Manitoba Hansard — 19 March 2020 (Sitting 26, 42nd Legislature, 2nd Session)

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Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXIV No. 26 - 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2020 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Second Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ADAMS, Danielle Thompson NDP ALTOMARE, Nello Transcona NDP ASAGWARA, Uzoma Union Station NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian Keewatinook NDP CLARKE, Eileen, Hon. Agassiz PC COX, Cathy, Hon. Kildonan-River East PC CULLEN, Cliff, Hon. Spruce Woods PC DRIEDGER, Myrna, Hon. Roblin PC EICHLER, Ralph, Hon. Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FIELDING, Scott, Hon. Kirkfield Park PC FONTAINE, Nahanni St. Johns NDP FRIESEN, Cameron, Hon. Morden-Winkler PC GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib.

GOERTZEN, Kelvin, Hon. Steinbach PC GORDON, Audrey Southdale PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC GUILLEMARD, Sarah, Hon. Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg, Hon. Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake-Gimli PC JOHNSTON, Scott Assiniboia PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan Selkirk PC LAMONT, Dougald St. Boniface Lib. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya Notre Dame NDP MARTIN, Shannon McPhillips PC MOSES, Jamie St.

Vital NDP MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC NAYLOR, Lisa Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PALLISTER, Brian, Hon. Fort Whyte PC PEDERSEN, Blaine, Hon. Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Turtle Mountain PC REYES, Jon Waverley PC SALA, Adrien St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron, Hon. Springfield-Ritchot PC SMITH, Andrew Lagimodière PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Vérendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon.

Tuxedo PC TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP WHARTON, Jeff, Hon. Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC

811 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, March 19, 2020 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosper ity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen. Please be seated.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 40–The Election Financing Amendment and Elections Amendment Act (Government Advertising) Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Education): I move, secon ded by the Minister of Justice, that Bill 40, The Election Financing Amendment and Elections Amendment Act (Government Advertising), be now read for a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Goertzen: This bill will help to reduce the uncertainty around gov ernment advertising and publications during a restriction period during an election or by -election period.

Our government is committed to ensuring that Manitobans have access to government information, while ensuring that government resources are not misus ed during an election period. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 25–The Conflict of Interest (Members and Ministers) and Related Amendments Act Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Families (Mrs. Stefanson), that Bill 25, The Conflict of Interest (Members and Ministers) and Related Amendments Act, be now read a first time.

Motion presented. Mr. Cullen: Madam Speaker, for too long Manitoba has had the current conflict of interest, what the commissioner called the weakest in Canada, in the area of ethically–ethical accountability for MLAs and ministers. That is why our government asked the current Conflict of Inte rest Commissioner to engage in a comprehensive review of the current Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Conflict of Interest Act and make recommendations for change.

I am confident that this legislation will ensure that Manitobans can be confident that all members of the Legislative Assembly are held to the highest ethical standards as they serve their constituents. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 39–The Horse Racing Regulatory Modernization Act (Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act and Pari-Mutuel Levy Act Amended) Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Families–sorry, the honourable Minister of Justice. Hon.

Cliff Cullen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development (Mr. Pedersen), that Bill 39, The Horse Racing Regulatory Modernization Act (Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act and Pari -Mutuel Levy Act Amended), be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Cullen: I'm pleased to introduce this legislation that will transfer responsibility for the regulation of horse racing in Manitoba to the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba. Our government is committed to ensuring the regulatory sustainability of the horse-racing industry.

This legislation will modernize the regulatory framework for horse racing, reduce the regulatory burden on the industry and eliminate outdated regulations. Thank you. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed]

812 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 Bill 51–The Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Health, that Bill 51, The Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Cullen: I'm pleased to introduce this legislation that will allow government to join the class action lawsuit against opioid manufacturers. The lawsuit names more than 40 manufacturers, w holesalers and distributors of opioids in Canada.

By passing this legislation, Manitoba will join other provinces in working to recover the millions of dollars in health-care costs incurred due to addictions here in Manitoba. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 34–The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, I move, second by the Minister of Health, that Bill 34, The Budget Implementation and Tax Statutes Amendment Act, 2020, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr.

Fielding: The legislation will provide the legislative authority for the implementation of some tax, financial and other measures being announced in Budget 2020. I'm pleased to present this bill to the House for its consideration. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 38–The Consumer Protection Amendment Act Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): I move, seconded by the Minister of Municipal Relations, that Bill 38, The Consumer Protection Amendment Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Fielding: I'm pleased to introduce the bill today.

The bill will amend The Consumer Protection Act. The bill will protect consumers by prohibiting unsolicited, direct door -to-door sales of certain household systems and supplies, such as furnaces, air conditioners and air -water purifiers, unless the consumer invites the seller to their homes. It will also repeal the cell phone contract legislation, which is duplicate of federal regulation, and adds uncertainty costs. These amendments demonstrate our commitment to ensuring Manitobans' consumer protection laws are meeting the needs of Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

Agreed? [Agreed] * (13:40) Bill 44–The Public Utilities Ratepayer Protection and Regulatory Reform Act (Various Acts Amended) Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): I move, seconded by the Minister of Municipal Relations, that the Bill 44, The Public Utilities Rate Protection and Regulatory Reform Act (Various Acts Amended) be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Fielding: Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to introduce the bill today that will protect ratepayers and clarify the respective roles of the government and the Public Utilities Board.

It will improve the structure, the governance and accountability of the Public Utilities Board and improve the tim ing and cost-efficiency of rate reviews. These changes will reduce the regulatory burdens and costs to the regulatory regulated entities. Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to present the bill to the House for its consideration. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasur e of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 22–The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2020 Hon.

Rochelle Squires (Minister of Municipal Relations): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice, that Bill 22, The Minor Amendments a nd Corrections Act, 2020; Loi corrective de 2020, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Ms. Squires: The Minor Amendments and Corrections Act is a bill that is introduced every year in this Legislature. This legislation corrects

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 813 typographical, numbering, translation and other drafting errors and makes minor amendments to a number of statutes. I'm pleased to recommend it to the House. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 37–The Reducing Red Tape and Improving Services Act, 2020 Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Municipal Relations): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Crown Services (Mr.

Wharton), that Bill 37, The Reducing Red Tape and Improving Services Act, 2020; Loi de 2020 visant la réduction du fardeau administratif et l'amélioration des services, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Ms. Squires: This bill amends 15 statutes and repeals five statutes to remove unnecessary regulatory requirements and streamline provincia l services that support Manitoba residents and organizations. This bill eliminates more than 160 requirements to remove unnecessary administrative burden. Thank you.

Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 48–The Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Municipal Relations): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Conservation and Climate (Mrs. Guillemard), that Bill 48, The Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'aménagement du territoire et la Charte de la ville de Winnipeg, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Ms. Squires: This bill will amend The Planning Act, The City of Winnipeg Charter and repeal The Capital Region Partnership Act to implement key recom - mendations in the planning, zoning and permitting in the Manitoba report. The bill creates a regional planning authority in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, creates new rights of appeal on a wide range of local planning decisions. It also establishes timelines for municipalities to process planning applications across the province.

This bill will help reduce duplication and unnecessary delays in plan- ning to ensure Manitoba remai ns competitive and attractive for business and job growth. I am pleased to present this bill to the House for consideration. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 49–The Building and Electrical Permitting Improvement Act (Various Acts Amended and Permit Dispute Resolution Act Enacted) Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Municipal Relations): I move, seconded by the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage (Mrs.

Cox), that Bill 49, The Building and Electrical P ermitting Improvement Act (Various Acts Amended and Permit Dispute Resolution Act Enacted); Loi améliorant la délivrance des permis de construction et d'électricité et de–la résolution des litiges connexes , be now read a first time. Motion presented. Ms. Squires: I'm pleased to introduce Bill 49, the building and electrical permit improvement act, to implement key recommendations in the Planning, Zoning and Permitting in Manitoba report.

This bill enables regulations establishing time frames within which approving authorities must issue or refuse building and electrical permit applications and conduct associated inspections, establish a new dispute resolution process and align electrical code requirements in the City of Winnipeg with the rest of the province. I'm pleased to present this bill to the House for consideration. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 41–The Advanced Education Administration Amendment Act Hon.

Ralph Eichler (Minister of Eco nomic Development and Training): I move, seconded by the Minister of Municipal Relations, that Bill 41, The Advanced Education Administration Amendment Act, be now read for a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Eichler: I'm pleased to introduce Bill 41, The Advanced Education Administration Amendment Act. This bill will amend The Advanced Education

814 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 Administration Act to allow the government to issue flexible polish –policy-based guidelines on both tuition and student fees for Manitoba's universities and coll eges. The changes will help facilitate the delivery of high -quality programming at Manitoba's universities and colleges, now and into the future, and ensure that we maintain the lowest average tuition in western Canada. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Sp eaker: Is it the please of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed [Agreed] Bill 42–The University College of the North Amendment Act Hon.

Ralph Eichler (Minister of Economic Development and Training): I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance (Mr. Fie lding), that Bill 42, The University College of the North Amendment Act, be now read for a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Eichler: I am pleased to introduce Bill 42, The University College of the North Amendment Act. This bill amend The University Col lege of the North Act to provide the university board with the authority to manage parking on all of its campuses. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: Is it a the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 45–The Public Health Amendment Act (Food Safety and Other Amendments) Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development): I move, seconded by the Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living (Mr. Friesen)–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Pedersen: –that Bill 45, The Public Health Amendment Act (Food Safety and Other Amendments), be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Pedersen: Madam Speaker, this bill clarifies that food safety is a public health issue. Food safety has long been regulated under The Public Health Act and will continue to be.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. * (13:50) Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 35–The Climate and Green Plan Implementation Act, 2020 Hon. Sarah Guillemard (Minister of Conservation and Climate): I move, seconded by the Minister for Indigenous and Northern Relations, that Bill 35, The Climate and Green Plan Implementation Act, 2020; Loi de 2020 sur la mise en œuvre du Plan vert et climatique, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mrs.

Guillemard: It gives me great pleasure to introduce The Climate and Green Plan Implementation Act, 2020, on behalf of our government. The purpose of this bill is to fulfill our commitment to legislate our made-in-Manitoba green levy in Spring 2020. Our green levy consists of two elements: a flat $25 -per-ton green carbon levy, and (2) an output -based pricing program for large industrial emitters. The bill will also enable our government to reduce the PST from 7 per cent to 6 per cent, giving Manitobans the second lowest PST in Canada and saving the average family $350 per year.

In addition, Manitobans will save $1 billion in carbon taxes alone over the next five years compared to the federal backstop carbon tax. This bill is another step towards achieving Manitoba's vision of becoming the cleanest, greenest and most climate resilient province in Canada. Therefore, it is my pleasure to introduce Bill 35. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 36–The Water Resources Administration Amendment Act Hon. Ron Schuler (Minister of Infrastructure): Welcome back, Madam Speaker. And I move, seconded by the Minister of Municipal Relations (Ms.

Squires), that Bill 3 6, the water resources administration act, be now read a first time. Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honourable Minister of Infrastructure, seconded by the honourable Minister of Municipal Relations, that Bill 36, The Water Resources Administratio n Amendment Act, be now read a first time. Mr. Schuler: I am pleased to finally be able to introduce Bill 36, The Water Resources Administration Amendment Act, intended to

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 815 strengthen administration and stewardship of provincial water infrastructure, inclu ding provincial waterways and provincial water control works. The bill provides government increased powers to manage and protect provincial water infrastructure, including flood infrastructure. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasur e of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 43–The Civil Service Superannuation Amendment Act Hon.

Reg Helwer (Minister of Central Services): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce, seconded by the Minister of Infrastructure (Mr. Schuler), that Bill 43, The Civil Service Superannuation Amendment Act, be now read a first time. [interjection] Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister for Central Services. Mr. Helwer: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Infrastructure, that Bill 43, The Civil Service Superannuation Amendment Act, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr.

Helwer: Bill 43, The Civil Service Superannuation Act –amendment act, amends The Civil Service Superannuation Act to align the pension plan with b est practices in the pension industry, reduce red tape and protect the pension plan for retirees and for contributors. With the introduction of this bill, the government is acting on the recommendations of both employee repre - sentatives and employer representatives to support the long-term viability of the pension plan. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

Agreed? [Agreed] Are there any other introductions of bills? Committee reports? TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Education): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to table the following report: the Public Schools Finance Board Annual Report. Thank you. Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, it is my pleasu re to rise today in the Assembly to table the fidelity bond crime insurance. Hon. Cliff Cullen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I would like to table the following report from the Department of Justice: the 2017 Annual Review of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Municipal Relations): I am please to table the report of the Office of the Fire Commissioner 2018- 19 Annual Report. Madam Speaker: Ministerial statements – [interjection]–oh. Order, please. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living, and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Would the honourable minister please proceed with his statement. COVID-19 Update Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide a brief update to members and to the public about the status of the coronavirus pandemic as well as the state of Manitoba's preparedness for addressing COVID-19. I want to say, first of all, thank you to our front - line health-care workers who are on the job every day, who take this issue seriously, who are worki ng very hard to ensure that Manitobans are safe.

D'abord, je veux remercier tout notre personnel de soins de santé pour leur travail et pour leurs efforts alors que COVID-19 continue d'avoir un impact sur la vie quotidienne des Manitobains. Translation First, I want to thank all health -care personnel for their work and efforts as COVID -19 continues to impact on the daily life of Manitobans. English Since the time that Manitoba identified its first presumptive case of COVID -19, which was actually only week ago today, we have identified 17 cases in total. It appears that 16 of those cases are attributable

816 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 to travel. We are working to establish the cause on the 17th case. Because of COVID-19, our province's health-care system has been at its highest level of preparedness since February the 3rd. Through our incident management structure we have been monitoring the status of COVID-19 and increasing our preparedness for coronavirus cases in Manitoba. I am in daily contact with Manitoba's Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, and I commend him and his team for his excellent leadership at this difficult time.

I commend our senior health -care and system leaders who support the work of the incident command structure and, of course, as I said, front-line workers like doctors and nurses, but also adminis - trators, employees at Cadham lab and so many others. In challenging times we rely on these people and their efforts have been tremendous. As a response to the spread of COVID -19 globally, we have taken many steps to prepare locally. Of course, public health officials are advising to avoid large gatherings of groups of 50 persons or more.

We, with all the support of the parties in this Legislature, passed Bill 33, and in co-ordination with the federal government we ordered additional personal protective equipment for our front -line health-care providers and the patients who will require this–is a $35.2- million authorization that would provide six months supply of PPE at 20 times normal usage, including N95 masks, surgical masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, thermometer covers and other supplies.

Based on the advice of health professionals, we have ordered additional medical equipment, including ventilators and dialysis machines and UV cleaning machines and more testing equipment for Cadham lab. I am pleased to report to the House today that 23 of the ventilators that we ordered in a hurry have now arrived and are delivered to Manitoba. * (14:00) In an effort to protect patients, staff and the community, members know that all Manitoba hospitals now have protocols in place restricting visitors, with some exceptions for compassionate reasons. We have suspended visits to long- term-care homes.

Elective surgeries have been postponed where medical eviden ce demonstrates that there is no negative impact on the patient as a result. On the advice of public health officials, of course, classes at public schools will be suspended after this Friday, March the 20th, a precautionary measure announced last week to allow parents and teachers to have a week of planning. We have not had a COVID-19 case identified in schools. We have also made the decision, of course, to suspend services at licensed daycare centres effective end of day Friday.

It is recommended that parents with children in these centres make alternative arrange- ments as soon as possible. And, of course, these centres are remaining open until the end of the week. We are allowing home -care child -care providers who operate with eight children or less to continue operations. And we are dedicated to creating child - care options for front-line health-care workers and for essential services staff who will need them. Post-secondary institutions are creating steps to use e-learning tools to replace in-person classes which have been cancelled. All six casinos were closed earlier this week.

Courthouses have had access restricted. Jury trials through June the 30th have been rescheduled for later or will continue as judge-only trials. The government has worked c o-operatively with Doctors Manitoba, moving to offer virtual doctor appointments and virtual psychotherapy options which follow social distancing requirements. These virtual options will include telephone and video links. They can be used for diagnosis, treatment, even prescriptions and prescription renewals.

Today we announced a medicine unit will be relocated to existing clinical space in the former HSC women's pavilion to enable the creation of a new dedicated 30-bed isolation unit for COVID-19, should it be required. To date it has not. We are acting out of an abundance of caution to prevent potential spread of the virus. We continue to adapt appropriately as the situation changes. Our laboratory capacity has increased drama- tically. Scientists have been testing samples from hundreds of symptomatic Manitobans daily. To date, over 3,000 tests have been performed. Cadham run– lab runs hundreds of tests each day.

We have opened nine community screening sites in Winnipeg, but as well in Brandon, Flin Flon, The Pas, Thompson and Selkirk, where patients are referred to for COVID -19 screening. The Selkirk screening clinic is Manitoba's first drive -through

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 817 screening site, which allows patients to be screened without leaving their car; 2,100 people have been screened so far, more sites to open across the province in the coming days. New drive-through screening sites in Steinbach, and at the Bison avenue MPI, a Manitoba Public Insurance location, are set to open this weekend. I remind Manitobans that screening sites are intended for referred patients, not for walk- in cases.

If you are unsure if you should be tested, a free online self-assessment tool is available on the Shared Health website and the link is available at manitoba.ca/covid19. This tool has helped reduce wait times for telephone health lines in other provinces, and we are already seeing that effect here. Regardless of travel history, if a –a COVID -19 test is not needed if you have no symptoms. If Manitobans do have flu- like symptoms, we ask that they contact Health Links -Info Santé. There is a local number. I will provide the toll -free number: 1-888-315-9257. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Health Links refers–receives over 2,000 calls a day. We have tripled the number of phone lines from 35 to 104 lines. We have added human resources to staff those lines. We have added technology to assist when you are on hold to provide additional information to you. And there are so many s uccess stories along the way. A few of them were: We're welcoming the efforts of fourth -year nursing students from University of Manitoba's Rady school of medicine who have helped with Health Links to enhance the service.

There are doctors, almost 100 so far, who have stepped up to indicate that they will take on additional shifts at clinics and hospitals. We are inundated by industry and business and community and faith-based leaders who are asking how they can help and suggesting practical and positive solutions that are being undertaken to be studied, explored and to see about implementation. Federal government has taken steps, of course, to limit travel. They've announced restrictions on non-essential travel. Our own Chief Provincial Public Health Officer has issued the same recommendation.

Data is showing us that 85 per cent of cases of COVID-19 are attributable to travel. By cancelling non-essential travel, the number of COVID -19 cases can be reduced. Canadians who have recently returned to Canada from overseas should self-isolate for 14 days. Even after these measures are in place, supply chains remain open. When it comes to containing COVID-19, we have said we are all in this thing together. This is a public health challenge. Every member of the public must do their part. It means staying home if you are sick.

It means that businesses should not require a sick note– or, a doctor's note, I should say –in order to allow an employee to self -isolate. It means taking social distancing strategies to limit possible exposure to the virus. Always remember: wash your hands and wash them well, don't shake hands with others, maintain a two-metre buffer zone and there is much more practical advice online. By following best practices, we can help contain COVID-19. We know that in the vast majority of cases, it's a minor illness.

But we are mindful of the fact that for elderly people, for persons with respiratory issues, COVID-19 can be life-threatening. Madam Speaker, we know that these are unprece- dented times, we know that these times have called for unprecedented actions. The world seems like a different place than it was simply one week ago, one month ago, certainly a year ago. To address the challenges that we have not seen before, we are asking Manitobans to be who they always have been: people who exercise good judgment, people who are good neighbours, people who reach out, who do good needs, who look out for others.

Manitobans should have the confidence of know- ing that its government and its senior leadership are working hard behind the scenes and getting things done and having confidence in each other. Les Manitobains peuvent être assurés que votre gouvernement prend des mesures pour assurer la préparation du système de santé. Translation Manitobans can be assured that your government is taking measures to ensure the preparedness of the health-care system.

English In partnership with the retail sector, some grocery stores are opening extra hours at our government's request and in collaboration with business to allow for elderly and vulnerable populations to shop when, arguably, the store is cleaner and get access to things like prescriptions.

818 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 We have seen University of Manitoba faculty of medicine students helping occupational health services to help with screening, as staff and physicians return from international travel. As I mentioned, 100 doctors stepping up to offer their services already, and many more we know will come; nurses doing the same. And while this is a public health crisis, none of us can ignore the impact of all of this on our mental health. If you need help, reach out. Sometimes, the best antidote for anxiety is doing something nice, doing something kind. And we can all have a

part in doing those little things. One thing we all can do, if we are able, is to still safely donate blood, and I recommend that all Manitobans do so. There is an app for your phone. Go online to Canadian Blood Services, set up a username and password, find the clinic nearest to you and give the gift of life. Madam Speaker, I recommend that Manitobans rely on reputable sources of information. Our actions must be guided by information, not by fear. Our government's website continues to be regularly updated, as does the website of the Public He alth Agency of Canada.

I am pleased at this point in time– my office is delivering daily updates to all the members of this Assembly, to make sure that they have up-to-date information that they can share with their constituents and stakeholder groups. Our website has information and links to the Shared Health self -assessment tool. It has advice to do–on what you need to do if you need to self-isolate. Good information is important. The challenge of COVID -19 is significant. It is not insurmountable.

The flattening the curve is an idea that now Manitobans–Canadians, indeed–understand, where only a few weeks ago they would not have understood what it was or why we were doing it. * (14:10) We are all in this together, we must do our part and, Madam Speaker , we are calling on all Manitobans to remain strong, to remain neighbourly, to get good information, and we will get through this together.

MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): With the cases of COVID -19 continuing to grow in our province, we know that Ma nitobans have concerns and fears about their health, their jobs, their families, their communities and the economy. We first want to say thank you to all the front-line workers who have been shouldering so much of the burden during these times. We'd like to thank Dr. Brent Roussin, the chief public health medical officer, and chief nursing officer, Lanette Siragusa, for their ongoing daily updates and information that they very compassionately share with all Manitobans.

We want to thank our health- care workers, our first responders, our grocery and retail staff, child -care workers, teachers, public servants, community organi- zations, truck drivers, taxi and transportation and transit drivers. And to all those other workers who have been deemed an essential service and who are continuing to report to work: we thank you. As the government continues to expand the capacity to deal with COVID-19 day to day, we want to tell all Manitobans that we know this situation is causing a lot of anxiety.

We're proud of how folks are pulling together and supporting one another, day in and day out, displaying what it means to be Manitobans: creatively showing up for one another, for their neighbours, for youth, for seniors in our communities; simply doing what they can within their capacity to make sure that everyone is okay. We also know that this is hitting some Manitobans harder than others.

Layoffs, loneliness, uncertainty about child care, finances –including Manitoba small -business owners, about course completion, about supports for students, and the reality that being in self -isolation is not safe for everyone. These are all concerns that we have. These are all concerns that we share. As we continue to work with this government on making sure that the health-care system has adequate capacity to deal with COVID -19, we're also looking ahead at the impacts that this is going to have on our province.

We want all Manitobans to know that we are here for them, that we will continue to work hard for all Manitoban families, for the vulnerable and for the marginalized in our province. We will absolutely get through this together. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Boniface, on leave? Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): Yes, Madam Speaker, I ask for leave to speak in response to the minister's statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed]

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 819 Mr. Lamont: I want to thank the minister for his update and for the improvements the government has made to date, and especially thank all –everyone who's been working so hard behind the scenes, scrambling in a very difficult and evolving situation: everybody in public health, but also businesses, labour, community groups, faith groups, everyone who's come together in order to respond to this.

On March 2nd, just 17 days ago, Manitoba Liberals called on the PC government to present a plan to deal with COVID-19, to protect and support northern communities, to protect personal -care homes, to be pre pared to assist individuals on low incomes who face quarantine, cracking down on price gouging and hoarding of supplies, ensuring the work of the government continues in setting up a central command centre that can ultimately co-ordinate food and other deliveries.

There has been a lot of testing, but there have been delays in notifying people that they have a–they do not have COVID -19, so we understand that some people are–and their contacts are staying in self-quarantine longer than needed because they' re waiting for a test to tell them that they don't have it. But in that time in –since we made our first request on March 2nd, there were 82,000 cases worldwide and 3,200 deaths. Seventeen days later, Johns Hopkins showed the number of cases and deaths h as nearly tripled: 235,000 confirmed cases and 9,785 deaths.

And data from the centers for disease control in the US have just suggested the spread of COVID -19 may have a greater impact on young people than originally thought. So one of the most important messages we can all send to our fellow Manitobans is that we have the power, working together, to slow the spread of this disease. We need to hope for the best, but we need to plan for the worst and be ready to prevent economic suffering that it can be a consequence of fighting this pandemic. The measures that are being taken now are already leading to layoffs.

Service workers, restau - rants, event facilities, performers, contract teachers, child-care workers are not only going to lose their jobs, they will not be able to return to work so long as their work is closed. I've spoken many times in this House about the fact that the economy is much more fragile than people realize and that 50 per cent of Manitobans are on the edge of insolvency. We have to recognize that some of the measures it will take to slow the spread will be massively economically disruptive for businesses and workers alike.

The businesses and those people are not going to be able to work anytime soon, especially at a time when the pr ice of oil is collapsing and a global financial collapse appears to be unfolding. There are –these are public health and economic challenges that have not been seen in decades. We all know these are extraordinary times. We all accept that extraordinary measures are required. I hope that in these times we can set aside partisan blinders and narrow ideology to do the extraordinary things that will be demanded of us. If we can accomplish that, we will be stronger, wiser, more united and more prosperous.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. * * * Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): On House business. I have a number of separate leave requests to make, and I would ask that you please canvass the House for the leave for each of these items as I present them. First, is there leave to consider Interim Supply today and for the House to not see the clock until royal assent has been granted on the interim appropriation act, 2020? Madam Speaker: Is there leave to consider Interim Supply today and for the House to not see the clock until royal assent has been granted on the interim appropriation act, 2020?

Has leave been granted? [Agreed] Mr. Goertzen: I thank the House, Madam Speaker. Secondly, is there leave to skip steps 5 and 10 of the budget procedure in appendix D of the rule book so that after the minister finishes his speech, he tables the messages and the budget documents, and then other members may speak to the motion? Madam Speaker: Is there leave to skip steps 5 and 10 of the budget procedure in appendix D of the rule book so that after the minister finishes his speech, he tables the messages and the budget document, and then other members may speak to the motion? Is there leave? [Agreed] Mr.

Goertzen: Madam Speaker, I thank the House.

820 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 House Business Mr. Goertzen: Thirdly, despite the motion passed by the House on March 16th, 2020, is there leave to allow the House to suspend its sitting indefinitely after we rise today and for the House to adjourn until the call of the Speaker upon request from the Government House Leader or their designate for a duration determined in advance by the Government House Leader or their designate, or the Government House Leader, the Opposition House Leader and the member for River Heights (Mr. Gerrar

d) or their designates; and while the House is not sitting, for the Speaker, the Government House Leader, the Opposition House Leader and the member for River Heights or their designates, to consider ways for the Assembly to alter its operations to accommo date social distancing in light of pandemic planning?

Madam Speaker: Despite the motion passed by the House on March 16th, 2020, is there leave to allow the House to suspend its sittings indefinitely after we rise today, and for the House to adjourn until the call of the Speaker upon request from the Government House Leader or their designate for a duration determined in advance by the Government House Leader or their designate, or the Government House Leader, the Opposition House Leader and the member for River Heights or their designates; and while the House is not sitting, for the Speaker, the Government House Leader, the Opposition House Leader and the member for River Heights or their designates to consider ways for the Assembly to alter its operations to accommodate social distancing in light of pandemic planning?

Is there leave? [Agreed] * * * Mr. Goertzen: I thank the House, Madam Speaker.

Before I put this final motion, I'd like to thank the Clerk's office, in particular the Deputy Clerk Rick Yarish for his work in helping put this together on relatively short notice. * (14:20) Madam Speaker, is there leave for the House to have a limited debate today, after the budget motion passes, on the matter of urgent public importance filed today by the member for River Heights, with the debate to last no more than 30 minutes, featuring one 10-minute speech from a member of the government caucus, a member of the official opposition caucus, as well as the member for St. Boniface (Mr. Lamont)?

Madam Speaker: Is there leave for the House to have a limited debate today, after the budget motion passes, on the matter of urgent public importance filed today by the member for River Heights, with the debate to last no more than 30 minutes, featuring one 10-minute speech from a member of the government caucus, a member of the official–[interjection] There is some clarification on this, and I'm going to start that one again. Is there leave for the House to have a limited debate today, after the budget motion pas ses, on the matter of urgent public importance filed today by the honourable member for St.

Boniface, with the debate to last no more than 30 minutes, featuring one 10-minute speech from the member of the government caucus, a member of the official opposition caucus, as well as the member for St. Boniface? Is there leave? [Agreed] MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Keesy Rodewald and Simon Resch Mr. Josh Guenter (Borderland): Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize Keesy Rodewald and Simon Resch, two special individuals from the constituency of Borderland who consistently go above and beyond in serving their communities.

I had the opportunity to witness them both in action at the Emerson Winter Carnival as well as at a Valentine's Day fundraiser at the Emerson Golf Course. The whole community was out for a time of family fun at the Emerson Winter Carnival, themed Wonderful World of Disney, and included hockey, skating on the nearby frozen river, snowmobiling and performances for the children. Local entertainment and a fantastic dinner wrapped up the evening.

The Depot at Emerson Golf Course was again the scene of celebration and entertainment on Valentine's Day, where nearly 100 members of the community and their significant others were treated to an evening of laughs, fine dining and great company. Simon, who has a professional background in the culinary arts, delivered one unforgettable dish after another, while Keesy corralled volunteers and brought to life the event, for which she had undoubtedly spent countless hours organizing and preparing–a lot of work to put on–and, throughout the evening, many compliments and words of appreciation were shared.

Madam Speaker, I've highlighted just these two occasions, but Keesy and Simon are behind

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 821 so much of what goes on in the Emerson and Dominion City area each year. Keesy, a mother to five beautiful children, serves on numerous volunteer and community boards and is a true champion of her community. Simon, who, together with his father Michael, owns and manages the Emerso n Duty Free on the US-Canada border, is also CEO of the Emerson - Franklin economic development corporation, and is actively involved in finding ways to attract investment and open up opportunities and growth for the area.

Madam Speaker, despite the challenges, there's a lot of heart in rural and small -town Manitoba, nowhere more so than in Emerson. And thanks to the spirit, volunteerism and hard work of people like Keesy Rodewald and Simon Resch, the best is yet to come. Thank you. Save Our Seine Mr. Jam ie Moses (St. Vital): Madam Speaker, 30 years ago the first group of volunteers formed Save Our Seine with the goals to protect, enhance and advocate for the Seine River and surrounding natural areas in Winnipeg.

Throughout –through grassroots action, com munity outreach, engaging government and private industry, Save Our Seine has –is having a major impact on improving the health of the Seine River and increasing accessibility to natural space in our community. What started as a basic clean -up crew has morphed into a dedicated group of activists. One of the most significant achievements of Save Our Seine was their tireless lobbying of the City of Winnipeg to address issues of industrial waste dumping–stop the City of Winnipeg from dumping toxic sludge into the Seine, poisoning it for decades.

After almost 15 years of lobbying, officials eventually undertook a comprehensive environmental study. The study, not surprisingly, confirmed the existence in environmental damage. Since then, thousands of tons of contaminated soil has been hauled out and nutrient -rich soil has replaced it, slowly healing the river. Save Our Seine was also leading force behind bringing the plight of Seine's nearby forest, the Bois-des-esprits, to the attention of our government and the City of Winnipeg. Bois -des-esprits is one of the largest pristine urban forests in Canada.

It is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife, including enormous oaks, aspens, beavers, blue herons and snapping turtles. Thanks to Save Our Seine's cam paign to raise donations through contacting hundreds of corporations and foundations across Canada, making presentations, attending countless meetings and launching a postcard campaign, the Bois-des-esprits is now properly protected. I personally have enjoyed long walks with family members along the banks of the Seine River– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired.

Is there leave to allow the member to complete his statement? [Agreed] I would ask the member to quickly, then–he has leave to wind up his statement. Mr. Moses: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I personally have enjoyed long walks with family members along the Seine River and I fondly remember a canoe ride I took with my brother along there one spring morning. Madam Speaker, let's all congrat ulate Save Our Seine on 30 years of hard work. Thank you very much. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Vital. Mr. Moses: Can I ask leave for–to include the names of the board members of Save Our Seine in Hansard?

Madam Speaker: Is there leave to include the names of those board members in Hansard? [Agreed] Save Our Seine board: Isabelle Bertazzo, Veronica Dunne, Josée-Anne Le Dorze, Tari Muvingi, Wilma Sotas, Sandra Stewart, directors; Denis Gautron, past-president; Michelle Kading, executive d irector; Anita Moyse, secretary; Robyn Palmer, vice- president; Laurie Ringaert, president; Sunny Saini, treasurer. Boys & Girls Club of Thompson Ms. Danielle Adams (Thompson): Madam Speaker, our children need support to help them grow into responsible citizens.

We have a greater responsibility to lend a helping had to children and youth at risk. The Boys & Girls Club of Thompson is a safe haven for children and youth at risk. This grassroots organization provides recreational, nutri - tional, education and vocational-based programming.

822 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 Roughly 500 children and youth take

part in their –in this type of programming. Their core values foster respect, equal treatment and nurture the growth of children through encouragement, support, collabo- ration and value of speaking out. For the first time, children and youth of boy–the– of the Boys & Girls Club of Thompson took

part in the Have a Heart campaign initiative on Valentine's Day. This initiative is about reconciliation and the promotion of rights and needs of indigenous children across Canada. It is about helping children and youth know that they have rights and they can speak their different experiences on behalf of other children. The children and youth part of the after -school programming participated in writing messages to the provincial and federal governments. I believe we have a responsibility to help our young people, and one of the ways we can do that is by amplifying their voices.

This year, their message to all levels of government is: indigenous children deserve a fair chance to grow up with their families, have a good education, be healthy and be proud of who they are. Madam Speaker, in support of this message and promoting the rights of indigenous children and all children, I am pleased to table the written message from the Boys & Girls Club of Thompson Have a Heart initiative. COVID-19 Preparation Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic.

First, it's clear that we can make improvements within our Legislative Building to ensure the safety of all who work here, should the pandemic continue as expected. I look forward to working together with the Speaker and the government and the opposition House leaders in this effort. Second, on personal -care homes, 17 d ays ago Manitoba Liberals raised concerns about the need to protect residents of personal -care homes, as they are particularly vulnerable; 15 days ago I followed up to ask the minister about this in question period.

In the days since, COVID -19 has spread i nside the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver, with the majority of deaths to date in Canada in residents of this home. I thank our public health officials for moving two days ago to immediately suspend visits to seniors' homes. I also thank Connie Newman for emphasizing the importance for people to stay in touch, and I thank those homes which are helping residents connect through FaceTime. I now ask the minister and public health officials to examine one issue more closely.

At a number of personal-care homes, a close family member, a close friend or a private nurse have been very important to the ongoing care of a resident, often spending hours a day in this effort. This direct involvement in care has been very positive, as the situation in some homes has staff stretched thinly. I suggest the minister take a look at this and see whether such caregivers could be exempted from the restriction of visitors to a personal -care-home resident, provided they are properly screened.

There may have to be ext ra care when a private nurse is visiting more than one resident or visiting more than one personal-care home. I thank the minister and public health officials for their attention to this. * (14:30) Acknowledging Community Response During COVID-19 Mr. And rew Micklefield (Rossmere): Madam Speaker, in these uncertain times, the COVID -19 virus has brought with it a sense of unease, and so it falls to us to offer compassion, calm reassurance and practical help as we seek to bring stability, care and hope to those affected.

We should thank health- care workers in our clinics, hospitals and care facilities for their care for our families and communities. We should express gratitude to school staff for delivering classes and assignments with an Internet connecti on instead of a classroom.

We should support grocers and shop owners who offer early morning shopping hours for seniors so they can shop in a cleaner and less crowded store, and we should applaud those taking extra measures to sanitize workplaces and public 'splace' –public places; and we should join the growing numbers of ride -givers, meal-makers, snow shovellers, babysitters and friendly Manitobans lending a helping hand in appropriate ways. We can call the elderly, those living alone or grieving, to say hello and see how they're doing.

A food bank in my community is taking the extra time and effort to box up food to offer drive -through food bank services for dozens and dozens of families.

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 823 These are some of the ways we can come together, even as we are required to stay apart. There are more sharers than hoarders, more helpers than complainers and more burden- lifters doing their part. Social distancing need not become total isolation. We hope –with hope in our hearts, let us do what we can to flatten t he curve and continue to serve. Thank you, Madam Speaker. ORAL QUESTIONS COVID-19 Pandemic Health-Care Funding Mr.

Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, this morning when my wife left the house to go work in one of our public clinics, I told her, go save the world; and it's with that same respect and admiration that I want to give a huge thank-you to all of the first responders, the para - medics, the physicians, the nurses, the health- care aides who are going to be on the front lines of this battle against COVID-19.

I also want to thank the many others who provide essential services in transportation, operating our grocery stores and ensuring that we are going to be able to live through this uncertainty. All these people are ste pping up to have our backs, and it's very important that we collectively in the government have their backs as well. Can the Premier commit today that he will fund health care not only by the level of population growth and inflation, but also by whatever is needed to get Manitoba through the COVID-19 pandemic? Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): Our top priority is the health and well -being of all Manitobans, and we do especially appreciate the diligent work of our front-line health-care workers and others throughout our system. We put our priorities on display; we'll continue to. The opposition has put theirs on display. I hope they don't continue to. Thank you. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Health-Care System Nursing Vacancies Mr.

Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, I began by including a thank-you to all the nurses, and we know that we are asking much of them now, after they have already been bearing quite a burden in the form of mandatory overtime and the impact of the cutbacks that this Premier and his government have implemented in our health-care system. We know that there are high vacancy rates across many indispensable areas: 30 per cent vacancy for respiratory therapists at Health Sciences Centre; 28 per cent for ER nurses at St.

Boniface; 27 per cent for critical -care nurses across the Winnipeg health region; and, of course, there was the cut to nursing programs. We know that as we turn to our health- care system to lead us through these trying times, that some of those vacancies will cause strain. Will the Premier be clear? Will he commit to hiring and training more nurses to fill all of those spots? Madam Speaker: The honourable leader of the –the honourable government–sorry. The honourable First Minister. Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

We inherited the worst health -care system in the country from the NDP government. We're committed to fixing it up. Real compassion isn't delays, it's acting on good advice. That's exactly what we're going to keep doing over here. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Number of ICU Beds Mr. Kinew: Around the world people are taking stock of their health -care systems and specifically asking whether they have enough ICU beds. This Premier oversaw a cut to the ICU bed capacity in our province. In 2017, in Winnipeg alone, there were 73 ICU beds.

Following the closure that this governm ent implemented of emergency rooms, today we heard from the Winnipeg health region that there are only 55 beds in operation. That means that we have lost 18 ICU beds over the past few years. That does not look like a good idea given the current situation that we are in. Fewer beds, fewer nurses–we need to reverse that trend.

824 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 Will the Premier reverse those cuts to our health- care system and restore as many ICU beds as possible, as quickly as possible? Mr. Pallister: Actually, over the last number of days the NDP opposition has run away from their responsibilities. The only refreshing advantage of that, for the people of Manitoba, was the absence of false assertions such as those contained in the member's

preamble. Madam Speaker, he is wrong. We are focused on the well-being of Manitobans, on protecting Manitobans. That is what we are focused on. The conduct of the NDP over the last number of days leaves the question in Manitobans' minds: What are they focused on? COVID-19 Pandemic Stock of N95 Respirators MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, last week the minister said that surgical masks are sufficient to protect our front -line workers who are engaged in routine interactions with those sick with COVID -19.

But our understanding of this virus is changing daily, and we believe, along with the Canadian Federation of Nurses, that we should take a precautionary approach. Will the minister follow this advice by taking a precautionary approach? Will he greatly increase the levels of protection for our front -line workers, including greatly increasing access to nine –sorry– N95 respirators? Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): This government has taken the lead in protective equipment purchasing, and we have actually moved forward on the protection of our front-line workers thanks to the diligent work of our Health Minister who deserves a commendation. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a supplementary question. Equipment for Health Workers MLA Asagwara: The toll this virus takes on health-care workers around the world concerns me greatly. We see this from the experience of other jurisdictions.

Doctors in the hardest hit regions of Italy are reporting to media that the front -line professionals, as much as 30 per cent of them, have contracted the virus. We need to do better. What steps will the Health Minister take that are available to him to ensure that every front-line worker has access to the personal protective equipment they need to do their jobs safely? Mr. Pallister: In the past important seven days in the emergence of this COVID virus, Madam Speaker, the ND-'pid'–put on display that their first concern wasn't front-line workers; it was them, just them.

Madam Speaker, the member says we need to do better. She's talking to her caucus colleagues when she says that. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order, order. Mr. Pallister: I want to apologize to the member for using she. I meant the member, and I apologize. Madam Speaker: And we thank the First Minister for that. The honourable member for Union Station, on a final supplementary. International Student Health Coverage MLA Asagwara: Thank you for the apology. Madam Speaker, I am concerned for other people in our community who do not have access to proper health care.

Th ere are over 18,000 international students who under this government lost their health- care coverage. Before the COVID -19 pandemic I heard from several international students who faced heart-wrenching health choices. They did not have necessary medical cov erage to protect themselves. Now, many of them are worried they may not have health-care coverage if they get sick. I ask the minister: Will they cover health -care costs for international students during the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic? * (14:40) Mr. Pallister: Madam Speaker, the opposition continues to do its best to foment fear.

It refused over the past number of days to even debate bills because it decided it was afraid to see those bills. Luckily, today we were able to reverse that course of action and now the member can start to confront her own–the member can start to confront the member's own fears and those of her colleagues, and now they can debate facts rather than fear mongering. COVID-19 Pandemic Financial Relief Mr. Jamie Moses (St. Vital): Madam Speaker, it's clear that COVID-19 is going to cause real damage to the financial well -being of Manitobans. We need to

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 825 take action, we know this, to get through this difficult time together. The federal government–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Moses: –has already announced stop- gap programs on EI, but there are still some who may not have access to that financial relief. Is the minister prepared to work with the federal government to ensure every Manitoban worker has direct and immediate access to compensation–money in hand–for lost wages, salaries or jobs during this time of crisis? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): I appreciate the member referring to–using the phrase in his

preamble, take actions. The actions of the NDP o ver the last number of days speak clearly to their inability to understand the real priorities of Manitobans. That is why we have put, in the last year and this coming year, a billion additional dollars on the kitchen tables of working Manitoba families, seniors and small businesses. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Vital, on a supplementary question. Mr. Moses: We are also concerned with the damages done to small-business owners because of COVID-19.

Thousands of businesses and tens of thousa nds of Manitobans who are employed at those businesses are at–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Moses: –financial risk because of the shutdown and the slowdown in our economy. We need additional programs to help small businesses weather this storm. Will the Pallister government–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Moses: –and the minister commit to offering immediate financial support for small businesses, including no-interest loans during this time of crisis? Mr.

Pallister: The members' had so little concern for Manitoba's small businesses, working families, people needing goods and services, that they supported blockades of our major railroads. Their actions speak loudly to their lack of concern–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Pallister: –to their lack of concern for small businesses in our province, while we stand up on this side for small businesses, including our ministers who support lower taxes, such as our Minister of Finance (Mr. Fielding). His deeds speak–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Pallister: His deeds speak credibly to his priorities.

The members' actions speak clearly to their lack of priorities. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Vital, on a final supplementary. Mr. Moses: Madam Speaker, it's clear we need an exceptional response to this crisis. We're not–we don't have it yet. We simply don't have it yet. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Moses: Workers need help during this time, as people are feeling very insecure. The federal government has offered grace periods on repayment–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Moses: –of loans for students, then–they will not charge them any interest.

But recent grads and workers should not have to worry about pay ing back those loans this time. Will the minister commit to delaying the repayment of all student loans in Manitoba for at least six months? Mr. Pallister: Sadly, the NDP's compassion for working families, students, seniors and so on, Madam Speaker, was never in evidence when they were in government. They raised taxes 15 times in 14 years, including the PST which they promised they would not. Their actions speak louder than words. Of course, the words were absent in the past week; just the actions were on display.

COVID-19 Pandemic Waiving of Child-Care Fees Ms. Danielle Adams (Thompson): Madam Speaker, the coming closures of daycares is a necessary step to help reduce the spread of COVID -19, but there remains many unanswered questions. No clear

826 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 direction has been provided to daycare centres on – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Adams: –whether parent fees–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Adams: –should still be–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Adams: –charged or how workers will be paid. This is an issue that impacts every parent, and if parents are off work not earning wages, then we shouldn't be adding to the burden of paying for child care. It's important for government to step up.

Will the minister cover the cost of parent fees so parents don't have to pay for child care while centres are closed and work–so workers can be paid? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, the member's right. There are a lot of unanswered questions, and that's partly because the members opposite refused to ask any questions. While they weren't asking them, we were answering them in partnership with people who care, who really care about child care for Manitoba's children. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Thompson, on a supplementary question. Home-Based Daycares Ms.

Adams: While many home-based daycares have less children, many young children are unable to maintain social distancing and care providers cannot maintain social distancing while providing for their needs. The safety and well -being of early childhood educators must be prioritized. We know other jurisdictions in Canada are suspending all child- care services with the exception of some essential service providers. Will the minister commit to su spending home - based daycares, ensuring all early childhood educators are able to be–work as [interjection]–be–as possible? [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Pallister: Madam Speaker, the ideological blindness of the previous government resulted in an unavailability of child care for Manitobans, who could care less about ideology. They care, like our Minister of Families (Mrs. Stefanson) does, that families get the child care they deserve for their children. I thank the Minister of Families for he r diligent work on behalf of the families of this province. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Thompson, on a final supplementary. Child Care for Essential Service Workers Ms.

Adams: Madam Speaker, it is important to all essential service workers to have access to child care, but the government has not been clear on how – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Adams: –they plan to ensure this will occur. Health-care workers,–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Adams: –other essential worke rs, child -care facilities and ECEs are wondering what facilities will be open and running, and whether they will operate 24 hours and whether opportunities exist for ECEs from closed facilities to work there. So I ask the minister to clarify: Who is considered essential service workers?

What facilities will be open? What child care for health -care workers and other essential services will be charged –free of charge? Mr. Pallister: I understand the member has a multitude of questions she wasn't able to ask because of the decisions of her House leader and the advocacy of silence that prevailed over there for the last week, but I assure the member that we understand the priorities of Manitobans. We're standing up for them while the NDP stand up for something else. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. COVID-19 Pandemic Paid Sick Leave Protection Mr.

Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): COVID-19 is impacting all parts of our society. Many workers face job losses and financial insecurity. We are especially concerned for workers who have no sick leave protection at all. As a society, we're asking them to stay home if they're sick. But in some workplaces if they don't work they don't get paid, and there are workplaces where a worker's job is not protected at all. If t hey

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 827 have to be off work, they may lose their job. It is an impossible choice. We need to protect workers, and when we do, that helps all of us. Will the provincial government immediately move to implement at least 14 days of paid, job-protected leave for all workers in this province? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Today the member claims he's interested in protecting workers who he ignored for the past week while he was part of a blockade that involved filing 28 frivolous points of privilege that abused the privileges of members of this House.

He should be ashamed of himself and apologize to workers right across the province. * (14:50) Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question. Sick Note Requirement Ban Mr. Linds ey: There are many ways to protect workers in this province and so far the government has done none of them. Madam Speaker, particularly at this point in time, we think all Manitobans should have guaranteed job-protected leave from work. It's the right t hing to do during this crisis. Unfortunately, there are still employers out there who demand sick notes when a worker's off sick.

That is contrary to the recom - mendations of the public health officer and contrary to just plain common sense–short supply over there, I suspect. We need to do everything we can to encourage those who are ill to stay home, to practise social distancing and to keep us all safe. During this crisis, will the Pallister government ban all– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Mr. Pallister: Last week the NDP opposition put on display that they actually believe this Legislative Assembly that we work in belongs to them. We don't believe that over here.

We believe very strongly and sincerely that it belongs to the working families and the people across this great province. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a final supplementary. Right to Refuse Work Mr. Lindsey: We're getting reports from workers whose employers are not taking the necessary steps to protect those workers. Workers are forced to work directly with those who may be sick, and the employer has taken no social distancing precautions whatsoever. Madam Speaker, this has to be stopped.

Workers need to be able to protect themselves without fear that they will lose their jobs for doing so. Will the Pallister government make a clear commitment that the right to refuse unsafe work includes the right for workers to protect themselves against the risk of contrasting–contacting COVID-19? Mr. Pallister: Day after day after day, the NDP opposition had the opportunity to stand up and speak on behalf and ask questions which would have been answered by all members on this side of the House, questions that matter to people in Manito ba. They refused to do so.

They put their own personal interests ahead of the interests of the people of Manitoba, something this government will not do. Madam Speaker, we will continue to stand up for the best interests of workers, working families in this province. That is not going to stop. COVID-19 Pandemic Foreclosure/Eviction Freeze Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): Many Manitobans live paycheque to paycheque and account for every dollar they have. Financial relief will likely be delayed for those forced to go on EI or those who don't even a –qualify, leading to weeks without any income.

Many Manitobans are fearing for what is to come next, and what will that mean in terms of putting a roof over their heads and food on their tables? Ontario has announced, Madam Speaker, that no eviction orders will be issued as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever it's important that Manitobans stay in their home. So I ask the minister and the Premier today: Will they make sure that Manitobans keep their homes and put a freeze on evictions and foreclosures? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): The member had a choice to make a few days ago.

She could have stood up to her House leader and said let's stand in our place and ask questions that m atter to the people of Manitoba, like the one she just asked, Madam Speaker, and I respect the member asking that question.

828 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 But I have to ask her to explain why she didn't ask it a week ago when we started dealing with the issue, and we will continue to deal with all these issues. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a supplementary question. Homeless Shelter Help Mrs. Smith: I'll take that as a no. Vulnerable Manitobans are highly at risk during this–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Smith: –public health emergency, yet this government has not put any parameters in place to protect them.

Many shelters in our province are doing their best to make sure that people are fed and have a warm roof over their head, maintaining social distancing by spacing out beds and limiting the number of people entering their building. But this can be difficult as spaces can be limited at the best of times, and 53 people have been –had to–been turned away from entering those sites. How does this minister plan on assisting shelters in keeping our most vulnerable populations safe? Mr.

Pallister: Now, this comes from the political opposition who, when government, led us to the highest child poverty rates in the country of Canada and failed to table any plan to address those concerns. The member speaks of an emergency. If it was an emergency–and we agree on this side that it should be faced as one–then why was the member not rising in her place to ask these kinds of questions over the past week, while this team of people was addressing these social concerns head on? Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a final supplementary. Food Bank Aid Mrs.

Smith: We've seen no plan from this government to address the vulnerable Manitobans in this province. Manitobans of all backgrounds–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Mrs. Smith: –from all neighbourhoods and all walks of life rely on our food banks every day. COVID -19 has had a–has led to donation shortages at food banks, and the suspension of classes have forced access for children to nutritious food through these programs in their schools. Many of these schools rely– or many of these people who rely on food banks will also be the ones most impacted by job loss as a result of COVID -19.

The need for food banks will likely only increase during this difficult time. So I'll ask the Premier: What is he doing to provide immediate aid to Manitoba's food banks today and to ensure that no Manitoban– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Mr. Pallister: Day late and a bucket short, Madam Speaker. We've been addressing these issues.

We'll keep on doing that by working–outreaching and working co-operatively with agencies all across the province who deliver these important serv ices, as opposed to the members opposite, who sat on their hands, twiddled their thumbs and listened to each other fake a point of privilege day after day after day, revealing that they're not with these people in Manitoba. They're just with themselves. COVID-19 Pandemic Update to Budget Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): Madam Speaker–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Lamont: –the first priority we all share is to ensure that Manitobans are safe and healthy in this pandemic. Almost every other province has declared a state of emergency and most are reworking their budgets as we speak. I table the actions of other provinces to date. Unless the budget in Manitoba has changed in the last week, it is almost certainly obsolete. How long will Manitobans have to wait for this government to introduce an economic update, as many other provinces have, with new health funding dedicated to protecting vulnerable populations, front- line workers, seniors in care homes and more? Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): Madam Speaker, it seems, in the past week, that the top priority of the member for St. Boniface is changing the Liberal leadership review rules so two thirds of people have to oppose his leadership in order for him to be replaced. The fact of the matter is, Madam Speaker, that we're addressing the issues that have arisen as a consequence of COVID-19–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order.

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 829 Mr. Pallister: –not from a reactive standpoint, but from a proactive standpoint. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable member for St. Boniface, on a supplementary question. Income Support Program Mr. Lamont: Madam Speaker, I–The Canadian Press has retracted that story, as it was inaccurate. Madam Speaker, we all know the public health measures being introduced to fight COVID -19 are necessary. We also know that economic disruptions are going–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Lamont: –to be colossal.

Across Canada, businesses are shutting down and laying off employees. So long as pandemic measures are in place, some people will not be able to work. Some businesses will not be able to operate. They will be – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Lamont: –unable to pay their bills in a matter of weeks, if not days. When businesses have n o revenue and people have no income, a tax cut is a percentage of zero.

Will this government consider providing support to workers, acting as a buyer of last resort for businesses and working with the federal government to introduce Mincome or a job guara ntee to ensure Manitobans can pay the bills? Mr. Pallister: Madam Speaker, the member opposite and his party have been advocating for tax hikes ever since the member became leader. Now he's an expert on tax cuts. I don't think it's going to work.

The fact is we're putting more money on the kitchen tables of Manitobans and the Liberal Party, or what remains of it, is opposed to that. * (15:00) So, Madam Speaker, I think the keyword here is resiliency. Manitobans are more resilient because we're leaving more money they worked so hard to get with them to help them strengthen their financial priorities and goals. We're doing other initiatives as well. But, Madam Speaker, the member seems to believe that simply one size fits all and that if we just raised the taxes on these very people, they'll become healthier and happier. He is wrong.

COVID-19 Pandemic Income Support Program Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Today alone I have received questions from my constituents about private daycares remaining ope n, the safety of home-care workers, seniors who are interested in withdrawing their pensions, concerns about applying for EI and the need for more COVID -19 testing to those who haven't travelled. Madam Speaker, Manitobans are understandably concerned as ma ny employees do not have job security.

I know my awesome team of staff will continue to work hard from home, and I am asking if this government will be a model employer and implement income support for all businesses in Manitoba, including Crown corporations. Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): The member's posed a number of questions. I understand she wasn't able to over the last number of days, Madam Speaker. We'd be happy to provide her with the information she seeks. But I want to assure the member t hat our team – our leadership team, both elected, non- elected in the bureaucracy, is working in tandem with one another.

Our incident -response teams are meeting regularly and we are endeavouring to communicate with the public in an open and honest way so that people have the information they need to feel more confident and secure as we all face an uncertain time. As opposed to the members opposite, who simply wanted to add to those fears, we want to comfort Manitobans with the correct information and help the m to face the necessary challenges as we move forward and to reduce their fears, not magnify them. COVID-19 Pandemic Testing Site Locations Mr.

Len Isleifson (Brandon East): Manitoba's public health officials have been working tirelessly, ensuring that testing for COVID-19 is available to all those who need it. Yesterday, the province's eighth dedicated testing site opened in Brandon, and there are more to come. Can the minister please update this House on the work going on within our health system to ensure that testing is available to those who need it?

830 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living): I thank the member for Brandon East for the question. He is correct: we did recently open a new testing site, a community screening site in Brandon. We have also just opened up a drive -through testing site in Selkirk. I want to reiterate, though, that these are not walk- in clinics; they are for referrals. Sites are also open in Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas, Winnipeg, of course, in Steinbach starting tomorrow.

People who are feeling unwell should consult our online screening tool and call Health Links. These are trying times for Manitobans. Manitobans should have the confidence that their government is working to keep Manitobans safe. COVID-19 Pandemic Child Food Insecurity Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): Madam Speaker, during this crisis we need to look after one another and we need to ensure that children are being fed. Thousands of Manitoba children rely on school meal programs for at least a portion of their nutrition, including on weekends through the Breakfast2Go program.

The suspension of school means that many children will be hungry and some will become malnourished. Will the Pallister government take immediate steps to ensure food is getting to the children that need it? Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Of course, Madam Speaker, and I want to share with members some of the initiatives that some of our colleagues have taken on. The member for Interlake-Gimli (Mr. Johnson) is assisting in picking up and delivering groceries to seniors. The member for Selkirk (Mr.

Lagimodiere), through his office is working to co-ordinate assistance with shut-ins by aligning them with volunteers who can assist with errands. The member for Brandon East (Mr. Isleifson) is doing the same thing in respect of groceries and assisting in that way. The member for Southdale (Ms. Gordon) –who is a regular blood donor, I might add–is co -ordinating blood donations, and I encourage all members to assist in this respect. There are things we can do as a government.

There are things we can do as individual members as well, and I encourage all members to pursue these opportunities to be of value and assist. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a supplementary question. Ms. Naylor: I'm–that's heartwarming to know that members on all sides of this House are taking those individual actions, helping our communities. I've seen a lot of examples of that, and I'm happy to hear that perhaps this crisis is making this government more compassionate. But there are too many children still facing food insecurity.

The suspension of schools during this pandemic is going to make this problem worse. Since the pandemic began, food banks like Winni peg Harvest are finding it difficult to meet the demand and they are begging publicly for support, and with schools suspended this week we're really concerned for these vulnerable children. Will the Pallister government take immediate steps to ensure food is getting to the children that need it and to the food banks? Mr. Pallister: Just simply using the word compassion does not give the attribute to a human being nor a political organization, Madam Speaker.

Compassion is demonstrated through deeds and out comes. Compassion's not demonstrated by having the longest waiting times for health services in the country of Canada or highest poverty rate or the highest ambulance fee. Real compassion is demonstrated through deeds and actions. Over the past week we've seen how much the NDP cares about the people of Manitoba and we've seen how much this government cares about the people of Manitoba, through deeds, Madam Speaker, actual deeds, not just claims to compassion. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Wolseley, on a final supplementary. School Closures Ms.

Naylor: I'm sad that we can't get an answer to the question about feeding children, but my supplementary question is related to teachers and other division staff who have a lot of questions, and the minister should give them clear answers. The chief public health officer has encouraged Manitobans to work from home and to engage in as much social distancing as possible. Suspension of classes begins on Monday, but the minister has not actually closed schools.

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 831 Will the minister give clear direction to school boards on whether both teachers and other school employees should work from home during this time? Mr. Pallister: Isn't it rich for a member opposite to demand answers after a week of not asking questions, Madam Speaker? Children and many others are stressed right now and it's important that we demonstrate leadership here. It's important that we understand that children need adults' love. They need their attention in difficult times.

It's important to understand that we work with families to strengthen those bonds, not weaken them. It's important that we understand that and we remember to listen to our children–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Pallister: –as we must listen to the member for Point Douglas (Mrs. Smith), in spite of the irrelevance of what she has just said. Keep to regular routines; help create new ones. The members opposite tried to create a new one, so that may be an exception.

The new one they tried to create was to ignor e the priorities of the people of Manitoba for a full week in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic. While they were unfocused on the priorities of Manitobans, members on this side were focused on the priorities of Manitobans. COVID-19 Pandemic Correctional Facility Safety Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Before I begin I just want to personally thank the Minister of Justice for the open line of communication that we've had in the last week and a bit. I do appreciate that.

Madam Speaker, we know at any given time Manitoba correctional facilities are overcrowded, often housing Manitobans with a myriad of under - lying health issues. We know at any given moment there are hundreds of Manitobans working and living together in very confined spaces, not conducive to social distancing or in the spread or prevention–in preventing the transmission of COVID-19. Can the minister share with us today what are the plans to protect folks in correctional facilities in Manitoba? Hon.

Brian Pallister (Premier): We're imple - menting–actually implementing plans, Madam Speaker, in respect to the topic the member raised, while for the past week she's been part of organizing a blockade here in the Legislature involving 28 frivolous points of privilege. The fact is that the member advocated, when working for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, for the closure of all penitentiaries in the province.

That criticism was directed at the previous NDP government, Madam Speaker, and now she's part of an organization that is actually advocating against the closure of those same facilities, in respect of the one in Dauphin. I would urge the member to be consistent in her positions in respect of these things. What we are going to do, what the Justice Minister is doing is placing the b est interests of all who work in our system, all who are incarcerated, we hope coming out with different attitudes and behaviours. We're focused on doing that.

I commend the Justice Minister for his actions in respect of that caring. * (15:10) Madam Spea ker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question. Ms. Fontaine: We haven't heard yet one answer to any of the questions that we've asked. Only the Premier is asking, in a very cranky mood today. But these are serious questions, Madam Speaker, and so my question is for the Minister of Justice (Mr. Cullen). In the midst of this COVID -19 pandemic, we've seen government around the world make considerable decisions–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms.

Fontaine: –in best interests of their folks who are incarcerated. Manitoba correctional facilities see, in a day, hundreds of Manitoba citizens who are in conflict with the law, correctional officers, families, visitors, suppliers, lawyers and health-care professionals. My question, again, to the minister, is: How is he protecting these Manitobans? Mr. Pallister: By standing up for the rule of law when the member opposite stands up against it, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary. Winnipeg Police Service Safety Ms.

Fontaine: During this time, Madam Speaker, our front-line workers will be–continue to be very critical and needed. Many police forces are taking precautionary matters to deal with COVID-19, such as

832 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 social distancing, but it can be very difficult for front- line officers. We know that the Winnipeg Police Service has temporarily closed station duty offices to deal with this issue. Can the minister advise whether or not he has had conversations with Chief of Police Danny Smyth and any other municipal policing agencies, and how will he protect front-line officers? Miigwech. Mr. Pallister: As opposed to members opposite, members on this side, including our Attorney General and Justice Minister (Mr. Cullen), have been steadfast in focusing on the networking that the member references in her

preamble. I would say to you, Madam Speaker, and to all members of the House, that we appreciate and understand the priorities of Manitobans, and we understand the will of Manitobans is resolute and we understand the will of Manitobans is strong. And I would say, as a government, we are dedicated. We believe it is our duty to express that will in everything we do with every passing day, as we will defeat the challenges that are presented to us and we will keep Manitoba safe and stronger and more resilient than it has ever been before. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. Petitions? Grievances?

ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Gover nment House Leader): Madam Speaker–I believe that the podium is being put into place. [interjection] Madam Speaker: The honourable Government House Leader. Mr. Goertzen: Madam Speaker, I am very honoured– now I'm doing the Mark thing. I got the Wasyliw virus. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to announce that and ask that we can move to the long -waited, much-anticipated and eagerly, eagerly ready -to-be- accepted Budget 2020, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the House will now hear t he budget address this afternoon.

BUDGET ADDRESS Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): I move, seconded by the Minister of Health, that this House approves in general the budgetary policy of the government. Motion presented. Mr. Fielding: Madam Speaker, I'd first like to take a few minutes to discuss the threat of COVID-19. Things have changed in the last week. Manitobans are concerned about the threat posed by COVID-19 pandemic. They want to know that they, their families and fellow Manitobans are safe.

They want to know that their government is taking the necessary steps to protect them and have the resources required to accomplish these objectives. Every member of our government understands these concerns, and that is why I'm pleased to table the document titled COVID-19 emergency supplement to the Budget 2020. Madam Speaker, I want to assure Manitobans that we are prepared and we have a plan to protect Manitobans. As Manitobans review the document, they will see Budget 2020 is the most re silient, emergency-ready budget tabled in 150 years of this province.

They will see that the rainy day fund has increased to over $872 million, and they will see that $100 million has been set aside for emergency expenditures. That's nearly a billion dolla rs of funds to fight this threat, if required, and those funds are in addition to any financial supports that will be provided by the federal government. The government of Manitoba will ensure that all needed resources are available to ensure our province is prepared for this pandemic. Our department has ensured that there's flexibility in spending priorities to provide additional supports, should this arise.

In partnership with the federal government, we've already contributed more than $35 million to a joint procurement process for supplies and supports for Manitobans who are fighting COVID -19. We have purchased additional ventilator machines, more renal replacement machines and personal protection equipment for all front -line health-care workers, and we'll continue to make these investments required to keep Manitobans safe from COVID-19, as protections

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 833 of Manitobans is the utmost important for our government. Over the last week, the federal government has announced the first measures by providing assistance to Canadians. We will work to identify Manitobans who will still require specific help and ensure they receive the assistance that they need at that time. Madam Speaker, Manitobans will also see that we have built a strong, experienced, effective team to respond to the many challenges of COVID -19. They are leading the medical response to the virus.

They are ensuring that our government will continue to deliver the services that Manitobans depend on. Government is working with business community to protect our economy. Madam Speaker, Budget 2020 reflects the lessons learned throughout the history of our province and the values we share as Manitobans. We know the importance of being prepared for emergencies here in the province. We know that we must both have flexible and agile plans to respond to this issue.

We also know the value of confronting our challenges as a community, as a family, and that's what Budget 2020 does, and that is what our government will continue to do with COVID-19 until it's defeated. * (15:20) Madam Speaker, four years ago our government put Manitobans on a long road to recovery. The previous government had left our province with enormous debt, fueled by an annual

summary deficit approaching $1 billion, on a trajectory towar ds $2 billion by 2022. The rainy day fund had been drained. The Province had the longest health-care wait times and the worst education outcomes in Canada. Our social services were not serving Manitobans who needed them most. We led the nation in child poverty. Numerous assets on the government's books were overvalued. Many liabilities were either understated or hidden from Manitobans. A number of items listed and valued as government assets weren't government assets.

In response to this mess we inherited from the NDP, Madam Speaker, our Progressive Conservative government began the hard work to fix Manitoba's finances, repair the services that Manitobans rely upon and rebuilding the economy. Madam Speaker, we have made remarkable progress toward –to achieving each of these objectives, and we're far better off today than we were four years ago. We've reduced the deficit each year and, in fact, exceeded our deficit targets while making record investments in health, in education and for families.

We have mad e life more affordable for Manitobans by cutting the retail sales tax rate, by ending income tax bracket creep and by 'libining' many other fees. Thousands of our low -income citizens no longer pay Manitoba income tax. Fewer children are living in poverty, and we've delivered better health care sooner–and, yes, Manitoba, in this budget we're replenishing the rainy day fund with an 'anitional' $300-million contribution. Madam Speaker, this will result in a balance of $872 million by the end of the fiscal year, at which point we'll be fully funded.

Our province will be the far stronger position to respond to unforeseen emergencies. We have made our books far more accurate and transparent through our transition to

summary accounting and by accurately valu ing government assets as well as liabilities. In just four years, Manitobans have travelled a long way towards a sustainable –strong, sustainable physical foundation, but our journey to the road to recovery is far from complete, Madam Speaker. Many significant challenges remain in our path. Despite this consistent progress we have made by reducing the deficit, Manitoba continues to have the highest per capita debt amongst all provinces. For a third year in a row, interest in debt servicing costs of the provincial debt will exceed $1 billion.

Returning to a balanced budget before the end of the current term of government will be a remarkable achievement, but it still requires 82 consecutive years of balanced budgets; after that, $100 million annual debt payments before Manitobans will be debt free. That's how deep the hole that was left by us by the former NDP government really was, and that's the hole Manitobans have been climbing out of since 2016, that we'll continue to climb out for decades to come into t he future.

Budget 2020 continues the hard work by focusing on issues that matter most to Manitobans by providing better services, by protecting our environment, by making our communities stronger and safer, by making life more affordable for Manitobans, and by building a better, brighter future for Manitobans and their families, Madam Speaker. This is what Manitobans elected us and re-elected us to do, and that is what we are doing. It's a 'cobitment' we have made to Manitobans, and our government keeps i ts promises.

834 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 In 2016, we reduced the

summary deficit by $143 million to $789 million, and we've made consistent progress since then. I'm pleased to report to advise Manitobans that we are on track to reduce the

summary deficit for the 2019 fiscal year to $325 million, and through a combination of measures that we'll outline in a moment, we are projecting a

summary deficit of $220 million for the coming 2020-21 year, Madam Speaker. We remain on track to table a balanced budget during the current term of our government. Madam Speaker, after more than a decade of decay in the quality of health -care systems under the previous government, our government is transforming the health -care system so that Manitobans receive better health care when they need it, where they need it most.

After more than a decade of decline in the quality of our education system, our government is delivering new schools and a new approach to the education that will give young Manitobans the opportunity to achieve their true potential. After more than a decade of despair for families and the need throughout our province, our government is reducing poverty and delivering the social services Manitobans need to get back on their feet. Madam Speaker, Budget 2020 increases the funding to the department of health, seniors, active listening–living to over $6.82 billion, $157- million increase over last year.

And, Madam Speaker, that is the highest level in Manitoba history. That includes funding for a wide range of capital projects of tot al strategic infrastructure budget of $1.8 billion. Two of the largest projects are the Health Sciences Centre master campus plan, at an estimated total cost of $592 million, as well as the St. Boniface redevelopment at $88.5 million, Madam Speaker. The impl ementation of the Provincial Clinical and Preventive Services Plan will invest more than $250 million in rural and northern communities, digital health supports and infrastructure investment projects and program delivery.

This plan will improve local access to health services to meet the needs of communities of areas like prevention, screening of management of chronic diseases. It will enable patients to access the care they need closer to home, Madam Speaker, and prevent more than 2,500 patient transports to Winnipeg over the next five years. And it'll shorten wait times in Winnipeg hospitals by moving 21,000 days of care away from the city's acute-care facilities. Budget 2020 also invests an additional $10 million to reduce wait times for cataract and joint replacement surgeries, Madam Speaker.

It will reduce surgical wait times for thousands of Manitobans. Madam Speaker, our government also continues to make investments in renal replacement therapy in both in- centre dialysis at health centres across Manitoba, as well as home hemodialysis programs. An additional 22- station dialysis unit, supported to 132 patients, is being developed within a $75 million Diagnostic Centre of Excellence at the Health Sciences Centre. Substantial completion of this project is expected later this year. Our government also is working hard to address mental health and addictions in our province.

And that's why Budget 2020 increases funding for mental health and addictions by $2 million, Madam Speaker– increased by $2 million to $22 million under the Canada-Manitoba funding agreement. Budget 2020 also includes an increase of $1.9 million for acute and long- term drugs, an increase of $3.9 million for family drug program. As well, Madam Speaker, an additional $188,000 in funding is allocated to the Cadham Provincial Labs to respond to provincial-wide outbreaks–so important.

Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, our govern- ment announced $6.6 million in–$6.6- million increase through the K -through-12 funding for the 2020-21 school year. Budget 2020 provides operating grants totaling $1.33 billion to the public schools divisions. It's the highest level of education funding in the province's history. The existing funding formula ensures that no school divisions will receive less than 98 per cent of the funding it received last year after adjustments have been made for enrolment and other factors.

Budget 2020 also provides $160 million in K-through-12 education capital projects, Madam Speaker, which includes constructions of seven new schools and se veral major additions and renovation projects. By the end of fiscal–by the end of the coming fiscal year, more than 4,425 classroom spaces will be open or under construction. And that's just the beginning. We have 13 new schools coming over the next 10 years under our 20-school guarantee.

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 835 Madam Speaker, our government knows that a good, healthy breakfast each morning is an important part of a child's education. We will continue to work with our community partners to provide food within our school system for students who need it most. Last year, our government initiated an inde - pendent review of the kindergarten through grade 12 education system. A nine -member commission is carrying out the review, and its findings and recommendations are expected this spri ng.

Budget 2020 allocates $5 million for the implementation of the education reforms related through the K-through-12 review. * (15:30) Budget 2020 also provides funding for curriculum development by $2.4 million, Madam Speaker. This funding will support the expansion of the provincial assessment programs, modernization of the provincial curriculum framework and renewal of the K -through-12 science and health education anti-addictions curriculum.

As part of our government's five -year commit - ment towards i mplementing the teacher ideas fund, Budget 2020 allocates $5 million for this important initiative, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, our government knows that strong families are the foundation of a strong province. That's why Budget 2020 increases cash funding to the Department of Families by $2.1 billion–to $2.1 billion. This is the highest level of voted cash supports for social services in Manitoba history. It includes $21.2-million increase in funding for the community living and disability services.

With an investment of $2.7 million, Budget 2020 also supports the addition of 1,087 licensed early learning and child-care spaces. Of these spaces, 1,037 will be added through the completion of new capital projects, including new schools, along with 50 new home-based centres–spaces. Madam Speaker, our government continues to implement the single -envelope funding model for Child and Family Services authorities and agencies. The model empowers transformational change and gives those authorities the flexibilities to allocate more funding for prevention and early -intervention initiatives.

It gives agencies the ability to implement creative solutions to support families and prevent the children from coming into care or remaining in care. Under Budget 2020, cash funding for the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation increases by $10 million. Over the next five years, this–the role of MHRC will shift from housing provider to one of funder as well as regulator, with an objective making social housing more sustainable for Manitobans. Budget 2020 also allocates $12.7 million as part of the plan to dissolve the Manitoba Housing development and renewal fund under the special fund remediation initiative.

These monies will be reinvested in order to address capital defi cits in our housing stock and capital projects, which is more consistent with original intent of the fund. Madam Speaker, our government is leading the worldwide fight to protect our environment from pollution and impacts of climate change. We're leading the way by eliminating coal- fired electricity production in our province. We're leading the way by investing billions of dollars in the production and transmission of clean, renewable hydroelectricity. And we're leading the way with our best -in-Canada Climate and Green Plan.

It's a plan that will continue to make investments in renewable energy while encouraging Manitobans to reduce their energy consumption. It will assist communities in their efforts to protect our watersheds and will clean up contaminated sites, increase recycling and building new schools to the highest standards of energy - efficient and environmental design. The dangers imposed by climate change compels us to lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing our reliance on hydrocarbons. We know that hydro–the carbon pricing has the potential to change consumer behaviour.

If implemented with proper thought as to its economic impact, it can encourage consumers to choose products and services and activities that are less harmful for the environme nt. The federal government's one-size-fits-all carbon tax scheme does not accomplish this objective here in Manitoba. The Ottawa plan fails to recognize its harmful impact on the high proportion of agricultural emissions and our small industrial sector. It also fails to account for our clean electric grid, which is the result of massive investments already made by Manitobans as part of our shift to carbon-free energy production.

Madam Speaker, we often speak of the imprudent overinvestment in Manitoba Hydro and the bad project management that has led to the costs of those projects to increase by close to $10 billion. The hard reality, however, is that Manitobans will be paying these investments for decades to come into the future. Manitobans deserve respect for having the foresight to

836 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 make these investments. They deserve credit for shouldering these massive costs when no other provinces were doing as such. The federal carbon tax plan at $50 per ton would cost each Manitoba an additional $400 annually. In comparison, every Manitoba household owns nearly –owes nearly $44,000 in Hydro- specific debt, with an annual interest cost of almost $1,600 per household.

In other words, Manitobans are already paying a tax for investments that reducing greenhouse gas emiss ions in the form of Manitoba Hydro debt payments, and that tax is almost four times as much as a $50-per-ton, made-in-Ottawa carbon tax would be. Madam Speaker, the math is beyond dispute: the federal government's imposition of a carbon tax on top of the Hydro debt burden is just truly unfair to Manitobans. It penalizes us for being the nation's leader in green investments. Residents of no other province is being forced to pay such a high cost in the fight to reduce carbon emissions.

Ottawa's carbon ta x is a threat to Manitoba's economy. It hurts our 'competiness,' and, as the rate increases year after year, it will cost us jobs and private sector investment. Our government will not allow this to happen, though, Madam Speaker. That's why we will be implementing a green levy, effective July 1 of this year. At $25 per ton, the Manitoba green levy will be flat like a prairie horizon. It will not change each and every year. It will cost Manitoba families and businesses less, and will be more effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions than the federal carbon tax.

Madam Speaker, our government is determined to complete the Lake Manitoba, Lake St. Martin Outlet Channel Projects as soon as possible. Budget 2020 reinforces that commitment by allocating $101 million for that important project. Budget 2020 also includes a one -time capital investment of $45 million for climate resiliency types of projects. First announced in November of this year, this funding will be allocated in three portions of $15 million for municipalities within the Capital Region, municipalities outside the Capital Region, and previously identified provincial protection priorities.

The City of Winnipeg's North End water pollution control centre is the single largest source of nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen, flowing into Lake Winnipeg. Upgrades to the facility will support efforts to reduce nutrients and improve water quality for Lake Winnipeg. Our government has advised the City of Winnipeg that we are providing an addi tional $21.8 million, to be held in reserve for the North End water pollution control centre. That investment increases the total amount of provincial funding for this project to over $56.2 million, including funding already provided.

We will continue to work with both the City as well as the federal government to ensure funding is in place for this important project, Madam Speaker. Budget 2020 also provides up to $15.8 million in funding to support municipalities outside the City of Winnipeg in the development of safe and sustainable water and sewer facilities. Madam Speaker, our government is committed to keeping Manitobans safe.

We are working with communities and law enforcement to keep crime off our streets and out of our neighbourhoods, and that's why Budget 2020 allocates an additional $6 million in funding to provincial police service agreements, including 27 new officers. That's why Budget 2020 provides the additional 3.6 to address crime and gang activities throughout improved intelligence sha ring and other measures, and that's why Budget 2020 also invests $2.3 million as part of our government's Policing and Public Safety Strategy, so that Manitobans feel safe in their homes and their communities.

Budget 2020 also includes over a million dollars in funding to help police detect and deter drug-impaired driving. This will 'imprude' road safety through increased training and enforcement of new legislative offences following the legalization of non-medical cannabis. Madam Speaker, w ith additiona l funding of $568,000, Budget 2020 increases annual funding for First Nations policing to $14.48 million.

This investment will enhance public safety in First Nations communities, fund additional officer positions, increase officer safety, improve equipment for those officers using–carrying out their duties. * (15:40) While others choose to treat thugs and thieves as victims, our concern is for the real victims of crime. That is why Budget 2020 allocates 561 for grants to support community projects to deli ver services for victims of crimes in Manitoba. That includes more

March 19, 2020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 837 funding for organizations such as the North End Women's Centre, Aurora Family Therapy Centre, Age and Opportunity, Brandon Victim Services and Family Dynamics. In addition, funding provi ded through Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund for projects that directly support victims for crime will increase by $200,000 to a $500,000 base budget.

Madam Speaker, our government is determined gender–is determined to end gender-based violence in our pr ovince, and that's why Budget 2020 provides $58,000 of additional funding for the Western Manitoba women's resource centre so that it can continue to do the important work on this issue. Madam Speaker, while the previous government left Manitobans without the resources to respond to a natural disaster, our government has replenished the rainy day fund.

In order to ensure that we are well-positioned to address the risk of flooding this spring, Budget 2020 increases the budget for emergency expenditures to $100 million. There is also $5.7 million in funding for the Department of Infrastructure to react quickly to small -scale floods and other emergency situations. We have never been prepared to deal with other –with flooding and other impacts of climate change than ever before. Budget 2020 also allocates $500,000 to support emergency preparedness and response related to animal health and welfare.

Our government knows that a strong, sustainable municipality makes a strong, sustainable Manitoba. That's why our government's support for munici - palities continues to be the most generous of all of Canada. Budget 2020 delivers $313 million for funding for local governments through the strategic municipal infrastructure fund. It also provides $3.8 million in funding for a number of critical infrastructure projects in northern Manitoba, including wastewater treatment lagoons at Thicket Portage and a water treatment plant upgrade in Sherridon.

This funding is in addition to the increase of $300,000 in minor capital gra nts for northern communities. Our government's strategic municipal infra - structure investment fund supports fair say for the City of Winnipeg and other local municipalities. It gives them the flexibility to carry out long -term planning, with improved transparency and predict - ability for both operating and capital, Madam Speaker. Over $3 billion will be invested in critical infrastructure across Manitoba over the next 10 years through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

The Department of Munic ipal Relations is working with the Manitoba strategic infrastructure secretariat and other departments to ensure that Winnipeg, Brandon and other departments to ensure local governments have have access to capital funding under that program. Madam Speaker , our government knows that a strong infrastructure network is critical to the safety of a strong Manitoba economy, and that's why Budget 2020 increases operating funding to the Department of Infrastructure by 7.2 per cent, to $494 million.

The department's capital budget is increasing to $516.2 million, reflecting an overall increase of $83.7 million. And the highways capital budget allocation rises to 362.5, a $12.5- million increase from the current fiscal year. This is the first step towards keeping our govern- ment's commitment to increasing the highway infrastructure capital budget to $400 million over the next four years and to fully spend these dollars or carry them over to the following fiscal year. It will not go unspent, as happened far too 'ofte r' under the previous NDP government.

Budget 2020 also includes an allocation of $600,000 for the trucking productivity improvement program. These funds will be used to maintain highways included in on that program. Madam Speaker, our government continue s also to engage with indigenous communities towards developing a comprehensive reconciliation strategy. Budget 2020 provides $500,000 to further advance this important objective.

In 'orther' –in order to advance Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, Budget 2020 invests $500,000 to support the resolution of outstanding, historical third- party interests that are preventing land transfers under this important agreement, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, with the costs of so many goods and services rising, Manitoba families are finding that they have less money at the end of each and every month. They are concerned about their ability to pay their bills. We understand those concerns over here, and that's why our government is working hard to lake life more affordable for Manitobans.

We promised to lower the retail sales tax rate by 1 per cent to 7 per cent during our first term of office,

838 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 19, 2020 and we kept that promise, Madam Speaker. During the recent election campaign, as part of our 150th anniversary in 2 020, we promised to return $2,020 to Manitoban households over the next four years. We are keeping our promises on that. Budget 2020 delivers significant tax reductions which, combined with 2019 tax cuts, are the largest in Manitoba's history. We are delivering those savings to Manitobans while reducing the deficit at the same time.

In order to offset the impact of the green levy I referred to earlier, our government will lower the retail sales tax to 6 per cent July 1st of this year. Manitoba will be the only province that has cut its sales tax in recent years, and we've done that twice. We will have the second lowest tax rate in Canada. The rate reduction will ensure that all who pay the green levy will benefit by lower sales tax, Madam Speaker. With approximately 510,000 households in Manitoba, the average annual savings will amount to approximately $345 per household, but that's not all.

It's estimated that up to half the savings received by Manitoba businesses will be passed on to Manitoba households, benefiting them by an additional $131 per year, Madam Speaker. That will result in average tax total savings for Manitoba's households of $476 per year. In addition to making life more affordable for Manitobans, the PST cut will increase economic output and assist in job creation. Combined with last year's PST rate reduction to 7 per cent, it is estimated that the additional reductions in the PST rate and implementation of the green levy will grow the provincial nominal GDP by over $108 million.

It will increase labour income by close to $50 million annually, and generate an estimated 1,042 person- years of employment growth. The basic personal amount or exemption is a non- refundable tax credit that every Manitoba resident is entitled to claim on their income tax return. Our government legislated the indexing of the BPA and personal income tax brackets to the rate of inflation beginning in 2017. Since then, the BPA has increased from $9,134 to $9,838. The increase in the BPA saves Manitobans $18.4 mil lion income taxes in 2019, and will save

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	42-2-26
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	42nd 2nd hansardpdf 26.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	e174666eeb0d778a6e6693f5cb289221b5734962

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