Manitoba Hansard — 23 March 2023 (Sitting 34B, 42nd Legislature, 5th Session)

42-5-34b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fifth Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXVII No. 34B - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23, 2023 ISSN 0542-5492

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

Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek, Hon. Interlake-Gimli PC JOHNSTON, Scott, Hon. Assiniboia PC KHAN, Obby, Hon. Fort Whyte PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP KLEIN, Kevin E., Hon. Kirkfield Park PC LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan Selkirk PC LAMONT, Dougald St. Boniface Lib. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya Notre Dame NDP MARTIN, Shannon McPhillips PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice, Hon.

Seine River PC MOSES, Jamie St. Vital NDP NAYLOR, Lisa Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg, Hon. Riding Mountain PC PEDERSEN, Blaine Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle, Hon. Turtle Mountain PC REDHEAD, Eric Thompson NDP REYES, Jon, Hon. Waverley PC SALA, Adrien St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron Springfield-Ritchot PC SMITH, Andrew, Hon. Lagimodière PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Vérendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC TEITSMA, James, Hon. Radisson PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP WHARTON, Jeff, Hon.

Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant Morden-Winkler

1075 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, March 23, 2023 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 38–The Builders' Liens Amendment Act (Prompt Payment) Hon. James Teitsma (Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services): I move, seconded by the Minister of Economic Dev elopment, Investment and Trade, that Bill 38, The Builders' Liens Amendment Act (Prompt Payment), be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr.

Teitsma: This amendment to The Builders' Liens Act will bing–bring prompt payment requirements to Manitoba in a way that aligns us with neighbouring jurisdictions, boosts economic competitiveness and ensures that payments fl ow at the various stages of construction in a timely fashion. The construction industry accounts for 8 per cent of Manitoba's em ployment, and while delayed pay - ments are not unique to this industry, the construction sector is especially vulnerable to delayed payments.

At each tier of the construction contract chain, con- tractors and subcontractors must finance their pay - rolls, materials and other expenses before they're paid, and delayed payments at multiple tiers can compound serious financial consequences for subcontractors. So this legislation ensures that big-business owners, government departments and Crown corporations will be contractually obliged to make periodic payments to contractors and they, in turn, to subcontractors. This bill ensures that these employers will have the income they need to pay their bills and to pay their workers.

That's especially im portant for small - and medium - sized construction companies. This legislation has the unequivocal support of the entire construction industry, represented by many stake- holders with us here today. I look forward to its speedy passage. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Committee reports? TABLING OF REPORTS Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Justice (Mr. Goertzen)–[interjection] Oh–the honourable Minister of Finance. Hon.

Cliff Cullen (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to table the 2021- 22 FIPPA annual report for the Department of Finance. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Thank the honourable Minister of Finance for that. Ministerial statements? MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Mary Rebeck Hon. Jeff Wharton (Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade): Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to honour Mary Rebeck, a long- time resident of Red River North for her outstanding contributions to the–her East St. Paul community for over 59 years where she has lived. Mary moved to East St.

Paul in 1964 and im - mediately became involved in her community centre; 59 years later, she is still volunteering in her com - munity. She's helped develop and implement many programs over the years. One of her favourite pro- grams was the figure skating club. Some of the other causes she has volunteered for in helping were the Lions Club, the curling club, supporting children with congenital heart disease, the deaf-blind association, KidSport, two scholarships for students at River East Collegiate and many, many more, Madam Speaker.

She recently volunteered with the local Scotties Tournament of Hearts that was held in East St. Paul. For many years, Mary has sponsored children from Ukraine and other countries. But to Mary, it's not just about sending money abroad, but also communi- cating with these children and following up with them through their journey of life. With the war in Ukraine, Mary felt strong–a strong need to help the refugees. She has helped families find housing, employment, household goods and food and provided rides, child care and translation services.

1076 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 Mary is a very spiritual person and, through her faith, has become involved in many charitable organizations. Mary started a network of family and friends to collect needed items she helped with–to distribute to families right across the riding. Mary says tha t she has no intention of slowing down and will continue to help her fellow men, women and children in any way that she can. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in welcoming Mary Rebeck and her husband Gary, who join us today in the gallery. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St.

Johns (MLA Fontaine)? The honourable member for The Maples. Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Mr. Mintu Sandhu (The Maples): Madam Speaker, the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc. celebrated their 45th anniversary recently, and it was amazing to see all of the hard work and contributions that MAFTI are offering to the community. Just this month I was also able to attend MAFTI's path to teacher certification in Manitoba event.

This event was held at the Maples Collegiate and focused on helping internationally trained educators and pro- fessionals attain the necessary certifications to becoming a teacher in Manitoba. MAFTI has played a major role in preserving and promoting Filipino cultural heritage for the past 45 years, especially with the Filipino language preservation and revitalization. Originally founded in 1977, MAFTI is a volunteer association whose members include teachers, educational assistants, new immigrants, child-care work- ers and members from related professionals.

The organization has contributed so much to the– both the Filipino community and the –Winnipeg at large. The first public school Filipino-English bilingual program in Canada was introduced four years ago for early years students at the Arthur E. Wright school in the Seven Oaks School Division. Just a few months ago they also announced that, thanks to the MAFTI, the Winnipeg School Division will also be launching a Filipino bilingual program in September at the Meadows West School. Please join me in thanking MAFTI for all their hard work in education and helping Filipino language and culture flourish.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Gary Kozussek Mrs. Cathy Cox (Kildonan-River East): Madam Speaker, I am especially pleased to rise in the Chamber today to recognize a man who has often been called a miracle worker and someone who has saved tens of thousands of soles throughout the course of his career. Now, I'm certain you're all expecting me to give a sermon related to a man of the cloth, but that's not the case, Madam Speaker. I am here to recognize the guy who has saved thousands upon thousands of shoe soles. I am talking about Gary Kozussek, better known as–across the province as the Shoe Guy.

Madam Speaker, at the age of 20, Gary responded to an ad looking for a shoe repair person. With no previous experience in the shoe repair business, Gary hesitantly set up shop in Sears Polo Park. Fast-forward 40 years, and the rest is history. I'm proud to announce that on March 15th Gary celebrated his 40th anniversary as the infamous Shoe Guy. He's deservedly earned the reputation as the very best shoe guy, hands -down, from repairing broken zippers to adding new grippers, from replacing old soles to fixing those holes, from mending a purse or maybe your 'murse,' the Shoe Guy has done it all.

Madam Speaker, when I asked Gary to share his most memorable moment, he told me of the time he was asked to replace a 100-inch zipper for somebody who needed the replacement done now, because a client was waiting. Of course, Gary, who is known for his exemplary customer service, agreed. However, in the back of his mind, he was wondering who would require a garment with a 100-inch zipper. Madam Speaker, he then explained with a smi rk that the request came from a funeral home, and I'll leave the rest to your imagination. Much of the Shoe Guy's success is thanks to his wife Tammy, who joined the team in 1990.

Madam Speaker, I can tell you from my own personal experience that you'll never find two more hard-working, honest and genuine people as Tammy and Gary. Gary's always quick to thank each member who walks through his door. It's only thanks to each client, says Gary, that the Shoe Guy has survived 40 years. Unfortunately, Gary and Tammy are not able to join us today as Gary is battling mantle cell lymphoma. He just completed his final round of chemotherapy and will soon be undergoing a stem cell transplant. * (13:40)

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1077 I know they're tuned in, though, Madam Speaker, so I ask all members of the Chamber to stand and give a wave to Gary and Tammy to thank them for their service. Happy 40th anniversary, and God bless. Universal Coverage for Birth Control MLA Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): The Manitoba NDP understand that sexual and reproductive health access includes access to abortion services, universal coverage of birth control, comprehensive sex educa- tion and affirming sexual and reproductive rights.

I was proud to stand with my NDP colleagues this past Sunday announcing tha t, should the NDP form government, we commit to universal coverage of birth control. Accessing birth control is a human right and it must be made available to all Manitobans. Money should never be a barrier in ensuring that Manitobans have full control and agency over our bodies. Universal coverage of birth control will literally change lives, Madam Speaker. Sexual and reproductive health care also includes timely and safe access to abortion services. Where one lives in Manitoba affects one's access to abortion services.

It is also alarming that we have a Health Minister that remains silent about the fact that abortion access is limited in Manitoba. Those who reside in north or rural Manitoba are extremely challenged when they need to access abortion. Often they are paying out of pocket to travel to larger urban centres such as Winnipeg or Brandon to access a surgical abortion in a timely manner. This is simply wrong, Madam Speaker. There are more pregnancy crisis centres in Manitoba than there are actual centres offering abor - tions.

Pregnancy crisis centres are not neutral or safe; they are known to offer misinformation about abortion and are anti -abortion. This is dangerous. It's also alarming to know that this PC government is happy to fund such agencies. On this side of the House, we affirm sexual and reproductive rights of Manitoba and we look forward to offering these services to all Manitobans. Miigwech. Lyn and Lou Alarkon Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Today, I have the opportunity to share about two exceptionally strong women who dedicate so much to our community.

Ate Lyn and Ate Lou Alarkon, cousins who have joined us today, launched a creative management firm, Alark Co., in 2016, and through it they focus on uplifting and promoting l ocal busi nesses and they organize creative events that I am sure some members of this House have attended throughout the province. Allow for me to share a little bit about these initia- tives that thousands of Manitobans have participated in, such as Coff ee With X, GameFest Winnipeg, Pinta! Paint Series, Best Before Date and Bite Back Winnipeg.

Madam Speaker, even during the pandemic, Lyn and Lou utilized their digital skills in advertising and promotions and launched the Around the World in Winnipeg initiative to elevate local small businesses, all free of charge. Now, I have a hard time keeping up with every - thing the two of these women are doing, but I do know they have hearts of gold as, on top of all these events to support local, they also help community organizations, including Canadian Cancer Society, Harvest Manitoba, End Homelessness and Main Street Project.

Now, it was through Tyndall Park community mar- ket that Lyn and Lou were first put on my radar, and I feel so lucky that so many of the ir incredible events take place in Tyndall Park, such as summer spark and Spark Your Future, a youth entrepreneurs forum made up of local youth vendors, non- profit organizations, exhibitors and food trucks. Lyn and Lou's initiatives are designed to bring people together, promote local businesses and, most importantly, make an impact in our community.

Their consistent contribution to the greater good is inspiring, and that is why I'm hoping my colleagues will join me in thanking them for their efforts in helping local businesses and bringing our community together. ORAL QUESTIONS Southern Health Region Number of Nurses Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): The health-care crisis in our province is real, and each and every day we find more evidence of the cuts that this PC government has made to crucial health -care services across Manitoba.

1078 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 We know that Brian Pallister fired nurses and eliminated their positions, and these things have only continued under this current Premier (Mrs. Stefanson). I'll table FIPPA docu ments that prove just how bad it is in Steinbach and across other parts of the Southern Health region. You see, in 2016, there were 1,195 nurses, but today, there's only 1,147 nurses working in Southern Health. That means this govern- ment has cut the number of nurses in the south by 50. Why did the Premier cut Southern Health nurses by 50 positions? Hon.

Cliff Cullen (Deputy Premier): Let's take a trip down fact lane. Clearly, we–making historic record investments in health care in this year's budget: a 9.2 per cent increase. That represents a $668-million increase this year over last year in health care, Madam Speaker. Record investments: $7.9 billion. That's pretty well $2 billion more than the NDP ever put into health care. We recog nize the human resource challenges. We're also taking steps to address that. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Kinew: Here's a fact: there are fewer nurses work- ing in the Southern Health region today than there were in 2016. I just tabled the proof for the Deputy Premier. It's a document created by his own government under the auspices of this Premier. This government has cut health care in the Southern Health region over the past seven years. The health-care needs of people in Ste. Anne and Portage la Prairie and Morris have only increased, and yet they're paying more and getting less under these PCs; fewer health-care services available to the people across the Southern Health region.

Will the Premier tell the House why there are fewer nurses working in Southern Health today than there were in 2016? Mr. Cullen: Well, Madam Speaker, the reality is we're facing health human resource challenges not just in Manitoba but , quite frankly, all across our country. Every government recognizes that, and that's why gov ernments are taking it upon them selves to make those changes. Madam Speaker, we've committed $200 million to attract 2,000 additional employees into the health-care field. This year's budget alone is com mitting $123 million to–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Cullen: –the human resource challenges that we face. Would the NDP and the opposition members get out of the way, so we can pass this budget and make that $123-million commitment to Manitobans? Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Fewer nurses working at the bedside; that's what the PCs have done on health care. We know tha t the numbers are clear: Southern Health has lost nearly 50 nurses since 2016. That's a terrible record and it's because of the cuts of Brian Pallister that have continued on under the Stefanson government.

Every Manitoban knows that we need more nurses. Every Manitoban knows that this government has been making cuts to health care, and they don't like the direction our health-care system has been heading in. This is true in Carman, this is true in Lorette, it's true in Steinbach. So will the Premier tell folks in these com mu- nities and across the Southern Health region why she's cut so many nursing jobs in their backyards? Mr. Cullen: Well, Madam Speaker, here's the reality: this budget is proposing a 9.2 per cent, $668-million increase to health care. And who voted against a 9.2 per cent?

Members opposite, Madam Speaker. They want to talk about our Conservative government's record on health care: a 22 per cent increase from 2016 to today in health care. * (13:50) That is making invest ments on behalf of Manitobans. Let's just hope these –group in the op- position get out of the way so we can pass this budget and provide help to Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Health Services in the Westman Region Health Centres–Closure Inquiry Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Well, you can see right through the talking points.

The Finance Minister doesn't believe in this budget, that's why he's quitting. He's not standing for re-election. We know why. People in his community,

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1079 and many others, are dealing with the impact of health-care cuts. We've heard loud and clear people in Carberry are worried about their emergency de partment. They're standing up. They're asking for answers from this gov- ernment. They want action to see health-care services remain in their community. Emails from their local leadership, however, have been ignored by this government. That's wrong. Folks in Westman deserve to get answers about health care in their communities. We're committed to standing up for the people of Westman, even if the PCs won't.

The question that needs to get answered, though, is: Will Carberry's emergency de partment be open come September? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Deputy Premier): Well, Madam Speaker, this is a classic example of the human resource challenges that we're facing in Manitoba–in fact, that all juris dictions across our country are facing. I've been in discussions with the local RHA. I've been in discussions with the –Shared Health as well. Certainly, I think every RHA is facing these chal- lenges. We're trying to find constructive solutions for that.

That's why this budget is investing $123 million to redress some of the human resource challenges. We recognize these challenges, but we're taking steps and we have a plan to resolve those challenges. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Yes, we know. We know that other health regions are dealin g with these challenges. We just proved in the first set of questions that they cut the number of nurses in Southern Health. Now we're talking about Prairie Mountain Health.

In fact, we're talking about Glenboro; we're talking about the Finance Minister's home community. One of their doctors is departing at the end of the month. Their health centre is not even sure if they're going to stay open. It's also said that local leaders only heard about this issue second-hand. That's why we need a clear commitment from this government, from this Premier (Mrs. Stefanson), from the Health Minister to the people of Westman that the Glenboro Health Centre will stay open. So what's the answer: Is it yes or is it no? Hon.

Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition would do well to remember their record when they were in power. They permanently closed 16 rural emergency de- partments. The changes affected over 100 communities, Madam Speaker. I'll share these references in Southern Health: Emerson was closed, Pembina Manitou, MacGregor, St. Claude, Gladstone, Vita. We are rolling back the damage and the failures of the NDP during their 17 dark days in power. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Kinew: They permanently closed the urgent care at Misericordia. They permanently closed the ER at Seven Oaks. They permanently closed the ER at Victoria. They permanently closed the ER at the Conc. [phonetic]. And that's only before you get to the Perimeter, Madam Speaker. No wonder folks in the Westman just don't believe this gov ernment when it comes to health care. We're talking about com munities like Glenboro and Carberry that are standing up and demanding answers. The mayor of Glenboro was very clear. He says, you close a hospital in a small town, you're going to lose the town.

That's why it's im portant for the Premier and for this government to be straight up with the people of the Westman. Will the Premier tell the people of Westman today if the health centres in Glenbury [phonetic] and Carberry are going to close this year, yes or no? Ms. Gordon: Madam Speaker, our gov ernment has never permanently closed a rural emergency depart - ment, some thing that the Leader of the Op position cannot stand in the Chamber and say the same. Madam Speaker, I just want to share from question period–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms.

Gordon: –April 28, 2014, then- failed Health minister for the NDP, Erin Selby, said: In the Virden ER, there were two doctors that have left to go to another juris diction within Manitoba. It means we cannot keep that ER open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We just don't have the staff there right now to do it, Madam Speaker. Again, we're rolling back the dark years–17 years of NDP failure.

1080 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 Resignation of SANE Program Nurses Request to Address Staffing Issues MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, the nursing crisis continues under this minister's failed leadership. After four resignations from SANE on Tuesday, another three nurses have since resigned in protest of the lack of support from this government. SANE nurses have told us that they resigned because they can no longer enable a system that doesn't support them or their patients. That health system –the health system, rather, is the responsibility of the Health Minister.

Will this minister stand in her place today and apologize for making announcements and then failing to follow through on her own commitments? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): Shared Health has now placed on their website an update on the sexual assault and intimate partner violence pro - gram, which I would like to table, Madam Speaker, because I will be referencing it in my answer. They state in this update that the creation of a provincial program was prompted by the recognition of risks related to the SANE program's reliance on casual staff picking up shifts.

Access to this type of care for residents outside of Winnipeg was also an issue. This is why six nurses were hired earlier this year for the new, permanent positions that didn't previously exist. The hiring of this additional staff will bolster ad- ditional overall staffing for the services– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable member for Union Station, on a supplementary question. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, the SANE pro- gram was meant to support survivors of sexual assault and trauma.

The dedicated nurses on the front line s of that program had been raising their voices for months about how this gov ernment has been ignoring their needs. Instead of listening, the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) and this minister, just a couple of days ago, blamed others– will blame everybody else. Now, another three nurses have resigned. Will this minister stop with the excuses, stop blaming other people and start fixing the problems at the SANE program? Ms.

Gordon: Madam Speaker, we are seeing again just how far the NDP and their caucus will go to cast fear, doubt and just to derail a project and the work of Shared Health and Health Sciences Centre. Here is one example that they've also made available–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –that I'd like to table, where they saw media given a date and time of arrival for a patient, their sex and what time they were provided care. The purported age of the patient was subsequently tweeted by a politician –who happens to be the member for St. Johns (MLA Fontaine).

These publicly aired details violate a patient's right to privacy and could serve to identify that individual to others who were in the hospital. Shared Health is saying this is unacceptable, and– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable member for Union Station– [interjection] Order. The honourable member for Union Station, on a final supplementary.

MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, according to this Premier, apparently, no one –not even her Health Minister–is responsible for health care on that side of the House. * (14:00) Now, the minister can scoff at that criticism, but the facts are that she has ignored the pleas of the nurses at SANE, and that is the reason why seven SANE nurses have resigned. Yesterday, she denigrated those very same nurses–front-line nurses –indicating that they were only casual, and hardly ever or never picked up shifts. Shame on that minister, Madam Speaker.

How can Manitobans expect health care in our province to improve when this minister shows such disrespect for our nurses? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister responsible for the Status of Women): Our government will always stand up for survivors of sexual violence. That is why we've invested in the SANE clinic, that is why we've made those positions permanent, that is why we've made other significant investments.

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1081 And I would like to update the House and say to the House that I think it's a positive first step that the Leader for–of the Official Opposition, his own defence counsel–the member for Fort Garry (Mr. Wasyliw)–we think it's a very positive step that he updated his website over the last 24 hours to remove from his website this– the ad that he is now available for hire to be helping sexual violators, fighting to keep them out of jail.

We think that's a positive first step, that he's accepting that the role of a legislator should not be advertising in such a manner–good first step. We're going to get the job done to ensure that all sexual assault survivors get the support– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Institutional Safety Officers Utilization of Service Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, PCs have broken yet another promise. In October of 2021, PC gov ernment enacted legis lation to create in sti- tutional safety officers.

Institutional safety officers were touted as a way to increase safety and security at health-care facilities and post-secondary institutions. They were supposed to reduce police officers' workloads. Yet, we have a freedom of information document that I'd like to table that says, quote, currently, there are no institutional safety officers in Manitoba. Can the minister explain why he's failed to esta - blish even one institutional safety officer? Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Institutional safety officers are available for those who choose to use them.

There are also community safety officers, whose powers are being expanded by legis lation that is currently before the Legislature. It was asked for by the City of Winnipeg mayor, asked for by AMM, also asked for by First Nations communities. I look forward to the member opposite, if he's actually concerned about these issues, to quickly passing that piece of legislation. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a supplementary question. Mr.

Wiebe: Why would anyone trust this government when they touted their institutional safety officer positions back in 2021 and they claimed that it would reduce demand on police resources, yet those positions have never been filled? There are currently zero insti- tutional safety officers in the entire province. So that's a clear failure by this minister, and now he's asking us to once again trust him when it com es to public safety. Can the minister tell us why he's broken yet another promise by failing to esta blish even a single in sti- tutional safety officer in the province of Manitoba? Mr.

Goertzen: There are community safety officers around the province, Madam Speaker. They're work- ing today. We've also brought forward legislation to expand their author ity, as requested by the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and requested by Mayor Scott Gillingham, as requested by First Nations leadership around the province. We're responding to their request to ensure the community safety officers have more author ity. The only person who doesn't seem to be in support of that is the current Justice critic. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a final supplementary. Mr.

Wiebe: Madam Speaker, the facts are that the PCs broke yet another promise. In 2021, they claimed they were taking action to increase safety and security. They said, just trust us; we will make things safer at institutions by establish- ing the institutional safety officer program. Yet these FIPPA documents that the minister has in his hands clearly show there isn't a single in stitutional safety officer yet in the entire province. So the question for the minister i s: Why should anyone trust them when they're talking about public safety, and yet they failed to even fulfill their own promises from 2021? Mr.

Goertzen: There are com munity safety officers around the province, Madam Speaker. I think the question would be, why would anybody trust the only political entity in all of Canada that didn't want to see bail reform–[interjection]–the only political party from coast to coast that didn't want to see bail reform? Well, and the member opposite says they've had a change of heart. I wonder if he's talked to the member for Fort Garry, who went onto Twitter and said that there didn't need to be bail reform, and I guess yesterday we found out why he holds that position.

1082 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 Brandon University Funding in Budget 2023 Mr. Jamie Moses (St. Vital): Madam Speaker, since day one, the PCs have attacked Manitoba's post - secondary institutions. They've cut funding, they've threatened performance-based formula–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Moses: –and they caused not one, but two, faculty strikes. And now the attack continues at Brandon University, as they've received less funding than the other in–uni- versities in this year's budget.

The funding fails to keep up with inflation, which means that Brandon University will be forced to make cuts. Can the minister explain why she's left Brandon University behind? Hon. Sarah Guillemard (Minister of Advanced Education and Training): I think that the member opposite is ill -informed, so I'm happy to put some facts on the record. Our gov ernment, and certainly my de partment, has been working closely with post -secondary institutes to announce an historic, almost –well, 12 per cent increase in all post- secondary in stitute funding.

And within that funding, we have been a ble to increase operating funds to address keeping the tuition fees low for students. In fact, we've lowered them year over year by a full 1 per cent. So we are going to keep those tuition rates afford- able for students, and we're happy to work with our post-secondary leadership, unlike members opposite who refused to meet with them. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for St. Vital, on a supplementary question. Mr. Moses: The minister's just wrong, and Manitobans don't believe them.

Budgets are about priorities, and this year's budget makes it very clear that Brandon University is not a priority for this PC gov ernment. Funding for Brandon University this year is well below inflation. That means that they're going to be forced to make cuts. The PC's government's choice to cut funding from BU will hurt Manitoba, it'll hurt Brandon, it'll hurt the entire Westman region. Can the minister explain why her gov ernment is leaving Brandon and Brandon University behind? Mrs. Guillemard: Our government actually brought in trans parency and account ability into our post - secondary institutes.

We were the first government to invite them to the Treasury Board to show some of their books so that they can be trans parent to the public–which th ey are publicly funded. They were happy to do so and questioned why previous gov ern- ments never asked to see the books. Madam Speaker, we are changing and turning the page, so we are working well with our post-secondary. They're going to meet the market labour demands – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Guillemard: –and needs. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs.

Guillemard: I know that members opposite don't want to hear the facts and they're embarrassed about their record, as they should be. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for St. Vital, on a final supplementary. Mr. Moses: After raising tuition, cutting funding and causing two strikes, Manitobans don't trust this gov- ernment when it comes to post-secondary education. Brandon Uni versity is an essential hub for Westman. It offers rural Manitobans the educa tional opportunities they might otherwise not have.

And rather than recognize its importance and the important role it plays in rural Manitoba, the PCs are instead attacking Brandon Uni versity. These cuts mean that they will have to make very difficult decisions at Brandon University. So will this minister do the right thing and commit to stop leaving Brandon University behind? * (14:10) Mrs. Guillemard: I think it's very rich coming from the member opposite, talking about criticism for this government, who has worked well with post - secondary institutions to have them well situated to provide a–[interjection] Again, the NDP don't want to hear the truth.

In fact, for years, Madam Speaker, they heard from industry and the nurses union that they were going to face a critical shortage of nurses. And how many seats did they increase for nurse training? Zero.

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1083 Our government has increased 400, and we will continue to support the sector and market needs, unlike anything the NDP would ever consider because they're all about the unions and not about students. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Drug Overdose Death Reporting Request to Release 2022 Data Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): After failing Manitobans with seven years of devastating cuts to our health and social safety net, this gov ernment is keeping overdose deaths in our province a secret to avoid the hard truth.

Instead of taking meaningful action to address the addictions crisis, they've intro duced legislation to tie agencies like Sunshine House up in red tape, dupli - cating an application process that's already in place federally. Will the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) do the right thing and tell her Mental Health Minister to release the overdose data for 2022? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. [interjection] Order. Hon.

Janice Morley-Lecomte (Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness): I'm very happy to stand here and thank all of our community support workers, nurses, resource, supply and all the indi - viduals who are out in the field helping individuals with addictions and seeking supports for them selves, so that on their pursuit –in their pursui t of recovery, they're able to get the help that they need. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a supplementary question. Mrs. Smith: The PCs have refused to release the numbers of overdose deaths in Manitoba in 2022.

This–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Smith: –data is critically important. In a FIPPA response, which I'll table, an advisory note provided to the minister says that they created a new data tracking system for overdose incidents which was, and I'll quote, expected to be launched to the public in fall 2022. End quote. It's clear the PCs don't want to release the number of overdose deaths if they failed–as they failed to address the addictions crisis here in Manitoba. Will the minister do the right thing an d will she release those 2022 numbers today? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Ms.

Morley-Lecomte: As previously stated, pre lim- inary numbers have been posted on our website. And if members opposite would like to go and take a look at the website, they could see the numbers that are there. Also, the Chief Medical Examiner posts numbers on his website, so she has two options to go and seek them. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a final supplementary. Mrs. Smith: I don't know why this minister continues to try to mislead Manitobans by saying those numbers are up to date; they are not. They're for–to the end of November.

Manitobans know that, and they've been calling on this gov ernment, front -line workers have been calling on this government, RAAM clinic employees have been calling on this government, and now they're trying to put barriers in front of those folks that are actually doing the work to save lives in Manitoba. So, will this gov ernment do the right t hing and actually release those numbers for 2022 today and quit hiding behind them? Madam Speaker: Order. I have a caution on language that is being used in the House by a member saying, continuing trying to mislead, is actually over the line.

It is alm ost saying, deliberately trying to mislead, and that is a–something I want to ask members to be very careful about using because that does cross the line into unparliamentary language. Ms. Morley -Lecomte: Again, I want to extend my thank you to all the front-line workers working in the addiction service field. We have offered supports, education. We have increased funding for mobile withdrawal spaces. We have increased funding for withdrawal manage ment spaces, bed spaces. We put out an expression of interest for 1,000 treatment spaces.

So, we have supported, we have heard, and we are–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Morley-Lecomte: –answering what the individuals are asking for. Thank you.

1084 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 Funding for Manitoba Municipalities Rural Health and Policing Services Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): We had the pleasure of meeting with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities this morning. AMM's top issues are that provincial funding is not fair or predictable, invest ment in core infr astructure isn't there, the health-care system is broken and people don't feel safe under this government. That's quite the indictment. In–since being elected, the PCs' budgeted increases in provincial transfers to municipalities–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Lamont: –the last year was zero. The entire budgeted increase of 7 per cent to municipalities occurs this year, while the federal government transfers since 2016 are up by 103 per cent, or $3.5 billion. Given this federal windfall, why did this govern- ment spend seven years starving munici palities and denying them core infra structure funding, including during the pandemic? Hon. Andrew Smith (Minister of Municipal Relations): It's a great opportunity for me to put on the record the facts on what our gov ernment's doing for munici - palities right across this great province.

Just last night, Madam Speaker, we had a chance in–meet with –at the association of Manitoba for municipalities. Myself and all my co lleagues here, many of my colleagues on this side of the House, had a chance to meet with these folks, talk to them directly about the great things that our government is doing for the municipalities. Just recently, we announced $47 million in operating funds–that's unconditional operating funds, Madam Speaker, for M anituban [phonetic] munici- palities. In addition, Budget '23 offers $23.4 million in capital funding–unconditional capital funding–for municipalities.

That does not even include the $13 million that we've given to the City of Winnipeg for transit, Madam Speaker. Our government is delivering for Manitobans. We are delivering– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable member for St. Boniface, on a supplementary question. Mr. Lamont: Municipalities were also concerned with our collapsing health-care system. We hear every day about vacancies, resig nations and, of course, closures. Now, we all know, as we hear it almost every day, the NDP closed 16 rural ERs, which the PCs then used to justify closing even more.

We now know reason for losses is that allied health workers, who run labs and work as paramedics rurally, haven't had a contract for five or six years. That's one of the reasons they're quitting. Rural communities want reliable EMS and other health services close to home. Instead, this gov ern- ment closed 18 more EMS stations. As I tabled, that was an NDP plan from 2013. If the PCs really disagreed with the NDP's rural health plans, why did they use them to justify closing rural EMS stations? Hon.

James Teitsma (Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services): Appreciate the oppor tunity to speak about our gov ernment's commitments to health care, to rural health care. * (14:20) I know our Health Minister has mentioned exactly how many rural emergency rooms were closed under the NDP and how many rural emergency rooms were permanently closed under the PC gov ernment. Score for the NDP: 20 rural emergency rooms closed. Score for the PC c ompany–PC government: zero, precisely zero closures to rural emergency rooms. We prioritize care in rural communities.

We take care of our health -care system as well, with un pre- cedented investments. That's the kind of gov ernment that we are. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Boniface, on a final supplementary. Mr. Lamont: One of the biggest budget items facing most municipalities, of course, is the police budget. AMM is also asking for funding for alterna tive services for folks who are in crisis when it comes to mental health and addictions. Now, the federal gov ernment is requiring new body cameras for police forces, an im portant step forward in ensuring transparency and safety in policing.

Of course, this comes with extra costs, but given that federal funding this year to the Province is up by 16.8 per cent–or $1 billion–we believe the Province should be stepping up and doing its job to fund munici- pal crime prevention. If it's in the budget–as I'm sure I'll hear it will be– why is AMM asking for it?

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1085 Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I also had the great pleasure to meet with AMM officials yesterday. They were very excited about this gov ernment's legislation on com - munity safety officers and applauded this government for that. They were also very complimentary of the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) and others who are looking for bail reform, which was opposed by the NDP, Madam Speaker, but they were very happy that that seems to be moving forward.

Their greatest concern yesterday was that the federal Liberal government had foisted new costs on them by negotiating with the RCMP –new costs that weren't actually involving AMM, even though AMM is often the employer. Those municipalities, they wanted me to express to the Liberal leader to get on board with this and to call Ottawa, get the failing Prime Minister to ensure that he actually confers with AMM before another contract negotiation with the RCMP. Will he commit to doing that? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. New Film Studio in Niverville Development Announcement Mr.

Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot): Last fall, our government was proud to announce direct flights between Winnipeg and Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood. Today, the Minister for Sport, Culture and Heritage and the Minister of Infra structure just an - nounced further development to support this growth. Can the minister please enlighten the House on how our government's efforts are already paying huge dividends in the fastest growing com munity in Manitoba and, as Los Angeles refers it to, Niverville of the new–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Schuler: –Niverville is the new Hollywood of the North. Hon.

Obby Khan (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage): I want to take this time to thank our Premier for her leadership on this, and my colleague, the member for Springfield-Ritchot, for his question and tireless efforts in Neverville [phonetic]. Madam Speaker, did you know that Niverville is the fastest growing com munity in Manitoba and the fifth in Canada? Manitoba is full of oppor tunity and talent. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Khan: And now, with our industry-leading, tax- competitive credit and our new direct flight from Winnipeg to LA, we now have industry knocking on the door for a chance to work in Manitoba. Today, we announced an infrastructure dev elop- ment that will further assist this and will directly assist a new film studio bring world- class technology here in Manitoba. Under our government, the movie and film industry has tripled in revenue since 2016, and I am proud to stand on this side of the House. Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. [interjection] Order.

Right to Repair Legislation Request for Support for Bill 216 and 219 Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): My question is for the Premier. Our NDP right to repair bills, 216 and 219, would require all manufacturers of branded electronic pro - ducts, such as Apple, Samsung and Sony, to provide accessible, affordable spare parts, manuals and repair services. If they choose not to provide the spare parts, manuals and repair services, consumers would be fully refunded by the manufacturer of the branded electronic product.

This would support our sm all- business repair sector and ensure that they have access to parts and manuals to carry out repairs. Will the Premier join Europe and the United States and support right to repair legislation today? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Deputy Premier): I'm happy to take a question on making repairs any time. Madam Speaker, that's exactly what Budget 2023 does. It makes repairs to social services. It makes repairs to education. And it makes repairs to the health system.

Record invest ments, 22 per cent sinc e our –in health care since our gov ernment came to office; 23 per cent in Education increase since our gov ern- ment came to office; 25 per cent increase to the budget in Families. Madam Speaker, I hope members opposite have a great week, but when they come back, let's pass this budget so we can benefit each and every Manitoban.

1086 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 Madam Speaker: Order. Time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Health-Care Coverage Mr. Nello Altomare (Transcona): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background for this petition is as follows:

(1) Health care is a basic human right and a fundamental part of responsible public health. Many people in Manitoba are not covered by provinci al health care: migrant workers with work permits of less than one year, international students and those undocumented residents who have lost their status for a variety of reasons.

(2) Private health insurance is not a substitute for public health insura nce. Private insurance plans available to most migrant workers and inter national students are paid for by the worker or student. They do not provide coverage for all of the potential health needs covered by public health coverage. Individuals are required to pay up front for health expenses without a guarantee that they will be covered and wait weeks for reimbursement.

(3) Racialized people and communities are dis - proportionately affected by the pandemic, mainly due to the social and economic conditions which have left them vulnerable while performing essential work in a variety of industries in Manitoba.

(4) Without adequate health- care coverage, if they are ill, many of those without prov incial health coverage will avoid seeking health care due to fear of being charged for the care, and some will fear possible detention and deportation if their immigration status is reported to the authorities.

(5) According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, denying essential health care to undocumented irregular migrants is a violation of their rights.

(6) Jurisdictions across Canada and the world have adopted access-without-fear policies to prevent sharing personal health information or immigration status with immigration authorities and to give uninsured residents the confidence to access health care.

(7) The pandemic has clearly identified the need for everyone in Manitoba to have access to public health care to protect the health and safety of all who live in the province. We therefore petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to immediately provide comprehensive and free public health care to–coverage to all residents of Manitoba, regardless of immigration status, including refugee claimants, migrant workers, international students, dependant children of temporary residents and undocumented residents. * (14:30)

(2) To urge the minister of Health and seniors care to undertake a multilingual communication campaign to provide information on expanded coverage to all affected residents.

(3) To urge the minister of Health and seniors care to inform all health-care institutions and providers of expanded coverage for those without public health insurance and the details on how necessary policy and protocol changes will be implemented; and

(4) To urge the minister of Health and seniors care to create and enforce strict confidentiality policies and provide staff with training to protect the safety of residents with precarious immigration status and ensure they can access public health care without jeopardizing their ability to remain in Canada. This petition, Madam Speaker, is signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 133(6), when petitions are read, they are deemed to be received by the House. Provincial Road 224 Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas-Kameesak): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Provincial Road 224 serves Peguis First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation and surrounding com mu- nities. The road is in need of substantial repairs.

(2) The road has been in poor condition for years and has numer ous potholes, uneven driving surfaces and extremely narrow shoulders.

(3) Due to recent population growth in the area, there has been increased vehicle and pedestrian use of Provincial Road 224.

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1087

(4) Without repair, Prov incial Road 224 will continue to pose a hazard to the many Manitobans who use it on a regular basis.

(5) Concerned Manitobans are requesting that Provincial Road 224 be assessed and repaired urgently to improve safety for its users. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the Minister of Infrastructure to complete an assessment of Provincial Road 224 and implement the appropriate repairs using public funds as quickly as possible. This petition has been signed by many, many fine Manitobans. Ekosi. Louise Bridge Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to the petition is as follows:

(1) Over 25,000 vehicles per day cross the Louise Bridge, which has served as a vital link for vehicular traffic between northeast Winnipeg and the downtown for the last 110 years.

(2) The current structure will undoubtedly be declared unsafe in a few years as it has deteriorated extensively, becoming functionally obsolete, subject to more frequent unplanned repairs and cannot be widened to accommodate future traffic capacity.

(3) As far back as 2008, City of Winnipeg has studied where the new re placement bridge should be situated.

(4) After including the bridge replacement in the City's five-year capital budget forecast in 2009, the new bridge became a short-term construction priority in the City's transportation master plan of 2011.

(5) City capital and budget plans identified re - placement of the Louise Bridge on a site just east of the bridge and expropriated homes there on the south side of Nairn Avenue in anticipation of a 2015 start.

(6) In 2014, the new City adminis tration did not make use of available federal infrastructure funds.

(7) The new Louise Bridge Com mittee began its campaign to demand a new bridge and its surveys confirmed residents wanted a new bridge beside the current bridge, with the old bridge kept open for local traffic.

(8) The NDP provincial government signalled its firm commitment to partner with the City on replacing the Louise Bridge in its 2015 Throne Speech. Unfor - tunately, provincial infrastructure initiatives, such as the new Louise Bridge, came to a halt with the election of the Progressive Conservative government in 2016.

(9) More recently, the City tethered the Louise Bridge replacement issue to its new trans portation master plan and eastern corridor project. Its recom- mendations have now identified the location of the new Louise Bridge to be placed just to the west of the current bridge, not to the east as originally proposed.

(10) The City's expropriation process has begun. The $6.35- million street upgrade of Nairn Avenue from Watt Street to the 110 -year-old bridge is complete.

(11) The Premier has a duty to direct the prov - incial government to provide financial assistance to the City so it can complete this long overdue vital link to northeast Winnipeg and Transcona. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

(1) To urge the Premier to financially assist the City of Winnipeg on building this three-lane bridge in either direction to maintain this vital link between northeast Winnipeg, Transcona and the downtown.

(2) To urge the provincial government to recom- mend that the City of Winnipeg keep the old bridge fully open to traffic while the new bridge is under con- struction; and

(3) To urge the provincial government to consider the feasibility of keeping the old Louise Bridge open for active transportation in the future. And this petition's signed by many, many Manitobans. Punjabi Bilingual Programs in Public Schools Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly. Background to this petition is as follows:

(1) According to census 2021, Punjabi is the fourth most spoken language in Canada and there are 33,315 people in Manitoba whose native language is Punjabi.

(2) Thousands of Punjabi newcomers are coming to Manitoba as students and as immigrants, looking to call this province home. People of Punjabi origin

1088 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 contribute a great deal to the social and economic dev- elopment of Canada and Manitoba in fields such as education, science, health, business and politics.

(3) In coming to Manitoba, Punjabi new comers make sacrifices, including distance from their cultural roots and language. Many Punjabi parents and families want their children to retain their language and keep a continued cultural appreciation.

(4) Manitoba has many good bilingual programs in public schools for children and teens available in other languages, including French, Ukrainian, Ojibwe, Filipino, Cree, Hebrew and Spanish. Punjabi bilingual programs for children and teens are–as well as Punjabi language instruction at a college and uni - versity level could similarly teach and maintain Punjabi language and culture.

(5) Punjabi bil ingual instruction will help cross - curricular friendships, relationships and marriages and prepare young people to be multilingual profes- sionals. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial government to take steps to implement Punjabi bilingual programs in public schools similar to existing bilingual programs and take steps to implement Punjabi language instruction in other levels of education in Manitoba. And this has been signed by many, many Manitobans.

Lead in Soils MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows:

(1) In December of 2019, th e provincial govern- ment's commissioned report on lead concentrations in soil in Winnipeg was completed.

(2) The report found that 10 neighbourhoods had concerning levels of lead concentration in their soil, including Centennial, Daniel McIntyre, Glenelm - Chalmers, north Point Douglas, River Osborne, Sargent Park, St. Boniface, the West End, Weston and Wolseley-Minto.

(3) In particular, the predicted blood lead levels for children in north Point Douglas, Weston and Daniel McIntyre were above the level of concern.

(4) The Weston Elementary School field has been forced to close down many times because of concerns of lead in soil and the provincial government's in- action to improve the situation.

(5) Lead exposure especially affects children aged seven years and under, as their nervous system is still developing.

(6) The effects of lead exposure are irreversible and include impacts on learning, behaviour and intelligence.

(7) For adults, long -term lead exposure can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems and reproductive effects.

(8) The provincial government currently has no comprehensive plan in place to deal with lead in soil, nor is there a broad advertising campaign educating residents on how they can reduce their risks of lead exposure.

(9) Instead, people in these areas continue to garden and work in the soil and children continue to play in the dirt, often without any knowledge of the associated risks. * (14:40) We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to take action to reduce people's lead–exposure to lead in Winnipeg, and to implement the recommendations proposed by the provincial government's independent review, including the creation of an action plan for the Weston neigh - bourhood, developing a lead awareness communications and outreach program, requisitioning a more in -depth study and creating a tracking program for those tested for blood lead levels so that medical professionals can follow up with them.

This has been signed by Maria Celeste Calpatura, Catalina Zabaliero, Reynard Marzan and many other Manitobans. Punjabi Bilingual Programs in Public Schools Mr. Mintu Sandhu (The Maples): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) According to census 2021, Punjabi is the fourth most spoken language in Canada and there are 33,315 people in Manitoba whose native language is Punjabi.

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1089

(2) Thousands of Punjabi newcomers are coming to Manitoba as students and as immigrants, looking to call this province home. People of Punjabi origin contribute a great deal to the social and economic dev- elopment of Canada and Manitoba in fields such as education, science, health, business and politics.

(3) In coming to Manitoba, Punjabi new comers make sacrifices, including distance from their cultural roots and language. Many Punjabi parents and families want their children to retain their language and keep a continued cultural appreciation.

(4) Manitoba has many good bilingual programs in public schools for children and teens available in other languages, including French, Ukrainian, Ojibwe, Filipino, Cree, Hebrew and Spanish. Punjabi bilingual programs for children and teens as well as Punjabi language instruction at a college and uni ver- sity level could similarly teach and maintain Punjabi language and culture.

(5) Punjabi bilingual instruction will help cross - cultural friendships, relationships and marriages and prepare young people to be multilingual professionals. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial government to take steps to implement Punjabi bilingual programs in public schools similar to existing bilingual programs and take steps to implement Punjabi language instruction in other levels of education in Manitoba. This has been signed by Surnjit [phonetic] Singh Mangat, Gurpreet Kaur Mand, Amardeep Singh Mangat and many more. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Foot-Care Services Mr. Eric Redhead (Thompson): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows:

(1) The population of those 55-plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson.

(2) A large percentage of those people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

(3) A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes.

(4) The northern regional health author ity, N-R-H-A, previously provided essential medical foot- care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program–excuse me–after the last two nurses filling those positio ns retired. Excuse me, Madam Speaker. [interjection] Yes. The–sorry. The number of those seniors –the number of seniors and those with diabetes has only continued to grow in Thompson and the surrounding areas. [interjection] Thank you. Sorry about that.

(6) There is no adequate medical foot care available in the city and the region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 medical foot-care centres.

(7) The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations.

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need of foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson, effective April 1st, 2022. This has been signed by many Manitobans. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Punjabi Bilingual Programs in Public Schools Mr. Adrien Sala (St. James): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) According to census 2021, Punjabi is the fourth most spoken language in Canada and there are 33,315 people in Manitoba whose native language is Punjabi.

(2) Thousands of Punjabi newcomers are coming to Manitoba as students and as immigrants, looking to call this province home. People of Punjabi origin contribute a great deal to the social and economic dev- elopment of Canada and Manitoba in fields such as education, science, health, business and politics.

(3) In coming to Manitoba, Punjabi new comers make sacrifices, including distance from their cultural roots and language. Many Punjabi parents and families

1090 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 want their children to retain their language and keep a continued cultural appreciation.

(4) Manitoba has many good bilingual programs in public schools for children and teens available in other languages, including French, Ukrainian, Ojibwe, Filipino, Cree, Hebrew and Spanish. Punjabi bilingual programs for children and teens as well as Punjabi language instruction at a college and uni versity level could similarly teach and maintain Punjabi language and culture.

(5) Punjabi bilingual inst ruction will help cross - cultural friendships, relationships and marriages and prepare young people to be multilingual professionals. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial government to take steps to imp lement Punjabi bilingual programs in public schools similar to existing bilingual programs and take steps to implement Punjabi language instruction in other levels of education in Manitoba. This has been signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Further petitions? Community Living disABILITY Services Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows: Currently, adults with specific or non-specific dis- abilities, or a combination of disabilities, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, auditory or language processing disorders and/or non- verbal learning disabilities, will be denied access to services under the Province of Manitoba's com munity living and disability services, CLDS, if their IQ is above 80.

People with these or other borderline cognitive functioning issues also have extremely low adaptive skills and are not able to live in dependently without supports. Recently, it has become widely recog nized that access to CLDS should not be based solely on IQ, which is only a measure of a person's ability to answer questions verbally or in writing in relation to math - ematics, science or material which is read.

Very often, persons with specific or non-specific disabilities or a combination of those disabilities have specific needs related to their executive function for support when they are adults or are transitioning to adulthood, which are not n ecessarily connected to their IQ. Executive function is the learned ability to do the normal activities of life, including being organized, being able to plan and to carry out plans and adapt to changing conditions.

Those who have major defects in executive function have a learning dis ability requiring assistance under CLDS to be able to make a contribution to society and be self-sustaining. Provision of CLDS services to individuals with specific or non-specific disabilities or a combination of those dis abilities or executive function dis ability, would free them from being dependent on Em ploy- ment and Income Assistance and have the potential to make an important change in the person's life.

Newfoundland and Labrador have now recog- nized that access to services should be based on the nature of the disability and the person's needs, rather than on IQ. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to change the requirements for accessing community living and dis- ability services so that these require ments are based on the needs of individuals with specific or non-specific disabilities, including executive function or a com - bination of disabilities, rather than solely on the basis of their IQ. * (14:50) Signed by many, many Manitobans.

Madam Speaker: Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): I have a leave request for the House, prior to cal ling orders of the day. Could you please canvass the House for leave to change the sponsor for the PMR previously announced for debate next Tuesday morning, the title of which is, Commending the Prov incial Gov ernment for Investing in Diabetic Supports, from the member for La Vérendrye (Mr. Smook) to the member for Kildonan-River East (Mrs. Cox).

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1091 Madam Speaker: Is there leave to change the spon - sor for the private member's resolution previously announced for debate next Tuesday morning, Commending the Provincial Government for Invest - ing in Diabetic Supports, from the member for La Vérendrye (Mr. Smook) to the member for Kildonan-River East (Mrs. Cox)? Is there leave? [Agreed] Mr. Goertzen: Yes, Madam Speaker, I thank the House for that. * * * Mr.

Goertzen: Could you please call for second reading this afternoon bills 35, 28, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 11, 34, 2, 8, 10, 13, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 36. Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the House will consider second reading of the following bills this afternoon: 35, 28, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 11, 34, 2, 8, 10, 13, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 36. And prior to calling on the first bill, the honourable Official Opposition House Leader. House Business MLA Nahanni Fontaine (Official Opposition House Leader): On House business, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: On House business. MLA Fontaine: Pursuant to rule 34(8), I am an- nouncing that the private member's resolu tion to be considered on the next Thursday of private members' business will be one put forward by the honour able member for Thompson (Mr. Redhead). The title of the resolution is Calling on the Provincial Government to Restore Thompson's Foot Care Clinic. Madam Speaker: It has been announced that, pur - suant to rule 34(8), the private member's resolution to be considered on the next Thursday of private members' business will be the one put forward by the honourable member for Thompson.

The title of the resolu tion is Calling on the Prov incial Gov ernment to Restore Thompson's Foot Care Clinic. * * * Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): Just for clarity, Madam Speaker, on the leave request that was granted by the House, I may have sent some panic into the House, we might be here next Tuesday morning. For clarity, the reso lution will be on the next Tuesday of private members' business–the next sitting Tuesday of private members' business. Madam Speaker: And the member has just indicated some clari fication to his earlier comments, so we accept that.

SECOND READINGS Bill 35–The Education Administration Amendment Act (Teacher Certification and Professional Conduct) Madam Speaker: So, I will now call second reading of Bill 35, The Education Administration Amendment Act (Teacher Certification and Professional Conduct). Hon. Wayne Ewasko (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): I've got some preliminary stuff first, but we'll get there. I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Goertzen), that Bill 35, The Education Adminis- tration Amendment Act (Teacher Certification and Professional Conduct); Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'administration scolaire (brevets d'enseignement et conduite professionnelle), be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor has been advised of the bill, and I table the message. Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honour - able Minister of Edu cation and Early Child hood Learning, seconded by the hon ourable Minister of Justice, that Bill 35, The Education Administration Amendment Act (Teacher Certification and Professional Conduct), be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House.

Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor has been advised of the bill, and the message is tabled. Mr. Ewasko: Madam Speaker, the Manitoba govern- ment takes the safety of youths very seriously. Bill 35, The Education Admin istration Amendment Act (Teacher Certification and Professional Conduct), is a historic step toward improving safety for Manitoba students. Mr. Dennis Smook, Acting Speaker, in the Chair Given recent examples of misconduct involv ing students, some of who have been charged with a series of offenses against students, urgent action is neces - sary.

In response to these concerns, and in discussion with edu cation partners, Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning is enhancing the legislative

1092 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 framework to better protect Manitoba students by preventing and addressing teacher misconduct. This bill was developed through extensive consulta- tion with the partners, including two rounds of engage- ments between November 2022 and March 2023, such as trustees, school administrators, the Manitoba Teachers' Society, Indigenous partners, post -secondary institu- tions, students, parents, child advocacy groups and survivors of sexual misconduct.

Reflecting what we learned during these consulta- tions, this bill proposes new structures and processes to improve accountability and transparency regarding the regulation of teachers and better align Manitoban's – Manitoba's legislation with other Canadian juris dic- tions. Specifically, as a result of Bill 35, an indepen- dent commissioner will be established to respond, in- vestigate and adjudicate matters of teacher misconduct. One of the most im portant con siderations we heard from stake holders is that there needed to be a clear avenue for anyone to report misconduct.

It is im- portant that such reports can be easily made after the first offense in order to ensure that it can be addressed before other students can be harmed. This will also give the commissioner the ability to identify concern- ing patterns of behaviour and potentially stop them before they escalate. In order to balance the need to have an open, com- pliant process with the rights of teachers to not be subject to malicious or false complaints, the commis- sioner will have the author ity to dismiss a complaint if it is frivolous or out of scope of their juris diction.

Further, in order to ensure the –that legitimate com- plaints can be dealt with in an expedient manner, the commissioner can enter in a consent resolution agree- ment with the investigated teacher to resolve the matter or refer matters to be adjudicated by a hearing panel. As an im portant im provement to our current adjudication committee, hearing panels will now have members of the public that are not teachers, ensuring that their voice and perspective can be considered given the high level of responsi bility entrusted in teachers.

To increase trans parency and accountability, concern–consent resolution agreements entered by the commissioner and decisions from hearing panels will be made public. An exception is allowed in cases that would cause significant harm to the victims. In such cases, a

summary of the agreement or decision may be made public. In addition to addressing matters of misconduct, the commissioner will also have the authority to take action against a teacher's certificate to address matters of confidence. This will ensure a single-door approach with con sistent processes for addressing all pro fes- sional matters. The department is committed to consulting broadly with stakeholders, including the Manitoba Teachers' Society, on dev elopment and imple mentation of the professional standards.

Other key components of the framework include an expanded definition of professional misconduct and broader reporting obligations for employers of teachers. Proposed amendments also establish a registry of certified teachers that will be publicly ac cessible and will provide infor mation on the status of a teacher's certificate and a record of actions taken against a teacher's certificate. A public registry will increase transparency for employers and parents, provi ding them the necessary infor mation to make informed decisions.

Experts in the area of child protection such as the Canadian Centre for Child Protec tion, have recently high lighted the need for such registries in their report, Child Sexual Abuse and Victimization by K-12 School Personnel in Canada. * (15:00) Teacher registries are common across Canada, including in all western provinces and Ontario. Govern- ment is committed to–our government is committed to respecting the privacy of teachers while also facili - tating easier access to this important information.

The proposed legis lation also provides future avenues to address mandatory training, a certification renewal process that can include obligator y back - ground checks and other require ments to be satisfied at the time of renewal. The de partment will continue to engage with employers, teachers, students, other education part - ners and, of course, the general public to clearly com- municate and implement these changes. Thank you, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker. Questions The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minister by any member in the following sequence: first ques tion by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1093 asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independent member; remaining questions asked by any op position m embers. And no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. Mr. Nello Altomare (Transcona): With such an im- portant bill being brought forward today, one that deals with teacher registry, I would like to –the minister–I know he did touch upon it upon his–on his opening remarks about the consul tation process, but I'd like him to talk a little bit more about what that looked like.

Did they come to the Legislature? Did the depart- ment go out and seek consul tation? Were they, you know, done in a fashion that certainly had teacher voice included? Hon. Wayne Ewasko (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): Absolutely, and I'd like to thank the MLA for Transcona for his respectful question. Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, the consultation pro- cess, as I said in my opening remarks, took place from November of 2022 to March of 2023, and those con- sultations had two rounds, and they varied in different venues or media type of consul tations.

And that ranged from in-person meetings, Zoom meetings, and any other type of–pieces of documentation that need- ed to be shared with those– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able minister's time has expired. Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): Yes, if I could just ask the minister–I had a question because I know that the bill–well, I'll ask two questions.

One, if I may, one relates to the fact, of course, it makes sense as we're talking about the safety of stu - dents, I was just wondering, there –whether there had been any consideration about the fact that sometimes there can be challenges for teachers if it's another teacher or if it's somebody else–if it's not just mistreat- ment of a student but a mistreatment of somebody else in the workplace; if that was something that was ever considered.

And the other was just a concern around the – asking about the regula tions, the idea that a whole bunch of stuff will be determined in regulation in the future– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able member's time has expired. Mr. Ewasko: I'd like to thank the member from St. Boniface for the questions. So, I'll try to unpack his couple questions in a short amount of time here. But what does the new bill do? The proposed bill is going to strengthen the regula tory framework for teachers through amendments to the Edu cation Administration Act.

Specifically, the bill will provide the legis lative framework to establish the independent commissioner to in vestigate, adjudicate, and otherwise respond to matters of teacher misconduct and competency, in- cluding having the ability to enter into a consent reso- lution agreement and refer matters to a hearing panel for adjudication. Hearings that will be open to the public and hear- ing panels that have equal representation– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able minister's time has expired. Mr.

Altomare: We know that we already have many disciplinary processes outlined in current collective agreements. I'm wondering is–how will the regulatory regime of Bill 35 coexist with the existing disciplinary processes that are part of many –or, of all collective agreements that are in place here in Manitoba? Mr. Ewasko: So, I'd like to thank the member again for that question. So, as he knows–and we've had a chance to do a bill briefing, Mr.

Acting Deputy Minister –as Manitoba Education and Early Child hood Learning does not have the authority to regulate non-teaching staff, this is something where we're going to be having a com - missioner, which is going to be selected by the minister. Somebody based on quali fications in ad - judicating matters of professional misconduct, and the draft legislation does not contemplate specific criteria. In other juris dictions, such as British Columbia and Alberta, similar roles are occupied by individuals with backgrounds in the legal system. Mr.

Lamont: This question for the minister–sorry–it relates to the, sort of, the IT –the open-ended part of the bill, which I think it might be too open-ended. This is obviously a bill that could have a huge impact on the lives of anybody who comes before–who is facing such a jurisdiction. So, had there –what sort of –is there any anti - cipated idea of what the regula tions actually will be? Is–why are we deciding to make all these regulations regulations, rather than making the decisions right in

1094 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 the legislation where it's ac cessible to the legis lators as part of the debate? Mr. Ewasko: So, of course, once–thanks, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker. So, once the–once Bill 35 passes, we will be work- ing on various misconduct or competency standards as well. And so, the bill provides the commissioner powers to address the competency issues in accordance with pro- fessional standards.

And the department is also com- mitted to c onsulting broadly with all our education partners here in Manitoba, which, of course, includes the Manitoba Teachers' Society, on the dev elopment and implementation of these professional standards. The de partment's also heard from stake holders that it's very im portant to have that single door for students and parents to raise any concerns they have with a teacher, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker. Mr. Altomare: As you know, local school divisions have a tremen dous amount of responsi bility.

The y hire professional staff to do the im portant work that they do in their schools. Am I to assume correctly that Bill 35 will parallel some of the processes that are already in place with regards to how school divisions discipline teachers that–found to be in misconduct? Mr. Ewasko: The bill–to the member –the bill esta - blishes a fair and transparent process, which includes the reporting, investigation and decision-making processes, which will be complemented by public reporting.

The bill also g ives investigated teachers the op - tions of appealing a decision to the Court of King's Bench, which–if they consider a decision to be unfair. As with the current process, teachers may continue to be represented by legal counsel, and the department will work with the com missioner to ensure that the rules of practice and procedures adhere to all expecta- tions of the procedural fairness and due process. Mr.

Lamont: My question here for the minister is–it actually relates to nondisclosure agreements, because we had–we brought forward a bill to reform NDAs, and we actually had people who were teachers who were talking about some of the issues they've been required to sign NDAs. Would–and you may not be able to answer this. Would this–would, if somebody has signed an NDA, would they be able to break it as part of this –if they were testifying or if they were being a witness in front of this jurisdiction? Mr. Ewasko: I thank the member for St. Boniface for that question. That specific question, Mr.

Acting Deputy Speaker, I will endeavour to get the member from St. Boniface the exact answer to his question. * (15:10) Mr. Altomare: We know, as I mentioned earlier, this is a very con sequential piece of legis lation and will amend many of the current pr actices that are already in place when it comes to professional conduct, pro- fessional standards, et cetera. Has the de partment thought about an awareness program–essentially, pro fessional develop ment for teachers once Bill 35 receives royal assent? Mr.

Ewasko: To answer the member's question, part of the consultation process that we've done with many education partners through out the province –also, I'd like to remind the member that we've also–did a min- isterial mandate to all school divisions for school staff to be trained and to have taken the Respect in Schools or the Commit to Kids program. So a lot of that is encompassed into those two programs. And, by the end of February 2023, those school staff are supposed to be trained in those two programs. Mr. Altomare: I don't know if that answered the question.

This is specific to Bill 35 and the really con- sequential changes that are being proposed by Bill 35. What I asked about is the really important profes- sional development that will have to take place. This is more than just doing a Respect in School or respect in sport requirement. This is to do with how a teacher does their job and how they're going to be, for lack of a better term, monitored. So I'm hoping for some professional– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able member's time has expired. Mr.

Ewasko: To the member from Transcona, I went with a bit of a different answer to his original question, and thank you for clarifying your question. Absolutely, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, there's going to be some professional dev elopment around Bill 35. And keep in mind that the majority, quite a large percentage, of teachers are going about their everyday, teaching our youth in this great province of ours. They're trusted, absolutely. And this bill will help keep those students safe. That it's such a small percentage.

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1095 But very im portant to make sure that there's an avenue not only for the students' safety, and for parents and guardians, but to make sure that also the teachers– The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The honour- able minister's time has expired. Mr. Altomare: I do appreciate the professional dev- elopment piece that will be offered. I'm glad that's on the record because it's real ly im portant, Acting Deputy Speaker, that that be in place.

This is new in Manitoba, and teachers will require–it's going to be a steep learning curve that's going to be experienced by many educators here in Manitoba. I just want to move on to the criteria for selection of the commissioner. What does the minister and his department envision as being some of the quali fica- tions, criteria that they're going to require of this commissioner? Mr. Ewasko: I would like to answer the member's question, but I would like to put a bit of a clarification on his perceived steep learning curve, Mr. Acing Deputy Speaker.

So, this bill is brought forward to make sure that our students are kept safe. The professional misconduct that we are talking about, t hat the com missioner will be looking at, is any act concerning a pupil or other child under the teacher's care or supervision that involves sexual abuse or sexual ex ploitation, sexual miscon - duct concerning a pupil or child, physical harm to a pupil or child, significant emotional harm to a pupil or child. Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, I take exception to the fact that most–that the member is saying that teachers are going to have a steep learning curve; don't do these things.

Mr. Altomare: Yes, I don't even know where to go with that, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker. We're having a respectful dialogue here and this is where we go with a very con sequential bill that impacts teachers and schools as well as kids. My question was specific to the criter ia that is going to be used to select the com missioner. People deserve to know that, as do kids. They need to feel that this is going to be a process that's going to be well undertaken. So, I'll ask again: What are the criteria–are going to be used to select the commissioner? Mr.

Ewasko: I did not mean, in my previous answer, to upset the member from Transcona. The fact of the bill, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, is that –is the fact that we take the safety of youth very seriously. And I just wanted to cla rify for the member what was involved in the bill. And I know he's had a bill briefing. But in regards to the com missioner, the commis- sioner will be selected by the minister based on qualifi- cations in adjudicating matters of professional miscon- duct. The draft legislation does not contemplate specific criteria.

In British Columbia and Alberta, similar roles are occupied by individuals with backgrounds in the legal system, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker. So hopefully that clarifies and answers the m ember from Transcona's question. The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): Time for questions has expired. Debate The Acting Speaker (Dennis Smook): The floor is now open for debate. Mr. Nello Altomare (Transcona): It's always a –an honour to get up in this Hous e to debate bills; bills consequential, like Bill 35, that's being brought forward and I look forward to the debate this afternoon. This is some thing that we're learning about.

As you could see through the question and answer period, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, it's important to get these items on the record so that everyone in the province knows what Bill 35 contains and what it entails. It amends The Education Administration Act that exists right now. To teach in a public school or a funded inde pen- dent school, a teacher here in Manitoba must have a Manitoba teaching certificate. I still have my first teaching certificate, actually, Deputy –Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker. I keep it in my wallet.

It's because– something that I'm very proud of and something that, you know, they can never take away from you unless, of course, you know, misconduct occurs. The 'folloring' are some of the key changes that are made in relation to this certification process, and this is to do with the registry of teachers . An online registry will be esta blished to allow the public to obtain information about a teacher's teaching cer tifi- cate, including the date it was issued, its class and its current status. The registry will also include a record of any disciplinary action taken against the teacher.

1096 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 The director of certification will be appointed to oversee this process for teachers and for the registry. The government is given the author ity to make com- petent standards that teachers must meet to be issued and to maintain the teaching certificate. There, of course, will be a disciplinary process where a com missioner is appointed to oversee this new process and–the commissioner will have a lot of awesome responsibility, Mr.

Acting Deputy Speaker, especially when it comes to the –well, of course, the reviewing of complaints from the public and reports from school boards and other employers about teacher misconduct and incompetence.

The commissioner can decide what action is ap - propriate to address a complaint or report and can: in- vestigate; close the matter by not taking further action; postpone taking action if the teacher's employer or a criminal proceeding is addressing the same concern; enter into a consent resolution agreement, in which the commissioner and the teacher agree on ap propriate consequences that address the concern without a hear- ing; and order a hearing and appoint a hearing panel. * (15:20) If the hearing panel, Mr.

Acting Deputy Speaker, finds a teacher guilty of professional misconduct or incompetence, or that a teacher lacks capacity to carry out professional responsibilities, the panel may suspend or cancel the teacher's certificate, place limitations or conditions on it or reprimand the teacher. An appeal from the hearing panel's decision may be made to the Court of King's Bench. And these are conse quential amendments that are made to The Public Schools Act and The Manitoba Teachers' Society Act. Mr.

Acting Deputy Speaker, I am on the record, my party is on the record, as saying that the safety of kids is our No. 1 priority; it absolutely is. I can say that when I stand up in caucus, I certainly have the support of my caucus members, and they were in full agreement that the safety of kids is our No. 1 priority. I will say that, with the Manitoba Teachers' Society, the very first point in the professional code of conduct is to do with the safety of children. So, as pro- fessional educators, we have that as our No. 1 priority.

And, as been mentioned, this bill is not intended for the very vast majority that do understand that point. We do need something in place that ensures that our kids are not preyed upon in school. There's a piece here that remains really important, and that's the pro- fessional conduct piece. And is my hope that that is kept, you know, in mind when we move forward with the implementation of this bill. It's important that every kid feels safe in school, absolutely. The most trusted people in the public school system are teachers. And teachers take that very seriously.

It's quite a respon sibility to be responsi ble for young people in your classroom. One that comes with a–certainly, a high level of reward, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker; high level of reward because you get to work with young people and help them on their path to develop them selves into very capable human beings–ones that will contribute to their communities. That's why having a mechanism and structure in place to ensure children are protected in schools is im- portant, and that there is account ability, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, for people that harm and hurt chil - dren.

As I said earlier, we will support this bill on the principle of accountability that it reflects. Teachers and educators certainly will have a voice on this disciplinary process, as it's designed. The representatives of–teachers and educators need to have to ensure that their voice is heard–there are already some mechanisms in place, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, that I hope will also be considered once amendments to this bill come forward. There is a pro fessional growth process that many teachers are a part of every year; it's an im portant piece of their pro fessional practice.

I know it's some thing that, certainly, many of my former colleagues in the school division that I worked in took very seriously and looked forward to the pro- cess every year. As a bit of a review for that, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, and how it relates to Bill 35, is that the pro- fessional growth process really allowed the school administrator to get to know the teacher, to know what their priorities are and were, and to establish processes so that they could also improve their professional practice.

That PG–that professional growth plan process is one that is taken very seriously by teachers and school administrators, and, you know, it's a process that I hope is reflected in some of the phases of this bill. That's why teachers need to be at the table throughout, and I did hear the minister say that they were consulted. I hope that consultation process con- tinues because, as you know, with the introduction of any new bill, once it's rolling and once it's in force and in action, there is going to be things that are going to come up that are going require some tweaks and some changes.

And from what I heard from the question and

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1097 answer period, I heard that the minister and the depart- ment are open to that, so that it does ensure what it's intended to do. Because, as I said earlier, and the minister has said this, too, the vast majority of teachers are com - mitted to helping and protecting kids, and we under - stand that. Manitobans also understand that. They see that every day in the great work that teachers and school administrators do. I know that this bill also impacts those that have a teaching certificate that aren't just teachers, right.

I mean, there's the–of course the clinical staff that are also part of this, and that's important, too. I would like to see some of the pieces, and ex- panded a little bit more, in a sense of encompassing all of the people that work within the educational system, and not just teachers or what are termed as professional staff. I know that the minister knows this. And I know that this is likely going to come up at committee stage, Mr.

Acting Deputy Speaker, that we look at expanding the scope of this bill to include everybody that is exposed to children in the school, not just in the school, but also outside of the school, wherever children are in place and under t he super- vision of the school at that time. Because sometimes it's also outside of hours, different locations, et cetera, like on the bus, things of that nature. The piece that's interesting, too, is the bill would allow parents and students in Manitoba to be able to check on a teacher's disciplinary history–very impor- tant.

That already exists in a couple of provinces here, and I do think it's time here in Manitoba that we have something like that here. Teachers rightfully consider themselves as pro fessionals and as this has evolved you'll see that professional–people that are considered professional, like doctors, also have this in place where you can check on their quali fications. And so that's a piece that will be important. The independent commissioner role is going to be vitally important, as well, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker.

I did ask for some clarity during the question and an- swer period, and I know the bill is new and the process is going to be new. Just for myself, and I'm s ure the minister may feel the same way about this, it'll be very important for the com missioner to have some ex per- iences within the public school or independent school system, or have a deep understanding of how the system works. That will provid e, I believe, a lot of credibility for the commissioner to do their work. It'll inspire confidence in families, in com munities, and also in teachers and professional staff.

That commissioner role will be very im portant– only–not just because of the job they're going to do, but also, too, there's going to be some thing there that comes with it, and that's an awesome responsibility to make sure that the bill is administered the way it's intended to be administered. I would hope, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, that that com missioner role will grow in its scope and respon sibility and will provide the necessary guidance for the next steps whenever next steps need to be taken in the disciplinary process. The bill is important. I did mention, that the–there mane–be some need for amendment.

When we get to the committee stage for this bill, I am quite confident that there will be a number of presenters, both in person and virtually. The really unique thing about Manitoba, and I know you know this, Mr . Acting Deputy Speaker, is that committee stage and the role the public plays at the committee stage. It's unique in Canada. We saw it–we see it on a regular basis. I was checking the committee website, and I've noticed that a number of Manitobans have already signed up for the committee stage.

And I look forward to being at committee–and I'm sure the minister does , too–sup- porting the presenters when they arrive. And also, though, too, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, is hearing what they're bringing to the table to make the bill even better. Right? Because that's going to be, really, the piece that's going to define this is the committee stage because we're going to need to hear from what people are saying about it because it is also part of that consultation piece that we often talk about as legis lators here in the House, one that can't be diminished. And I really –I look forward to that.

I'm sure there'll be many organizations that will also be part of that committee process. An organization such as Stop Educator-Child Exploitation, that has said and –is on the record as saying that this registry is a positive step, and I'm sure they'll be there to make a presentation. The Canadian Centre for Child Protec tion has also said that this bill is a positive step that will bring Manitoba more in line with other provinces and will, I think, position Manitoba well in–within the country. It's nice every once in a while to have Manitoba seen as a lead in something; that's an important piece.

And I know a number of these organi zations have already said that. We also know that there are exceedingly few teachers that engage in this–these heinous acts, and this is what the bill is intended for. That

part is–goes with- out saying.

1098 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 But, you know, we did earlier, Mr. Deputy – Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, bring forward a private member's bill, bill 224, that talked about protecting youth in sports. We know that schools provide a lot of opportunity for sport and for extracurricular activities. We also know that some of the coaches –some of the people that under take leadership in that area are not professional staff and are not covered under this bill. Bill 224 would've looked after that, could've worked in tandem with this, would've ensured that schools and sports organizations, Mr.

Acting Deputy Speaker, would have been covered by many of the same provisions that are in this bill; would've been a really good first step. I think it would–it's shown some magnanimity on the government benches to accept some of what we were bringing to the table at the time. I think–I think; I know it was a missed opportun- ity, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker.

Because there were certain provisions in bill 224 that I think are really im- portant and would've had as expect ations, such as: would've prohibited young athletes from being in coaches' or principals' homes without parental per - mission–would've put it right there, it's just not going to happen without express permission. Supporting the bill would've prevent ed harm against young people and created a model of respon- sible coaching behaviour. And, again, another oppor- tunity to show some leadership, Mr.

Acting Deputy Speaker, so that everyone–parents, kids, coaches – could feel comfortable, feel confident in t he people that will be working with their kids. One of the really important pieces as you're grow- ing up is acquiring your voice, your own ability to advocate for yourself. What teachers do is they certainly teach kids how to develop that voice because it's difficult. It's difficult to develop and it requires a lot of work, a lot of role modelling and a lot of impor- tant reflection and dialogue with kids as it's being developed. It's kind of like raising your own children, right?

How do we develop their voice? Bill 224 would've done that, would've helped that. And prior to introducing bill 224 we also introduced a private member's resolution to address the same issue, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker. Unfor tunately, the gov- ernment benches decided not t o support that PMR. Again, an opportunity that was missed, you know, and I remain somewhat disappointed by that. We are talking about child pro tection and child safety here.

As legis lators, we bring forward im por- tant pieces of legis lation, eith er through a private member's bill or a private member's resolution, so that we can debate these important topics right here on the floor of the Manitoba Legislature. And that was an opportunity for this government to show how serious it was. It was a missed opportun- ity. The need for measures like this to protect children are–unfortunately, they're sadly documented. And even brings me a little bit of pain to even repeat some of these, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker. Because, of course, it impacts our young people.

I'm–you know, was sad to read that in April of 2022 a Winnipeg high school football coach was charged with multiple alleged sexual assaults. As I said earlier, these are acts that are just so unacceptable that it just –it leaves you more t han disappointed. It leaves you a little bit angry– An Honourable Member: Disillusioned. Mr. Altomare: –disillusioned, thank you. An Honourable Member: Disappointed. Mr. Altomare: And disappointed. But here's the piece. We had bill 224, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, that would've addressed this, that we brought it at the time.

And when given the oppor tun- ity– An Honourable Member: Relevance? Mr. Altomare: –of course, it didn't happen. Relevance? You're darn right it's relevant. We're talking about the safety of our kids, and somebody on the other side, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, is shouting relevance? Are you kidding me? Come on. * (15:40) We're on the floor of the Manitoba Legislature here, debating really conse quential legis lation, and this is wh at we get from the gov ernment benches. You know, I remain disappointed and disillusioned. Preventing sexual abuse, Mr.

Acting Deputy Speaker, is something that is really im portant, and we know that. We have received a number of sugges tions from community members to better protect youth, and we're hoping that some of these measures eventually, through the committee stage or through other amendments, are certainly considered to make this bill even better. These rules will just not only apply to pro fes- sional staff, as I said earlier, Deputy –Acting Deputy Speaker, but also to everybody that's exposed to children in school and outside of school. Really important pieces.

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1099 I do also want to say that there are other pre ven- tion strategies, and that we ensure that we put them in place so that we don't get to a point where we have legislation that doesn't have enough oomph to ensure that we have the pro tection of our youth in our schools. I will say this, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, that we will work closely with other legis lators in this House to ensure that Bill 35 does what it's intended to do.

We will work with the Manitoba Teachers' Society, Manitoba School Boards Association, Manitoba Association of School Superintendents and other impor- tant organizations to ensure that the bill is designed to do what it's supposed to do. Because, like I said earlier, when given the oppor- tunity to support some of our private members' pieces, we didn't get that from government benches, and that was disappointing. So, I'm looking forward to the committee process. I'm looking forward to the ability to bring forward amendments to make this bill even better, stronger and protective of kids.

And with those few comments, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to wrap up my debate. Thank you. MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Whoops, I just dropped my notes. I apologize. Thank you, Mr. Acting Deputy Speaker. I really am grateful for the opportunity to put a few words on the record in regards to this bill. Bill 35 is an important piece of legislation, and I do think that it's important that this bill comes forward now, and I recognize that there are some concerns that people have in regards to this bill. I've heard some of those concerns from some educators.

But I do think that everybody is really on the same page, that everyone that I talk to and that I know certainly wants to make sure that kids are safe and that students are being educated in ways that prioritize their well -being and protect them from people who may be putting their health at risk –and that's their physical, emotional and their mental health at risk – folks who may harm students. And, unfor tunately, you know, we do live in a time in society where we still do see incidents–tragic incidents of people in positions of power and author - ity, educators, hurting students.

And it's devastating every single time we hear one of those stories. And I think that every time we do hear one of those tragic stories, it reminds a ll of us to reflect on what it is that we can do in our capacity to make schools safer for students, more equitable for students so that they can have, you know, as pleasant an exper- ience as possible and then move on from, you know, their K -to-12 education and pursue whatever their interests and their dreams are.

So, I'd like to take this moment to highlight a couple of incred ible educators that I had in my life growing up as examples of why it's so im portant that we create positive spaces and st rong K -to-12 insti - tutions for folks to be learning. You know, I grew up just south of the city, and there were a couple of people throughout my child - hood and my teen years who had a tremendous impact on my life. And there's one person in parti cular– there's several, actually, but one in parti cular–named Denis Marinelli, who was an educator at St.

Norbert Collegiate for many decades, and he retired a few years ago–we remain friends to this day–who made a big impact. And one of the most im portant lessons I learned from Mr. Marinelli was that what we should expect from our educators is an approach to teaching that really puts the needs of students first. And, you know, I'll share one story really quickly, because it's one that I'll carry with me t he rest of my life and I've carried with me to this point in my life. So, when I was very young–I was in about the ninth– 10th grade, going into the 10th grade.

I was a pretty good basketball player by that point, and I'd been playing on the varsity basketball team for Mr. Marinelli. And other students and other adults in my life–other teachers, other educators from other schools–were encouraging me to go to another school, a bigger school, maybe a fancier school. And they were telling me that if I went to a bigger school, I'd have more opportunity to get a scholarship.

And I–you know, I was in a situation where pay- ing for post-secondary wasn't going to be a thing my family could do; I was going to have to earn a scholar- ship or work jobs or what have you to make it happen. And so, it was a big deal for me to hear from other teachers and other adults that I could get a scholarship or have a better chance at that if I went to a bigger school where I might get more attention. And so, you know, Denis Ma rinelli and other teachers at St. Norbert Collegiate were people that I really trusted. They were teachers who made me feel safe.

1100 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 23, 2023 I was a kid who was bullied for many years in grade school quite badly, and so being in an environment where I felt safe and I knew that the teachers had my back was a big deal. And so, I brought this infor mation to Denis Marinelli–Mr. Marinelli–one day. And I said, you know what, I really appreciate everything you've been doing for me as a young basketball player, but every- one is telling me I should go to a bigger, better school. And, you know, the interesting thing was Mr. Marinelli did not do anything to try to convince me to stay at St.

Norbert Collegiate. He listened to me, and he said to me that what he wanted for me was to have the best possible future I could have and to be happy–to be a happy kid, and that whatever I chose to do, he would support me. And if I chose to stay at that school and play for his team, he would be in the gym with me before the day started, as he already had been many days of the week, rebounding for me, making sure I could get in there and practise –put in extra practise. And he'd make sure the gym was for me–was there for me after school, and he'd make sure I had access to camps if I wanted to go, if I stayed.

And then he said, but if you choose to go to another school, a bigger school where people are telling you to go–if your family makes that choice, I want you to know that I'm still going to open the gym for you early in the morning and I'm still going to rebound for you. And I'm still going to make sure that you have the support you need and the coaching you need after hours so that you can be the best student athlete you can be, because I want you to succeed. That was a lesson for me that–it taught me about the kinds of people, the kinds of teachers you should really have in your life.

And every single student deserves to have a Mr. Marinelli in their life. And, you know, it is so important that we do what we can as legislators to ensure that students not only have people around them who have their best interests at heart and impart on kids, you know, those kinds of moments that help inform the way that they navigate the rest of the world, but that we also protect kids from folks who maybe don't have their best interests at heart.

And, you know, this bill certainly provides an op- portunity for parents, for com munities to get a sense of who it is that's educating their children, to know transparently if there's any concerns they should be aware of. And it talks about putting in some measures to investigate and, you know, look at situations where, maybe, unfor tunately, kids have been at risk or harmed. And so, I really think it's important to talk about some of the detai ls, because the details really do matter.

So, specifically–and I know that my colleague, the MLA for Transcona, has already asked about the commissioner appointment role, but I think that that's an important point to talk about. * (15:50) And I say that because, you know, I was pretty lucky in certain ways growing up–and I don't want to say, you know –maybe lucky is not the best word because, you know, all kids should have really great educators around them.

But I was pretty fortunate to have some wonderful adults in my life, wonderful teachers in my life, who recognized that not only was I a kid going to their school who lived in the commu- nity but they also recognized that I was a first-genera- tion kid. I was a Nigerian kid. I was a kid who was raised in a pretty traditional, pretty strict, I-wasn't-partying-on-the-weekends kind of household, I-had-to-get-certain-grades-if-I-wanted-to-play-sports kind of household. You know, if there was an issue with the school, Mama Doris-was-at-the-school-the-next-day kind of household.

And, you know, they really saw me as a whole person, a really dynamic kid. And I think it's so important that, when we look at who is going to be appointed to oversee a disci - plinary process for teachers, that that perso n does come with the understanding of what intersectionality means and how it functions in schools.

It's really, really important that whoever that person is not only has an understanding of school systems and all of the dynamics that seem really obvio us, but I think it's crucial that, to really maximize the value of that role, you know, it be somebody who has an understanding of the different identities and experiences and com - plexities that students have in order to make sure that any concerns that are brought forward are given their due diligence from a perspective of somebody who can ap preciate the diversity that exists in Manitoba schools.

And so, I do think that it's really im portant that the minister have clarity on that. I don't think that we really got any clarity what soever from the minister when my colleague, the MLA for Transcona, asked specifically about, you know, who that person could be and what the expectations are and what they bring to the table.

March 23, 2023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1101 I think those are very val id questions. And if we want to ensure that, you know, all issues are taken seriously and that all experiences are seen for the diverse sort of experiences and issues they may be, that the person who's in that role be someone who has an expertise that incorporates intersectionality. It's not just a buzzword; it means some thing very concrete and real and applicable everywhere, but certainly, here in Manitoba.

So, you know, when we talk about safety in schools, it is –it's also im portant for us to talk about what has also already been brought up in this House and to talk about the fact that school and school access and the relationships that happen, you know, in those places isn't just a, you know, 8:30 to 4:30 or 8:00 to 4:00, the hours of the schools now–it isn't just within that period of time, Monday to Friday, when kids are in the building, right.

We're talking about interactions and relationships that take place in sports, extracurricular activities, you know, intramural activities, student gov ernment op- portunities. You know, there's all kinds of times, places and spaces where it's really im portant that we ensure kids are safe and that educators have a full understanding of the impact they have on students well beyond the classroom and well bey ond their respective buildings–school buildings.

And so, you know, that's, you know–the other part that I think is really important in terms of when we're talking about account ability for teachers and pro - tecting kids, we need to talk about the ways in which we are ensuring that teachers are educated, ensuring that they are informed in terms of what is appropriate and not appropriate, in terms of, you know, how power dynamics manifest in academic spaces.

And there was a bill brought forward by our colleagues on this side of the House, bill 224, that was a really good opportunity for the government, the PCs, to acknowledge that kids do not –the need to protect kids doesn't just stop during school hours; that teach- ers often wear very many hats, especially, you know, dealing with a gov ernment that's been underfunding and cutting school budgets for, you know, several years now. We see teachers taking on many more responsibilities. Coaching is just one example of many.

And my colleagues brought for ward a bill that would have put in better provisions to protect youth in sport. To me, that's kind of a common -sense bill. It's really a common sense approach to better protecting kids. So I do think it's concern ing that the PCs have failed previously to take a step that would further protect children in sports. And, you know, there are, unfor tunately, many cases in the last handful of years alone where we've seen students be harmed, sexually abused, physically ab

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	42-5-34b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	42nd 5th hansardpdf 34b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	b3c8408395aad79d1252cfccf9fcbb669899af67

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