Manitoba Hansard — 24 May 2016 (Sitting 6, 41st Legislature, 1st Session)

41-1-6

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

First Session – Forty-First Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXIX No. 6 - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2016 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

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

Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC YAKIMOSKI, Blair Transcona PC

139 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, May 24, 2016 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here befo re Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and acc omplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. Please be seated.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Madam Speaker: Introduction of bills? Committee reports? Tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Paramedic Services Week Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health , Seniors and Active Living ): Good afternoon, Madam Speaker. I'm honoured to stand in the House this afternoon to recognize the vital role that emergency medical service providers play in our health-care system and to recognize that this week is Paramedic Services Week. Each and every day, Manitobans benefit from the knowledge and skills of these highly trained health-care providers.

From dispatch centres to ambulances on the ground and in the air, every community in our province is served by these dedicated front-line health-care professionals. Members of our emergency medical services teams are devoted to providing life -saving care. We know that access to this care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rates of those who experience sudden illness or injury. The theme of this year's Paramedic Services Week is Paramedics: Enhancing Care, Changing Lives.

This theme recognizes that in addition to emergency services, paramedics provid e valuable care in the areas of prevention, safety awareness and emergency preparedness. We would like to sincerely thank all emergency medical service providers for their dedication and service to Manitobans. Please join us in recognizing them today, t his week and throughout the year. Thank you. Madam Speaker: I would just like to note for the record that the required 90 minutes' notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Mr.

Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the official opposition to recognize the national Emergency Medical Services week and the important role EMS has in our province and to further recognize May 22nd to 28th as Paramedic Services Week here in Manitoba. We know the value of those on our front lines, and we want to ensure that we get the best care possible when facing some of our most challenging situations, and EMS are an important part of that care. Over 116,000 paramedic patient transports took place in Manitoba during 2014- 15.

It takes a whole team of front -line workers to make this happen, including first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers. And this week is our opportunity to celebrate them all. There will be many activities taking place this week to celebrate the work of EMS in our province, including a contest hosted by Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service for the students of Lord Selkirk School called What Does a Paramedic Mean to You? It's cruci al that we continuously reflect on the good work of those who are on our front lines.

And I would encourage all members of this House to take a minute, like the students of Lord Selkirk have, to reflect on the importance of EMS for all of us. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to stand in the House and recognize the hard work of our EMS and celebrate national emergency services week. I look forward in the coming session to

140 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 continue fighting for the rights of our front -line workers to make Manitoba a stronger province. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I ask leave to speak to the minister's statement. Madam Speaker: Is there leave for the member to speak to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Mr. Gerrard: I thank the minister for his statement. It is fitting that this week we recognize the extraordinary contributions of Manitoba's emergency medical responders.

Each day their efforts contribute heroic actions which address health emergencies, and their response and their presenc e have contributed to the saving of countless Manitoba lives. Our Liberal caucus joins all MLAs in saying thank you to our emergency medical responders. But our thank you to our emergency medical responders should extend beyond words. They need actions from us as legislators. The Paramedic Association of Manitoba has been fighting for self -regulation for years but have been stalled in their efforts.

There was an excellent review conducted by Reg Toews of Manitoba's EMS services with a report released three years ago in 2013. Very few of the recommendations have been fully implemented to date. Urgent action is needed. As Liberals, we will be watching the new government carefully and we'll be pressing for action. Paramedics of Manitoba deserve no less. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Bell Cell Service Expansion Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): Madam Speaker, we all know what a vital transportation link Highway 75 is for our province.

That is why we on this side of this House are excited to see Bell Canada and MTS work to ensure broadband cell strength is strengthened for all those who use this important link. These investments from the two companies will strengthen the cell connection in three areas: between Ste. Agathe and Morris, Morris and Highway 14 and Highway 201 and the US border, where important communication infrastructure often hits dead zones.

This is vital to ensure that residents and travellers through the constituencies of Morris, Emerson and La Verendrye are able to use their cellphones in the case of emergency and that commercial travellers are able to connect their businesses with the rest of the world. With Bell and MTS investing over $1 billion over the next five years and 6,900 employees calling Manitoba home, our economy is growing. Businesses finally have some confidence in the Manitoba economy thanks to our better plan for a better Manitoba.

Expanded broadband coverage will help ensure rural Manitoba thrives and grows and will allow more communities to be better connected with the rest of the province. Economic development and safety are top of mind in small communities, and, thanks to the work of these two companies, minds can be put at ease with these investments. These investments help Manitoba compete on a national, international scale. W ith Bell and MTS teaming up, we are now seeing increased service and increased competition in the Manitoba economy.

I am proud that our government was on hand for the announcement, and I'm proud to be part of a government that will work with companies li ke Bell and MTS to put Manitoba back on track with the right plan for a better tomorrow. Thank you, Madam Speaker. * (13:40) Wolseley Fire–Community Response Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): How a community responds when faced with adversity says a lot about the strength and character of its citizens. Just last month a terrible fire ripped through a construction site and two neighbouring homes in the heart of Wolseley.

Two families were left temporarily homeless, and it's a miracle no lives were lost. Helen Procner and her sister Neda's house on Maryland Street stood right next to where the fire started. When Helen awoke, both exits were blocked and she couldn't reach her wheelchair. It was only the bravery and quick thinking of the firefighters that got both Helen and Neda out safe and sound. The fire also quickly spread to a second house, this one on Westminster Avenue, known in the neighbourhood as Raspberry Manor for its red colouring.

Mark Pomrenke, his wife and their two children were sleeping when their neighbour, Adam Hannah, began pounding on their door. Thanks to Adam's warning, everyone

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 141 escaped unharmed. Moments later a fireball exploded just a few feet from the bedroom of Mark's eight-month-old son. Madam Speaker, the incredible community response to this near -tragedy was immediate and inspiring. Helen's wheelchair was lost in the fire, but she quickly got a replacement from the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities. What's more, the Westminster United Church across the street and the Bell Tower Community Café held a barbecue to help gather donations for the families who suffered loss in the fire.

Roughly 200 people attended and Helen discovered that GoFundMe campaigns have also been launched in her name. Adam le nt Mark clothes and shoes the same night as the fire while another neighbour, Amanda, who Mark calls Saint Amanda, came by to deliver diapers and children's clothes in the middle of the night. Mark's plan is to rebuild on his lot and call the new house Phoenix Place, to signify renewal. My heart goes out to everyone affected by this dangerous and very scary fire. I want to salute the bravery of the first responders who risked their own lives to save the lives of others.

I commend the selfless actions, as well, of local neighbours and agencies to help others in their time of need. In the face of adversity, Madam Speaker, Wolseley responded with love, care and compassion. I am honoured today to share this story with all members of the House. Thank you. RV and Camping Week Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to bring attention to Canadian RVing and Camping Week, which starts today and runs until May 29th.

The week is being hosted by the Canadian Camping and RV Counc il to celebrate the Canadian camping tradition and launch the 2016 camping season. If the rest of the camping season is anything like the May long weekend, Manitobans are in for a summer full of great camping experiences. I encourage members to get outside this weekend and take advantage of Canadian RVing and Camping Week. There are a number of campgrounds in Manitoba offering special discounted rates for May 28th and 29th to help showcase the best of what Manitoba's camping has to offer.

Representing the constituency of Lac du Bonnet, I live in one of the most beautiful areas of our province. I can assure all members Manitoba has some spectacular sights to see. I can't think of a better way to experience our province than through camping with friends and family. Madam Speaker, camping is an affordable family activity that also allows for families to work together as a team. Pitching a tent, setting up a camper, gathering firewood, all these activities are made easier when people work together.

In addition to developing teamwork skills, families can create lifelong memories while discovering Manitoba's rich landscape. The average family campground rate for a seasonal site in Manitoba is $9 a day, which is doable for many Manitoba families. With $4.7 billi on in GDP and 60,000 jobs created across the country, Canadian camping and RVing industries play an important role in our national and provincial economy. Madam Speaker, Manitoba's outdoors have a lot to offer us. I hope members in this House are able to take advantage of Canadian RVing and Camping Week. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Members' statements? Lisa Michaluk Mr. Jeff Wharton (Gimli): Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in the House today and recognize a fellow Manitoban whose dedication to education has seen her receive a minister's award of excellence in teaching. Madam Speaker, o n May 13th, 2016, M rs. Lisa Michaluk of Sigurbjorg Stefansson Early School in the Evergreen School Division was recognized for her achievements at the 10th annual minister's awards reception. Ms. Michaluk is highly respected by her peers and adored by both parents and students.

She works very hard to help students find their voice as their interests, ideas and research are included in activities to further encourage learning. She has worked diligently to service initiatives such as implementing iPads in every classroom to enhance learning and prepare students for the work demands of the 21st century while also creating a school blog for shared learning amongst the community.

142 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 Ms. Michaluk currently teaches kindergarten to grade 4 students as a literacy teacher and ICT facilitator. The community of Gimli is very lucky to have such a caring educator, mentor and leader for their young students. Mrs . Michaluk is also teaching her students to open their hearts and demonstrate compassion. After viewing a ribbon- like structure, a discussion into cancer started. These young students were eager to help. Under her leadership, her students decided to host a bake sale to raise money.

The event was successful, and they donated all the proceeds to cancer research. Congratulations again to Mrs. Michaluk and her minister's award of excellence in teaching. Her innovation, leadership and work ethic in the classroom will leave her students well prepared in the years ahead. I invite all members of this House to join me in thanking Mrs. Michaluk for all of her hard work and dedication. We are all extremely proud of her and very fortunate to have her educating our young Manitobans. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Asian Heritage Month Ms.

Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize that the month of May is Asian Heritage Month here in Canada. This is the 14th year that it is being actively celebrated in Manitoba. The month of May emphasizes how our Asian heritage contributes to the well -being of our great province and how essential this community is to our multicultural society. Madam Speaker, o ver the years, I have h ad many opportunities to celebrate Asian heritage.

I have done this through my friends, family and events such as Folklorama, the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival, Va isakhi and visiting various countries in Asia. These opportunities exhibit the importance of Asian heritage and how proud and grateful we should be of our long and rich ethnic history. This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending an annual Aaja Nachle event. This was organized by the Manitoba Indian Cultural Organization. It was a night full of performances, laughter, good food and dancing. This event raised $17,000 for CancerCare and over $1,500 for a charity back in Punjab.

People came together to celebrate heritage and contribute to the broader community. We are a rich, multicultural mosaic, and I'm so proud of how our Asian community has contributed to who we are as a province. With a week to go, I would encourage all members of the Legislature to participate in some way in promoting Asian Heritage Month. And if you are looking for a n activity, let me recommend the Asian Canadian Festival happening at The Forks from 1 to 5 this Saturday and Sunday. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Prior to oral questions, I'd like to direct your attention to the galler y where we have seated in the public gallery from École Selkirk Junior High 65 grade 9 students under the direction of Ms. Joan Cooney. And this group is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Selkirk (Mr. Lagimodiere). And seated in my loge to my left is Kevin Lamoureux, who's the MP for Winnipeg North and former MLA for Inkster. On behalf of all honour 'memblers' –on all honourable members, I welcome all of you here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Sale of MTS to Bell Cellphone Rate Increase Ms.

Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, last week we were treated to the bizarre spectacle of the Premier putting aside his official responsibilities to become a public relations representative for Bell Canada at a press conference to promote their proposed takeover of MTS. Can the Premier confirm that he stated that cellphone rates will go up in Manitoba if the proposed sale of MTS to Bell Canada goes ahead? * (13:50) Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): If I may, Madam Speaker, I wanted to point out to the young people from Selkirk that they have an excellent teacher in Ms.

Cooney, who I taught 35 years ago, and she was a fabulous student at that time, I must say. We're, of course, on this side of the House, very, very supportive of the idea of better services for Manitobans, and included in that would be better cellphone reception and reliability. I think that that is an important goal we should all pursue and support,

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 143 and, of course, we do. It's, I think, a positive thing for growing our economy. I think it's a positive thing, as well, for the safety of residents who travel in areas around the province, such as Highway 75, a major and well -travelled route that's integral to our economic growth. And so positive news in respect of these important services, I think, is good for the whole province, good for the citizens of the province, good for the future of the province as well. Ms. Marcelino: Madam Speaker, the Premier did, in fact, state that cellphone rates will go up.

Can he also confirm that he stated that you get what you pay for and that Manitobans will no longer have amongst the lowest cellphone rates in Canada? Mr. Pallister: Madam Speaker, well, just –I recall just a few short weeks ago the members of the then-New Democratic government decrying the very presence of a private phone utility in our province and claiming the rates were high. Today they claim they're low. What we are interested in, of course, is better services for the people of Manitoba.

What the othe r side has been associated with and continues to be, among Manitoba observers, is the fact that they promoted the idea of paying more and getting less. We like the idea of Manitobans getting more. Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Official Opposition Leader, on a final supplementary. Ms. Marcelino: Madam Speaker, I am once again only quoting the Premier.

Why did the Premier also state that this is what happens when private sector businesses compete with one another when, in fact, the merger will result in one less provider of cellphone services, something that will lead to a major cellphone rate increase because of the lack of competition? Mr. Pallister: Competition was, until, I think, two years ago, som ething that that party opposite opposed in its own constitution, as they opposed profit. They stand on a regular basis and promote the continuation of monopoly delivery of all services and, today, talk about competition. It's a bit of a contradiction.

More than that, I think it's a total contradiction. I wanted to, if I might, Madam Speaker, though, mention, because it's my first opportunity to do it, that a special aspect, I think, for many of us during the election night coverage, was when Kevin Lamoureux was told that his daughter had won a seat in the House in the Legislature. It was a special thing for a father and a special thing for, I think, all Manitobans who respect the commitment that families–that family, in particular, had made to public life in this province, and I thank them for that commitment. Sale of MTS to Bell Opposition to Sale Mr.

Jim Maloway (Elmwood): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Premier. The PCs privatized MTS, then key PC insiders profited significantly from the privatized company. Former Premier Gary Filmon received well over $1 million over the 12 -year period he sat on the privatized MTS board. He was vice -chair of the board of Wellington West, the company that sold off MTS and made tens of millions of dollars on the sale. There are significant close ties between MTS and the PCs. Is this why the Premier and his government won't stand up for Manitobans and oppose the sale? Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, again, this member has not recognized for some ti me that the simple repetition of falsehoods does not make them close to the truth. He continues to put false information on the record, as he has done for some time. That being said, if the member is interested in us going the way of Cuba in terms of re -publicizing the MTS and taking hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars away from health care and education in Manitoba, he should come clean and advocate for that publicly. I encourage him to do so.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Elmwood, on a supplementary question. Mr. Maloway: The consumers of this province want this government to oppose this sale. Madam Speaker, Manitobans are looking to this government to speak for them on this important issue, not just for their PC insider friends. This government can support Manitoba consumers and make it clear to the Competition Bureau, the CRTC and directly with the federal minister that it does not support the sale. Why won't he oppose this particular sale that will lead to a dramatic increase in cellphone rates

144 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 and, by the way, an end to unlimited data in this province? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade ): I do thank the member for the question. It certainly is a very important question for consumers around Manitoba, and I can tell you that the people in my particular area of the province are looking forward to enhanced cell service in our area of the province.

I think my community, in fact, probably has the most cellphone booster towers per capita of anywhere in the province, so we are looking forward to the $1- billion investment in technology here in Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Elmwood, on a final supplementary. Mr. Maloway: The MTS was currently spending $200 million a year, and over five years it would equal the $1 billion that they are talking about right now. The–this government doesn't care about the Manitoba consumers. Will this Premier (Mr.

Pallister) and this government confirm that they worked with Bell Canada to ensure that this issue did not come up during the recent provincial election and that after the election they would support the PC insider friends in shafting Manitoba consumers? Mr. Cullen : I do appreciate the question and certainly the continuing fear mongering coming from the opposite side. You know, we're happy to work with any company that wants to bring $1 billion to our province. We welcome them with open arms.

We on this side of the House will work with the business community, we will work with labour, and we will get the job done here in Manitoba. And we are really looking forward to enhanced services here in Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable interim Official Opposition Leader, on a question. MTS Capital Investment Bell's Proposed Investment Ms.

Flor Marcelino (Leader of the Official Opposition): Perhaps I could remind the minister and the Premier that over the five -year period of – from 2011 to 2015, MTS has invested over $1 billion in capital investments and Bell Canada is proposing to invest a similar amount. So the question is, then: Why is the Premier acting as a PR agent for Bell Canada? Why is he asking Manitobans to pay more, pay higher cellphone rates, and at the same time get more of the same? Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): Thank you very much to my honourable colleague for raising the issue of support for Manitobans in respect of better services.

At this point, it's refreshing to hear her raise these issues in this context given that this was, as a government, a group that saw virtually no reason to do anything but jack up taxes and fees on Manitobans in every respect, whether it was hydro bills, an ongoing increase in the hydro bills that Manitobans pay; or it was increases in taxes on workers and their families, on their benefits, for example, of 8 per cent; whether it was increases in their home insurance taxes of 8 per cent; whether it was increases in hundreds and hundreds of other items with the PST, which they actually had so little respect for Manitobans for that they went to court to take away the right of Manitobans to actually vote on whether those taxes should be raised.

Zero concern for Manitobans for a long time in terms of what value– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable interim Official Opposition Leader, on a supplementary question. Ms. Marcelino: Looks like the Premier simply doesn't care for ordinary Manitobans, regardless of how much the –this–the increase would be for cellphone rates. * (14:00) Anyway, Madam Speaker, the Premier didn't stop at saying cellphone rates will go up; he's also quoted as saying that he would consider putting taxpayers' money into subsidizing Bell Canada.

How can the Premier justify that saying Manitoba cellphone customers should pay more and, on top of that, Manitoba taxpayers should be subsidizing Bell Canada, one of the largest corporations in the country? Mr. Pallister: Well, for over 17 years, that member or her colleagues had nothing positive whatsoever to say about the great people who work at the Manitoba Telecom Services. Now there's an amalgamation

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 145 occurring and suddenly they're the defenders of Manitoba's best interests. But 17- year record of nothing but harsh criticism and sarcasm in respect of the work that Manitoba's largest private sector employer and its people have done tells me there's a sudden flip-flop occurring on the other side.

Madam S peaker, i n terms of the differential impact that that government's decisions has had on Manitoba families, the average Manitoba family now, as a result of the inattentiveness and mismanagement of the previous administration, pays over $4,000 more per year in taxes than if you lived in Regina. That's the sad legacy of the total mismanagement and the misplaced priorities and selfish priorities of the previous administration. So in terms of credibility on this front, I don't believe that the member oppo site and her colleagues have any at all.

Madam Speaker: The honourable Official Opposition Leader, on a final supplementary. Ms. Marcelino: If the Premier really is concerned about ordinary Manitobans, he would not have privatized MTS. After all, he was part of the Filmon government. But will he perhaps indicate how much MTS has invested in cellular phone service over the past five years and how much Bell Canada is proposing to invest? Mr. Pallister: Well, Madam Speaker, again, only the doom-and-gloom, black-cloud NDP could make a bad-news story out of better cell service for the people of Manitoba. Unbelievable.

And when one looks at the makeup of their caucus, one understands why they have total disregard for the people of northern and rural Manitoba, quite frankly, because this is where the improved services will –[interjection] This is where the commitments are being made and this is where the improved services are going to occur.

But, Madam Speaker, if the government – if the former government mem bers opposite are advocating that we follow the way of Cuba and other jurisdictions in terms of a publicly owned utility, then they must also be advocating that we take money from Manitobans that could have gone to health care, education or better roads, a nd we take those hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars that the private sector is willing to invest, and we take away from health care and we put it into trying to compete with international and very effective private sector deliverers of phone a nd Internet service.

If that's what they're advocating, they should come clean and say so. Tell Manitobans. Sale of MTS to Bell Employment Loss Concern Mr. Kevin Chief (Point Douglas): Madam Speaker, facts are clear. When the Premier (Mr. Pallister) sat around the Cabinet table, he sold off MTS, his friends got richer, the rest of Manitobans paid more. This also resulted in the loss of hundreds and hundreds if not thousands of good jobs all across Manitoba. On Friday, the Premier fully endorsed the sale of MTS at an event in Morris.

Can the Minister for Growth, Enterprise and Trade indicate today what assurances he has received that there will be no job losses in this sale? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade ): Madam Speaker, I appreciate the comments from the member opposite, certainly as it relates to the labour field. And I do want to offer our congratulations, too, to his re -election in Point Douglas and r ecognize that, speaking of labour, he was involved in a labour situation during the campaign. So we want to offer our congratulations to his–the birth of his third son.

Madam Speaker, you'll know that I have three sons as well, so I don't think I can of fer advice, but I certainly encourage a discussion about what you might expect having three sons under your watch. And I will look forward to the labour part of the question. Mr. Chief: Madam Speaker, you know, I've got to say, any time that we talk about baby Dax in the House, I'm always going to be incredibly proud. But Manitobans want me to ask about jobs here today, Madam Speaker, so we've got to–we want to stay focused.

There's been a lot of concerns about – for Manitobans about their rates going up, including when the Premier announced, very proudly, he said rates are going up at his PR event. They continue to be worried about the hundreds and hundreds of job losses. In fact, according to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, they say jobs staying here in Manitoba is critical to this sale.

146 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 Again, I ask the Minister for Growth, Enterprise and Trade: Will he commit today that there will be no job losses in Manitoba in this deal? Mr. Cullen: Madam Speaker, again, I appreciate the member's question. Certainly, we've got 17 years of NDP government to catch up on. We recognize that job creation and good jobs are important for Manitobans. Madam Speaker, we're very encouraged by it. In fact, I'm going to reference an

article that just appeared in The Globe an d Mail, and there was a survey done by innovation research on an online survey of over twenty –almost 2,400 Canadians, found that jobs and economic growth were the highest priority for Canadians at 23 per cent, followed by health care. We agree with Canadians and Manitobans: Job growth is No. 1. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a final supplementary. Mr. Chief: Madam Speaker, the question is clear. I ask again: The Minister for Growth, Enterprise and Trade, will he commit today that there'll be no job losses for Manitoba in this deal?

You know, I travelled to all the members opposite ridings and you talk to young people. They are still devastated by the sale of MTS. When the Premier (Mr. Pallister) sat around the Cabinet table, his friends got richer, the rest of Manitobans paid more. I ask this minister again: Will he commit today that he got assurances in this sale that there'll be no job losses in this sale, Madam Speaker? Mr. Cullen: Madam Speaker, again, I appreciate the question. Clearly, if BCE is going to invest $1 billion in our province over the next five years, there is going to be job creation here in Manitoba.

We look forward to the expansion of service. We look forward to the reliability of service, and that's som ething that Manitobans have been asking us for years. We think BCE can deliver. And, Madam Speaker, it's not about the past, it's about the future here in Manitoba, and that's what we're looking at, is the future. MTS Capital Investment Bell's Proposed Investment Mr.

Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): Madam Speaker, we now know that the unprecedented $1 billion in capital investment that Bell has announced in their takeover bid of MTS is not unprecedented at all, considering that MTS has invested the same amount over the past five years. Since the Premier admitted that Manitobans' cellular rates will rise because of the loss of a fourth cellular option in Manitoba, how can he continue to promote this takeover considering that this supposed investment is an illusion? Hon.

Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade ): Madam Speaker, I appreciate the members opposite interest in this file. We, too, are interested in this file, and, obviously, when a company comes to Manitoba, and it's nice to see a company actually come to Manitoba and bring $1 billion to the table, we will work closely with that company to make sure that Manitoba's interests are looked after. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a supplementary question. Sale of MTS to Bell Employment Loss Concerns Mr.

Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): Madam Speaker, in times of economic uncertainty, Manitobans need to know that their jobs are secure. Corporate takeovers like the Bell take over of MTS, which the Premier is promoting, always result in job losses. Can this Premier assure MTS employees that their jobs are secure? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade): Madam Speaker, again, appreciate the member's concern. * (14:10) We will be working with the business community. We will be working with the labour community as well to make sure that things are move forwarding here positively in Manitoba.

And, Madam Speaker, I'll reflect back and ask – tell the member what the president of MTS said about this investment–historic investment in Manitoba: I see the changing is the level of technology that our customers are going to have

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 147 access to. By virtue of being part of the larger Bell organization, they will enjoy access to better technologies, better Internet access and better data. That sounds like a good-news story to me. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary. Cellphone Rate Increase Mr. Marcelino: I take that as a no. Madam Speaker, this bad deal is not done. It can be stopped. The regulators still have their say on this proposed deal. The Competition Bureau is keen on hearing from Manitobans, and the CRTC will also be conducting hearings.

Will this Premier (Mr. Pallister) change his mind and speak out against this takeover that will see Manitobans' cellular rates rise needlessly? Mr. Cullen : Madam Speaker, appreciate the comments from the member opposite. Madam Speaker, w hat Manitobans sa id no to was the tax -and-spend policies of the previous government. That's what Manitobans said no to. Members opposite know there's a federal process under way. They have full right to make their comments known to the federal government, and we certain ly appreciate where they're coming from.

If they're opposed to a $1-billion investment in Manitoba, let us know. Provincial Nominee Program Government Intention Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): Madam Speaker, it is well known that immigration is one of Manitoba's principal engines of growth. Knowing how important the nominee program is to our province, in particular to so many families and the economy of Manitoba, I was disappointed to find that the mandate letter given to the Minister of Education and Training contains no reference to this critical program.

With this in mind, I would like to invite the Minister of Education and Training to make a clear statement that he is committed to fixing the Provincial Nominee Program, and will he tell us why there seems to be no reference to it in the Throne Speech or his mandate letter? Thank you, Madam Speaker. Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): I thank the member for her question. And I certainly appreciate every Manitoban should be interested in immigration issues because it is one of the principal economic drivers of our community.

We have benefited greatly from the PNP program in the past, in fact, a program that was originally put in place by a Conservative government. And we are committed to consult with immigration beneficiaries and those that wish to immigrate and their families to make sure that program works well into the future. Madam Speaker: The honourable member of Burrows, on a supplementary question. Processing Wait Times Ms. Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, in 1996, former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and former Premier Gary Filmon achieved an agreement to give Manitoba input into Ottawa's immigration policy.

As I indicated in my response to the Throne Speech last week, there are many people telling me that there are serious flaws with the program. People are being rejected because of minor application oversights. Imagine waiting a year and a half to be told that someone's birth certificate was not included and therefore they have to wait another six months before they can begin the process all over again. Our processing times are unacceptable, and the decisions being made are often unfair. Will the minister fix the program and speed up the processing times? Thank you. Mr.

Wishart : Well, and I appreciate the question from the honourable member. Certainly, we're interested in trying to make the PNP program work as well as possible, and we are committed to examining outstanding issues. I know that to some degree the PNP program is actually a victim of its own success. It has way more applications than it can possibly handle, and certainly anyone who makes even a–the smallest error in terms of application often finds it very frustrating because they do have to go around again. But it's partly due, at least, because of the great demand for people wanting to come to Manitoba.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Burrows, on a final supplementary.

148 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 Restoration of Phone Line Ms. Lamoureux: I appreciate that you recognize there are problems within the program. Madam Speaker, the current administration of the program creates real barriers and heartache for those seeking to reunite with loved ones. While there are many more questions I would like to ask the minister regardin g the Provincial Nominee Program, I will close with a specific request. At one point, there was a direct phone line that applicants could call to check in on the status of their applications.

Madam Speaker, I ask the minister: Will he commit to restoring the direct phone line for applicants to check in on the status of their files in a timely manner? Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr. Wishart : Madam Speaker, I appreciate the member's question. As I had indicated before, we are certainly looking for ways to make the program work better, and we are prepared to consider any and all options that are designed to make a program that has worked so well for Manitoba in the past, a program that we had a hand in helping develop, work as well as possible to benefit all Manitobans.

Trans-Pacific Partnership Impact on Agriculture Industry Mr. Brad Michaleski (Dauphin): Madam Speaker, agriculture is a diverse industry throughout Manitoba and is very important to all communities in our province. Can the Minister of Agriculture tell us today what will be the impact of the Trans -Pacific Partnership, and how will it affect all Manitobans and the Manitoba economy? Hon. Ralph Eichler (Minister of Agriculture): Madam Speaker, I welcome the question f rom the member from Dauphin. I know he's going to do just a great job representing that very nice area.

And, of course, his other 28 new colleagues, I welcome them to the Chamber as well. Madam Speaker, t his afternoon, we're going to have an opportunity on a government motion to talk about the Trans-Pacific Partnership. I encourage all members to take

part in that debate this afternoon. It's going to be an important time. We represent $9.3 billion a year in funding that comes through the Trans -Pacific Partnership. Just in that agreement alone, we're seeing new markets open up to the Asian market which includes barley, pork, canola oil, canola seeds and a whole host of others. So I welcome all members to take

part in that debate, and we'll see it pass this afternoon. Madam Speaker: I would just like to put forward a reminder about putting questions and answers through the Chair and not using the word, you, as you're directing your statement to another member. Thank you. PR 280 Upgrades Continuation of Project Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): We previously recognized the condition of PR 280 that services Split Lake, York Landing and Gillam and other communities. This road has left people stranded and with broken vehicles. We had committed to a five -year pl an with phase 2 now under way.

Last week, the Minister of Infrastructure refused to commit to upgrades to northern highways. Will this minister assure members of these affected communities, some of whom are in the gallery today as we speak, will he commit that his department will proceed with phase 2 of this project? Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Infrastructure): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the question as infrastructure is important to all Manitobans, no matter where you live in this province.

And this government, Progressive Conservative government, believes in infrastructure that is strategic, predictable, a return on investment, and that's the type of spending that we need on infrastructure. PR 280, Provincial Road 280, is part of that investment. The safety and accessibility for all residents is paramount for the communities that access this road and so many others across Manitoba. So that's why we'll continue to work with the communities on the upgrades to PR 280.

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 149 Mr. Lindsey: [interjection] No. There is a need for immediate work because of the situation that was highlighted in the last week. Why has the minister not responded to the immediate need to provide a safe means of travel for people who use this highway? Will he now commit to phase 2 of improving Highway 280 and to speed up the process given the urgency of this matter? * (14:20) Mr. Pedersen : Madam Speaker, again, I'd like to thank the member for the question.

In regards to Provincial Road 280, as infrastructure is so important all across Manitoba, there is an advisory committee that meets regularly about PR 280. That advisory committee includes local government, First Nations, Manitoba Hydro, and various government departments, and we look forward to the ongoing dis cussion and consulting with this committee. This is a working partnership that this government has with this committee, and we work with all Manitobans. Thank you. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a final supplementary. Northern Highways Improvement of Commitment Mr.

Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): Madam Speaker, we ask: Will this government also deliver on commitments to upgrade other northern roads such as the highway to Moose Lake, Nelson House, Highway No. 6, 10, 39, 391, 373, 374 and all northern Manitoba highways? Why won't this PC government commit to the immediate and future investment in northern highways that northerners deserve? Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Infrastructure): Again, I thank the member for the question. And we have committed $1 billion in infrastructure, which will be strategic. It w ill be a return on investment.

It'll be predictable, not like the former government who did a raid, raid, raid and then paraded infrastructure the year before the election. What we need is predictable infrastructure that will grow all of Manitoba no matte r where you live in Manitoba. It will be a commitment on our –by this government for consistent, predictable infrastructure spending. Premier Staff Appointment Case Before the Court Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): Madam Speaker, Manitobans were surprised and dis appointed that the mandate letter issued by the Premier (Mr.

Pallister) to the Attorney General contained not a single word about this minister's role in providing Manitobans with confidence in our justice system. Maybe the Premier has a reason why that is so. Is the Attorney General aware that a recently appointed member of the Premier's staff has a matter before Manitoba's highest court, the Court of Appeal, related to his past criminal conviction? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I thank the member for the question. And, of course, mandate letters were never tabled or made public by members opposite.

They had every opportunity to do that for 17 years and they didn't do it. And they wer e afraid, I guess, that Manitobans would figure out that they don't –that they didn't have the opportunity to follow through on many of the broken promises that they made. So it's unfortunate that the member opposite stands before Manitobans and criticizes the fact that we're being open and transparent with Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Minto, on a supplementary question. Mr. Swan: Yes, Madam Speaker, Deveryn Ross has been appointed as the Premier's speech writer. Mr.

Ross was found guilty of fraud at a trial. He was sentenced to 18 months in jail. He was disbarred by the Law Society of Manitoba and pled guilty to charges under The Securities Act. Mr. Ross has asserted his innocence, and on May 14, 2014, federal Jus tice Minister Peter MacKay issued a reference to the Manitoba Court of Appeal which has not yet been heard. Does the Attorney General (Mrs. Stefan son) believe that the Premier's wish to appoint staff with an outstanding case before the courts is more important than her own duty to give Manitobans confidence that their interests will be protected in this case?

150 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health , Seniors and Active Living ): Well, you know, I'm surprised, Madam Speaker, that the former Attorney General wouldn't know better than to raise a specific case that still has legal consequences before the court, that still has status. I'm surprised that the Attorney General himself wouldn't know better than that and to raise this issue here.

And I'm surprised that he wouldn't remember that it wasn't that long ago that the former premier hired somebody into their office that was later fired as a result of an allegation of misappropriation of funds. Maybe he should have remembered that before he raised the question. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Minto–the honourable member of Minto, on a final supplementary. Mr. Swan: And the fact the House leader chose to get up and answer the question makes my point. The member for Steinbach (Mr.

Goertzen) would often, in this House, anywhere else in this province he could find a camera or microphone, well, he'd call on the Attorney General to get personally involved in decisions in criminal cases before the courts. And his past makes it clear that this government doesn't understand the role of Attorney General nor believe in the independence of Crown attorneys. And I ask the Attorney General (Mrs. Stefanson) if she failed to advise the Premier (Mr. Pallister) simply to await the result in this matter before he appointed Mr. Ross, or did the Premier simply ignore her advice? Mr.

Goertzen : Well, Madam Speaker, and I wonder if the former Attorney General, the member for Minto (Mr. Swan), stormed into the former premier's office when he decided to hire somebody directly into his office who had previously had issues regarding misappropriation of funds, who subsequently had issues regarding misappropriation of funds. I wonder if the member for Minto ran downstairs, ran to the premier's office, knocked on the door and demanded that action be taken. I doubt it, because he says one thing in this House and he does another when he had his reins on the power, Madam Speaker.

Front-Line Workers Employment Protection Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, on Thursday I asked the Premier very clearly, and the Minister of Health, for their definition of what they thought a front -line service was and asked them to just simply table that list here in the House to let all Manitobans know what they see as a front -line service. In a scrum later, the Premier went on to say that that list would be difficult to provide and it would be superfluous to provide that to the House.

What does the Premier have to say to front -line workers who are just waiting to see if their job is on the chopping block? Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health , Seniors and Active Living ): Madam Speaker, we would say clearly to those front -line workers, as we did prior to the campaign, as we did during the campaign, as we have after the campaign, being consistent, not to believe the constant, the consistent, the negative fear mongering of the NDP. It never stops. They should stop doing it and stop trying to scare front-line workers and civil servants.

Madam Speaker: The member for Concordia, on a supplementary question. Mr. Wiebe: Madam Speaker, I'm asking a very simple question but I'm not hearing the answer here today. Front-line workers are simply waiting to hear if they'll actually be considered a front -line worker. They want to know if they're going to be on the chopping block.

For the sake of a ll Manitobans and those providing those valuable services on the front line s, I ask again for the Premier to just simply table this list; if they're consulting with front -line workers, if they're so concerned about protecting those jobs, simply table that list so that we can give some assurances to those workers who are doing that work. Mr. Goertzen : Well, we have the repeat, Madam Speaker, of the failed election strategy of the NDP: Try to go out there and scare everyone, try to go out there and tell everybody that everything is going to be lost. That election strategy failed.

And it failed because Manitobans understood that if they wanted to look for optimism, if they wanted to look for a future, if they wanted to look for sustainability, if they wanted to look for things to go on the right path, they had to look to the Progressive Conservative Party. That's why they elected us into

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 151 government, and that's what we're going to deliver, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Concordia, on a final supplementary. Mr. Wiebe: Madam Speaker, this minister and this Premier (Mr. Pallister) in their Throne Speech have talked a lot about efficiencies. They've used a lot of code words when it comes to health care. Madam Speaker, w e simply want to k now if those front -line-service workers can be assured that their jobs are protected, that the services that Manitobans have come to count on will be protected in this province.

I'm not hearing a lot of answers from the minister opposite. I just want to get to the final–to the bottom line here. Will those jobs be protected? Who does he consider a front-line worker? And can we get that list tabled for the House? Mr. Goertzen : Well, Madam Speaker, I'm waiting for the member, my friend, to table the list of who it is that he won't try to frighten. They've tried to frighten doctors. They've tried to frighten nurses. They've tried to frighten teachers. They've tried to frighten hydro workers. The list goes on and on and on and on.

And I'm glad that there was actually consultation done on this issue. It was called the election. Stop trying to fight the election, sir. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. Petitions? * (14:30) ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): Madam Speaker, pursuant to rule 47(2), I rise to interrupt Throne Speech debate to deal with the government motion on the Order Paper, standing in the name of the minister of growth, trade and development, titled Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Madam Speaker: It has been moved –pursuant to rule 47(2), the Throne Speech is being interrupted to deal with the government motion on the Order Paper, standing in the name of the Minister of growth, trade and development, called Trans-Pacific Partnership. GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION Trans-Pacific Partnership Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade ): I move, seconded by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Eichler),

WHEREAS Manitoba's exports to Trans -Pacific Partnership countries averaged more than $9 billion annually from 2012 to 2014; and

WHEREAS the Trans -Pacific Partnership will support economic growth and job creation by eliminating tariffs on almost all of Manitoba's key exports while providing access to new opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region; and

WHEREAS exclusion from the Trans -Pacific Partnership could–would close access to critical trade markets and put Manitoba jobs at risk. THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba confirm its support for the Trans -Pacific Partnership and call on the federal government to take the necessary actions to ratify the agreement. Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honourable Minister for Growth, Enterprise and Trade, seconded by the Minister for Agriculture,

WHEREAS Manitoba's exports to Trans -Pacific Partnership countries averaged more than– An Honourable Member: Dispense. Madam Speaker: Dispense? Dispense, and so ordered. Mr. Cullen : I certainly look forward to having a discussion on this, I think, a very important topic today in the Chamber. Clearly, our government is focused on the economy. We are focused on growing the economy and we are focused on creating new jobs for all Manitobans. We believe that trade is one of the key elements that will help grow our economy her e in Manitoba.

Clearly, Manitoba is a clearly substantial economic developer and promoter here in the province. We think there is more opportunity with our trading partners around the world, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership is one agreement where we think Manitobans can benefit greatly. And we look forward to support on this motion from all parties in the House, and I trust this would

152 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 send a very significant message to Ottawa and to the federal government that this should be a priority for our government. Clearly, trade is very important. We on this side of the House, as a new government, are actively involved in negotiations on a number of fronts. Within 15 days of forming government, we signalled that we will be having serious negotiations with our neighbouring partners to the west under the New West Partnership.

We were excited to make the announcement last week that our counterparts in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan looking forward to having Manitoba join that New West Partnership. I know for–the old government, the opposition, for some reason, was reluctant to join our neighbours to the west in forging a partnership with them, certainly enhancing the trade aspect within Manitoba, within our neighbours to the west. And we share a lot of the same issues and a lot of the same trade economic activities, and it's something that we should have done in the past–we haven't.

This new government has taken the leadership role in that, and I will tell you –inform the House, that the day after we made the announcement with our counterparts in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan that our chief negotiators, the day after we made the announcement, actually met to discuss how the aspects of that particular agreement will work out. So the train h as left the station, if you will, and we are working towards that particular agreement.

We hope that can be resolved in the very near future and we look forward to all parties agreeing to that New West Partnership and signing that document in due course. It certainly is a priority for this government and we look forward to working with our counterparts to the west. And I've also informed the House I did have a discussion with my colleagues, the ministers in British Columbia and Saskatchewan just last week in Toronto and very favourable comments to moving that New West Partnership forward.

You know, at the same time we were involved in discussions with the agreement on internal trade, a very significant trade document, very significant for Manitoba in terms of moving trade interprovincially, and there's a lot of things we can do as –interprovincially to enhance that trade and we're working diligently to foster that development on all fronts. This particular Trans -Pacific Partnership is very important. I know we've signalled it in our Throne Speech and we're looking forward to support from all parties on this.

This partnership will enable us as Manitobans to protect jobs today and growing our economy into the future. This is paramount. We are seekin g the support of all parties in the House for this. We feel that this partnership is a free-trade agreement which will open and expand trade opportunities to the Asia-Pacific region, and we know how fast that area of the world is growing, and there's treme ndous opportunities there. We cannot miss those opportunities. If we continue to fail to develop these trade agreements, we will miss opportunities, and that is what it's about. We cannot afford to miss opportunities.

We cannot afford to have Manitoba miss any further opportunities. The Trans -Pacific Partnership represents a market of 800 million people with a combined gross domestic product of $28 trillion, which is about 40 per cent of the world economy. Clearly, this is a significant agreement for Canada and a significant agreement for Manitoba, and we think Manitoba has as much to gain in this agreement as any other province in Canada. Manitoba exported an average of $9.3 billion annually from 2012 to 2014 to the Trans -Pacific Partnership countries.

Our ratification of the agreement is critical, not just for expanding opportunities to trade, but also for protecting thousands of Manitoba jobs that would be put at risk if we are shut out. For Manitoba exporters, inclusion into the Trans-Pacific Partnership would mean an approximately $250- million-a-year expansion in sales–$250-million-a-year expansion in sales. Now, the NDP, if they chose to disagree with this, so I will look forward to their comments on this. Clearly, exclusion from the Trans -Pacific Partnership would close access to critical trade markets and put Manitoba jobs at risk.

Manitoba's largest exporters estimate a drop in sales of almost $400 million a year. So, if we decide not to get into this agreement, Madam Speaker, we chance to lose $400 million a year. Now, this is substantial for the economy of Manitoba, and we certainly hope the members opposite will support this agreement.

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 153 * (14:40) Clearly, this agreement will mean a lot for our agriculture sector, and I certainly look forward to the Minister of Agriculture's (Mr. Eichler) comments on that, but, obviously, there's other sectors of our economy that stand to gain in this as well, and certainly, as we know, one in five jobs in Canada relies on trade. More trade means a stronger economy for all Manitobans.

Our manufacturers rely on the global supply chains, and we want to be a part of that and we want to be at the table to reduce barriers to trade and make sure that our business community and our labour force can be engaged in trade across the world. We have so many –and a diverse sector here in Manitoba; it's more than just agriculture. We have the aerospace industry which stands to gain quite a bit from proper trade. We have the mining sector, which obviously is facing challenges r ight now, but they do have a lot to gain in terms of enhanced trade negotiations.

And from a small -business perspective, Madam Speaker, I just want to say the Trans -Pacific Partnership, for the first time in any Canadian Free Trade Agreement, includes a dedicated

chapter with specific measures to assist small enterprises in make–taking full advantage of the opportunities that this agreement will create. This will enable Manitoba small businesses to expand access and exports into these emerging markets. We have so many industrial and resource sectors that rely on trade, and we cannot afford to be left out in terms of this agreement going forward.

So what we are doing by this resolution, we – the call to action here is to indicate that the federal government, which is now consulting with Canadians before taking a firm position, that they should understand where we as a province are coming from in terms of this particular trade agreement. We are hoping to send a message to the federal government of Canada that we and all parties in Manitoba embrace trade and recognize trade as being very important to Manitoba and to Canada. And we're looking forward to support for this resolution. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Mr.

Wab Kinew (Fort Rouge): I would like to thank the Minister for Growth, Enterprise and Trade for his remarks today. I do believe that the Trans -Pacific Partnership is an important issue confronting our country, but I would encourage the minister and all the members in the galler y to think through more carefully the possible implications that entering the TPP would have on both our province and our country. The simple fact of the matter is that it's not at all clear that ratifying the TPP would actually help to preserve jobs in our country.

In fact, the best research on the subject shows that Canada would actually bear disproportionate job losses in a scenario where we enter the TPP. So I'd like to expand on these comments more fully, Madam Speaker . Essentially, it's our position that trade is absolutely good. Trade does benefit Manitobans.

It benefits Manitoba companies, Manitoba entrepreneurs, and in cases where trade agreements are entered into after careful deliberation, taking into account the advice of experts in the field can also benefit Manitoba workers, and that is the approach to trade that the Manitoba NDP are standing up for, and that is the approach to trade that we advocate. The Trans -Pacific Partnership will not help to meet the stated objective of making Manitoba a most improved province; rather, the TPP itself needs improvement.

It needs improvement to protect wages here in Manitoba, it needs improvement to protect space for Manitoba innovators to create the economic drivers of tomorrow and it needs improvement to protect our sovereignty. We need to preserve space for us to exercise sovereignty in areas like the freedom to set priorities on intellectual property rights. We need the freedom to exercise our sovereignty to preserve national priorities such as reconciliation with indigenous peoples.

And we also need to preserve the Canadian prerogative and our sovereignty to be able to regulate things like future expansions of Pharmacare programs right here in Manitoba. So, again, we're not against trade, but it's important to understand that the Trans -Pacific Partnership is not a trade deal like others that we have encountered in the past. And to that point in particular, I would like to draw a sharp distinction between the conversation that has happened to date around the New West Partnership and the conversation that we are now having about the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The simple fact of the matter is that these are two radically different agreements. And, in particular, the TPP could potentially represent us giving up the future economy that the rest of the

154 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 globe is pursuing, which is essentially a knowledge economy, which is essentially an economy based on the commercialization of intellectual property. Now, of course, it's not just us who say that we cannot accept the Trans -Pacific Partnership as is. Numerous luminaries from across Canada have spoken out against the TPP to date. Madam, Speaker, p erhaps most prominent among them is Jim Balsillie, the former co -chief executive officer for BlackBerry.

And hi s opinion should be taken very seriously on a matter like this, because he is, in fact, probably this country's most prominent example of somebody who has succeeded in the knowledge economy, the globalized marketplace of ideas, and somebody who has taken Canadian-developed intellectual property, Canadian- developed innovation, from the idea stage right out into the market, at one point his company being valued at over $20 billion.

In addition to Jim Balsillie, current innovators such as Tobi Lütke , who is the chief executive officer for Shopify, has spoken out against the TPP and the intellectual property provisions contained therein. Many members in the gallery today will be familiar with Shopify because they provide the back-end software which drives numerous e-commerce sites that many of us visit on a daily or at least regular basis. The CEO, the chief executive officer, of Ford Canada, Dianne Craig, has said that she cannot accept the Trans -Pacific Partnership deal as is.

In particular, her concern s have to do with the way currencies are dealt with under the Trans -Pacific Partnership and also to do with the tariffs levied against the automotive sector. Legal scholar Michael Geist has published over 50 blog posts detailing his reasons for opposing. Again, his expertise is in the area of intellectual property rights. And so to have somebody with his insight to say that this deal is bad for Canadian intellectual property rights holders is a warning sign that people in this House should take into accou nt very seriously, Madam Speaker.

And the final person I'd like to mention as raising the alarm bells over the Trans -Pacific Partnership is former deputy chief economist for the federal foreign affairs department, Dan Ciuriak, who has also conducted a ver y thorough economic analysis of the Trans- Pacific Partnership. And he's found that while on the one hand it could–it will very definitely lead to infringement on the intellectual property freedom for Canadian innovators, it will also very likely add little to the economic growth of our country over the decades to come.

Now, in order to understand more fully where the concerns of each of these people intervening against the TPP are coming from, it's important to understand some of the transition that has ha ppened in the globalized economy over the past several decades. The reality of both the global economy and the Manitoba and Canadian economies is that we are ever-increasingly in a world where the greatest creators of value are those who innovate. The idea people of our world are those who are the ones who create the greatest value.

We see evidence of this in the transition of the makeup of the S&P 500 over the past four decades. Now, of course, the S&P 500 is a relatively conservative basket of stock s designed to give some insight into the overall performance of, you know, the financial markets. Well, Madam Speaker, in 1976, 83 per cent of the value in the S&P 500 was comprised of tangible assets–essentially, you know, manufacturers, people who make real physical goods.

From 83 per cent in 1976, in 2015, only 16 per cent of the S&P 500 was composed of companies dealing with tangible goods. * (14:50) We saw the reverse scenario over the same period in intangible goods. In 1976 only one sixth of the S&P 500 was made up of these companies, and in 2015 it was fully five sixths. And so we see here that the importance of technology, the importance of innovation, the importance of financial innovators is increasingly the determinant of economic growth in our current globalized economy.

Now, it's important to note here that while this has been the trend globally, that Manitoba and Canada have not fared as well when it comes to fostering this type of innovation. But we need to get with the program, as it were; we really need to understand these global macroeconomic trends, because every industry–including agricultural industries, including manufacturing industries –are increasingly becoming technology industries. As an example, in agriculture, those companies that will have the long -run technological advantage are those who will be able to achieve massive scale

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 155 as a result of intellectual properties such as the genetic material that determines seeds or those that are able to create significant value added, again, probably as a result of innovations. So this is the overall trend, but it's also one that we see here in Manitoba. We see local innovators such as SkipTheDishes and, you know, other companies that have been able to succeed here, but with the TPP we see a scenario under which innovators like that may actually be crowded out.

And that concerns me very much, you know, not least of, you know, which the fact being that I'm an app developer myself, having developed apps for android and iOS which off er methods to translate indigenous languages. So, in this era of globalization, we see that many trade barriers already have been reduced, many tariffs already have been removed through instruments like NAFTA. We already have trade deals with the United States, with Mexico, with Chile. However, as the global flow of goods and services increases, the real opportunity for economic potential to be realized comes in that innovation space.

Those who lock themselves into the production of tangible goods and tangible assets in entering a large-scale deal like the TPP will be forced to compete on one of two methods, either (1) by lowering wages, or (2) by devaluing their currency. And we've seen evidence of this happening in Canada over the past few decades as well, with a cyclical response to the value of the loonie resulting in a corresponding increase or decrease in the output of manufacturers.

Now, again, globalization itself is not the enemy; as somebody who's worked in the United States of America, you know, who has participated in the globalized workforce, I know full well that being able to travel and cross international borders can lead to increased prosperity for both individuals and for companies. However, once again, the terms have to be set out i n a very judicious and a very careful manner. We do have to consider all the possible implications.

So we've heard today the honourable minister trumpet, you know, some figures, but I'd like to put a few other figures that relate to the economic impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership onto the record. So Dan Ciuriak, who I mentioned earlier, is the former deputy chief economist at foreign affairs, says the TPP will add 0.1 per cent to the country's GDP by 2035. So we're seeing a rather small impact on GDP over the next 20 years according to his estimation.

The best case scenario, the most charitable analysis, you know, vis -à-vis growth under the TPP, says that GDP would increase by 0.5 per cent over the next 10 years, however that study is very flawed. It is very flawed for two reasons: (1) it assumes full employment in all economies entering into the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and (2) it also assumes that there would be no change in income distribution after entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership. And I don't need to remind you, Madam Speaker, that we do not live in a world of full employment.

And I would also add that we know now because of the research of economists like Thomas Piketty that income inequality is almost always increasing over time, and s o the assumption that there would be no redistribution in income after entering into the Trans-Pacific Partnership is a faulty assumption which should lead us to question the validity of those economic growth projections. A more credible examination of the potential scenario under the TPP is one conducted by Tufts University researchers. Now, their model does take into account less than full employment.

It does take into account rising rates of income inequality over time. And what they found is perhaps an increase in GDP for Canada of 0.28 per cent over the next 10 years, which, again, is, you know, relatively smaller than we may have been led to believe.

Importantly, I should add that none of these projections, even the more credible ones, those that use a more accurate financial modelling, more accurate economic modelling, none of them take into account the impact of the intellectual property regime changes proposed under the Trans -Pacific Partnership, nor do they take into account the role of investor-state dispute settlements and the potential impact that decisions made in those processes might have on our economy.

So I'd like to dive deeper, discussing the tangible side of our economy, which is the side that is, you know, while growing in nominal va lue, is actually a smaller overall share of our country and our global economy's output. So the first point I'd like to make is that, you know, this deal will very likely have a negative impact on wages. Specifically, it will lead to a reduction in the share of gross domestic product that is a result –that is taken up by employment. So this

156 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 means that wages, as a share of our economy, will shrink after the TPP is executed, were that in fact to happen. Now, the reason it'll –this scenario is likely to take pl ace is threefold. First, you know, there is a result of downward pressure on wages due to competition. Now, we know that as we enter into a trade bloc with other countries around the world that if they have lower wages than ours, all other things being equal, wages in our backyard will have to decrease in order for Canadian companies to remain competitive.

So this means that income from employment as share of gross domestic product will fall at an accelerated rate. With no change in our trade regime, meaning we do not enter the Trans-Pacific Partnership, income as a share of overall GDP is projected to flatline, meaning, like, the share of take -home wages as reflecting–reflected as part of the overall economy, is expected to flatline going into the future. However, it will decline at an accelerated rate if we do enter this trade bloc. Now, when trade barriers come down, the lowest wage, most productive worker is the most competitive.

However, we've also seen in economic history that increasing productivity does not always lead to a commensurate increase in wages, and this should cause concern to Manitoba workers, that, you know, anecdotally, if they look back at the fact that they have increased in productivity over the past three decades as a result of technology like email and, you know, databases and things like that, that their wages likely have not increased by the same rate that their increased output has gone up by. And so this is likely to be exacerbated under a scenario where we enter the TPP.

Second cause of the impact on wages is that there'll be a downward pressure on real wages due to currency devaluation. Again, we can see evidence of this in the cyclical impact on manufacturers in Canada. As the Canadian dollar rises, we typically see manu facturing output fall. When the Canadian dollar falls, we typically see manufacturing output go up, rather the inverse scenario there. So 'alrejy' – already we're seeing the makings of an increasingly unequal world. We're seeing a recipe for more income inequality in a situation where we pursue the TPP.

And this is problematic because if we look around the world in recent history, most of the great disturbances in peace or, you know, social order around the world have been presaged by a marked increase in in come inequality in those jurisdictions. So, potentially, we could be sowing the seeds for dysfunction here at home by entering into the TPP. * (15:00) Now, again, Thomas Piketty, the French economist, has found that the root cause of ever-increasing income inequality in the world is the fact that the return on capital is almost always greater than the return on labour.

Now, carried out over time that gap can be very small, but once compounded over decades or perhaps even centuries, that this does mean that those who earn their living off of holding capital rather than –which is essentially, you know, people who own companies, people who own machinery, things like that, they have an ever - increasing share of the economic pie, while those who earn their income from charging a wage, essentially workers, the average, you know, person going to a nine to five job, gets an ever -increasing share of the pie.

Now, this is baked into almost every modern industrialized economy in the world. However, we can make interven tions as a government as, you know, people engaged in the public's fear to mitigate those effects to minimize the gap between the returns on capital and the returns on labour. And so I would encourage people to proceed very cautiously when there is a ton o f evidence the Trans -Pacific Partnership would, in fact, increase the spread between the return on capital and the return on labour.

And, finally, the share of GDP that goes to employment will decline, relatively speaking, because there will be job loss es under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and I would ask, you know, where the figures are to back up the claim that the TPP will actually be good for jobs when the evidence presented by experts is that there will actually be job losses from the Trans -Pacific Partnership. To wit, the Tufts University researchers have projected that there would be 58,000 job losses in Canada as a result of the Trans -Pacific Partnership.

Now, they have carried out this sort of projection, this sort of analysis across all the 12 nations that are part of the TPP and this 58,000 job- loss figure is actually the third highest of any country that is thinking about ratifying the deal right now, but it is the highest per capita, which allows us to make the statement that Canada is lik ely to disproportionately bear the highest relative number of job losses after

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 157 ratifying the TPP of any potential member nation, and that should alarm us. Now, UNIFOR, the union, has also estimated that 20,000 job losses could come in the auto industry alone, and, again, this is probably one of the reasons why the CEO of Ford Canada has urged caution and said that she cannot support the Trans-Pacific Partnership as is, but, again, it should give caution to all of us when there is the potential for so many job losses right here in our own backyard. So we see on the tangible side of the economy the recipe for disaster.

On the intangible side of the economy, which I'd remind you that the economic record shows, is where all the growth is projected to happen, Madam Speaker. Well, on this side, we see that people such as former co-CEO of BlackBerry, Jim Balsillie, have called the intellectual property provisions in the TPP colonial. The reason that he calls the intellectual property provisions colonial is because they have been adopted wholesale from the United States of America's intellectual property framework.

So things like the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, that framework has been adopted wholesale by the negotiators from the TPP, and so were we to enter the Trans -Pacific Partnership, in essence we would be saying: No, we don't want to develop intellectual property standards here at home in Canada anymore. We are willing to accept wholesale those ones that are developed in the United States of America and all the attendant implications that would be carried therein.

So, for instance, all the influence that large corporations in the United States of America has in a post-citizens united world, where they are allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money t o influence the political system down there, we would be adopting those same impacts on our ability to regulate intellectual property rights right here at home. Again, this should cause alarm. Now, Mr.

Balsillie, in his remarks before the House of Commons, asserted that Canada does not have the arsenal of valuable intellectual property to benefit financially from such provisions, and he offers two figures which, I think, illustrate the terms in stark contrast to what's going on in the reality of large intellectual property developing countries such as United States of America. On the list of the top 300 US patent -holding firms, there is only one Canadian entry, and it is BlackBerry. On the top 100 US patent -holding universities, there is only one Ca nadian entry: the University of British Columbia.

So this should give us some cause to concern –for concern, rather, that we are perhaps not well situated to succeed in a reality where US patent law is very much determinating–determining, rather, who is , you know, able to enforce their rights to copyright, trademark and other attendant intellectual property provisions. So, again, there will be a higher cost to intellectual property rights under the TPP. I'll run through a few of those scenarios so that –to share as evidence here for the members in the gallery who I'm sure are riveted by my in-depth economic analyses. An Honourable Member: Here, here. Mr.

Kinew: That's right. Thanks for sticking with me here, guys. So the copyright terms –the life of a c opyright term would actually be extended under the TPP. So right now, it's currently 50 years after the life of a creator. That would now be extended 20 years to 70 years. This would have an impact of higher costs for Canadians. And, now, you probably thi nk, well, I can't sing Happy Birthday when I take my kid to Montana's; I'll have to wait another 20 years –big deal. But there is actually a very real cost born here at home, particularly publicly funded universities and libraries.

They would have to pay significantly higher licensing costs for all the intellectual property that I–that they access. And I've asked librarians at universities, and they tell me that the increasing intellectual property licensing costs that they have are their single greatest f inancial concern going into the future.

Now, this should alarm us as a province that wants to situate itself to succeed in the knowledge economy with an innovation agenda, because every dollar that a Canadian publicly funded university, a Manitoba publicly funded university is spending on licensing intellectual property is another dollar that they can't spend on research, is another dollar that they can't spend to teach future business people, is not–another dollar that they can't spend to assist, you know, a young person from low socio- economic standing who wants to change their life. And so this should concern us very much.

And, of course, most of these licensing payments flow directly to the United States of America.

158 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 There's another provision that woul d make dismantling digital locks criminal, which, you know, big deal, some might say, if I can't screenshot a protected website or something like that. But there is a very real effect that this would have on stifling innovation in our companies. We only ne ed to look at the current lawsuit between Google and Oracle, right, where Oracle is suing Google for using its APIs, its application programming interfaces.

Now, a lawsuit like that is no problem if you're Google and you can bankroll a never-ending legal defence, if you can hire thousands of lawyers. But, if you are a small start-up right here in Manitoba that has a brilliant idea, but all of a sudden some Silicon Valley company wants to hit you with a suit, that could drive you out of business. And that would, you know, seriously hamper our ability to innovate going into the future. Again, there's a two -year patent extension for pharmaceuticals. That could add $1 billion a year to the cost of delivering Pharmacare in this country.

There are actual provisions within the TPP that could restrict the ability of this House or another order of government to institute Pharmacare programs going into the future. And so that should give us pause, especially given the aging population here in Canada. Do we really want to give up the right to be able to provide a strong quality of life for our elders, for the people in our country who need a strong health-care system? It's provisions like that have –that have led Médecins Sans Frontières , Doctors Without Borders, to speak out against the TPP.

And when a non-governmental organization, unbiased, like MSF speaks out, we should definitely listen. * (15:10) I'd also argue that entering the TPP is inconsistent with the goals of reconciliation in this country. There are actually provisions within the intellectual property regime that say traditional knowledge is under the purview of the TPP, but that that traditional knowledge must be documented. This is, of course, inconsistent with the idea of an oral tradition or a non- documented tradition.

And I would say that they –that this edict runs counter to both Call to Action 43 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which says that every level of government in this country should use the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation. That it runs counter to Call to Action 92, which issues a similar edict to use the UN declaration for the corporate sector in this country. And that, of course, it runs counter to United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Article 31, which says that indigenous people have the right to maintain, control and protect traditional knowledge, including genetic information, but also oral tradition, sports, l iterature, arts, design. The UNDRIP also says that states must institute policies to protect those rights.

So, in closing, what we're seeing, in a situation where we enter into the TPP, would be a locking in of Manitoba companies, workers and entrepreneurs into the ever -smaller share of the tangible pie while we are virtually guaranteeing that we're frozen out of the larger, bigger innovation pie that the rest of the country is cashing in on. The reason is because intellectual property becomes an asset i n investor state dispute settlement courts under the TPP and that we ought to remember that no Canadian company has ever won an ISDS case under NAFTA.

The World Economic Forum says within 30 years intellectual property will be the only competitive advantage for business and nations. That means that going out forward into the future the only way to create value for companies, for workers, is to have ideas. The only alternative in that future scenario is to slash wages to levels of the other countries in this trading bloc, countries like Vietnam or Mexico. The other alternative would, of course, be to devalue our currency. So, again, trade with TPP nations like US, Japan and the other nine, is a good thing. We're not opposed to that.

But that trade cannot happen at any cost. And I would say that accepting the TPP as is runs counter to the smart shopping ideology that we heard about in the recent provincial election campaign. That's why I will be saying that the TPP cannot be accepted as is, and, cons equently, we cannot support the government resolution as is. Hon. Ralph Eichler (Minister of Agriculture): Madam Speaker, I do want to speak a bit about this motion brought forward by the member from Spruce Woods. I'm proud to second this motion this afternoon. And I'd like to talk about the impact it's going to have on agriculture.

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 159 Just before I start, I do want to thank the member from Fort Rouge, and I do want to assure him that the Trans -Pacific Partnership creates strong and enforceable rules that will help Canadians conduct business in the Trans -Pacific Partnership countries with provisions that will reduce regulatory barriers and increase transparency and reinforce intellectual property rights. So that's important, and I know he talked about, the large portion of his 30 minutes, in regards to that.

And I think that the rules are very clear in making sure that those intellectual rights will, in fact, be protected. We also know that this has a huge impact on all Manitobans, an opportunity to see a griculture grow jobs to be created right here in the province of Manitoba. And that's very important to us. We ran on a mandate to increase Manitoba's jobs and economy. With that, we're going to be able to access larger markets.

In regards to canola oil alone, canola oil and meal exports could increase by $165 million per year –per year; Japan, canola oils, up 3.2 yen million within five years –within five years; Vietnam, canola oils, all tariffs, 5 per cent, will have eliminated within five years; canola s eed, canola seed tariffs of 5 per cent will be eliminated with up the entry once they come into force. Mr. Doyle Piwniuk, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair Pork, which we know that creates a number of jobs within this province and right here in not only the city of Winnipeg, and also in Brandon, Neepawa.

We have a number of companies where we see exports to Japan could increase by $75 million on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. With Japan, tariffs of 20 per cent on pork products, including sausages, not currently subject to gate -price systems, will be eliminated within 10 years. Japan with referential imports of most pork products will be covered by a 10-year transition volume -based safeguard. With Vietnam, tariffs of 27 per cent on fresh chilled and frozen pork will be eliminated within nine years.

On the beef sector, the beef sector estimates that Canadian beef exports and Trans -Pacific partners companies could increase 100 to 200 per cent, and Manitoba will be benefiting as our slaughter capacity is very li mited but will still, in fact, create job opportunities right here in Manitoba, thus enabling us to ensure we'll have more value added for our beef sector. Tariffs in Japan of 38.5 per cent on fresh and chilled frozen beef as well as tariffs of 50 per cent on certain offal will be reduced to 9 per cent within 15 years subject to transition volume -based safeguards.

Tariffs on Japan will be up to 50 per cent on processed beef, and offal will be eliminated within 15 years. In regards to Vietnam up to 31 per cent of fresh chilled and frozen beef will be eliminated within two years, thus a significant impact on Manitobans in creating more good jobs right here in Manitoba.

With regards to barley, and this is really important here in Manitoba it's a large part of our growth, they estimate between six and eight million for Manitoba barley alone, and I had the opportunity to meet with them just recently and we know how they're struggling to increase that market share right across the world, and a large portion of that will be going into the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Wheat, as we've seen that product grow and prosper, and that will become a free quota upon entry into force, markups allowed to food wheat in Japan will reduce by 45 per cent within eight years.

Canada will have–also have access to Canada- Pacific quota for a food wheat in Japan starting at 40,000 tonnes, increasing to 53,000 tonnes within six years. Tariffs on all wheat in Vietnam will be eliminated upon entry into force. Honey, which is a hidden je wel within the province of Manitoba, Manitoba honey will see a reduction of $600,000 in duty exports to Japan alone. Tariffs on honey to Japan of 25 per cent will be eliminated within seven years. Significant again, tariffs on honey in Vietnam will be 10 per cent –will be eliminated within two years.

Dried beans, which we've seen a large portion of that being sown just over this past weekend not only in my area but right across Manitoba, what we'll see is Japan-quoted tariffs of 10 per cent on dried peas will be eliminated once entry into force. Over-quoted tariffs of 254 kilograms on dried peas in Japan will be eliminated in 10 years. Tariffs of 10 per cent on dried peas in Vietnam will be eliminated within two years.

Frozen french fries, a good product that's manufactured right in Portage that we're so proud to have and we know that there's talks about more of those being open right here in Manitoba, and that will be –duties on french fries will be reduced by $100,000 on export to Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Japan tariffs of 8.5 per cent will be eliminated within three years; Vietnam, tariffs of 24 per cent will be eliminated within four years;

160 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 Australia, tariffs of 5 per cent eliminated into entry upon force; New Zealand, tariffs of 5 per cent eliminated upon entry of force. I just want to talk about what some of this will mean for Manitobans, and I think that Manitobans need to pay attention to –about the opportunities that we have to see our economy grow right here in Manitoba.

As we look to more value- added opportunities for our province to grow and prosper, we can turn some of these agribusinesses back into opportunities for finished products that we see going forward in regards to seeing the return on investment, and that's something we've been talking about time and time again. And part of that mandate that we were given upon forming government was that we'd be open at market excess. * (15:20) We haven't talked about farm equipment. And I wanted to just quote Ron Koslowsky, vice-president of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters association.

He says the Trans- Pacific Partnership agreement, over time, those tariffs will come down and they'll be hungry for equipment because they're growing like China. And we know that on this side of the House that agriculture is the backbone of this province: 25 per cent of our economy is made up because of agriculture. One in five jobs –we can stand proud about the facts that it creates those jobs right here in Manitoba. It's going to help those small businesses. We see them grow and prosper.

In fact, I had the opportunity to talk to a fellow about some starch products on the port side that has now opened up markets overseas, and, you know, there's other countries that we see his business grow and prosper. Exports is a good thing for the province of Manitoba. We have abundance of land, we have abundance of product and we have the safest, as – most economical food priced right here in Manitoba. And we should be taking that very proudly as we go and look for those export markets. So I see this as an opportunity for Manitoba to shine; I see this as an opportunity for Manitoba to grow and prosper.

I encourage all members of this House to support this motion this afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Kevin Chief (Point Douglas): Glad to put some words on the record for today's motion on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. I want to thank both members who've already –or all three members who've already talked to the Trans -Pacific Partnership. You know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I do want to be clear, you know, we do believe an increased trade and can–can open up new opportunities for Manitoba businesses and create good jobs for hard- working families.

We want to stay committed to promoting and gaining market a ccess for all Manitoba businesses all around the world. We're going to continue to work very closely with our entrepreneurs to grow their businesses both here and, of course, abroad, and as well as going to continue to advocate for good jobs and strong innovation. As you know, innovation is one of the key pillars in which–how we can grow our economy. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, we also want to make sure that we recognize one of the ways in which we can have one of the strongest economies, which Manitoba does–it's been said not just by me but by many private sector validators. In fact, some of those validators would say Manitoba has one of the strongest economies, and that was with a government that stands with small businesses. That's a government that stands with our labour leaders, that stands with our business leaders, that stands with our training and education institutions. That's how you grow the economy.

In fact, here's some of the private sector validators who talk about the strength of Manitoba's economy: CIBC World Markets, Scotiabank, BMO Capital Markets, TD Bank, Royal Bank, CMHC, the IHS Global Insight, Laurentian Bank. That – private sector validator after private sector validator continue to talk about the strength of Manitoba's economy, having one of the strongest job growths, one of the lowest unemployment rates. And I think it's important that we take into account what the member for –particularly the member for Fort Rouge (Mr. Kinew) had to say.

When it comes to good jobs for Manitobans, the evidence isn't clear. It's just not there. And that's not the member for Fort Rouge saying that, that's experts. Those are research, those are people who've studied this. These are people who have –like Jim Balsillie, who have an incredible reach, success all throughout the world when it comes to working throughout the world. And, you know, one of the things that we continue to see, and what the member for Fort Rouge has to say, is that there needs to be more analysis.

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 161 We have to make sure that we're looking at this, the TPP, carefully, that we're negotiating and making sure that it's going to benefit both long term and have short-term benefits for Manitobans. And, you know, I would suggest that, you know, the members opposite–I've got to travel up north, I've travelled to many of the members opposite ridings, and one of the advantages that Manitoba has, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is that we have one of the youngest and fastest growing demographics here than anywhere else in the country.

We have one of the youngest and fastest growing demographics when it comes to young indigenous people, and taking into account how important reconciliation is becoming both in our urban area as well as throughout the province but well as –all throughout the country, and how this impac ts indigenous rights is a critical ingredient if we want to make sure that we are maximizing the talent and benefits of having a young indigenous population; including one of the other demographics, of course, is our new Canadian– our young and new Canadians, our immigrant or refugee populations, and we have to make sure that we're engaging young people when we're talking about anything that's going to affect them.

And travelling to member of the –many of the members opposite ridings, it's important that we recognize that when we talk about a young demographic, there is absolutely no question, when it comes to young people, that the world has become a very small place. Young people know that they can have a global reach; they can have an international impact. And they know and they want to make sure that their biggest impact is always going to be in their hometowns, in their own communities.

And one of the reasons in which they can have a global reach, an international impact, is the idea of innovation, is the idea of–and how important that is. And the TPP, there is a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to innovation, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I do want to say that, you know, when you have an economy that's strong, when you have more Manitobans working he re than ever before, when you have more people making more money here than they ever have before, around wages, you can't take that for granted.

And what you have to do is you have to go make sure that you work and talk with people that help create that s trong economy, that help create those jobs, that you're talking to our business leaders, that –and you're listening to what our business leaders have to say around things like the TPP; that you're listening to our labour leaders and seeing how this can impa ct, you know, workers' rights, human rights; that we're engaging in making sure that they understand and getting the facts and the details from the government and bringing that forward to let them know how that impacts them; that we're taking the time to engage our educational leaders, our post -secondary institutions, our institutions that help train this young demographic and making sure that they are getting the facts and they're getting the details and their voices are heard.

The only way in which y ou can create a strong economy as a government is by standing with the people in which help create that economy. And I don't know if members opposite, since being elected, have had the time to go and consult with the very people who've elected them and t alk about the details of the TPP and the things that come with it, both the good and the challenging things that come with it, but experts around the world have been clear that there are, of course, challenges with the TPP.

And, if we want to continue to have one of the strongest economies, we've got to make sure that we're engaging the people in which–that help grow it. You know, in the last year, Manitoba led job growth, over the last year; twenty thousand jobs, three out of four of them came from the private sector, Mr. Deputy Speaker. We want to make sure that we're talking to members of the business community. We want to–we know that four out of five of those jobs came were full -time jobs. We also know that we had one of the second best employment i n the country.

You know, we hear headlines–locally, Manitoba is an economic elite. And we have nine, 10, 11 key private sector forecasters saying the strength of Manitoba's economy–there is strength in diversity, both in how in terms of how rich the diversity is, but the diversity in which, you know, we know we need to have a strong North to have a strong Manitoba economy. There is construction businesses booming, and construction has a global reach as well that affects our economy. The Manitoba manufac turings end on a high note.

The Canadian manufacturers and exporters have a huge role to play, and we need to make sure that we're hearing from them on the impact of the TPP and working hard to improve that for Manitobans.

162 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 You know, I was down– I got the chance to go down to Steinbach, Manitoba. As they say, it's always worth the trip to Steinbach. And there's a company there–one company is Valeant. They shut down shop out in Ontario and decided to move to Manitoba and expand their business. Of course, it 's a company that has a global reach. They –I believe one of the products they sell is COLD -FX. Mr. Deputy Speaker. * (15:30) And I asked members of the executive there why did they show–'closhe' up shop in Ontario and decide to come all the way down to Ma nitoba.

And if you talk to people who have businesses that have worldwide reach where they continue to give back biggest here in Manitoba, they'll tell you the reason that they continue to thrive in Manitoba is because we are one of the most affordable provinces to do business, and that's why we're seeing these headlines.

They're talking about –this is a good place to invest because we have one of the youngest and fastest growing demographics here in Manitoba than anywhere else in the nation, which means when they invest in a young person and they train that young person, that young person stays with those businesses longer here than anywhere else in the country.

And, of course, they're always proud that they had a government–and we're still–this still remains to be seen–but they had a government that would stand with them when it came to training, that they were willing to invest and they had a government that would train that young person, and then those jobs and those skills would stay right here in Manitoba. You know, we hear from people like Rosemary Sparks, the executive director of BuildForce Canada.

She says there's never been a better time to get involved in the trades in Manitoba, you know, and that's really important because when we're talking about jobs, what kinds of jobs is Rosemary Sparks talking about? You know, when it comes to the construction field alone, in the next 10 years there's going to be demand for 12,000 jobs in the construction field alone. Some of those jobs in demand–those are high-skilled jobs.

Some of those jobs are going to be boiler makers and bricklayers, carpenters, concrete finishers, construction estimators, construction managers, millwrights, contractor supervisors, crane operators, electricians, floor covering, gl aziers, heavy-equipment operators, heavy -duty equipment mechanics, home building and renovation managers. The list goes on and on of the high- skilled jobs that are in demand for Manitobans. Particularly, these are great jobs for young people.

And I had t he chance to go down to Steinbach again, visit the good folks at Loewen Windows, been providing jobs to people in Steinbach for over 100 years, people who've been here a long time and, of course, providing jobs to newcomers who've just recently come to Can ada, investing in them. You know, Loewen Windows is a company that has not only been giving back at home, but they have a national–they have an international reach. It's important that we listen to the good folks at Loewen Windows on the kind of impact the TPP could have on our economy, on jobs, on those local jobs right here in Manitoba.

I don't know if the government has taken the time to talk to those local businesses. I don't know if they've taken the time to talk to some of the labour leaders. I don't know if they've taken the time to talk to our indigenous leaders, our young people, in their small towns, in the communities all across Manitoba. You know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, one of the things that the member from Fort Rouge talked a lot about was arou nd innovation. Now, we've got something that we should be incredibly proud of here in Winnipeg. We have Innovation Alley. You know, you talk to people like Michael Legary from Startup Winnipeg.

There's no better way to get your new idea, your new approach, or your product to market than to come on down to Innovation Alley. You know, at one time it wasn't always called Innovation Alley. At one time it was called Adelaide Street. That's when the members opposite were in government. People saw Adelaide Street as a place of hardship and struggle and challenge. Now it's become one of the most exciting places in our city because of the idea around innovation, so we've called it Innovation Alley. We got leaders from Innovate Manitoba, from Futurpreneur, from Eureka, from Startup Winnipeg–young, local people.

The member from Fort Rouge took the time to highlight SkipTheDishes. A couple years ago SkipTheDishes had one employee; now SkipTheDishes has a couple hundred employees and they continue to be one of the fastest growing start-ups, not only here, but in all of the country. Now, I think it's important that we go and take time to talk to the folks at SkipTheDishes and we ask them, what do you think of the TPP, and give them

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 163 some facts, give them some of the information, some of those details of how that can impact them around innovation. There were clearly concerns, not just from us, but there were clearly concerns from people like Jim Balsillie, who has had an incredible amount of success when it comes to that.

You know, when you have a place in Winnipeg that you can go to, and the message is clear that if you have a new product, a new approach or a new idea, and someone says come on down to Innovation Alley, and you can get the success of something like Startup Winnipeg, those are things that need to be protected. Those are things in which those young people need to know that there's going to be a government that's going to stand with them, and that's what we're saying. We're saying we want to make sure that we'r e going to continue to build on this idea that we can build on this momentum.

You don't have to look further than our downtown to look at the success and strength of not only our economy, but the strength of Winnipeg. We have more people working in our downtown than ever before. And you get more people working in our downtown ever before because the message is clear: You can have a global reach, and you can still have your biggest impact right here in Winnipeg. We have more businesses, both small, medium, large businesses, opening up right in our downtown. We have more young people attending school in our inner city than we have before in the history of our city.

We have more young people going to school in the inner city than ever before. There's a real opportunity for us, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to continue to build on that momentum. We have now –because there's so much great action, we have more people wanting to live in our downtown than ever before. So, you know, the –one of the quotes that we heard was t hat the Winnipeg is in– Winnipeg's downtown is in a period of unprecedented growth. Now, we shouldn't take that for granted. We should take the time to make sure that we 'consinue' – continue to work with the very people who helped build a very exciting downt own.

I don't know if members opposite have taken the time to talk to some of those local leaders. I don't know if they've taken the time to talk to some of those students when it comes to the TPP and the impacts innovation can have. I don't know if they've talked to those leaders that helped expand our downtown. I think when Prince Charles took the time to come to Winnipeg, he went into the Exchange District, and he got to hear first-hand from young people when it came to innovation. You know, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, in one weekend alone, we had Queen, Heart, Cher and Bruno Mars in our downtown in one weekend alone, and then we topped that all off when Luke Bryan decided to come to the MTS Centre. And he proudly stood up, and he said, I'm so proud to stand and sing in the loudest barn in the National Hockey League. People around the world are taking notice what's going on here. That is happening because they've had a government that stands with them, those businesses, those local labour leaders, those training institutions. We have to make sure that we do that.

In fact, it wasn't long ago that the National Geographic came out and said one of the best places to visit is Winnipeg. This is where you got to be, National Geographic saying. We can't take these thi ngs for granted. In fact, you don't have to look very far to see the kinds of things that are happening here in our city. We are seeing things like IKEA, that's here now. We're very proud of that. Marshalls, H&M, Bed Bath & Beyond, outlet collections all o ver the –all over happening. We're very proud to stand with the good folks and announce True North Square.

We have to make sure that we continue to work with people in our communities and make sure that they're getting the information that they need so they can continue to compete both locally, nationally, but also internationally. It's the only way that you can continue to have unprecedented growth and continue to have a strong economy is by taking the time to talk to people and giving them the information and then working together to do that; people have that expectation. And we've proven, the years that we're in government, that is how you build momentum.

That is how you make sure there's an opportunity for everyone, both businesses and local young people. You know, the member from Fort Rouge talked about the concerns around wages and what that can mean, both short term and long term. Well, you know, when it came to wages, when we were in government, we led the country in wage growth over the last year, with the average Manitoban worker making $40 per week more than they did before.

One of the things that we did, and we always want to take into account opportunities for young people, was we increased minimum wage every year to make sure that young people could, and all Manitobans could, make a good living for themselves and their families.

164 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2016 * (15:40) And we've found that when you give those kinds of opportunities and Manitobans make a good living for themselves and their families, they give back. They giv e back to their neighbourhoods, they give back to their hometowns, they give back to the province. And we want to continue to make sure that we keep investing in those things and making sure that we keep, you know, asking young people what their advice and the impacts that this could have.

Once a game–again, the members opposite, you know, there's a strong economy, but that's got to be make sure that we continue to work with the private sector and our local leaders. You know, BMO Capital Markets' senior e conomist Robert Kavcic said, in a note to investors, first, we must praise the often overlooked but now rising star on the regional labour force map: Manitoba. You know, we're seeing more and more people like Robert Kavcic notice the economic success of Manitoba and how resilient our economy has been. It's important to continue to work and not take advantage of that.

You know, we've made major investments, and we've heard major investments in trade infrastructure. In fact, there was a luncheon last year where we heard from John Law, who's a president of Lawmark International–he's the coauthor of building advantage: improving Canada's trade infrastructure – and how important that is becoming here in Manitoba, which is why we made those strategic investments into trade routes such as Highway 75. We wanted to make sure–we know that's a key trade route for us. We wanted to make sure that that trade route had flood proofing. Highway 1 to the west: we increased safety.

And we actually increased the speed limit th ere as well. Highway 1 to the east: major upgrades. And we still –there's, you know, we still have others. All around the city of Winnipeg: southwest Perimeter, Headingley bypass, you know. One of the things that we recognize is the impacts and the incredi ble potential that CentrePort Canada Way has. You know, these are people that need to be engaged.

One of the things that they said, that John Law said, why Manitoba had a great trade infrastructure plan, of course, which leads to a strong economy, is that it was a long -term plan, that we were working–our government, at the time, were working incredibly close with the private sector. In fact, often said, the private sector were leading the ray and the government was standing with them. And so the only way you do that is by continuing to engage and give the information and pass on information that's going to affect the economy.

But the best ideas come from people in the community, and we were proud to stand with them. And he just said: Simply put; Manitoba is doing it right. And, if you want to have Manitoba doing it right, you always got to make sure that you're taking the time to make sure that you're listening to what people have to say. Now, I do want to highlight a couple other things that the member fro m Fort Rouge had to say. You know, figures in the study show that there could be a small impact on GDP.

These are people who are experts when it comes to the TPP, that the impacts on the GDP in the country could be relatively small. These are things that w e have to take the time to look at. I know members opposite are talking about the potential for jobs. But there's experts, there's research, there's people who've looked at this that have said there could actually be potential job losses of 58,000, which could be the third highest here in our country than anywhere else.

And one of the advantages that we continue to have is our demographic advantage, that we have one of the youngest and fastest growing demographics here than anywhere else in the nation. And we want to make sure that we continue to engage that demographic. We know that businesses continue to look to us. We know that businesses continue to look to Manitobans because of that, because we have an affordable province to do work in, to create jobs in, that we have this demographic and companies want to invest in it. In fact, in the home riding of the Premier (Mr.

Pallister) himself, you know, Shaw Communications decided to close up shop in other parts of the country, and they decided to move 500 jobs here in Winnipeg in the Premier's own backyard. And, when asked–when I was asking why Shaw Communications wanted to move all these jobs here, it wasn't –it just wasn't, it wasn't only about innovation and affordability here. They talked about when you invest in a young person here and you give them a job here in Manitoba, that they stay with the company longer here than anywhere else.

And they also said that it was important that they knew there was a government that was going to stand with them. We want to make sure that people are getting the information they need so we can continue to have a strong economy.

May 24, 2016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 165 Down in Winnipeg's North End, Canada Goose, you see Canada Goose products now on reporters, sports broadcasters, wearing Canada Goose products, doing NFL games. You know, it's a proud product of–and they expanded here. In fact, Canada Goose is expanding. They're expecting to have over 1,000 jobs here in the next three years –over 1,000 jobs in the next three years. That is the kind of environment and the kind of environment in which we've been able to build. So Canada Goose, in Winnipeg's North End, would always see this as a place.

You know, you look at someone like Loewen Windows, 668 jobs over the next five years –Loewen Windows is a company t hat has a global reach but continue for over 100 years –have been able to give back right here in Manitoba, good local jobs, so people make good living for themselves and their families. Now, I do want to say some words for the record here, Mr. Deputy Spea ker, about northern Manitoba and how important it is that people in northern Manitoba–I know there's some new members from Swan River, some new members from Thompson. Have they

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Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	41-1-6
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	41st 1st hansardpdf 6.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
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