. MR , P A TRICK: Mr. Speaker, he's out of the House at the moment . Would you call the resolution, please? · MR . SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion carried . MR . SPEAKER: The proposed resolution of the Honourable Member for Sturgeon Creek. The Honourable Member for Churchill. I'm sorry. And the proposed motion of the Honourable Member for The Pas in amendment thereto. The Honourable Member for Churchill.

MR , SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the amendment carried. MR . SPEAKER: Are you ready for the question on the motion as amended? MR . SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR . SPEAK ER: The adjourned debat e on the proposed resolution of the Honourable Member for Riel and the proposed motion of the Honourable Member for Assiniboia in amend ment thereto . The Honourable Minister of Health and Social Services . MR . CHERNIACK: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Minister's not here and would waive the right to spe ak. MR .

SPEAKER: Are you ready for the question? I apologize to the honourable members. There's the proposed motion and the motion in amendment thereto by the Honourable Member for Assiniboia. MR . SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the amendment lost. MR . SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion defeated. MR . CRAIK: Yeas and Nays, Mr. Speaker, pleas e. MR . SPEAKER: Call in the members . A STANDING VOT E was taken , the results being as follows: YEAS: Messrs .

Bilton , Claydon, Craik, Einarson , Enns , Ferguson, Froese, Graham, Hardy, McGill, McKellar, Moug, Sherman, Watt and Mrs. Trueman. NAYS: Messrs. Allard, Borowski, Boyce, Burtniak, Chernia ck, Desj ardins , Doern, Fox, Gonick, Gottfried, Je nkins, McBryde, Malinowski, Patrick, Petursson, Shafransky, Toupin, Turnbull, Uskiw and Uruski. CLERK : Yeas , 15; Nays 20. MR . SPEAKER declared the motion lost. MR . BEARD: Mr. Speaker, I was paired with the Honourable Minister of Labour.

1 ------ ------- ---��- October 10, 1969 1681 MR. GABRIEL GffiARD (Emerson): Mr. Speaker, I was pa:ired with the Honourable Member for St. Matthews. Had I voted I would have voted in favour of the motion. MR. SPEAKER: The proposed resolution of the Honourable' Member for Fort Garry. The Honourable Member for Kildonan. 1 MR. PETER FOX (Kildonan): I do not wish to speak, Mr. Speaker, thank you. MR. SPEAKER put the question and aft er a voice vote decl�red the motion carried. MR, SPEAKER: The proposed· resolution of the Honourable Member for Chur chill.

The Honourable House Lea der of the Liberal Party. :: �:�� : p�rth�:a::��n i: n�:�=; e:�: lc: a��:ud::��:� ;:: ��:��:?carried. MR. SPEAKER: The proposed resolution of the Honourable Member for La keside. The Honourable Member for Fort Garry. MR. BUD SHERMAN (Fort Garry): Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say one or two words in support of the resolution introduced by my colleague the I Member for Lakeside .. I think it's. eminently fair , it strives for fai rness and understanding between the

section of the public that participates in hunting, the sport of hunting, the recreation of hunting in this province, and that

section of the public which, through no fault of its own and in fact through no intended fault of the hunters, is the victim of some loss, some property damage and some un fortunate expense. There's no need to dwell on the subject matter of the resolution, Mr. Speaker. It speaks for itself. I suggest again that it's eminently fair , that it would eliminate an abrasive situation that currently exists between the two sectors of our society that I've referred to , and I would ask the support of all honourable members for. the cause implicit in the resolution. MR. SPEAKER: Are you ready for the question ?

The Honburable Minister of Agricul: ture. HON. SAMUEL USKIW (Minister of Agriculture) (Lac du Bok et): Mr. Speaker, it's not my intent to prolong the debates and resolutions. However, the Honourable Member for Fort Garry took the option and I think I ought to reply.

We are not going to support the motion be cause implicit in the motion is the fact that a hunter that achieve� a good-hunting certificate is being asked to pay a fine or a penalty in support of a farmer that has sustained some loss by the hunter that was indeed negligent and I think it's the w_rong approabh to the problem, It seems to me that if we're going to deal with the problem adequately through the issuance .of hunting licenses , then we ought to have some sort of merit rating on past performance and up the license fees for those that haven't been abiding by the traditional good rules of the hunting game .

MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for La keside. i MR, ENNS: Mr. Speaker, I was prepared to leave this resolution pass because, as the Member from Fort Garry has indicated, it really bears little further discussion, Its purposes are clear.

I'm rather disappointed that the government is not going to support the resolution and I want to just indicate to members of the government - I'm lobking for the few members of the government that are there that do represent rural parts of Ml!-nitoba and who have some concern about the difficult ies of vandalism that does occur in this particular area, and I recognize that they, in voting against this motion, must be doing so only because the party pressure is on and the party whip is on, because it's a most rea�onable resolution, a resolution that I lmow that if the Minister of Mines and Natural Resources were present in the House he would support.

It's a .resolution that I lmow the Department of Mines and Natural Resources is prepared to carry into. I think the Minister of Agriculture took a wrong impression about the words "good-hunting certifica te". In essence, it's a suggestion that a general hunting certifi cate that is purchased by the hunting public, support this means l!ather than if necessary coming - and I did not want to impinge on the problems of the Minister of Finance and create greater diff iculties for him .... MR. CHERNIACK: If I may. ... . MR. ENNS: So I close with that , Mr.

Speaker, and suggest very seriously that the hon ourable members of the government are making a mistake in turning down this resolution. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Speaker, I didn't want to interrupt -- I didn't want to stop the honourable member, I thought I could interrupt and ask permisstlm that we stay until the House will deem it advisable to adjourn at a later period, and I didn't want to stop him from speaking but he could continue. May I ask, Mr. Speaker, if we could have leave of the House to continue in session

1682 October 10 , 1969 (MR. CHERNIACK cont'd.) •••• after 10:00 o' clock? MR . SPEAKER: Agreed ? (Agreed.) MR . ENNS: Well that's fine, Mr. Speaker. I have no further contribution to make to this resolution other than to indicate to the House that I am of course quite prepared to see this government vote against this particular resolution. Thank you. MR . SPEAKER: I'm afraid the debate is closed. Are you ready for the question? MR. SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion lost. MR . ENNS: Yeas and nays , Mr. Speaker, please. MR . SPEAKER: Call in the members.

A STANDING VOTE was taken , the result being as follows: YEAS: Messrs. Barkman, Bilton, Claydon, Craik, Einarson, Enns, Ferguson, Froese, Grabam, Hardy, Johnston (Portage la Prairie), Johnston (Sturgeon Creek) , McGill, McKellar, Moug, Patrick, Sherman and Watt, and Mrs. Trueman. NAYS: Messrs. Allard, Beard, Borowski, Boyce, Burtniak, Cherniack, Desjardins, Doern, Fox, Gottfried, Jenkins, McBryde, Mackling, Malinowski, Petursson, Shafransky, Toupin, Turnbull, Uskiw and Uruski. MR . CLERK: Yeas , 19; Nays, 20. MR . SPEAKER: I declare the motion lost. MR. GffiARD: Mr.

Speaker, I didn't vote, for the same reason as before. Had I voted I would have eagerly supported the resolution. MR. SPEAKER: The proposed resolution of the Honourable Member for River Heights. The Honourable Minister of Labour. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Speaker , the Honourable Minister of Labour is unable to be 0 here but I am informed by him that he intended to point out only that the government believes that its proper role in this matter is to provide full back-up support to the communities and the business interests affected who do make these representations. And therefore, Mr.

Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Kildonan, that the res olution be amended by deleting the words "assuming full responsibiUty for representing the" appearing in the fourth last line thereof, and substituting therefor the words: "continuing to provide economic research and legal assistance to the". MR . SPEAKER presented the motion. MR . FROESE: Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the Minister making the amendment could ex plain what the amendment does to the resolution? MR . CHERNIACK: Of course. The resolution -- well it's obvious that you haven't had a copy of the amendment.

The resolution reads that "the Provincial Government consider the advisabiUty of assuming full responsibility for representing the communities and business in terests." In other words, that the government would do that. The amendment says that the government shall continue to provide economic research and legal assistance to the com munities and business interests affected in hearings. MR. SPEAKER: Are you ready for the question on the amendment? MR . CRAIK: Mr.

Speaker, I feel that in thE'; absence of the Honourable the Member for River Heights, just a quick observation that we can make is that it cbanges it too extensively and we can't support the amendment. MR . SPEAKER put the question on the amendment and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR . SPEAKER put the question on the motion as amended and after a voice vote declared the motion carried. MR. WATT: Yeas and nays , Mr. Speaker. MR . SPEAKER: Call in the members. Does the honourable member have support ? Does the honourable member have support?

The proposed resolution of the Honourable the House Leader of the Liberal Party. Are you ready for the question? MR . SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion lost. -- (Interjection) -- MR . SPEAKER: No. 22. MR . G. JOHNSTON: Mr. Speaker, on the point of order, I thought a vote was being called. A MEMBER: We're still on 16 aren't we ?

�l. f ---�-�� , October 10 , 1969 I 1683 MR. SPEAKER: I asked the honourable member on two occasions whether he had support and he did not respond. I MR. WATT: I' ll get support now then. I didn't hear -- the ban came from the Member I of St. Bonlface. I did not hear. ... • i MR. SPEAKER: The Chair had asked for support twice. i MR. CHERNIACK: Mr.· Speaker, lest there be any thought that this was not clear to the members , the resolution No. 16, the amendment passed and the :niotion as amended was called by you as passed. The Honourable Member for Arthur rose and a!sked for ayes and nays and you, Mr.

Speaker, asked twice in my hearing whether or not he hitd support and there was no one who rose. However, in the event that the Honourable Member for Arthur feels that he didn't hear and wants to indicate support, I'm sure members on tills side would not want to block his opportunity to have the ayes and nays. If, however, he �oesn't feel it necessary, then I would leave it to him, but I wouldn't like this, at this momdnt,· that there should be any difficulty in this regard. i MR. SPEAKER : I appreciate the Honourable Minister's co:rp.ments. Does the honourable member have support ?

A STANDING VOTE was taken, the result being as follows: i YEAS: Messrs . Allard, Barkman, Beard, Borowskl, Boyc;e, Burtniak, Cherniack, Desjardins, Doern, Fox, Froese, Gonlck, Gottfried, Jenklns, Jobriston (Portage la Prairie), McBryde, Mackllng, Malinowski, Patrick, Petursson, ShafransltY, Toupin, Turnbull, Usklw I and Uruskl. ' . NAYS: Messrs . Bilton, Claydon, Craik, Einarson, .Enns, � erguson, Graham, Hardy, I Johnston (Sturgeon Creek), McGill, McKellar, Moug, Sherman, Watt, and Mrs. Trueman. MR. CLERK: Yeas, 25 ; Nays; 15. MR. SPEAKER: I declare the motion as amended carried. i MR. GffiARD: Mr.

Speaker, I was paired with the Honour�ble Member for St. Matthews, and had I voted I would have voted with my colleagues -- I would have voted against the motion. Is this what you're asking, Sir ? MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Minister of Finance. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Speaker , I wonder before you call Resolution 22 whether I could have the co-operation of the House. I explained this morning that there's a certain procedure to be gone through after the bills are assented to.

I'm informed the Lieutenant-Governor is now ready and waiting to come in to give Royal Assent, and I wou�d indicate to honourable members that after Royal Assent is given it is necessary and in �he interests of all members present, that a Cabinet meeting be held, which could be held in the hall and would take no more than three or four minutes, and I assure members that it �ill be done both expeditiously and to their advantage. I 'm wondering, Mr. Speaker, whether it! would be in order if I be permitted now to escort the Lieutenant-Governor into the Chamb�r and if, when we leave, that you, Mr.

Speaker, could leave the Chair for about five minutes Jntn the Cabinet comes back, in order to carry out that necessary function and then we could rksume our business for the balance of the day. If you need fuller explanation I can give it, but I doubt if it's necessary. DEPUTY SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour the Lieutenaht-Governor. MR. SPEAKER: May it please Your Honour: The Legislative Assembly, at its pres ent Session, passed several Bills which, in the name of the Assembly, I present to Your Honour and to which Bills I respectfully request Your Honour's assent. ! MR.

DEPUTY CLERK: Bill No. 10 - The Fisheries Act. Bill No. 12 - The Consumer Protection Act. Bill No. 17 -

An Act to amend The Natural Products Marketing Act. Bill No. 20 -

An Act to amend The Public Schools Act. 1 Bill No. 24- The Proceeds of the Contracts Disbursement! Act, 1969. Bill No. 25 - The Ombudsman Act. 1 Bill No. 26 -

An Act to amend The Teachers' Pensions Act. Bill No. 28 -

An Act to amend The Municipal Act. i Bill No. 29 -

An Act to amend The St. James-Asslniboia Charter and to alter the boundaries of the City and of The Rural Municipality of Rosser . Bill No. 30 -

An Act to incorporate The Brandon Universi�y Students• Union. Bill No. 21 -

An Act to amend The Mineral Taxation Act. ·

1684 October 10, 1969 (MR. DEPUTY CLERK cont'd. ) B111 No. 32 -

An Act to amend The Mining Royalty and Tax Act. B111 No. 34-

An Act to-amend The Civil Service Act. Blll No. 36 -

An Act to amend The Health Services Insurance Act. Bill No . 37 -

An Act to amend The Social Allowances Act. Bill No. 38 -

An Act to amend The Election Act. Bill No. 39 -

An Act to amend The Income Tax Act (Manitoba), 1962. Bill No. 40 - The Manitoba Centennial Lottery Act. Bill No. 41 -

An Act to amend The Manitoba Development Fund Act. Bill No. 43 -

An Act to incorporate St. Anthony's General Hospital. Bill No. 44-

An Act to amend The Municipal Act (2) . Bill No. 45 -

An Act to amend The Winnipeg Charter, 1956 (2). Bill No. 46 - The Agricultural Credit Corporation Act. Bill No. 47 -

An Act to amend The Legislative Assembly Act (2). Bill No. 48 -A n Act to validate By-law No. 801 of The Rural Municipality of Shoal Lake. MR . CLERK: In Her Majesty 's name , His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor doth ass ent to these bills . MR . SPEAKER: We, Her Majesty's most dutiful and faithful subjects , the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in session asse mbled, approach Your Honour with sentiments of un feigned devotion and loyalty to Her Majesty's person and Government, and beg for Your Honour the acceptance of these Bills: Bill No. 21 -

An Act for granting to Her Maj esty Certain Sums of Money for the Public Service of the Province for the Fiscal Year Ending the 31st day of March, 1970 . Bill No. 33 -

An Act for granting to Her Majesty Certain Further Sums of Money for the Public Service of the Province for the Fiscal Year Ending the 31st day of Mar ch, 1970 . Bill No. 49 -

An Act for granting to Her Majesty Certain Further Sums of Money for the Public Service of the Province for the Fiscal Year Ending the 31st day of March, 1970. MR. CLERK: His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor doth thank Her Majesty 's dutiful and loyal subjects , accepts their benevolence, and ass ents to these Bills in Her Majesty's name. MR, SPEAKER: The proposed resolution of the Honourable House Leader of the Liberal Party. MR. G, JOHNSTON : Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Assiniboia:

WHEREAS Canadian grain sales are down substantially, AND

WHEREAS the prospects for the future are not overly bright, AND

WHEREAS Manitoba farmers are already facing a serious shortage of cash income, AND

WHEREAS many farmers will be unable to pay their bills and taxes, AND

WHEREAS this situation is already having a serious impact on the economy of rural communities and will adversely affect the entire provincial economy, THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that the Standing Committee on Agriculture be called into emergency sitting immediatelY'at the current sess ion of the Legislature to consider all aspects of the problem and to recommend means of alleviating it, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that representatives of the Canadian Wheat Board, the Canada Grains Council, the United Grain Growers, the Manitoba Pool Elevators and other concerned public and private agencies be invited to appear before the committee with sub missions and recommendations respecting the problem.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee be instructed to report back to the House at the earliest possible time , recognizing the urgency of the problem and the need for prompt action to assist the farmers of Manitoba. MR. SPEAKER presented the motion. MR. G. JOHNSTON: Well, Mr. Speaker, we are in the dying moments of this session I understand - many members hope that anyways . However, I would like to register my protest with the present government, and taking into account the fact that they have only been in the session for two months and they had only been in office for one month before that , Mr.

Speaker, I still wish to protest the fact that this government has not seen fit to treat the problem concern ing agriculture even in the same method that they considered other problems. The Sess ion has appointed an all-party committee to deal and make recommendations with respect to the problems concerning the northern part of Manitoba. The government has

-��--- �� --- - ----- ---- - 1- ) October 10, 1969 1685 I (MR. G. JOHNSTON cont'd. ) •••• also seen fit to appoint a committee to deal with economic development, and here we have an industry in the Province of M�itob a, an industry which has for the life of this province been Number one. Now, admittedly, we are developing a secondary industry, but still agriculture is one of the prime bases of incom� and derivation of living for the people of our province. _ 1 I would like to quote from the report that has been called fot by the Minister of Agricul ture, and only quote one paragraph, Mr. Speaker.

On Page 26, and I quote paragraph (c) , and this is a submission made by the Manitoba Farmers Union: "Mr. Ken Singleton, President of the Manitoba Farmers Union, was interviewed in order to obtain his assessment of the general attitudes of farmers in Manitoba in their present situation. It was his opinion that the_ problem is with farmers who are dependent on a grain economy and they ate in serious financial trouble." Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm sorry if some members on the opposite side are laughing and perhaps you should call them to order, I don't know. This seems to be a joke to them. - MR.

SPEAKER : I believe the honourable member's point is well taken. The House has not adjourned and he certainly 1s entitled to the courtesy of the members . MR. G. JOHNSTON:. I do not ask their concern for the pro�lem, Mr. Speaker •. I only ask that they give a little silence while I am .speaking. I continue :to quote: ''It was indicated that these farmers are frustrated because they just don't know which way to turn. They lack sufficient funds to pay their bills and there seems no prospect fori an improvement in the present quotas.

Some have experienced concern over losing their1 farnis and some have already lost a major part of their machinery through repossessions ." Mr. Speaker, I repeat again, although it's late in the session, we do not expect the gov ernment to be the cure-all and the answer for all problems, but I certainly do think that they should have given the same concern to this problem as they have � ven to the northern situation and as they have given by appointing a committee to consider the problem of economic develop- m�. ' MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Arthur. MR. WATT: Mr.

Speaker, I don't intend to speak at any le� h. What the Honourable Member for Portage la Prairie has said is what we have been saying in this party for the past two months through this session; all other segments of our peoplei in the Province of Manitoba have been considered for the past two months and there never has been one word from the government on behalf of the farmers of the Province of Manitoba.

I've repeatedly asked the Minister to make strong representation to the Federal Governm ent and to come up with some policy that would give sonie assistance and to some extent alleviate the problems that -we have now, which he demanded of me time and again and time and again 1in the last session. I'm not going to belabour the point. I don't think that there's any point in me saying over and over and over again what I have said and getting no response from the Minister. All I've ever had from him through this whole sessi on is : ''We are aware of the situation: and we're studying it.

" So now, Mr. - yes, that is correct. My Honourable Member from Swan River says the Minister has stated that he's sick of hearing it from the farmers of the proyince of Manitoba. So I simply say that we intend to support the resolution. MR. USKIW: Mr. Speaker, on the point of privilege. I corrected my honourable friend the other day on the same point and he's repeating something out qf context. MR. WATT: I say again, Mr.

Speaker, that when the honourable member got up to correct me the other day and when he was speaking, he indicated �hat he was sick of hearing the whole repetition of the problems of the farmers in Manitoba and •••. MR. USKIW: Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if I may correct1my honourable friend, on the point of privilege. 1 MR. WATT: If my honourable friend will look it up in Hansard he will see it there. MR. USKIW: Mr. Speaker. MR. WATT : .. •• and it's certainly evident that nothing has been done. MR. USKIW: Mr. Speaker, on a point of privilege, I told my honourable friend, Mr.

Speaker, for the record, that I was sick and tired of him, not the problem. MR. WATT: Mr. Speaker, I'm not talking on a point of privilege. I was speaking. I had the chair a few moments ago and I sat down and gave my chalil to the gentleman, and I say to him that he got up and said he was sick and tired of hearing repetition, that I had been asking him too many times to do something for the farmers in the province of Manitoba. And he may be sick of it but I'm not.

I am still interested in the farmers in the Province of Manitoba and I intend to support the resolution of the Honourable Member from Portage la Prairie, and my colleagues will be doing the same. -Thank you. I

1686 October 10 , 1969 MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Rhineland. MR. FRO ESE: Mr. Speaker , I too would like to just add a few words in connection with the resolution before us. Tonight while coming to this building I pas sed a group of students who were having this hunger vigil - is it, what they call it - in connection with food for the people in Biafra. We in this country have large surpluses, yet these people have to hunger and I think this is very very unfair.

I am sure that many of our farmers would be only too willing and only too happy to give some of their surplus grain to these people so tha t they need not hunger, but we know that because of the red tape of our Canadian Wheat Board this is an impos sibility at the present time. So there are ways and means of disposing of our surplus if we only took advantage and had this red tape removed and the situation rectified. I certainly support the honourable member in bringing in and forwarding this resolution. It seems to me that we have done nothing in this last ses sion to offer any remedial help to the farmer.

We passe d the one Credit Act, but that was legislation that was repealing another bill and replacing it with a new bill giving certain more powers. But that's about the only thing · that has happened and I feel that we have not given proper attention to this problem that is fac ing us and it will be growing moPe severe in the next couple of months, that our farmers are facing a very critical period of time and we should have made more and taken greater effort to do something for them.

I have repeatedly, o::- l}ast occasions , asked that we as a provincial government see to it that there will be more inland storage facilities provided so that more of the grain could be delivered and thus sold to the Canadian Wheat Board. This would provide additional income to the farmer, and all it would do, it would add to the inventory of the Canadian Wheat Board, but certainly it would alleviate the problem that we have at the present time and would have given some relief. MR . SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Radisson. MR . HARRY SHAFR ANSKY (Radisson): Mr.

Speaker , as a freshman member of this Ass embly, it has been an experience of both joy and frustration. And I can say this , that being a new member of this Ass embly I have sometimes wondered what we are trying to do. When I've seen some of the debates that have been going on, I wondered ••• MR. WATT: What is the honourable member speaking on? MR . SHAFR ANSKY: I'm just trying to talk about the whole general conclusion of this Ass embly, as it seems to be that we are re aching it -- (Interjection) -- Pardon me ? MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member must speak to the motion if he wishes to . . MR.

SHAFR ANSKY: I'm out of order ? Okay, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much. I'll sit down. MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Souris Killarney. MR. McKELLAR: Mr. Speaker, I'd just like to say a few words before we vote on this res olution because I want to congratulate my seatmate here , the Honourable House Leader of the Liberal Party , for bringing this resolution, because I think it clearly states that what the farmers need today is to get all these people together and discuss the farmers problems around the table.

The Minister has continually refused to bring the Standing Committee of Agriculture into Committee so that we could discuss this, and I think it's a crying shame. I asked him when I spoke on the Speech from the Throne, I asked him when I spoke on his bill the other day, to assist direct loans to the farmers, and I plead with him now, that any time you're in the month of November and if he wants the farmers on this side of the House to come in, we'll be glad to come in without any payment at all. MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Minister of Agriculture. MR. USKIW: Mr.

Speaker, I agree that the problems in agriculture are serious, and in keeping with that in mind, Mr. Speaker , there have been certain undertakings by this govern ment in an attempt to deal with them in some effective manner.

I want to point out again, as I have on a number of occas ions during this sessi on, the fact that I have been in discussion with the federal people with respect to current crisis in farm income and sales of grain, and that there are current things happening with respect to trying to deal with those particular problems, one of those being the report which was tabled in this House only a week ago. The reason why I wanted that kind of a report, Mr.

Speaker, is to give me the kind of evidence that would back up any representation that I would want to make additional to what I have already made to the federal authorities. That' s going to be part and parcel , Mr. Speaker , of a brief which I intend to take to Ottawa as soon as this session is i \

� I I October 10, 1969 1687 (MR. USKIW cont'd. ) ..... through, Mr. Speaker, and therei will be members of the business community that I hope to invite along with me, people th�t are interested in the grain trade , people that are interested in agriculture, farm organizations .and so forth. So we are doing something about it, Mr. Speaker. 1 My honourable friends perhaps aren't patient enough. Perhaps they don't realize that I did spend a few candlelight hours in trying to deal with problems <;>f agriculture as I always have done, Mr. Speaker.

My honourable friends opposite, if the� would have only acted with the kind of foresight and haste which we are at this present time, we perhaps wouldn't be in the dilemma we are in today. MR. SPEAKER: The Member for Birtle-Russell. MR. WATT: Mr. Speaker, .• . MR. SPEAKER: Has the honourable member a question? MR. GRAHAM: Mr. Speaker, .•• MR. SPEAKER: May the Honourable Member for Arthur ask his question then. MR. WATT: Well , Mr.

Speaker, the Minister just mentioned that he was going to make additional representation to the Federal Government because of the report of the -- additional representation to whathe had already made ? I've been asking all 1through this session to give a statement on his representation and I've got nothing. Could he tell us ? MR. USKIW: Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that I had made mention of discussions that I had with the Federal Minister of Agriculture two or three mpnths ago - or two months ago.

I have presented a submission through the Premier to the Prairie Economic Council sug gesting certain formula and solution to the problem of the grain farmer. The Prairie Economic Council adopted part of that recommendation; they have submitted lit on behalf of the three prairie provinces , or in the process of, to federal authority. There is going to be a follow-up from this government and from the other two prairie governmentS! very shortly. MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Birtle-Russell. MR. GRAHAM: Mr.

Speaker, I intend to support in the best manner I know how the reso lution of the Leader of the Liberal Party, and I must say that some of the report that the Minister of Agriculture has brought forward surprises me to no small end because the report in general is in direct contravention to any of the figures that I have received. The Dominion Bureau of Statistics reports a 14 percent decline in agricultural income in Manitoba. This is not the case as reported in the provincial report.

This only leads to greater confusion .in the minds of the farmers., and when the final reports are out, the fina� analysis is made, we'll find out whether the Dominion statistics are correct or whether the report commissioned by this government and presented in this House was factual or not. · MR. USKIW: May I ask the honourable member a question? i MR. GRAHAM: Yes. MR. USKIW: Is he questioning the integrity of the staff of my department, or the com petence? -- (Interjection) -- Well, I'm beginning to wonder. 1: MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable the House Leader of the Liberal Party. MR. G. JOHNSTON: Well, Mr.

Speaker, if I speak at this tj.me I'll be closing debate on the motion. 1 Well, Mr. Speaker, to put it mildly, I'm surprised at the attitude of the government. Usually they have the courtesy to give a deliberate speech on any s.erious motion, and while they may consider that the motion is beyond their ken or beyond their scope or beyond their hope of doing something about it, they at least have the courtesy of proposing an amendment where they will say they will try to do something. But our friends ' on the other side throw up their hands and they're sitting back and they're waiting - for· when?

Someone's probably got a pool on when the House will prorogue; I don't know. i But there has been no indication from the other side, other than a weak defence by the Minister of Agriculture about what he said away back when. But he doesn't go back to when he was on this side, when all the solutions , the suggestions he had to propose - and believe me, I had his words marked and ready to go on private members day butl don't have them with me now - but he sits back and says, well he's written a letter to Ottawa and he's spoke to someone I in Ottawa.

He considers that this side , some people on this side have doubted his integrity or doubted the integrity of members of his department. He considers that perhaps that he is the answer to the problem, and if he doesn't have it right now, just wait a little and perhaps he will have it. -- (Interjection) -- No, I don't. I don't, that's why I call on these people to

1688 October 10, 1969 (MR. G. JOHNSTON cont'd. ) • • • • • help us solve the problems - representatives of the Wheat Board, representatives of the Canada Grains Council , United Grain Growers , the Manitoba Pool Elevators and other: concerned public and private agencies, to help and discuss and try and suggest some answers to this problem. The government has taken the same action with respect to northern problems and has taken the same action with respect to problems in the economic sector, yet they do not con sider they should take this action with respect to problems in the field of agriculture. Mr.

Speaker, I say no more and I call the vote. MR. SPEAKER put the question and after a voice vote declared the motion lost. MR. G. JOHNS TON: Yeas and nays please, Mr . Speaker. MR. SPEAKER: Call in the members. A STANDING VOTE was taken, the result being as follows: YEAS: Messrs. Barkman, Beard, Bilton, Claydon, Craik, Einarson, Enns, Ferguson, Froese, Graham, Hardy, Johnston (Portage la Prairie) , Johnston (Sturgeon Creek), McGill, McKellar, Moug, Patrick, Sherman, and Watt, and Mrs. Trueman. NAYS: Messrs.

Allard, Borowski, Boyce, Burtniak, Cherniack, Desja rdins, Doern, Fox, Gonick, Gottfried, Jenkins, McBryde, Mackling, Malinowski, Paulley, Petursson, Shafransky, Toupin, Turnbull, Uskiw and Uruski MR. CLERK: Yeas, 20; Nays, 21. MR. SPEAKER: I declare the motion lost. The proposed resolution of the Honourable Member for Assiniboia. The Honourable Member for Assiniboia. MR. PATRICK: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Member for La Verendrye, that

WHEREAS the present Property Tax is imposing great financial hardships on many of our citizens; and

WHEREAS the burden of this tax falls most heavily on those on low and fixed incomes and people who are receiving Old Age Security pensions; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that the Government give consideration of enacting legis lation to municipalities to exempt the first $2, 000 of municipal assessment on the residence of an owner who is receiving Old Age Security pension and Old Age supplement; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Provincial Government give consideration to the advisability of reimbursing to each municipality the equivalent amount lost to the municipalities by way of such exemptions. MR. SPEAKER presented the motion. MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Fort Garry. MR. SHERMAN: Mr .

Speaker, I would like to say one or two words in support of this resolution proposed by the Member for Assiniboia, and I don't suggest or purport to be speak ing for my party, I'm speaking for myself. I would like to endorse the resolution and to add the comment, Sir, that in my q>inion it' s perhaps one of the most important that's appeared on the Order Paper since this Session got under way, despite the fact that it comes into the Chamber at a very late stage in the session.

The plight of the pensioner, who has seen his little cushion of security gradually eroded by economic forces over which he has no control, is certainly one of the most pressing and important tragedies in our society today. The senior citizen who is caught in the cost-price tax squeeze has no recourse, has no avenue of escape other than the good offices and good in tentions of his elected representatives, and I commend the Member for Assiniboia in having the sensitivity to the problem and the compassion to introduce the resolution that he has. There is no doubt in my mind, Mr.

Speaker, that there's not one member of this Chamber who has not met the problem at door after door after door in his and her election campaigns in recent years. Speaking for myself, I can say that in recent campaigns in which I'v e been involved, I would say that the preponderance, the incidence of the problem and of the question of relief for the pensioner caught in this cost-price tax squeeze was overwhelming.

At door after door I met the problem and met the question and met the plight and met the grievance which is referred to in this resolution and encompassed by it, and as I say, I'm convinced that every other member of this Assembly can make the same statement. So the question arises and faces us now as to who speaks for this victim of this particular economic situation; who speaks for the little victim of the high cost of living and of the runaway

October 10, 1969 1689 (:MR, SHERMAN cont'd. ) • • . • . wave of inflation that has trapped all of us, but has trapped the pensioner and the senior citizen, the man and woman on a fixed income, the man and woman whose best earning years are behind him, in a far more critical corner than it's trapped those of us who still have an oppartunity to add to our incomes and to our material posses sions. So with those few words � endorse the resolution of the Member for Assiniboia and urge members of my own party and all parties in the Chamber to give it their conscientious support. MR.

SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Rhineland. i MR . FROESE: Mr. Speaker, just a very few words. I too feel that this is a very good resolution. It would help those that are in greatest need and a $2, 000 exemption might be ' somewheres in the neighborhood of $100-$ 120 apiece that these people would be receiving in · the way of a tax relief. !think the idea and the principle is very good and I see no reason why we couldn't adopt a system of this type, ilnd I certainly would endorse it. · · MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Charleswood. MR. ARTHUR MOUG (Charleswood): Mr.

Speaker, Iw ould.like to add one or two words. I'm sorry really that this resolution has come into the House as late as it has,· because I feel that an exemption of some type is warranted by those on old age pension, although I don't think that from my experience, as the Member from Fort Garry said, going door to door, I don't think this is the answer. It seems to me I would be in favour if ili.is could be left to the next session to give some further thought on it. I think a resolution like this should have well over 75 percent of the members on their feet and speaking towards it, it's a very important thfug.

I think that something more favourful than what has been proposed by the Member from · Assiniboia -- and mind you, as the Member for Fort Garry saysl, he's to be commended for bringing it in here -- I think that the proper way and the solution for this is to exempt the old age pensioner from school tax entirely, which is about 60 percent· of their real property tax, and in a good many cases it's 3 or $4 ,0 00 worth of assessment anll not 2. I see no reason why anybody that's picking up a pension in the neighborhood of $1 05. 00 a month should be subject to paying school tax.

I'm in favour of the resolution, but as I say, I would sooner see this type of thing shelved to another session where we have more time ito look at it and possibly am� � ! MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Churchill. MR. BEARD: Mr •. Speaker, I agree with the last speaker, ¥r. Speaker.

The one real criticism I have with this type of resolution is that while they lay the problem at the door of this Legislature certainly they don't follow it up with an answer. i think that if it would come back at a later date, next session, with a way in which a government or this House can deal with it, then certainly I'd be willing to accept this type of resolution. But it's got to have an answer with it. I think that the first $2, 000 isn't the real way to tackle it in respect to the fact that how do you know that the owner is an old age pensioner , etcetera -- there are some prob- lems. · MR .

SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for St. Vital. '1 MR. HARDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise in support of this resolution to a qualified degree inasmuch as this afternoon in replying to the estimates for the Department of Municipal Affairs I suggested th�t one of the greatest problems that is facing: the local areas of govern ment is the fact that we have a number of people on assessment rolls that find it extremely dif ficult in face of fixed incomes , whether they be in the form of a salary or a pension, that are not in the position to pay the required taxes that have been caused by the spiralling costs in education and other local improvements.

My honourable friend from Ro ck Lake is having a bit of problem here, but apart from that this is an extremely serious matter. As I have sug gested this afternoon, that the Province of Nova Scotia undertook a very comprehensive study.· Now whether the $2, 000 exemption on the basis of the resolution as proposed is the answer or whether it's an increase in the compensation to bring th� individuals up to a point where they are in a position to pay the local taxes, whether it be for local improvements or whether it be for money by-laws or whatever the case may be.

As I suggested this afternoon, many many people are in the position that they cannot vote for loc;;d improvements or money by-laws because they are in the position that they cannot afford it. I Sixty some odd percent of local mill rate is due to school costs. It may be that this is the answer, that the provincial government take over the total cost. As I suggested, the resolution that was presented by the Honourable Member from Portage la Prairie requesting an increase in the Foundation Grant up to lOO percent only covers on the graduated scale the projected costs of education in the

1690 October 10 , 1969 (MR. HARDY cont'd. ) . . . • • next couple of years. These are the projected costs, which in effect is not going to help the local homeowner by any stretch of the imagination. Now the NDP government prior to the election of June 25th indicated that they were in a position, if elected to government, that they would grant a $2, 000 exemption to all homeowners. May I suggest, Mr.

Speaker, this is , as I said this afternoon, it' s a very interesting proposition, but in the case of my own constituency it would represent an expenditure of one millio:u. dollars which could not, absolutely could not be borne by the municipality. Consequently if this was introduced it would have to be the responsibility of the Provincial Government.

I would suggest in support of this bill -- unfortunately this side of the House is in a position where they can only ask that consideration be given to the advisability of reimbursing such a measure, but I would ask that all members on this side of the House and on that side of the House give very serious consideration to the adoption of this resolntion. MR. SPEAKER: T)le Honourable Minister of Finance. MR. CHERNIACK: Mr. Speaker, let's make it clear that the proposal suggested here is an approach to a recognition of a problem.

It is not the solution of a problem, it is just an ap proach , an attitude, and to that extent it is important and worthwhile. Let us recognize that it is very limiting in the type of relief it proposes to make and therefore it is not the dramatic, great, wonderful accomplishment even if it were carried out. One of th.e most obvious things that' s missing is the method by which tenants who are old age pensioners and on old age supplement who will not get any relief from this type of resolu tion.

Therefore, as far as I can see it is a partial attempt to deal with a problem to a very restricted group who are not the only ones affected - and I point out tenants in this very cate gory. So, Mr. Speaker, although I agree in principle, I must also indicate that it is not really sufficient as an over- all overview of the problem of assisting those people who are in great need. Now, Mr.

Speaker, I want to point out clearly that we are prepared to accept this resolu tion in the sense that this is the kind of thing we want to look at, the kind of thing we want to do, the kind of thing that should be looked at as part of an over-all adjustment, and something which the Department of Education and the Minister of Education will want to look at as soon as we are relieved of the responsibilities here and he starts working on his program.

So in saying that we accept the resolution in principle, I point out lest there be any misunderstanding, and now I'm really hoping that the members of the press gallery will hear what I say, that the phrase "that the Provincial Government give consideration to the advisability of, " means exactly what it says. I remember that this was pointed out at the beginning of the session on one of the early resolutions.

It means exactly what it says and the government is quite pre pared to give consideration to this and as part of other methods which may prove better and different; and it would be wrong therefore to assume that in supporting this that it means that we automatically accept the policy carried out exactly as spelled out in this resolution. I think that's clear, I think that's known, and on that basis I can assure the honourable member who has moved the motion that we will accept it. MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for St. Boniface. MR. D ESJARDINS: Mr.

Speaker, I won't be very long, just a word or so, but I want to make sure that the mover who has been trying to close the debate for quite a while now, I would like him to demonstrate that this is a responsible resolution. Last year and over a period of years I' ve stated that I felt that this was a field that we should look at and I have no reason to change my mind.

There's two questions that I would like the gentleman who moved this motion to answer when he closes the debate, and one of them is, how much money will this cost, because I'm sure that he· must have done his homework and he must be re ady to tell the people in this House how much this will cost. The Honourable Member from St. Vital told us that it will cost a million dollars just for one community.

Now, secondly, it's all right to have good ideas , but the members of the caucus that my honourable friend belongs to have been saying that they're satisfied by what the government has done so far but they're a little leery, they're a little leery.

So I would challenge my honourable friend to tell me where he feels the gov ernment should get this money from, because in other debates the gentleman and the members of his caucus have been saying that the income tax can not go any higher and chastised the members on this side of the House for the corporation tax, and I know that the members of that group do not like the sales tax, so I think that he should at least give us a little hint and then I' ll be convinced that it is a good resolution.

I I i October 10, 1969 1691 MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Riel. MR. CRAIK: Mr. Speaker, I' m tempted to rise because a little piece of literature came into my hands here, just by chance, and it happens to be a colorful little brochure. A MEMBER: A nice one. i MR. CRAIK: Well done, the colours are very catching. But the Minister of Finance says he'll consider the advisabili ty-of it, and the Minister from St. Borluace says this must be a serious motion. Well it must be serious because the New Democratic Party didn't say we will coiisider the advisability of it.

This is a brochure put out by the Attorney-General, the now Attorney-General -- printed sometime in June I guess of 1969 '!-- it says here, Mr. Speaker, that should probably be documented, it says: "A New Democratic Government will give you a tax exemption on the first $2, 000 asses sment of your residential I!roperty, " -- in big bold letters. So I'd just like to point out, Mr. Speaker, it doesn't say, "consider the advisability ," it says "will give you. " MR. SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Birtle-Russel�. MR. FROESE: .•. limited to old age pensioners that receiv e social allowanc es ? MR. GRAHAM: Mr.

Speaker, I commend the serious appro11ch that the Member_ for Ass iniboi a has taken. He has tried to show the New Democratic Party that perhaps some of their election promises were rather hastily drawn. He isn't asking for a $2, 000 exemption on residential property right across the board, he's only asking for it for those that really need it, in the persons of the old age pension people with the old age supplement. So I think that the government would be well advised to take the consideration of the MemberfromAs siniboia who in his wisdom has thought so deeply before he has presented this res plut ion. MR.

SPEAKER: The Honourable Member for Assiniboia. MR. P A TRICK: Mr. Speaker, I will just be one minute, no i,longer ,, in clos ing this de bate. I certainly wish to thank all the members for making their eontribution and I think the Member for Fort Garryhis points are well taken. I think he quit� understands the. problem and I think the other people that understand it very clear is perhaps the municipal people be cause this is the problem that they had to face for the last few yeats.

The reason I put this res olution before the House because many of our people today, th � old age pensioners , they're forced to move out of their own homes because they cannot afford to pay the property tax, and this is the reason. I'm sure the municipal people u.n.Q.erstand this !quite well. I think this res olution is most reasonable; if anything, it probably doesn't go far enough; and I agree with the Honourable Minister of F

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