Manitoba Hansard — 20 April 2026 (Sitting 44, 43rd Legislature, 3rd Session)

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Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Third Session – Forty-Third Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Tom Lindsey Speaker Vol. LXXX No. 44 – 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2026 ISSN 0542-5492

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

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

Riel NDP NARTH, Konrad La Vérendrye PC NAYLOR, Lisa, Hon. Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC OXENHAM, Logan Kirkfield Park NDP PANKRATZ, David Waverley NDP PERCHOTTE, Richard Selkirk PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Turtle Mountain PC REDHEAD, Eric Thompson NDP ROBBINS, Colleen Spruce Woods PC SALA, Adrien, Hon. St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu, Hon. The Maples NDP SCHMIDT, Tracy, Hon. Rossmere NDP SCHOTT, Rachelle Kildonan-River East NDP SCHULER, Ron Springfield-Ritchot PC SIMARD, Glen, Hon. Brandon East NDP SMITH, Bernadette, Hon. Point Douglas NDP STONE, Lauren Midland PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry Ind.

WHARTON, Jeff Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt, Hon. Concordia NDP WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant The Pas-Kameesak

1375 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Monday, April 20, 2026 The House met at 1:30 p.m. The Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before 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, know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.

We acknowledge that we are gathered on Treaty 1 territory and that Manitoba is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk nations. We acknowledge Manitoba is located on the Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit. We respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making and remain committed to working in partner- ship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.

Please be seated. Mr. Derek Johnson (Official Opposition House Leader): On House business. House Business The Speaker: The hon ourable Op position House Leader, on House business. Mr. Johnson: I would like to table a list of bills designated by the official opposition for this Third Session of the 43rd Legislature. Our designated bills for this session are Bill 13, The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act; Bill 21, The Drinking Water Safety Amendment Act; Bill 47, The Apprenticeship and Certification Amendment Act. Thank you. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS The Speaker: Introduction of bills?

COMMITTEE REPORTS Standing Committee on Public Accounts Fourth Report Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Chairperson): Honourable Speaker, I wish to present the fourth report on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. The Speaker: Tabling of reports? [interjection] No. The–[interjection] Clerk (Mr. Rick Yarish): Your Standing Committee– Some Honourable Members: Dispense. The Speaker: Dispense. Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following as its Fourth Report. Meetings Your Committee met on April 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chamber of the Legislative Building.

Matters under Consideration • Auditor General's Report – Managing IT Security for Remote Access dated March 2024 Committee Membership • Mr. B RAR • MLA CHEN • MLA COMPTON • MLA DELA CRUZ • MLA DEVGAN • Mr. EWASKO • Mr. GOERTZEN (Chairperson) • MLA LAMOUREUX • MLA MALOWAY (Vice-Chairperson) • Mr. OXENHAM • Mrs. STONE Substitutions received prior to Committee proceedings: • Mr. WHARTON for Mr. EWASKO • Mr. GUENTER for Mrs. STONE Officials Speaking on Record • Tyson Shtykalo, Auditor General • Tyler Gooch, Deputy Minister of Innovation and New Technology • Dana Rudy, Public Service Commissioner

1376 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 Reports Considered and Passed Your Committee considered and passed the following report as presented: • Auditor General's Report – Managing IT Security for Remote Access dated March 2024 Mr. Goertzen: I move, seconded by the hon ourable member for Elmwood (MLA Maloway), that the report of the committee be received. Motion presented. Mr. Goertzen: Thank you, again– The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? The hon ourable member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen). Mr.

Goertzen: I wish to present the fifth report on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. The Speaker: So just to back up a stage, when I asked if it was the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion, nobody responded. So is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] The motion is accordingly passed. Standing Committee on Public Accounts Fifth Report Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Chairperson): Such excite- ment about PAC. I wish to present the fifth report on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. Clerk: Your Standing– Some Honourable Members: Dispense. The Speaker: Dispense.

Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following as its Fifth Report. Meetings Your Committee met on April 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Chamber of the Legislative Building. Matters under Consideration • Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Recommendations dated March 2023 o Vital Statistics Agency • Auditor General's Report – Follow Up of Previously Issued Recommendations dated February 2025 o Vital Statistics Agency Committee Membership • Mr. B RAR • MLA CHEN • MLA COMPTON • MLA DELA CRUZ • MLA DEVGAN • Mr. EWASKO • Mr.

GOERTZEN (Chairperson) • MLA LAMOUREUX • MLA MALOWAY (Vice-Chairperson) • Mr. OXENHAM • Mrs. STONE Substitutions received prior to Committee proceedings: • Mr. WHARTON for Mr. EWASKO • Mr. GUENTER for Mrs.

STONE Officials Speaking on Record • Tyson Shtykalo, Auditor General • Brenda DeSerranno, Deputy Minister of Public Service Delivery Reports Considered and Passed Your Committee completed consideration of the following chapters as presented: • Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Recommendations dated March 2023 o Vital Statistics Agency • Auditor General's Report – Follow Up of Previously Issued Recommendations dated February 2025 o Vital Statistics Agency Mr. Goertzen: And I move, seconded by the honour- able member for Elmwood, that the report of the com- mittee be received.

Motion agreed to. TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Malaya Marcelino (Minister of Labour and Immigration): Honourable Speaker, I am pleased to table the Manitoba Labour Board Annual Report for 2024-2025. The Speaker: Further tabling of reports?

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1377 MLA Marcelino: Honourable Speaker, I am pleased to table the 2025 Report: Implementation and Effectiveness of The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act. The Speaker: No further tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS National Tourism Week Hon. Nellie Kennedy (Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism): Today, I rise in the House to recognize National Tourism Week from April 20 to 24, 2026. Now in its 16th year, tourism week cele- brates the crucial role that tourism plays in our economy, our communities and our way of life.

Honourable Speaker, tourism in not –is not only an economic pillar for our province; it also supports job creation, community development and cultural enrichment. In 2024, Manitoba welcomed 10.7 million visitors, who collectively spent over $1.9 billion in our province. This represents a significant contribution to our local businesses and the broader economy, sustaining over 25,000 industry jobs. These figures clearly demonstrate how tourism is continuing to fuel Manitoba's growth. Since taking government in 2023, we have increased our funding to Travel Manitoba by almost $5 million a year.

This investment highlights the importance of tourism to our economic growth and the vital role it plays in driving our province's prosperity. This funding boost has helped to strengthen Manitoba's tourism marketing efforts, promoting in- province travel, attracting out-of-province visitors and growing Indigenous tourism. Honourable Speaker, tourism brings people together and fosters cultural exchange, creating meaningful connections between locals and visitors. It provides opportunities to explore Manitoba's rich Indigenous heritage, historical landmarks, the creative arts and our breathtaking natural beauty.

I recently sat down with the Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba and talked about where we see the sector going and our experiences in Manitoba that are truly world-class and unique to our province. From the shores of Clear Lake to the scenic trails of Whiteshell Provincial Park, to the majestic wilder- ness in Churchill, Manitoba's tourism offerings high- light the province's diverse landscapes and 'vribant' communities.

Manitoba is home to countless attractions that offer unforgettable experiences: the cultural vibrancy of the Exchange District, the iconic Canadian Museum for Human Rights, our thriving and diverse arts and music scene and our outdoor adventures such as fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing in places like Riding Mountain National Park. There is something for every traveller to enjoy. * (13:40) Whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering a favourite destination, Manitoba is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Honourable Speaker, as we celebrate tourism week, I encourage all members of this House and Manitobans everywhere to take advantage of the many incredible tourism experiences in our province. Thank you. Ms. Jodie Byram (Agassiz): Manitoba is worth exploring. As we deliver this message across Canada and the world, I hope this sentiment is felt by all Winnipeg and Manitoba families first and foremost as we celebrate tourism week here in the province of Manitoba. Wherever you go, whichever time of the year and whatever the taste, there is something here in Manitoba for you.

Nature lovers can enjoy our endless skies, golden prairie grasses, countless lakes, diverse wildlife and iconic campgrounds in the Interlake, Parklands, the Whiteshell and Riding Mountain National Park. Take a family road trip through Agassiz and stop by our beloved roadside attractions like the Happy Rock in Gladstone, the largest crocus monument in Canada is in Arden, Manitoba, and Sara the Camel is in Glenboro. If you're interested in Manitoba's rich heritage, every community from Transcona to Treherne has a story to be told and a local museum to tell them.

Movie buffs can enjoy cinema under the stars at the Starbust [phonetic] drive-in theatre in Morden and the Gimli International Film Festival. We also can't forget the performing arts, all the way from Winnipeg's folk and fringe festivals to the Rainbow Trout Music Festival in St. Malo and the Whoop & Hollar fest in Portage la Prairie. If cowboy culture is more your style, come to Dauphin's Countryfest or the Manitoba Stampede in

1378 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 Morris, the Triple S Fair & Rodeo in Selkirk and the Virden Indoor Rodeo. If country isn't your style, check out rocking the fields in Minnedosa. Northern Manitoba is also calling, from polar bears and beluga whales to the northern lights and trappers fest. This is just a small, small list of examples of why investing in tourism in Manitoba is important. And by making life more affordable, we can assure Manitobans can afford to take their families out and explore our beautiful province.

Thank you to Travel Manitoba and the regional tourism organizations, businesses and the countless volunteers who drive our growing tourism sector right here in Manitoba. And we want to encourage all Manitobans to get out and explore what we have here in our great province in our own backyard. Thank you. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Order, please. Just before moving on, there's some guests I'd like to take a moment to introduce. Seated in the loge to my left is the former MLA for Radisson, James Teitsma. And we welcome you here today.

And seated in the public gallery from École River Heights School, we have 45 grade 7 students under the direction of Kyle Spencer. This group is located in the constituency of the honourable member for River Heights (MLA Moroz). And we welcome you here today. And further guests in the public gallery we have from the university of Brandon, young democrats Emmanuelle Shatoko [phonetic] , Anrique Shatoko [phonetic], Abdul Nadeem Myireh, Kristen [phonetic] Garbutt, who are guests of the honourable member for Brandon East (Mr. Simard); and from the University of St.

Boniface, young New Democrats Gabriel Gagnon, Christine Lesage, who are guests of the honourable member for St. Boniface (MLA Loiselle). And we welcome you all here today. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Transcona Museum MLA Shannon Corbett (Transcona): Honourable Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Transcona Museum, an organization that has been collecting, preserving and sharing the stories of my community since 1967. Transcona has always had a strong identity. We're a community built by working families and neigh- bours who look out for one another.

For decades, the Transcona Museum has been a place where folks can come to learn, to reflect and to better understand that history. The museum has deep roots in Transcona. It began as a Centennial project, supported by local leaders and community members who saw the importance of pre- serving our history. At every step, it was com munity members who made it happen. Today, the museum cares for more than 53,000 artifacts that tell the story of Transcona and the people who built it. The museum's collections truly bring our history to life.

Through exhibits, events, local walking tours and programming, the museum gives folks a reason to come out, spend time together and connect with their community. You see folks sharing stories and different generations learn- ing from each other. Over the years, it has grown and it has moved, but that commitment has always stayed the same. It has always been driven by folks who care about our community and about making sure its stories continue to be told. In the early days, volunteers went door to door collecting artifacts and stories.

The museum first opened in the basement of the Transcona Public Library, and as it grew, it moved into the Roland Michener Arena before finally finding its home on Regent. Transcona is proud to have the Transcona Museum, and we are stronger because of the work that they do. I ask my colleagues to please rise and join me in recognizing the Transcona Museum and all those who continue to support it. Thank you, Honourable Speaker.

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1379 Rural Health Care Mr. Rick Wowchuk (Swan River): Honourable Speaker, I rise today to speak about what health infrastructure means in real human terms, especially for families in rural Manitoba who face distance, delay and uncertainty. In Swan River, the CT scanner at the Swan Valley Health Centre was announced and funded under the former PC government. Those scans are happening closer to home, in real time, where minutes matter. That CT scanner, in many cases, is the difference between life and death.

It means diagnoses are made faster and treatment is started sooner. In Russell, the CancerCare expanding com mu- nity-care initiative, also advanced under the PCs, and it's delivering similar hope. For cancer patients, having care closer to home means not having to travel for hours after chemotherapy and spending less time away from loved ones. In Dauphin, once again under the PCs, upgrades were done at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre that focused on improving capacity and expanding ser - vices so that more care can be delivered closer to home.

That included the expansion of in- patient capacity and the modernization of chemotherapy services. It also included movement of endoscopy services out of operating rooms to free up surgical capacity. But despite this important progress made under the PCs, the NDP are now hindering that momentum. Their decision to delay the Portage hospital until 2027 and their refusal to add an MRI into the new facility is deeply troubling. These delays widen the gap of care and leave too many families feeling as though their communities are not being treated with the urgency they deserve.

We need to make sure rural Manitobans have fair and equal access to health care so that where you live does not decide how quickly you get care or how far you have to travel to get it. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. CN 2747 Steam Locomotive MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz (Radisson): Honourable Speaker, the story of northeast Winnipeg has always been written in steel, sweat and the pride of working people who built things meant to last. And sometimes that story is told by a steam locomotive. One hundred years ago, 1926 was a year of both constitutional crisis and economic expansion.

It was a year that solidified our Canadian legislative independ- ence. It was also the year that our nation met the CN 2747. Long before today's buzz about nation- building projects, the CN 2747 was Transcona's very own. Built in April 1926 at the Transcona Shops, CN 2747 was the first steam locomotive constructed in all of western Canada.

It came together in just 27 days, built by skilled local workers whose craftsmanship and pride taught the nation who Transcona was. * (13:50) Over 30 years–for over 30 years, CN 2747 travelled across the prairies, helped connect communities, move goods and create opportunities in the wake of the First World War. When the steam era came to an end, our community made sure that its story didn't end with it. In 1960, thanks to the advocacy of local leaders–many of whom join us today–and the Transcona Museum, the locomotive was brought home to Transcona and placed on permanent display.

For decades, generations of families cared for it, painted it, protected it and made sure that it remained part of our shared story. CN 2747 is a present-day reminder that our com- munity is something we build together, protect together and carry forward together. It is no coincidence that during a time that our country needs it, the CN 2747 is bringing us together once again. So I invite all members of this House to join us in recognizing the 100th anniversary, the CN 2747 and the legacy preserved by our neighbours and the Transcona Museum. Edna Nabess Mrs.

Carrie Hiebert (Morden-Winkler): Honour- able Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honour a very special woman, Edna Nabess, a respected member of the Manitoba com munity and a proud constituent of Morden-Winkler. I am honoured to have Edna here today and to call her my friend. Edna is a Cree Elder, artist and community leader, born in Cormorant, Manitoba, and a member of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. She learned traditional ways from her mother and grandmother, growing up on the trapline and at fish camp.

From a young age, she worked hard, filleting fish at just 11 years old, and later became a skilled in sewing and beading.

1380 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 As a single mother, Edna moved to Winkler, where she supported her family by making and selling moc- casins from her small shop called The Shack. She built a life through hard work, strength and pride in her culture. Edna has a deep faith and a passion for sharing it. She speaks openly about Jesus and how her faith has shaped her life and her family. She loves her family deeply and often shares how proud she is of them and her grandchildren. Her memoir, The Woman in the Polka Dot Dress, shares her powerful life story.

In her book, she speaks honestly about the challenges and her faith and her journey forward. The book is aspiring and gives readers a deep under standing of her strength and resilience. I encourage everyone to get a copy of the book. I was honoured to attend her book signing on Thursday evening in Winkler, along with a room full of Edna's friends and family. Edna continues to give back, recently sharing through her book and opening the Oji-Cree market to promote Indigenous culture in Clear Lake. She was also honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Edna's life is one of faith, strength and service.

I ask all members here to join me in thanking her for her contributions. Edna, you are a true inspiration to all of us. Thank you. Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba MLA JD Devgan (McPhillips): Honourable Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba as they celebrate 75 years of service to Manitobans. Since its founding, IBAM has represented the interests of property and casualty insurance brokers across our province.

Today, there are more than 2,300 brokers and approximately 2,700 folks working in brokerages across Manitoba, with over 300 store - fronts in more than 120 communities. From large urban centres to small rural towns, these professionals are a trusted presence in the lives of Manitobans. Their impact goes beyond insurance. Brokerages create meaningful jobs in the financial services sector. Brokers live and work in the communities they serve. They shop locally, support small businesses and raise families here. In doing so, they help strengthen the economy and social fabric of our economy.

Earlier this month, IBAM celebrated their 75th anniversary at their annual Brokercon confer- ence, celebrating under the theme Treasured Past, Brilliant Future. For 75 years, IBAM has supported its members, advocated for consumers and helped build stronger communities across Manitoba. Their work is a testament to the value of trust, service and local connection. Insurance touches every aspect of life. Strong communities are built by people and organizations who show up every day to support their neighbours, help families plan for the future and keep our local economies moving.

I ask all my colleagues to join me in celebrating and congratulating IBAM on celebrating this remark- able anniversary and thanking them for their con- tinued contributions to our province. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: Prior to oral questions, there are some guests in the gallery I would like to introduce.

Draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery, where we have with us today Chris Barrett, Keith Proulx, Bobby Lee Proulx, Dahlia Proulx, Dorothy Dolby, John Pryorstanski [phonetic], Anthony Proulx, Patrick Proulx, Connie Bunocore [phonetic], Iris Lauzon, Dianne Bear, Francis King, Ashley Smith, Jaylee Smith, Dawn Jay Smith, Annabelle Little, Lorraine Daniels, Myra Proulx, Faith-Hannah Wilson, Chantel Wilson, Taytum Assiniboine, Kayden Young, Jason Knight, Andrea Knight, Cynthia King, who are guests of the honour - able member for Morden-Winkler (Mrs. Hiebert).

And on behalf of all honour able members, we welcome you here today. I would also like to draw the attention of all hon- ourable members to the public gallery, where we have with us today Grant Wainikka, Rey Girardin, who are guests of the honourable member for McPhillips. And on behalf of all honour able members, we welcome you here today. And I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery, where we

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1381 have with us today the National Council of Canadian Muslims, who are guests of the honourable Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism (MLA Kennedy). We welcome you all here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Economic Development in Manitoba Securing Federal Funding for Major Projects Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): I'd like to take a moment and welcome all of our guests to the gallery: École River Heights, Transcona Museum, Edna Nabess and all her guests, IBAM and NCCM and thank them for the important work that they do.

The Premier went to Ottawa last week and all Manitobans got was a picture and a memo, not a single dollar committed to infrastructure, no investments in Manitoba and not a single project greenlit. But wait, Manitoba was seventh out of ten prov- inces to sign a memorandum of understanding. Let's be clear, that is not a deal, and that is not a firm commitment to move forward. While other provinces are securing concrete commitments, this Premier is simply taking a photo op and getting a memo from the Prime Minister.

Six months ago, this Premier promised three megaprojects that would make Manitoba a have prov- ince immediately but has said nothing about them. Why is the Premier failing Manitoba's economy so badly? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): The three megaprojects are the wind projects in western Manitoba, the com - bustion turbines in Brandon and the Port of Churchill, which the Prime Minister and I agreed will be shipping LNG by 2030. Good news. I want to table some really concerning docu- ments. This is an affidavit signed by the m ember for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt).

In it, he states: I am aware that the applicant was convicted before the Provincial Court of Manitoba of sexual inter ference and sexual assault. * (14:00) Long story short, the member for Riding Mountain, who's sitting right there in the second row, acted to get bail, willing to post up to a million dollars for his niece, who had sexually assaulted a minor. He has since been renominated by the PCs to run in the next election. I want the member for Fort Whyte to tell everyone today whether he was aware of this affidavit when he allowed that member to be renominated.

The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Khan: I'll clarify. I'm asking the Premier a ques- tion about our economy. Liquid natural gas in BC, a nuclear project in Ontario, a pipeline in Alberta, a 60 per cent expansion of the Port of Montreal, copper mines in Saskatchewan and BC–those are the nation- building projects the Major Projects Office supported. But what's missing from that list? Manitoba –the Port of Churchill. By the Premier's own admission, there's a small window to capitalize on that oppor - tunity to ship materials from Churchill.

But in two and a half years, we have no firm commitment from the federal government. The Port of Montreal is actively working on its upgrades and Americans are starting physical work on their own Arctic deep-water port. Why is the Premier–or I should say, why isn't the Premier doing more for the development of Port of Churchill and growing Manitoba's economy today? Mr. Kinew: Prime Minister and I –Port of Churchill by 2030; you can judge me on that. The justice system judged the member for Riding Mountain's niece, found her guilty of sexually assaulting a minor.

He tried to post bail for her during this legislative session, since the last election. The member for Fort Whyte has allowed this person to be renominated for the PC Party of Manitoba. If you are a PC Party member, does that align with your values? Somebody who's posting bail for a sex offender who's assaulted children? Here's what the Leader of the PC Party said in the media when this story broke on Friday. Again, he said that this is something that any aunt or uncle would do for their niece or nephew. No, that's wrong. Logic like that would lead you to excuse Peter Nygård, like the member for Fort Garry (Mr.

Wasyliw) has defended–or made money off of, I should say, to be clear–or to excuse Jeffrey Epstein– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Fort Whyte, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Khan: The Premier is all too familiar when it comes to criminal records and bails. You don't have to look any farther than his own past, Honourable Speaker.

1382 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 The second round of major projects came out, and once again, this Manitoba NDP government was nowhere to be found. The North Coast Transmission Line and a separate LNG project in BC; a nickel mine in Ontario; a graphite mine in Québec; a tungsten mine in New Brunswick and a hydro program in Nunavut. I will table a map for the Premier to look at all of the federal projects put forward by this Prime Minister and the Major Projects Office, and he will notice one thing that's missing from here: Manitoba. Not one mention of Manitoba under this NDP government.

When will the Premier get serious about Manitoba, start thinking about Manitobans and get Manitoba back on the map the Prime Minister of Canada has so blatantly left out under this NDP government's leadership? Mr. Kinew: Since taking office, we've got mines to shovels in the ground. We didn't need Mark Carney in order to do that. On that side of the House, they keep digging themselves deeper. When it comes to the actions of the member for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt) trying to post a million dollars to cover bail for a sex offender in his family, what did the member next to him know?

The member next to him for Lac du Bonnet was Education minister when some of these charges were being brought forward. Did the member for Riding Mountain recuse him- self from discussions about the former bill 35 which brought in a framework to address teacher misconduct? This person we're talking about here was actually a former teacher before their licence was stripped by the current Education Minister. Has the member for Fort Whyte asked either of his MLAs what they knew about this case and what they did at the Cabinet table?

Or perhaps he, who was also a member of Cabinet at the time, has direct knowledge whether there were or were not any recusals. He should share with the House today. The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Port of Churchill Development Concerns About Project Delays Mr. Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): We want to talk about sharing, maybe the Premier can share his own criminal record with Manitobans once again. And the only mine that he's referring to was a gold mine that was started under the PC government.

When we look at the Major Projects Office, when it comes to the Port of Montreal, on September 11, 2025, the project was referred to the project –Major Projects Office. Eighteen days later, on September 29, the major projects offer signed a memorandum of understanding. On April 6, the funding was secure for the Port of Montreal. On April 9, the Government of Canada announced the start of construction, all within seven months. Two and a half years under this NDP Premier and government, nothing has moved forward when it comes to the Port of Churchill, and Manitoba's economy has only gotten worse.

Why has the Premier been unable to accomplish even the first step of this process for the Port of Churchill in two and a half years? Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): Well, I'm directing the member to 2024. Of course, we know that the mine started construction under us. You ask the PCs what it took to get this thing going, none of them would know any of the details, which speaks to the veracity. But you know what people on the right wing say? They say, I wish politicians would look out for miners instead of looking out for minors on an island some - where. Look at yourselves in the mirror with those lines in place.

We got a deal to save the Thompson mine. We have built a mine in Lynn Lake. What are they doing with minors? Gross. When it comes to the member for Riding Mountain, experts say he's lending his reputation and the good- will that comes along with being an elected official to help someone in his family who is a sex offender convicted here in Manitoba. Was the member for Fort Whyte aware of this when he allowed him to be renominated? The Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Defence and Aerospace Sector Economic Opportunities for Manitoba Mr.

Obby Khan (Leader of the Official Opposition): When it comes to looking out for minors, maybe this Premier should look at his own drug policy for the drug consumption site where he wants to allow minors, pregnant people and first -time users into a drug consumption site to consume drugs. That's on this side of the House looking out for minors.

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1383 The Premier could have come back from Ottawa with a deal and he only came back with photos and a memo. The Premier did not go to Ottawa with a plan, and it shows. It's been two and a half years since this Premier took office. Two and a half years since he talked about the Port of Churchill and two and a half years, he has done absolutely nothing to grow Manitoba's economy. At every turn with this NDP government, there's a big flashy announcement but no hard work to get it done.

At a time when global uncertainty has resulted in a renewed look at Canadian Armed Forces right here in Manitoba, how is this Premier doing– what is this Premier doing to support CFB Shilo or– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Hon. Wab Kinew (Premier): I support our military by making sure that I protect a democracy that our troops are willing to lay their lives down for. What are they doing to that democracy on that side of the House? You have in this current Legislature a member of the PC party willin g to put up $1 million towards bail for a sex offender, a child sexual abuser.

Not somebody with the presumption of innocence. Some- body who was convicted in a court here in Manitoba. The leader of your PC Party, if you're a PC sup- porter, saw fit to let that person who's done this during this legislative session allow them to run again in the next election. I don't know about you and the PC Party membership, but that does not align with my values as a Manitoban. Now what did the leader of the PCs have to say about all this? He said, and I quote: I think the MLA did whatever any loving uncle, aunt or relative would do for their niece. End quote. That's terrible.

But here's the thing that it misses. The member for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt)– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Khan: Manitoba has historically punched well above its weight class for defence and aerospace projects. Manitoba has a reputation for delivering consistent quality, but this Premier has failed to trade on that reputation and failed to work to create oppor - tunities for Manitobans. * (14:10) Under this NDP govern ment, oppor tunities are going everywhere else across Canada, but not here in Manitoba.

Manitoba hosts one of Canada's largest aerospace sectors, which contributes significantly to Manitoba's economy, to employment for Manitobans and to innovation right here at home. But this Premier has been silent on these opportunities because he seeks the spotlight instead of substance. He wants to stand up and grandstand instead of answering the questions. Other provinces are securing projects and invest- ments. Why can't the Premier deliver real results for Manitobans by following through on the Port of Churchill and making real change in the province of Manitoba's economy? Mr. Kinew: So which one is it?

Are you for Churchill or are you against Churchill? Where do you stand on child molesters, for or against? I can't believe that I'm asking that of the PC Party of Manitoba in 2026. Now, they were all elected in 2023 during a very nasty, ugly election campaign that falsely tried to accuse LGBT people of being involved with pedophilia. Well, it turns out, look what was happening in their own house at the same time. Absolutely hypo- critical, Honourable Speaker. I think that we all know that. When it comes to the member opposite and their current record, it's terrible. With us, we're clear: under the prison.

What can they say on that side of the House? Concern for Manitoba's Small-Business Community Decline in Start-Ups and Regulatory Environment Mr. Konrad Narth (La Vérendrye): Honourable Speaker, we can all agree that Manitoba's strength has always been our economic diversity, built by small businesses that grow into world-class leading companies, like Versatile tractors and New Flyer Industries, along with many others. But, today, that foundation is weakening.

Manitoba is now experiencing what the Canadian Federation of Independent Busi ness calls an entrepreneurial drought, with more businesses closing than opening. A staggering statistic is: within the last year, Manitoba machinery manufacturing has dropped by a staggering 28.3 per cent. Can the Premier explain why, under this govern- ment, fewer Manitobans are starting businesses and more are being forced to close their doors?

1384 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 Hon. Jamie Moses (Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation): Honourable Speaker, I'm glad the member brings up NFI Group because our government supports the work that they do. We worked with them to start an all- Canadian build, where they're building electric buses right here for the Canadian market. That's taking jobs from the US and putting them right here in Winnipeg, in Transcona. That's how we grow our economy, by putting more people to work with good jobs, investing in our own economy–a clean economy.

Honourable Speaker, we'll continue to do the work to support manufacturers, homegrown busi nesses, small businesses right here in Manitoba. That's how we grow an economy that works for everyone. The Speaker: The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a supplementary question. Mr. Narth: Honourable Speaker, we're simply not seeing that. And when it comes to Versatile tractors, the founder of that company actually moved from Saskatchewan to Manitoba for the entrepreneurial future of our province. It's going the other way today.

And, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, this government has lost the confidence of Manitoba's small-business community. Nearly 70 per cent of Manitoba's small businesses feel unsupported by this NDP government, and almost none believe that there's any real plan for entre- preneurship. Why did Budget 2026 so badly address the con- cerns of our small-business community? Mr. Moses: Honourable Speaker, we support small - business growth. We support manufacturers growing our economy, day in and day out.

We put our proof in the pudding: We took the tax off of equipment for all manufacturers in Manitoba. We took the PST off of all equipment for manufacturers. That's real action. That's incentivizing them to double down and invest on creating more jobs here for Manitobans. So Manitobans know. Manufacturers know. Our government is behind them and supporting them for creating more jobs, growing our economy and ensuring that everyone has a role to find success right here in Manitoba. The Speaker: The honourable member for La Vérendrye, on a final supplementary question. Mr.

Narth: Honourable Speaker, it's no surprise that we've lost confidence, that businesses have lost con- fidence. A staggering statistic is that the drop of machinery manufacturing in Manitoba is down 28.3 per cent in one year under this NDP govern ment. The same Canadian Federation of Inde pendent Business gives Manitoba an F grade on red tape and another F on political priority for reducing it. Small businesses are being hit with higher costs, more regulation and an anti-business tax structure, and they're voting with their feet.

Will the government finally admit their policies are driving away investment and commit to reducing red tape so small businesses can once again grow in this great province? Mr. Moses: Well, Honourable Speaker, Manitobans should know that small businesses, manufacturers are growing because of our government policies, including our tax cut to equipment for manufacturers, including our payroll tax cut, including our changes to the SBVCTC and including the fact that we're supporting them with safer opportunities for equipment and safety products through our wonderful Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe).

This is how we grow an economy that works for everyone, for small businesses, for manufacturers, for exporters. Our government is listening; not listening to the failed policies of the former failed PC govern- ment, but instead listening to the business community and growing an economy that works for all workers and all businesses. Manitoba's Inflation Rate Impact on Cost of Living Mrs. Lauren Stone (Midland): The numbers are in, and the reality is Manitobans are worse off under this NDP compared to other provinces.

Manitoba has the highest inflation under this NDP, surging to 3 per cent, a significant 1 per cent increase since just last month. Families are paying more for nearly every thing: housing, fuel, energy. Over 50 per cent of Manitobans are reporting that there are over –within $200 from insolvency, yet all this NDP government is offering them is less than $2 a week in savings at the grocery store. Education property taxes are the highest in the country, income taxes are among the highest west of the Maritimes and electricity costs are skyrocketing, all under this NDP.

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1385 Why is this Premier (Mr. Kinew) allowing Manitoba to become one of the most expensive places to live in the country? The Speaker: Member's–the honourable Minister of Finance. Hon. Adrien Sala (Minister of Finance): Honour- able Speaker, when our government came in, we stopped runaway PC inflation dead in its tracks. And that's thanks to us taking action that they never did for years. For seven and a half years, were they willing to take any action on Manitobans' energy costs or help- ing them to reduce their gas bills? No.

What did we do as soon as we got into gov ern- ment? We brought in a one-year fuel tax holiday fol- lowed by a permanent 10 per cent cut that continues to benefit Manitobans, reducing their energy costs. We're talking about us –other things we're doing to reduce costs; of course, our last budget raised our Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit to $1,700. We're going to make child care free for the lowest income families. We're taking the PST off all food at the grocery store. They made life more– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Midland, on a supple- mentary question. Mrs.

Stone: The minister can try and spin all he wants, but the reality is is that Manitoba has the highest inflation in the country and the highest food inflation in the country. Manitoba families are struggling, thanks to direct decisions that this NDP government made. They removed indexation, causing an increase in income taxes. They removed the education property tax rebate, thus has led to a 'jackering,' skyrocketing cost of e ducation property taxes, the highest in Canada. And energy costs are increasing thanks to a phony rate freeze that this minister implemented this year.

So why are Manitobans struggling so much, more than any other province in the country, thanks to this NDP government? MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, in the last two years of their government, food inflation was about 8 to 10 per cent. And, right now, food inflation is trending down between February and March. Honourable Speaker, you know, we're going to do more to help reduce that inflation, because this govern- ment is taking action to do something that they never did, which is to actually help Manitobans reduce their food prices. How are we doing that? We're going to eliminate PST off all food in grocery stores.

We froze the price of a one -litre jug of milk. We're cr eating more competition for grocery stores in our commu- nities. We're bringing in legislation that is going to stop and ensure Manitobans are prot ected against surveillance pricing. Again, that team did absolutely nothing for seven and a half years to take action on reducing food costs. What have we done in two years? We're doing the work. We're going to keep doing that work– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. * (14:20) The honourable member for Midland, on a final supplementary question. Mrs. Stone: The numbers tell a very different story.

Manitoba's inflation has skyrocketed to 3 per cent, a significant 1 per cent increase since just last month; a 4.9 per cent food inflation, the highest in the country. Education property taxes are the highest in Canada. Energy costs have been jacked up by 12 per cent, all under this NDP government. At the same time, Manitoba's income taxes are the highest west of the Maritimes. This is the reality. These are the numbers that this NDP government has created, and Manitobans are paying the price.

Over 50 per cent of Manitobans are within $200 of insolvency, and this NDP government is offering less than $2 a week in savings. Our pla n would put an additional $3,500 back in the pockets of Manitobans. Why won't– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. MLA Sala: Honourable Speaker, we know that one of the biggest drivers of inflation are, of course, gas prices, and what's driving that? The decisions by the President to the south of us, a President that the members opposite thanked. That's their approach. They're thanking Donald Trump for his initiatives.

On this side of the House, we're doing the work to reduce costs for Manitobans and to especially do what we can to reduce the pressures driving inflation, like fuel costs.

1386 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 Of course, we brought in a permanent 10 per cent. Like your taxes, we brought in reductions to your home education taxes, this team lowering them. Again, the member opposite, nine out of 10 people– nine out of 10 people–in her community are better off as a result of our education property tax credit. We're doing the work. We're going to keep doing that work because we know Manitobans are facing those challenges. Our government is– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Manitoba Jobs Agreement Concern for Project Costs and Competition Mr.

Josh Guenter (Borderland): This government is actively working against Manitoba's construction sector. Here's what one industry leader had to say: Our industry literally builds Manitoba, yet our current provincial government is limiting access to projects by using the Manitoba jobs agreement, which reduces competition, increases costs and favours unions. Eighty-eight per cent of the construction industry in Manitoba is open shop, which means our govern- ment is making policy based on 12 per cent. This is not how a democratic system is designed and is a huge red flag. We didn't agree to this.

Manitobans can't afford it. Who said this? Shawn Wood, president of the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba. So why is this minister not listening to the people who actually drive our economy? The Speaker: Order, please. The member for Borderland was quoting from something. Was it a private or public document? Mr. Guenter: Public document. The Speaker: Thank you. Hon. Mintu Sandhu (Minister of Public Service Delivery): Every single worker who works on MJA project is better off because MJA, Honourable Speaker. We will continue to listen to Manitoba workers, Honourable Speaker.

That's why we got elected to do this. We are listening to both–MJA team is going out and working with the Manitoba Heavy, WCA, and we have many, many meetings with those folks. We will continue to listen to Manitoba workers. We want to make sure we train the people to work – workforce for the future. That's exactly what we are doing. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Mr. Guenter: Well, the minister needs to update his tired political talking points. I'll give him some more quotes.

Here's Darryl Harrison, incoming president of the Winnipeg Construction Association, who said recently that the Manitoba jobs agreement is having, and will continue to have, negative impacts on the delivery of these projects. Less contractors will pursue these contracts because of the price and

schedule risk created by the MJA. This will lead to much highe r costs for Manitoba taxpayers. So where's the common sense in this government? Why aren't they listening to the Manitobans who actually build our schools, hospitals, bridges and roads? MLA Sandhu: We are listening to Manitobans, Honourable Speaker. Those are the people who are building Manitoba. We want to make sure that they are the ones paid properly, as well, they have a safe work site and real training opportunities as well. We will continue to listen to Manitoba workers, Honourable Speaker, but we are there for them and every single day.

Again, we had a meeting with WCA, we had a meeting with the Manitoba Heavy and we are turning a construction site into training site. We will do that every day. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. The Speaker: The honourable member for Borderland, on a final supplementary question. Mr. Guenter: You know, again, the folks in the construction industry say this Manitoba jobs agree - ment is a bad deal for Manitoba, it's bad for Manitoba workers. And every day, this minister gets up in this Chamber and talks as though it's a good thing. And so it's clear he isn't listening. This government is not listening.

In fact, they say one thing and then they do another. They talk of one Manitoba, but then they secretly set up a deal that allows their political friends to skim a little off the top of public projects even though it disadvantages 88 per cent–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Guenter: –of the 60,000 Manitobans who work in the construction sector.

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1387 So why is this government putting their–the finan- cial fortunes of their political allies over the financial needs of Manitoba workers and their families? The Speaker: The honour able Minister of Public Service Delivery. [interjection] Order. MLA Sandhu: We are listening to Manitoba workers; we will listen to them every day, Honourable Speaker. Manitoba jobs agreement means good jobs, fair wages, safe worksite and real training opportunity. We are turning the train –we are turning construction site into training site. This is what we do every single day.

Everybody can bid on these contracts, Honour - able Speaker–open shop, unionized shop–there–these bids are open for everyone. We will continue to listen to those folks. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. Manitoba's Defence and Aerospace Sectors Government Action to Attract Federal Investment Mrs. Colleen Robbins (Spruce Woods): Honourable Speaker, Manitoba is home to two critical defence assets like CFB Shilo and 17 Wing Winnipeg, facilities that support national training, logistics and aerospace operations.

At a time when Canada is increasing defence spending and modernizing its military, provinces across the country are aggressively positioning them- selves to capture those investments. Can the Premier (Mr. Kinew) explain what specific actions this government has taken to advocate for increased federal defence and aerospace spending in Manitoba? Hon. Jamie Moses (Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation): First of all, I want to thank all of our service personnel who are right here in Manitoba and across the country for the work they do to defend our nation. It's very important.

Second, Honourable Speaker, I want to make sure that we understand that we are seeking and working with partners right across the industry and right across the country to materialize those investments in the defence sector right here in Manitoba, including folks at Southport, at 17 Wing, working within–folks within our aerospace sector, including the aerospace sector council right here in Manitoba. We are setting up those tables.

We're working collaboratively with people right across military back- grounds, aerospace backgrounds to advance our oppor- tunities to get major projects here in Manitoba, in the aerospace sector that help defend our country, support our military and make sure that we support our freedom for our nation. The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mrs.

Robbins: Honourable Speaker, the economic impact of CFB Shilo extends far beyond the base itself; it supports hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, sustains local small businesses and provides long- term economic stability for Brandon and communities across western Manitoba. At a time when the federal government is increasing defence spending and other provinces are aggres - sively positioning themselves to capture those dollars through targeted partnerships, infrastructure, readi - ness and workforce development, Manitoba risks are being left behind.

Can the minister clearly outline what this govern- ment is doing right now to ensure that Brandon and western Manitoba– * (14:30) The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations. [interjection] Order. Hon. Glen Simard (Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations): All I can say is thank God we're building two new schools in Brandon to be able to accommodate these students. Thank God we're investing $22 million in the city of Brandon's infra - structure to make sure that they can build to suit the new families' needs in the region.

And I'm so very pleased that our Minister of Edu- cation has announced free child care for our families that need it, increasing daycare pace –spaces across Westman, across the province, because we know to build one Manitoba we have to be a welcoming– a welcoming–place so that people feel comfortable. I know what doesn't make me comfortable: the PC record. The PC record is not very– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. The honourable member for Spruce Woods, on a final supplementary question.

1388 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 Mrs. Robbins: Honourable Speaker, rural Manitoba communities depend on stable, long- term economic drivers to sustain jobs, attract families and keep local businesses alive, and the defence infra structure, like C-F-B-I Shilo, is one of the most important economic anchors in Spruce Woods. Unfortunately, many rural Manitobans are not seeing a sense of urgency from this govern ment, and there is growing concern that oppor tunities tied to defence and aerospace investment are being missed.

So I'll ask the minister this: Has the gov ernment secured a single new measurable federal invest ment tied to C-F-I-B Shilo in the past year? And, if not, will the minister commit today to a clear target, a public timeline– The Speaker: Member's time has expired. Mr. Moses: Honourable Speaker, we support our military, and we support our ability to get those oppor- tunities here in Manitoba, working with CFB Shilo, working with 17 Wing, working with Southport and many other players within our aerospace sector, work- ing with the federal government as well.

And what we learned and we heard from seven and a half years of the former failed govern ment not working with the federal govern ment, refusing to work with them, is that's how projects fail; that's how projects don't come to Manitoba. Instead, we're taking a col laborative approach, working with the federal government–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr.

Moses: –with partners in the private sector, with communities and with military to understand how we can help support our national interests, how we sup- port freedom in our country and how we can support the good work of every single military serviceperson that serves this great country. Manitoba Menopause Clinic Reopening Announcement MLA Carla Compton (Tuxedo): Honourable Speaker, in 2017, the previous govern ment closed the mature women's clinic, leaving women across Manitoba without access to specialized menopause care and forcing many women to wait, travel or simply go without support.

But our government is taking real action to restore these critical services. And earlier today, we had an exciting announcement. So can the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long- Term Care please tell Manitobans more about this important announcement? Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long -Term Care): I want to thank my friend from Tuxedo for that really important question. Honourable Speaker, the previous govern ment attacked women's health care and cut the specialized menopause care that they count on.

And now our government is fixing that with a $5.2 -million invest- ment to establish a Manitoba menopause clinic right here in Winnipeg. We're restoring care that was cut and lost, and we're expanding it with a modern team -based model. Now, alongside historic invest ments in free birth control and free hormone therapy, we're sending a clear message to Manitoba women and women across this great country: women's health matters. And we're investing and making it better for generations to come. North End Sewage Treatment Plant Provincial Funding Commitment Concerns Mr.

Trevor King (Lakeside): Honourable Speaker, when a reporter pointed out that there was no new funding for the North End Water Pollution Control Centre in this budget, the Premier (Mr. Kinew) once again showed his disrespect for the press and cut her off to bark his canned speaking lines. Regardless of what the Premier wants to say, there is no new funding for NEWPCC in this budget; telling them that they can use some already-allocated invest- ment dollars for it isn't new. So what projects is the Premier suggesting the City cancel to free up those funds? Hon.

Mike Moyes (Minister of Environment and Climate Change): Honourable Speaker, I'm so glad that the Conservatives have finally recog nized the importance of building NEWPCC and protecting our water. But where was the concern over their seven and a half years in office? Instead, they dithered away. They sat on their hands and they did nothing. Now, they get up in the Chamber, day after day, and they feign interest like this is a priority. Manitobans know who they can trust, and it sure as heck isn't the PCs. The Speaker: The honourable member for Lakeside, on a supplementary question.

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1389 Municipal Infrastructure Projects Provincial Funding Commitment Concerns Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): Honourable Speaker, seeing as how the minister will not answer my question, I can answer one of his: Where were we in phase 1 and 2? It was the PC government that funded that. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. King: This is the fact.

Just like last December, when the City finance officials say the Province did not approve 2 and a half million worth of city road safety projects, 2 and a half million dollars worth of spray pad im provements and reduced provincial funding for a Waverley West fire -paramedic station by a half a million dollars. This Premier is playing fast and loose with infrastructure commitments. Can the minister explain why he can't be straight with the City? Hon. Mike Moyes (Minister of Environment and Climate Change): Honourable Speaker, our govern- ment knows that Manitobans care about the lake.

We're going to keep working to keep it clean and healthy. And our government has committed $335 million for this impor tant project, as well as securing $367 million from the federal gov ernment. This is multi-year funding; we're going to get it built. The Speaker: The honourable member for Lakeside, on a final supplementary question. Mr. King: Honourable Speaker, that is how the NDP works with municipalities. They refuse to engage as partners.

This is the same NDP that forced munici - palities to merge and called them howling coyotes when municipal leaders raised concerns about the loss of local autonomy and smaller com munities losing their representation. The minister stands by his–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. King: –decision to revoke funding at the last minute. Will he stand up at AMM this week and confirm to municipalities that he doesn't care what their citi- zens think? His office will tell him: look, projects get done. Hon.

Wab Kinew (Premier): Is the member going to stand up at AMM and talk about what the member for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt) did? A million dollars bail for a convicted sex offender? Is he going to go to AMM and talk about what his leader said, that any aunt or uncle –that's offensive to aunts to uncles –no, we wouldn't. It's completely gross what they're doing. Just like they gave up public safety to us; just like they gave up tax cuts to us; now, are they going to give up child safety to the NDP? That's our issue now? Good; we're going to keep kids safe.

I want to take this opportunity, Honourable Speaker, to congratulate you on the 10th anniversary of your election, which happened yesterday. You've done a great job here in the Chamber. You've set im portant precedents. However, I'm always going to like you as somebody who stands up for– The Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. Order. I would just remind members to please leave the Speaker out of their comments. The honour able Gov ernment House Leader – [interjection] The time for oral questions has expired. Point of Order Hon.

Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): Honourable Speaker, I just wanted to rise on a point of order. It was quite apparent today that members opposite were excessively clapping at every question that was posed.

Honourable Speaker, you know, it's not lost on us that that was done in tentionally to ensure that the member for Dawson Trail (MLA Lagassé) didn't get to his question today–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. * (14:40) MLA Fontaine: –which is quite ironic when members opposite–every time it's the member over there that we kicked out of our caucus; every time there's an opportunity for that member to get up to ask his questions, they run out of questions to ask for the member of our–former caucus member.

So, Honourable Speaker, I'm asking for more time for the member for Dawson Trail to be able to ask his question. Otherwise, I'm assuming that members oppo- site want to continue to thwart the democracy in this Chamber. The Speaker: The hon ourable Op position House Leader, on the same point of order?

1390 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 Mr. Derek Johnson (Official Opposition House Leader): On the same point of order. The Speaker: The honourable Opposition House Leader, on the same point of order. Mr. Johnson: Well, obviously this is rich, coming from the members opposite, who took probably 20 seconds giving a standing ovation for a pitiful, pitiful answer. The irony over there is– The Speaker: Order. Mr. Johnson: –ridiculous, Honourable Speaker. It's our time to ask questions. We ask questions. They can shorten their answers if they choose, but this is not a point of order.

It was almost 41 minutes–[interjection] The Speaker: Order. Mr. Johnson: –for a QP, including the last answer where the Premier (Mr. Kinew) went in his diatribe. The Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. I would point out that it's not a point of order. * * * The Speaker: It's unfortunate, to say the least, but just a quick question: Did anyone ask for leave? Did the honourable–so, the honourable Minister of Families, the Government House Leader, asked for leave to allow the member for Dawson Trail (MLA Lagassé) to ask one question. Is there leave? Some Honourable Members: Leave. Some Honourable Members: No.

The Speaker: Leave has been denied. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. Petitions? Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon. Nahanni Fontaine (Government House Leader): In accordance with rule 2(10), I am announcing the following bills will be considered by the govern- ment as specified for this Third Session of the 43rd Legislature: bills 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51. And I table this list.

The Speaker: So it has been announced that in accordance with rule 2(10)–I'll just remind everyone that the Speaker is standing. Everyone else should be sitting and be–being quiet. Been announced that, in accordance with rule 2(10), that the following bills will be considered by the government as specified for this Third Session of the 43rd Legislature: bills 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50 and 51. And just for the record, the list was tabled.

MLA Fontaine: I would like to announce the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development will meet Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. to consider the following: Bill 14, The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Pro tection) Amendment Act; Bill 20, The Manitoba Hydro Amendment Act; Bill 39, The Manitoba Hydro Amendment and Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Amendment Act; Bill 46, The Securities Amendment Act; Bill 51, The Public Sector Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Governance Act.

I would also like to announce the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs will meet Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. to consider the following: Bill 15, The Consumer Protection Amendment Act; Bill 48, The Real Property Amendment and Planning Amendme nt Act (Land Conveyed for Public Purposes); Bill 49, The Business Practices Amendment Act. The Speaker: It has been announced that the Standing Com mittee on Social and Economic Dev - elopment will meet on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. to consider the following: Bill 14, Bill 20, Bill 39, Bill 46 and Bill 51.

Further, it has been announced that the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs will meet on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. to consider the following: Bill 15, Bill 48, Bill 49. The hon ourable Gov ernment House Leader, on House business. * * * MLA Fontaine: I'm announcing we will be calling for debate today the following specified bills in this order: bills 8, 9, 34, 42, 44, 26, 27, 28, 32, 50, 18, 37, 29, 35, 45.

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1391 The Speaker: So it's been announced that the specified bills that will be debated today will be called in the following order: bills 8, 9, 34, 42, 44, 46, 27, 28, 32, 50, 18, 37, 29, 35 and 45. Introduction of Guests The Speaker: And while I have everyone's attention, we have with us in the public gallery the regular weekly Monday 2 p.m. public tour group, who are watching for a few minutes of the proceedings as part of their tour. And on behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here today.

SECOND READINGS The Speaker: So then, as previously announced, we will now prepare for–or proceed to the specified bills at second reading. Bill 8–The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Amendment Act The Speaker: So, Bill 8. Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, that bill 8, The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act, be now read a second time and be referred to a com mittee of this House.

The Speaker: It's been announced–moved by the honourable Minister of Justice, seconded by the hon- ourable Minister of Edu cation and Early Childhood Learning (MLA Schmidt), that Bill 8, The Long- Bladed Weapon Control Amendment Act, be now read a second time and be referred to a com mittee of this House. * (14:50) Mr. Wiebe: I'm so pleased to bring forward the second reading of bill 8, The Long- Bladed Weapon Control Act, for debate here in this House.

This bill delivers on our government's commitment to keep Manitobans safe by keeping machetes and other long- bladed weapons out of the hands of youth and criminals. At the end of 2024, our government proclaimed The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act, which banned the sale of machetes and other long -bladed weapons to minors. We also required retailers keep those machetes off of their store floors and keep sales records for long-bladed weapons that were sold in the province.

The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Act was primarily intended for brick-and-mortar retailers and– including convenience stores selling these dangerous weapons who were doing so in inner-city communities. Last year, our government worked with the Retail Council of Canada to engage with some of the largest online retailers who were shipping products into our province, to restrict minors' access to those long- bladed weapons.

Thanks to our government's direct intervention with the online retailers, Amazon and Walmart Canada proactively announced that they would stop all sales of machetes and other long -bladed weapons into our market. Encouragingly, Winnipeg saw a 14 per cent d rop in knife crime in 2024, which the Winnipeg Police Service directly credited to the work that we did around the successful Long- Bladed Weapon Control Act. Mr.

Tyler Blashko, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair While our government has greatly reduced the number of dangerous weapons in the hands of youth over the last year, we recognize that there are many other online retailers that are not verifying ages despite selling dangerous weapons into our province. And we know that there is also a thriving resale market on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji and other platforms where young people and criminals can still access those long-bladed weapons.

Honourable Speaker, for too long, online retailers and secondary marketplaces have operated in a grey area, selling dangerous weapons without the account- ability and age verification that we want. Bill 8 puts an end to that. The bill furthers our government's commitment to reducing violent crime by ensuring that online retailers are subject to the same rules as those brick -and-mortar stores, and it also adds pepper spray to the long- bladed weapon control weapon act, an important step in keeping that out of the hands of young people.

While members opposite have a record of firing 55 police officers and cutting front-line safety resources, this government is choosing a targeted and evidence- based action to make our communities safer and reduce the rate of violent crime. If passed by this House, Bill 8 would make our communities safer by prohibiting online retailers and secondary sellers from selling those machetes and other long-bladed weapons into our communities and especially to minors. This ensures that smaller online retailers will follow the lead of Amazon, Walmart and

1392 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 others who are keeping these weapons out of the hands of young people. And we will require online retailers to keep records and ensure that purchasers have the proper ID when the purchase is delivered to them, requiring secondary sellers, including those shipping these products into Manitoba, to verify the age of the purchaser before the sale is finalized.

And we will bring the legislation of pepper spray under the same law as the dangerous weapons so that it is monitored by Manitoba's Public Safety Investiga- tions Unit, who is doing an incredible job of ensuring that this is being implemented in community. Bill 8 answers the call of so many in community who are asking government to step up to the plate, and, of course, our government has done that.

This is a common sense measure to combat violent crime in the streets, and I'm proud to inform the House that the legislation has the support of law enforcement and community leaders who helped craft and develop this legislation. This includes the Retail Council of Canada, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police, the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, the Southern Chiefs' Organization and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Manitobans are watching, honourable Speaker.

They want safer streets, responsible laws and a govern- ment that's willing to act. I encourage all members to stand behind this legislation, get it passed and make Manitoba a safer place. Thank you. Merci. Miigwech. Questions The Deputy Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minister by any op position or in dependent member in the following sequence: first question by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions aske d by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independent member; remaining ques- tions asked by any opposition member. And no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. The floor is open for questions. Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): A number of questions on this bill.

I'm just wondering, with the budget that was presented by the NDP government and the 12 whole police officers that are going to be afforded to the Province of Manitoba, what enforcement mechanisms are in place to ensure compliance by online retailers operating outside Manitoba, inside Manitoba, garage sales, secondary sales, are going to be followed? Is the minister going to appoint those 12 whole officers to investigate all of these sales? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): What an unbelievable, condescending, disrespectful tone this member takes with regards to law enforcement. Mr.

Balcaen: If the Justice Minister actually knew how policing in Manitoba worked and didn't just sit behind a desk his entire career, he would understand that 12 officers is 0.0034 per cent of the police officers here in Manitoba. So maybe he should step up and actually add to a Justice portfolio rather than taking away from it. How will the government ensure that required retailers collect names, addresses and other personal data does not create a new privacy risk or data breaches for Manitobans? Mr. Wiebe: This is the member opposite who calls law enforcement window dressing.

He calls record investments in law enforcement and partnerships that never existed under the party that he chose to run for. He calls that window dressing and disrespects law enforcement. Again, the Premier (Mr. Kinew) said it best: The members opposite have totally abdicated any moral high ground that they had when it comes to supporting law enforcement or being champions of justice. It's this party that's taking the steps necessary to make our communities safer. Mr. Balcaen: That's rich coming from the member opposite, honourable Speaker, but really hasn't left his office.

And I would actually question: Has he ever even gone on a ride-along or spent any time in a police car and seeing what happens out in the realities of the policing world? What evidence does the government have that minors are currently obtaining pepper spray or long- bladed weapons in significant numbers through the channels that this bill targets? He talks about taking an education approach or a data -driven approach. What data is there? Mr. Wiebe: He keeps using that phrase: It's rich.

Like members of his caucus, members of his team that stand up and willing to put up a million dollars to bail somebody out, what does he think about that? Maybe he now has a chance. He won't ask me a question

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1393 during question period. Maybe he'll stand up and answer that question here today. Mr. Balcaen: You know what, I've only been here for a short time in this Chamber–[interjection]–and as my colleague from Steinbach said, maybe a cup of coffee or maybe now I put that cream and sugar in the cup of coffee. The member opposite has been here for years and years and years and should know the rules that opposition asks questions and governm ent is sup - posed to answer them, which he never does.

What limits, if any, will be placed on how long retailers must retain purchaser records and who will have access to that information? Mr. Wiebe: Yes, he won't answer the questions because he's scared. He's hiding behind the rules of the House because he won't have any accountability to Manitobans. Like, where is the moral courage of this member? Other members of his caucus have stepped back and said, that's not for me. And yet this member, who claims to be this–somebody who knows law enforce- ment, he didn't do a darn thing to advocate for law enforcement in this province.

And now when he's got a chance, he steps back and he's quiet. I think he needs to stand up. He needs to answer to Manitobans. * (15:00) Mr. Balcaen: You know what, I'm not going to continue engaging in this childish game. The minister knows that I spent 33 years in law enforce ment and contributed greatly at the local, prov incial, national and international level in law enforcement. I don't know what his record says on that. What limits, if any, will be replaced–be placed on how long retailers must retain purchaser records and who will have access to that information?

I will ask again, because instead of answering the question, this minister would rather be divisive. Mr. Wiebe: The member opposite has the chance to get on the record and actually make a stand for the safety of Manitobans. And he refuses to do that, over and over again. He mocks law enforcement. He calls them a pittance. He says they're window dressing. He makes fun of 12 new officers being deployed in his community and across this province. He needs to be accountable for that. And maybe he could start holding the law in his own caucus. His own caucus. Does he ever speak up? He won't speak up publicly.

He can answer –does he actually stand up and speak up in his own caucus? Mr. Balcaen: Manitobans, you can see just how unhinged this Minister of Justice is and this NDP caucus. I have no further questions. Mr. Wiebe: You know, honourable Speaker, the steps that our government is taking with regards to making our communities safer are historic. And I ask all members: take personal account, be honest with Manitobans, and maybe show up to a bill briefing every once in a while so that we can actually answer the questions the member has. I'm happy to do so in public committee.

I look forward to this bill moving forward. But I think that to have the kind of moral authority this member wishes he had, he needs to answer to Manitobans first, and I encourage him to wipe his conscience clean and speak up when members of his caucus make really bad decisions about their moral path. Thank you, honourable Speaker. The Deputy Speaker: No further questions before we move on to debate? To ensure clarity of the record, the bills for debate today include Bill 26 and not Bill 46. Debate The Deputy Speaker: So the floor is open for debate on Bill 8. Mr.

Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): I'd just like to put a few very short words on the record today, because it's my hope that we can move a lot of these bills forward to committee, where people of Manitoba will have their opportunity to ask their questions and to present at committee. Not that any questions asked are ever answered by this minister, but it's a good opportunity for the public to state on record what they think regarding these bills that are put forward. There are going to be challenges on this bill, and I have to bring that forward.

The fact that this is going to online sales and areas such as garage sales or third- party providers is not something that, really, the public is going to fully understand. And I would certainly hope that this government does a long, long educa - tional campaign before this bill is put into the public realm. If I'm running a garage sale or I'm offering some- thing for sale on one of the local e -commerce areas, I'm not going to know the law and I'm not going to understand the law that's come in. I'm used to selling items, I'm used to having them set up at my garage

1394 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 sale, and all of a sudden weapons can be designated or put forward by this minister and I'm going to be at fault. And as I asked earlier and the minister couldn't answer and went into his tirade, which–I'm not understanding why he does this. Maybe he's got law enforcement envy because he's never been there or has never actually worked a day in his life in that realm. Maybe it's opportune time for a career change. I don't know. Maybe that's what he's wanting to do.

But there is not enough time in the day for police officers to investigate this sort of crime, this sort of incident. So if you have a number of people tied up, they're not going to be able to get to the very serious crimes that are happening under his wa tch and under his government, crimes that have skyrocketed under their time in government. So, honourable Deputy Speaker, Bill 8 expands The Long- Bladed Weapon Control Act to include pepper spray and to address modern retail practices such as online marketplaces and informable resale.

The bill seeks to prevent minors from obtaining regulated weapons by encouraging age verification requirements. And, again, if I'm working a garage sale or I'm going online, am I really going to take all of this time and effort, and will I even know that I'm supposed to do that? This government needs to make sure that they are forthright with people and not putting them into a spot where they can be charged. While the bill aims to strengthen public safety and modernize existing legis lation, it raises concerns related to privacy, en forcement and the regulation of personal safety devices.

Legis lators may wish to assess whether additional safeguards, clearer messaging or targeted exemptions are needed to ensure the law is effective, enforceable and proportionate. Thank you, honourable Deputy Speaker. Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): This bill is cynical political theatre. It is legis lation that is absolutely designed to fail, that–it won't actually accomplish its stated purpose. It will not make Manitobans safer. The real purpose is virtue signalling. It's about issues management, and no one asked for this bill.

There are no stakeholders, no experts; nobody's out there saying that this is a good idea. This is a response to negative headlines about machete attacks after machete attacks in Manitoba. This, after the Kinew government, in its first session, brought in the long- blade weapons act, which did nothing to stop the use of machete crime. In fact, I don't think a week goes by in Manitoba that there isn't a horrific news story about yet another machete attack.

The Province has shown no evidence that this policy was at all effective the first time around, and it's no evidence at all out there that this has reduced machete attacks. And despite that, they're doubling down in this bill, extending the rules to secondary sellers. There is no en forcement mechanism in this bill, meaning that online sellers or private sellers will ignore this law without consequence. No one actually is going to go out and police the sale of machetes. There is no money set aside to do so. No polic ing or investigative unit is actually tasked with the responsi- bility of doing that.

The only thing that could possibly happen is, when there is yet another tragic machete incident, the police may–and that's a big if –investigate where the weapons came from. And without serial numbers, it will be absolutely impossible to trace. If, in the rare case they're able to trace where the weapon was obtained, (1) it would most likely not be obtained legally, and which means that the sellers, either second -hand or original, won't be liable; and (2) if they are, they may face a minor fine at that time.

If the purpose of the bill is to prevent crime, no money or enforce ment regime to actually do that means that it will accomplish nothing. It will not prevent machete crime, will not keep Manitobans safe. This bill is dead on arrival and it's set up to f ail from the get -go. A lot of smart people in the justice system that would've told this minister those very facts. The minister would have promptly ignored them and not listened. The goal of this legislation is not to prevent crime or even to work, for that matter.

The goal of this legis- lation is to be seen to do something, anything, in rela- tion to machete crime, even if the government knows that it actually has zero chance of working. It's cynical political theatre, and it's designed to give this struggling minister something to say to the media in response to the next and foreseeable tragedy that awaits our community. But what he won't be able to say is that he actually did anything meaningful to protect you and your family from harm. This Justice min istry knows full

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1395 well that gimmicky legis lation will not protect Manitobans, but the Kinew govern ment will not invest in actual pre ventative justice measures. This will not work, this won't have any money behind it and this will not keep families safe. Instead of real solutions, they offer you this. * (15:10) Thank you. The Deputy Speaker: Seeing no one else –ready for debate? Is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. The Deputy Speaker: The question before the House is second reading of Bill 8, The Long-Bladed Weapon Control Amendment Act.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Some Honourable Members: No. The Deputy Speaker: I hear a no. Voice Vote The Deputy Speaker: All those in favour of the motion, please say aye. Some Honourable Members: Aye. The Deputy Speaker: All those opposed, please say nay. Some Honourable Members: Nay. The Deputy Speaker: In my opinion, the Ayes have it. I declare this motion passed. Bill 9–The Street Weapons Control Act The Deputy Speaker: We will now move on to second reading of Bill 9, The Street Weapons Control Act. Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Innovation and New Technology (MLA Moroz), that Bill 9, The Street Weapons Control Act, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. Mr. Wiebe: I am pleased to rise in the House today for second reading of Bill 9, Street Weapons Control Act. In our Speech from the Throne this year, we promised Manitobans that we would introduce new legislation to ban dangerous weapons from public places.

We are committed to building the kind of safe communities that foster real growth after the almost decade of cuts from the members opposite where they cut front-line services and safety resources, including firing 55 police officers here in the city of Winnipeg. Bill 9 is about keeping our promises to Manitobans, about giving law enforcement and community leaders the tools that they need to keep Manitobans safe, and it recognizes that street weapons like machetes and pepper spray make our province less safe for everyone.

Gang members and other offenders who are wielding these dangerous weapons keep families away from our beautiful parks and our playgrounds and other public spaces. And individuals armed with street weapons can make our hospitals, our transit buses and our libraries unsafe for the staff that work there and the many Manitobans who access these vital public services.

Last year, our government banned the sale of machetes and other long -bladed weapons to minors, and we've also taken meaningful steps to keep these dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals, including retailers–requiring retailers to keep machetes off their store floors. Thanks to our direct intervention with online sellers, Amazon and Walmart Canada are part of the solution where–and they announced that they would cease all sales of machetes and other long -bladed weapons to the Manitoba market.

Because of these steps, because of the actions of our government, in 2024 we saw a 14 per cent decline in knife crimes and a 23 per cent decline in youth crime with a weapon here in Winnipeg. That's not us saying that; that's the facts; that's the statistics. But it's also, of course, the Winnipeg Police Service who made a direct link between the work that we're doing as government and the safer streets that we're seeing.

But we still know that street weapons are a major problem, and with machete attacks that create wide - spread fear in our communities, it's important that we continue to take steps to make our community safer. Bill 9 is that next step in our plan to get tough on street weapons in Manitoba, giving our valued police and

1396 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 safety officers the tools that they need to keep weapons out of hospitals and off our streets. When passed by this House, The Street Weapons Control Act would do several important things. First, the bill would make it illegal to carry street weapons in public spaces like parks, buses and shared spaces in cities and towns. Second, Bill 9 gives police officers and safety officers the ability to step in before someone gets hurt.

Officers would be allowed to seize these weapons or, without charging an individual under the act, be able to seize the weapons and get them off the street. This will empower community safety officers to seize weapons in city parks, First Nations safety officers to disarm people who are harming their com- munities and in stitutional safety officers to just get those machetes and other dangerous weapons, including pepper spray, out of our hospitals. Third, Bill 9 would protect the due process for individuals and the self-determination of First Nation communities.

It would allow individuals to request their weapons back from law enforcement if they're not convicted of an offence under the act, and it would make exceptions for couriers and other authorized individuals who use these items to carry out their duties. Out of respect for First Nations, this law will only apply to those First Nations if they choose to opt in. Bill 9 is a made-in-Manitoba approach, furthering our commitment to addressing public safety deficit that was left by the previous government.

Over the last year, we've consulted with organizations across the province to determine what would work in Manitoba. As a result, I'm proud to inform the House that this legislation has the support of law enforcement and community leaders throughout this province. These include the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police, the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Southern Chiefs' Organiza- tion, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. And the list goes on, honourable Speaker.

I encourage all members to support Bill 9, to sup- port the work that we're doing to make our province a safer place and partner in a real way with law enforcement and communities to make a difference. Thank you. Merci. Miigwech. Questions The Deputy Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minister by any op position or independent member in the following sequence: first question by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independent member; remaining ques- tions asked by any opposition members. And no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. The floor is open for questions Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): This bill defines street weapons broadly to include tools like axes and pepper spray.

How does the government justify restricting everyday items that have legitimate and non-violent uses as they put into this bill? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Yes, again, mayors, reeves, councillors from across this province are in support of this, the AMM more broadly. They understand there's a big difference between having one of these items in an urban space, in a public space, in a space where people need to be safe, feel safe. It is a big difference between that and using them as a tool.

Certainly, we look to law enforcement to enforce this in a way that makes sense in community but, ultimately, gives the public the confidence that these street weapons won't be used in a violent manner across the community. Mr. Balcaen: I understand the difference between rural and urban, but I'm wondering if this law sees the difference between rural and urban. And that's the difference that we have to talk about on this bill, honourable Deputy Speaker, is that you can't write a bill for one Manitoban and not the other. So how will the minister ensure that this is properly enforced throughout Manitoba? Mr.

Wiebe: Yes, I mean, again, it's in the bill. Member opposite, if he needs to be brought up to speed, I can spend some time with him. He seems confused. He should talk to mayors and reeves who are asking, begging for the government to continue to get tough on crime and get tough on criminals. That's who we're going after. Reeves, mayors, councillors across this province get it. This member opposite doesn't. His party did nothing. They had the opportunity. This is novel, but it's not something that they couldn't have done, and

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1397 they didn't do it. That shows where their priorities are. We're standing with community. We're standing with law enforcement. Mr. Balcaen: This is very rich, coming from a govern- ment that sat there for 17 and a half years, sat on their hands, did nothing for public safety until the Progressive Conservative Party took government and public safety was then well under hand. However, this government fails even now in their first three years. If you look at the statistics, crime is increasing rather than decreasing.

So what evidence demonstrates that simply possessing these items in public spaces without criminal intent is a p rimary driver of violence in Manitoba? * (15:20) Mr. Wiebe: Again, he uses that phrase. Isn't that rich, he says. Does he talk to the member for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt), huh? Does he talk to people in his caucus and stand up for those that have the means to start to bail out convicted sex offenders? He can answer that right now. He can just make a firm stand and he can be clear with Manitobans; he refuses to do that.

We're going to continue to work with community to make it safer and, of course, we're doing that with the guidance and with the encouragement of reeves, mayors, everyone at AMM and law en forcement– something the members opposite never did. Mr. Balcaen: To coin a phrase that I heard last year, somebody's living rent-free in this minister's head. I'm just wondering what else is living in this minister's head, because we're hearing lots of different things that are pretty deplorable to Manitobans.

Why does the bill not require proof of intent to use an item as a weapon before making possession– [interjection] The Deputy Speaker: Order. Mr. Balcaen: –in public illegal? I'll ask it again because I'm not getting an answer from a minister who's – [interjection] The Deputy Speaker: Order. Mr. Balcaen: –never been on the street and never knows how to enforce rules. He can talk about making them, but his socialist area, he is–[interjection] The Deputy Speaker: Order. Mr. Balcaen: –not able to actually do any work. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker: Still have about 10 minutes of questions; would love to get through these questions without yelling back and forth. Mr. Wiebe: Yes, a million bucks from one of his current caucus colleagues to bail out a convicted sex offender. Like, really, does anything else need to be said? What I think it highlights is that members oppo - site, of course, during their time –seven and a half years–they cut; they froze; they literally lost–we lost officers in the city of Winnipeg. We lost them across this province. Now he comes in here and he says, it's window dressing; it's a pittance.

He makes fun of law enforce- ment. He makes–he jokes about them. Honourable Speaker, the proof is in the pudding. We are making the–not only investments in dollars, but actual legislation that he could get out of the way and he could support. He continues to want to hold this up because he wants to play games. He needs to be accountable first to Manitobans, and then we can start– The Deputy Speaker: The honourable minister's time has expired. Mr. Balcaen: Well, there you have it, Brandon and Westman. Is this the type of government that you want to have representing you in these areas?

This is what you see when the curtains are pulled back. So I ask the member: Why does the bill not require proof of intent to use an item as a weapon before making possession in public illegal? I'll ask it for the third time and maybe, just maybe, we'll get an answer this time. Mr. Wiebe: Yes, like I said, the member opposite needs to come clean with Manitobans. And, you know, he talks about pulling the veil back or allowing people to see. We're seeing what happens in their caucus room because they've got this member who was sitting at the Cabinet table. Now he can say: I wasn't there; I don't know, I don't know.

Well, members of his caucus, of course, knew, and they saw the member opposite at the Cabinet table while bills were being discussed that are in direct conflict of interest with their actions. But now, he sits in that caucus. It's now –it's not theoretical–it's now. What is this member opposite going to do? Is he going to answer for his members in

1398 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 his caucus? Or is he going to be quiet and he's going to have no moral authority whatsoever? They want to joke; they want to laugh–go for it. Manitobans are disgusted with the actions– The Deputy Speaker: The minister's time has expired. Seeing no further questions–[interjection] Order. Order. Debate The Deputy Speaker: Seeing no further questions, the floor is open for debate. Seeing no–the honourable member for Brandon West. Mr. Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): Now, you know what, I can hack–I can hear–[interjection] The Deputy Speaker: Order. Mr.

Balcaen: –the member for St. Johns (MLA Fontaine) and the member– The Deputy Speaker: Order. Order. We're one bill into many bills for the day, so we have a long night ahead of us. Mr. Balcaen: As a deaf and hard of hearing member of the community, you know, it's pretty bad when we have the minister responsible for that yelling at me across the way when it's just absolutely inappropriate for the Minister of Families to be doing that.

And I'm glad that she was called to order because it's disrespectful in this Chamber to have that sort of actions happening. [interjection] And it's hap pening again, honourable Deputy Speaker. And it's a shame, really, that this minister doesn't take her job serious and is constantly, constantly causing issues for people within that community. It's been noted, and she continues to do it and doesn't take that warning. So it's embar rassing, qui te frankly, honourable Deputy Speaker.

So, getting back to this bill, it's important to put some words on the record about this bill and the fact that street weapons have been talked about on this, but it's such a broad issue on this. It's so encompassing that tools that people use for their jobs, tools that they use to effectively do the work that they need to do, could actually be held accountable or criminally charged–not so much criminally charged, but under this statute, and have those items seized from them. This is actually going past what a government should do.

It's extending into areas that government ought not to be involved in, and this is why individuals in Manitoba get upset with a number of these bills that are proposed by this govern ment, because they're overreach. They're stretching much too far, and individuals are starting to be very concerne d about this government and their overreach. Bill 9 proposes a new provincial framework to regulate the possession of certain weapons such as machetes, swords, axes and pepper spray in public spaces within populated areas and , again, it's very difficult to talk about what is a populated area.

In different com munities, populated areas are vastly different. For example, in Winnipeg, an area having 100 people may not be vastly popula ted,

whereas in somewhere like Gimli or Lundar or somewhere there, having 100 people would be a very populated area. So, again, they're pitting one Manitoban against another Manitoban, one community against another community. It's government overreach at the best and it's an area that ought not to be really looked at by this government, the overstretch that this governm ent is having.

So this bill raises several considerations, including the breadth of items classified as street weapons, the inclusion of pepper spray used for personal safety– and, as many of us know, pepper spray can be purchased for safety reasons against dogs and animals and–vicious animals doing these attacks. The inclusion of this and the significant regulatory powers granted to government to expand the scope of the law, MLAs may wish to consider whether additional safeguards, clearer

definitions and stronger oversight mechanisms are needed to ensure the legislation effectively improves public safety while avoiding unintended impacts on lawful activities. Thank you, honourable Deputy Speaker. Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): Again, this is another cynical, do- nothing bill with the stated pur - pose of prohibiting the possession of machetes or bear sprays in public spaces. And the assumption that's problematic in this bill is, like, they weren't already prohibited. They were.

There is a Criminal Code charge called possession of weapon dangerous to the public peace that has been around for decades. And the police use this offence to arrest people if they are in possession of bear spray or machetes in public, if they have the intention of disturbing the public peace. * (15:30)

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1399 Again, nobody asked for this bill. There's no experts, no stakeholders behind this bill. There's no consultation. This is a solution looking for a problem, and existing laws already cover this. But the reality is, there's a dark side to this because if it ever gets used– and it's unlikely that it ever actually will get used – there's no safeguards in place. And that means that vulnerable Manitobans will be the ones that will get the enforcement on this and will get harassed and will feel the negative effects of this bill.

This is a government that punches down routinely. There's an element of cruelty and mean -spiritedness to this government, and this legislation certainly becomes symbolic and reflective of a general tenor. I doubt this bill will even survive constitutional scrutiny. I suspect the Minister of Justice (Mr. Wiebe) never even asked for an opinion from his constitu- tional law branch, because they really don't care if this bill works. And like the other Justice bill, there's no money attached to it for enforcement, so there's no dedicated investigative unit to enforce the law, and that means it won't be enforced.

The police already have tools; they don't need this, they won't use it and it will just go on as a dead-letter law. You know, the other cynical bill designed to fail– there's a pattern here–if you remember the fortified vehicle and Unexplained Wealth Act in the first session of this gov ernment. Big fanfare, the govern- ment was cracking down on organized crime; they're getting tough. Did a FIPPA on that bill, and after a year, turns out, it hasn't been used once. Not once. So much for organized crime, I guess they're enjoying a bit of a renaissance under this minister.

It means it's not being used by law enforcement. Oh, but remember The Unexplained Wealth Act, again, that was going to save us all; this was going to crack down on organized crime, we're getting tough, we're tough guys, we're tough on organized crime. Did a FIPPA on it, it turns out, not used–not used. In fact, there's one case in Manitoba where the act was used, was it this, you know, Michael Corleone gangster figure? No, it wasn't. It was an alleged corrupt minister at a gurdwara who had the allegations that he embezzled from his congregation. That's hardly Al Capone, that's hardly organized crime.

That's who this minister is targeting with his legislation. It's not organized criminals; they feel very safe under this government. The real purpose is not to actually have effective laws or to prevent crime, but this is simply, so the minister actually has something to say to the media when they say, hey, crime has been going up under your watch significantly, why aren't you doing something? Well, I have –I brought in all this, like, empty political theatre, all this legislation that doesn't actually do anything. Look, I'm working.

This is to provide cover to a minister who Angus Reid says less than 27 per cent of Manitobans believe that this government is doing a good job in public safety and crime. That's even less than the 29 per cent of Manitobans who approve the job this government's doing. So think about that number for a bit. That means NDP voters, people who supported this government, do not believe this government is effective in doing a good job on public safety and crime. Imagine living in a world where a government wants to solve problems, bring in actual solutions and really want to keep Manitobans safe.

I mean, the solutions are out there. What's missing from this minister and this government is the political will. And it's at the point now where Manitobans are starting to tune this minister out. This is not a serious piece of legislation. In fact, it insults Manitobans who are concerned about public safety and want their government to take real action. The Deputy Speaker: Seeing no one up for debate, is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. The Deputy Speaker: The question before the House is second reading of Bill 9, The Street Weapons Control Act.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Some Honourable Members: Agreed. Some Honourable Members: No. The Deputy Speaker: I hear a no. Voice Vote The Deputy Speaker: All those in favour of the, please say aye. Some Honourable Members: Aye. The Deputy Speaker: All those opposed, please say nay. Some Honourable Members: Nay. The Deputy Speaker: In my opinion, the Ayes have it. This motion is passed.

1400 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 Bill 34–The Interprovincial Subpoena Amendment Act The Deputy Speaker: We will now move on to second reading of Bill 34, The Interprovincial Subpoena Amendment Act. Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Public Service Delivery (MLA Sandhu), that Bill 34, The Interprovincial Subpoena Amendment Act , be now read a second time and referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. Mr. Wiebe: Pleased to rise in the House today for second reading of Bill 34, The Interprovincial Subpoena Amendment Act.

The interprovincial subpoena legis- lation allows courts to enforce subpoenas from other provinces or territories, requiring witnesses from other provinces or territories to attend hearings in Manitoba and ensuring that Manitoba subpoenas ar e respected elsewhere in Canada. Currently, The Interprovincial Subpoena Act only applies to subpoenas that are issued by the court. It does not clearly cover subpoenas issued by boards, commissions or tribunals. As a result, subpoenas issued by boards and commissions cannot be currently enforced outside of the province.

The Bill will update The Interprovincial Subpoena Act so that the same enforcement rules apply to subpoenas issued by boards, com missions, tribunals and other similar bodies, whether in Manitoba or in another province or territory. As a result of these amendments, boards, commis- sions, tribunals will be able to require witnesses from outside Manitoba to give evidence, supporting them in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.

These amendments will strengthen the ability of boards, commissions and tribun als to do their work by ensuring that they can hear from all necessary witnesses even when those witnesses live outside of Manitoba. It's important that–to note that the proposed amendments do not create any additional powers to issue subpoenas, they simply improve the account - ability and bring our legislation in line with other provinces.

Members opposite should be on board with the increased accountability, especially with their record of having a premier who has actually been fined for violating the Constitution here in this province, an unprecedented situation. I encourage all members of this House to support more accountability through Bill 34, which will strengthen the ability of boards, commissions and tribunals to carry out their important mandates with improved accountability. Thank you, merci, miigwech. Questions The Deputy Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minister by any opposition or independent member in the following sequence: first question by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from othe r recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independent member; remaining questions asked by any opposition members. And no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. The floor is open for questions. Mr.

Wayne Balcaen (Brandon West): Given that this bill expands the recognition of subpoenas beyond traditional courts, can the minister outline which provinces already allow tribunals and administrative bodies to issue interprovincial subpoenas, and how Manitoba compares to those provinces? Hon. Matt Wiebe (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): As I said in my opening comments this does bring us in line with other provinces. Manitoba, of course, is part of this national framework but it's important that we stay current and relevant to what other provinces are doing.

This will give tribunals and inquiries other abilities to subpoena that I think other provinces will appreciate. We're working with other Canadian prov- inces and the federal gov ernment. We're making Manitoba a more accountable place because of it. Mr. Balcaen: As Manitoba expands the scope of who can effectively compel attendance across provincial lines, what consultation occurred with the legal com- munity and administrative tribunals regarding this bill? Mr. Wiebe: This conforms with the uniform law con- ference recommendations.

It, of course, again aligns us with other provinces. * (15:40) We are in support of this Canadian project with our neighbouring provinces. This is a part of that work. We want to make sure that there is, of course, a lining up of priorities. This is one way that we can

April 20, 2026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1401 show accountability to Manitobans. I hope members opposite support it. Mr. Balcaen: Recognizing that individuals may now be compelled to attend proceedings initiated by non-court bodies in other provinces, what protections are in place for our Manitoba citizens to ensure fairness and prevent overreach by other provinces or tribunals? Mr. Wiebe: Yes, again, no new powers are being 'conferrmed'–conferred here in terms of the role of those bodies and their ability to issue a subpoena.

What is being changed is that there is an ability to now simply extend that outside of the boundaries of the province. I think most Manitobans would understand that just because you're living in Saskatchewan, doesn't mean that if there is a legitimate reason for you to be subpoenaed, that you should then adhere to that request. That's what this legis lation does. We ask members opposite to get on board. Mr. Balcaen: As provinces continue to co- ordinate on legal matters, does the minister see a need for a broader national framework governing interprovincial evidence and witness compelling? Mr.

Wiebe: Hey, now the member opposite is getting it. We work with provinces across Canada because we know when it comes to accountability, it's so im por- tant to protect our democracy, to show accountability to Manitobans and to Canadians. We're going to help encourage other provinces follow our lead and Nova Scotia's lead and continue to build up this regime. What I hope members opposite will see is the value of being honest and trans parent with voters to ensure that people know exactly which members of which party broke the law here in Manitoba.

The Deputy Speaker: Seeing no further questions, the floor is open for debate. Seeing no debate, is the floor ready for the question–or is the House ready for the question? Some Honourable Members: Question. The Deputy Speaker: The question before the House is Bill 34, The Interprovincial Subpoena Amendment Act. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] The motion is accordingly passed. Bill 42–The Motor Vehicle Statutes Amendment Act The Deputy Speaker: We will now move on to second reading of Bill 42, The Motor Vehicle Statutes Amendment Act. Hon.

Matt Wiebe (Minister responsible for the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation): I move, seconded by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, that Bill 42, The Motor Vehicle Statutes Amendment Act, be now read a second time and referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. Mr. Wiebe: I'm pleased to rise in the House today for second reading of Bill 42, The Motor Vehicle Statutes Amendment Act. The bill improves four key areas within Manitoba Public Insurance to strengthen the supports for Manitobans to make our roads safer and to reduce red tape.

First, the bill improves Personal Injury Protection Plan, the PIPP, which is already one of the best no-fault insurance coverage programs in Canada. We want to build on that, and this means that anyone injured in an automobile accident in Manitoba, elsewhere in Canada or in the United States, is provided with com prehensive benefits from PIPP without having to sue.

This bill would improve PIPP by ensuring that Indigenous and other forms of culturally relevant care can now be paid for by the PIPP, answering to the Truth and Reconciliation Com mission of Canada's 22nd Call to Action and making an im portant statement about our values here in the province of Manitoba. It will also expand counselling eligibility to family members of individuals who are seriously injured in accidents and removes the requirement for a prescription to access those so -vital counselling services.

This ensures that benefits that are provided in a culturally appropriate and timely manner is avail- able to Manitobans and it's a –particularly important to those who live in rural and northern areas. This will make important changes. It also allows for coverage for witnesses to trau - matic motor vehicle collisions, like the bus crash in Carberry–near Carberry, that killed 17 seniors and injured eight others. Or another example: the Lapu Lapu tragedy. I know we just recognized the anniversary of that tragic event. This would allow MPI to directly pay for

1402 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 20, 2026 the care of providers, which will make it convenient for Manitobans who are struggling to get the coun- selling that they need. Honourable Speaker, Bill 42 ensures that every Manitoban has access to those essential supports that they need after a collision and it reduces red tape and allows MPI to better serve Manitobans. The second area of major focus for this bill improves the professional truck driver training regime here in Manitoba.

There are currently two truck driver training programs: a mandatory entry-level course, the MELT program, and a longer professional training program. While MPI currently oversees driver training, they no longer –the longer program is also regulated under a separate branch of Advanced Education and Training, and this adds to the duplication and adminis- trative burden of delivering this important training. That's why our government is reducing the red tape, making MPI the sole regulator of the driver training sector here in the province.

It also amends the driver training and vehicles act, so that MPI can apply the same student protections to both truck driver training programs so that there's transparency. And the safeguards will help protect and inform students and eliminate fraud and help keep our roads safer by ensuring that those who graduate and get behind the wheel of a semi-truck are well-prepared and they are well-trained. The third topic that Bill 42 is focused on is antique vehicles.

Currently, vehicles 30 years or older can be registered as antiques based on the age alone, and I don't know what that says about myself when I look at that; 30 years ago doesn't seem that long, Honourable Speaker. I think to most Manitobans it doesn't, either. Are those antiques, Honour able Speaker? They, of course–the program now offers considerable bene- fits such as exemptions from safeties and reduced insurance programs, but of course those vehicles are supposed to be limited in their use and can be only driven to and from certain events. This was not updated under the previous government.

The 30-year timeline continued to be a bit of a puzzle to most Manitobans and that meant that more non- antique vehicles were qualifying for the antique vehicle bene- fits and it was creating significant road safety risks. Bill 42 gives MPI the flexibility to work with stakeholders directly, to update that definition over time, increasing the maximum age to at least 35 years, Honourable Speaker. It doesn't seem that long ago. These changes will reflect our commitment to keeping the roads safe while protecting benefits and cutting red tape for antique vehicle owners.

The final important major topic this bill covers is permitted use of farm trucks under The Highway Traffic Act. The farm truck rules haven't been updated in over 50 years, so bill 50–42 modernizes them to make life easier for modern farm families. Farmers, their families, their employees will now have more flexibility to use those farm trucks for limited personal purposes beyond a strict farming definition. These changes will reduce red tape and make the everyday life of farm families in our province simpler while also keeping appropriate limits in place.

Honourable Speaker, I'm pleased to recommend Bill 42 to the House today. The bill will strengthen support for Manitoba victims to truck drivers, antique vehicle owners, make our roads safer and support farm families. It reduces red tape. Honourable Speaker, let's pass this bill and let's make Manitoba a better place. Thank you, merci, miigwech. Questions The Deputy Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held. Questions may be addressed in the standard rotation. And no question

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	43-3-44
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	43rd 3rd hansardpdf 44.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	cd3d63fbe7a954ef91456f596e7c3807e3351de4

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