Manitoba Hansard — Sitting 22 (39th Legislature, 4th Session)

39-4-22

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session - Thirty-Ninth Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable George Hickes Speaker Vol. LXII No. 22 - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2010 - REPRINT ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Thirty-Ninth Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALLAN, Nancy, Hon. St. Vital N.D.P. ALTEMEYER, Rob Wolseley N.D.P. ASHTON, Steve, Hon. Thompson N.D.P. BJORNSON, Peter, Hon. Gimli N.D.P. BLADY, Sharon Kirkfield Park N.D.P. BLAIKIE, Bill, Hon. Elmwood N.D.P. BOROTSIK, Rick Brandon West P.C. BRAUN, Erna Rossmere N.D.P. BRICK, Marilyn St. Norbert N.D.P. BRIESE, Stuart Ste. Rose P.C. CALDWELL, Drew Brandon East N.D.P. CHOMIAK, Dave, Hon. Kildonan N.D.P. CULLEN, Cliff Turtle Mountain P.C. DERKACH, Leonard Russell P.C. DEWAR, Gregory Selkirk N.D.P.

DRIEDGER, Myrna Charleswood P.C. DYCK, Peter Pembina P.C. EICHLER, Ralph Lakeside P.C. FAURSCHOU, David Portage la Prairie P.C. GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib. GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach P.C. GRAYDON, Cliff Emerson P.C. HAWRANIK, Gerald Lac du Bonnet P.C. HICKES, George, Hon. Point Douglas N.D.P. HOWARD, Jennifer, Hon. Fort Rouge N.D.P. IRVIN-ROSS, Kerri, Hon. Fort Garry N.D.P. JENNISSEN, Gerard Flin Flon N.D.P. JHA, Bidhu Radisson N.D.P. KORZENIOWSKI, Bonnie St. James N.D.P. LAMOUREUX, Kevin Inkster Lib. LEMIEUX, Ron, Hon. La Verendrye N.D.P. MACKINTOSH, Gord, Hon. St. Johns N.D.P.

MAGUIRE, Larry Arthur-Virden P.C. MARCELINO, Flor, Hon. Wellington N.D.P. MARTINDALE, Doug Burrows N.D.P. McFADYEN, Hugh Fort Whyte P.C. McGIFFORD, Diane, Hon. Lord Roberts N.D.P. MELNICK, Christine, Hon. Riel N.D.P. MITCHELSON, Bonnie River East P.C. NEVAKSHONOFF, Tom Interlake N.D.P. OSWALD, Theresa, Hon. Seine River N.D.P. PEDERSEN, Blaine Carman P.C. REID, Daryl Transcona N.D.P. ROBINSON, Eric, Hon. Rupertsland N.D.P. RONDEAU, Jim, Hon. Assiniboia N.D.P. ROWAT, Leanne Minnedosa P.C. SARAN, Mohinder The Maples N.D.P. SCHULER, Ron Springfield P.C. SELBY, Erin Southdale N.D.P. SELINGER, Greg, Hon. St.

Boniface N.D.P. STEFANSON, Heather Tuxedo P.C. STRUTHERS, Stan, Hon. Dauphin-Roblin N.D.P. SWAN, Andrew, Hon. Minto N.D.P. TAILLIEU, Mavis Morris P.C. WHITEHEAD, Frank The Pas N.D.P. WIEBE, Matt Concordia N.D.P. WOWCHUK, Rosann, Hon. Swan River N.D.P.

527 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, April 6, 2010 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee t o f r a m e s u c h l a w s a s may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom, know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 15–The Franchises Act Hon. Peter Bjornson (Minister of Entre- preneurship, Training and Trade): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Swan), that Bill 15, The Franchises Act;

Loi sur les franchises, now be read a first time. Mr. Speaker: It's been moved by the honourable Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade, seconded by the honourable Attorney General, that Bill 15, The Franchises Act, be now read a first time. Mr. Bjornson: I am pleased to introduce The Franchises Act. This bill will ensure that potential franchisees have access to adequate information before making an investment decision in a franchised business and will increase protection from unfair treatment for all parties.

The proposed legislation will also give franchisees the right to associate with other franchisees without penalty, and the Manitoba Law Reform Commission recommended that Manitoba adopt franchise legislation. This bill is consistent with legislation in other provinces and is based on a Uniform Law Conference of Canada model act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] PETITIONS Long-Term Care Facilities–Morden and Winkler Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

And these are the reasons for this petition: Many seniors from the Morden and Winkler area are currently patients in Boundary Trails Health Centre while they wait for placement in local personal care homes. There are presently no beds available for these patients in Salem Home and Tabor Home. To make more beds in the hospital available, the regional health authority is planning to move these patients to personal care homes in outlying regions. These patients have lived, worked and raised their families in this area for most of their lives.

They receive care and support from their family and friends who live in the community, and they will lose this support if they are forced to move to distant communities. These seniors and their families should not have to bear the consequences of the provincial government's failure to en sure there are adequate personal care home beds in the region. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the Minister of Health to ensure that patients who are awaiting placement in a personal care home are not moved to distant communities.

And to urge the Minister of Health to consider working with the RHA and the community to speed construction and expansion of long-term care facilities in the region. T h i s i s s i g n e d b y M a r y D e r k s e n , S a r a B a r t e l , Anna Elias, many, many others. Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. PTH 15–Twinning Mr. Ron Schuler (Springfield): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

These are the reasons for this petition: In 2004, the Province of Manitoba made a public commitment to the people of Springfield to twin

528 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 PTH 15 and the floodway bridge on PTH 15, but then in 2006, the twinning was cancelled. Injuries resulting from collisions on PTH 15 continue to rise and have doubled from 2007 to 2008. In August 2008, the Minister of Transportation stated that preliminary analysis of current and future traffic demands indicate that local twinning will be required. The current plan to replace the floodway bridge on PTH 15 does not include twinning and therefore does not fulfil the current nor future traffic demands cited by the Minister of Transportation.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Minister of Transportation consider the immediate twinning of the PTH 15 floodway bridge for the safety of the citizens of Manitoba. Signed by Ray Joyal, Dorote Rychlowski, Stephanie Freund and many, many other Manitobans. Thank you. Ophthalmology Services–Swan River Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. These are the reasons for this petition: The Swan Valley region has a high population of seniors and a very high incidence of diabetes.

Every year, hundreds of patients from the Swan Valley region must travel to distant communities for cataract surgery and additional pre-operative and post-operative appointments. These patients, many of whom are sent as far away as Saskatchewan, need to travel with an escort who must take time off work to drive the patient to his or her appointments without any compensation. Patients who cannot endure this expense and hardship are unable to have the necessary treatment. The community has located an ophthalmologist who would like to practise in Swan River.

The local Lions Club has provided funds for the necessary equipment, and the Swan River Valley hospital has space to accommodate this service. The Minister of Health has told the Town of Swan River that it has in sufficient infrastructure and patient volumes to sup port a cataract surgery program; however, residents of the region strongly disagree.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the Minister of Health to consider rethinking her refusal to allow an ophthalmologist to practise in Swan River and to consider working with the community to provide this service without further delay. And that is signed by Cliff Robertson, Robert Thom, Stan Husak and many, many others. Medical Clinic in Weston and Brooklands Area Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

The background to this petition is as follows: Community-based medical clinics provide a valuable health-care service. The closure of the Westbrook Medical Clinic has left both Weston and Brooklands without a community-based medical clinic. We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: To urge the provincial government to consider how important it is to have a medical clinic located in Weston and Brooklands. Mr. Speaker, this is signed by J. Williams, J. Andreas and M. Terlinski and many, many other fine Manitobans. Thank you. Bipole III Mr. Stuart Briese (Ste. Rose): Mr.

Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba And this is the background to the petition: Manitoba Hydro is being forced by the NDP government to construct its next high-voltage direct transmission line, Bipole III, down the west side of Manitoba, a decision for which the NDP government has not been able to provide any logical justification.

Since this will cost Manitoba ratepayers at least 640 million more than an east-side route, and given that the Province of Manitoba is facing its largest deficit on record, the burden of this extra cost could not come at a worse time. * (13:40)

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 529 Between 2003 and 2009 electricity rates increased by 16 percent, and Manitoba Hydro has filed a request for a furthe r rate increase totalling 6 percent over the next two years. A western Bipole III route will invariably lead to more rate increases. In addition to being cheaper, an east-side route would be hundreds of kilometres shorter and would be more reliable than a west-side route. West-side residents have not been adequately consulted and have identified serious concerns with the proposed line.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to consider proceeding with the cheaper, shorter and more logical east-side route, subject to necessary regulatory approvals, to save ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars during these challenging economic times. This petition is signed by Stephanie Grunle, Thérese Casavant and Shirley Bouchard and many, many other fine Manitobans. TABLING OF REPORTS Hon. Diane McGifford (Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy): I'm pleased to table the Adult Learning Centres in Manitoba 2008-09 Annual Report.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Flooding and Ice Jams Hon. Steve Ashton (Minister responsible for Emergency Measures): Manitoba is again experiencing spring flooding. This weekend, rainfall was significantly lower than anticipated, heading off a predicted increase in flooding. In early March, flood trends were predicted to be between a 2006 and 2009 flood. Since that time, warmer, drier weather, including next to no precipitation, has meant that this year's flooding will be significantly less than earlier anticipated. There has been additional work done to prepare for this and future floods.

Before the first forecast this year, my colleague, the Minister of Water Stewardship (Ms. Melnick), announced new ice cutters that have been added to our ever-expanding arsenal of flood-prevention and flood-fighting tools. Since then, the Province has been able to secure 1,500 additional flood tubes to fight overland flooding. I am pleased to report that the Red River crested at Morris yesterday with no closure of Highway 75. PR 200 and many other major transportation corridors also remained open for business. The Red River level in downtown Winnipeg this morning was 17.96 feet, which is unchanged from yesterday.

River levels in the city are predicted to be in the range of 17.5 to 18.2 feet until this time next week as operations of the Red River Floodway and the Portage Diversion continue. I'd like to thank MIT, EMO, Water Stewardship persons as well as staff from the municipalities for their assistance and continued support. As always, flood forecasts are subject to change and heavy precipitation could create a second crest. However, this possibility diminishes every day.

We are working with the City of Winnipeg and affected municipalities to ensure that they have the most up-to-date flood information and that we are prepared for any eventuality. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mrs. Mavis Taillieu (Morris): I'd like to thank the minister for his comments regarding this spring's high waters. I know that there's been some anxious moments this spring as Manitobans are–have been negatively affected by previous flooding. But so far, we've been spared a major flood this year.

But we did see situations in Netley Creek this year and near Petersfield area, just a few days ago, with ice jams that could cause water levels to rise very swiftly, testing our level of flood preparedness. Thankfully, Manitobans are always willing to rise to the challenge posed by flooding and other natural disasters. Over the past few weeks, we've seen government officials from all levels, Mr. Speaker, along with private citizens, take many steps to ensure that people are protected and that property damage is minimal. And this work is very much appreciated.

As the member for Mo rris, I would like, in particular, to acknowledge the considerable work undertaken by provincial officials over the last few days in order to keep Highway 75 open. This is a key artery into the province and for trade and tourism, and it's–very negatively affects those areas as well as

530 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 the economic and social well-being of the people in Morris and other communities along the Red River. I also look forward, in the weeks to come, to learn more about the Province's long-term strategy to help minimize closures of Highway 75 and hope that the people in government will listen to the expertise of the municipal officials and local people when they put forward their ideas.

I also look forward to learning more of other steps that will be taken to improve mitigation strategies throughout different regions of Manitoba that have been affected by the flooding. Investments in infrastructure such as community and private dikes have certainly proven invaluable and–in the Red River area. So Mr. Speaker, I just want to conclude by giving many thanks to all those who have worked in tackling this spring's high-water event. Thank you. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, I ask leave to speak to the minister's statement. Mr. Speaker: Does the honourable member have leave? [Agreed] Mr.

Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, first of all, I'd like to say a thank you to the Premier (Mr. Selinger) for organizing the flood tour which I participated along with the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. McFadyen) last Monday. It was a welcome opportunity to talk together and work on behalf of Manitobans to do the very best we could in terms of the flood situation. I think we can all be very thankful that it has not been worse than it has this year.

And I note that when we were in Morris that Mayor Dale Hoffman was very confident that the bridge was not going to overflow and it turns out that so far he's right, and I'm ve ry pleased for that, as, I think, are other Manitobans, and we'll hope that it stays that way. And I'd like, jointly, to thank Mayor Roger Vermette and his council who met with us and had a good discussion as well. So I join other members here in being cognizant of the good luck we've had this year, and hope it lasts for a while. Thank you. Introduction of Guests Mr.

Speaker: Okay, prior to oral questions, I'd like to draw attention of honourable members to the public gallery where we have with us from the École Selkirk Junior High, we have 58 grade 9 students under direction of Ms. Joan Cooney. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Selkirk (Mr. Dewar). On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you all here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Football Stadium Funding Loan Mr. Hugh McFadyen (Leader of the Official Opposition): Eight days after bringing down a budget that projected over $2 billion in deficits over the coming five years, Mr.

Speaker, and an addition of more than $2 billion to the debt of Manitoba in this year alone, eight days later this Premier signed a memorandum of understanding and made an announcement to expend a further $105 million of taxpayers' money on a stadium. And Mr. Speaker, the part of this that we were profoundly and remain very concerned about is the fact that he proposes to have that $105-million expenditure repaid in part by taking money away from Manitoba schools. I want to ask the Premier: Why would he take money away from Manitoba schools in order to fund a football stadium? Hon.

Greg Selinger (Premier): When we brought down the budget, we had several key points that will move Manitoba forward, one of which was stimulating the economy with 29,000 additional jobs and $1.8 billion in capital investment. Last week, I was able to announce that we have, in co-operation with the City of Winnipeg, in co-operation with the Winnipeg Football Club, in co-operation with the University of Manitoba, in co-operation with David Asper in the private sector, come up with a solution to move forward– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Selinger: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We've come up with a solution to move forward on rebuilding a stadium that will require up to $52 million of repairs and may only last another 10 years. * (13:50) So it only makes sense at a certain point that we find a solution to go forward. This $90-million loan will be made available to the stakeholders. They will manage this loan on behalf of the Province, the City

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 531 and the football club and the university. Those stakeholders will then contract with Creswin to build the new facility– Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. McFadyen: Mr. Speaker, I think it's quite clear from the MOU that this isn't a loan, it's an option that's been provided to buy out the Province's position and the fallback is that money is going to be taken– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. McFadyen: It says option in the MOUs– Mr. Speaker: Order. Let's have a little decorum here. We've got a lot of students here that come here to listen to question periods.

They have the right to hear the questions and the answers. Let's have some co-operation here. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition has the floor. Mr. McFadyen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I just want to ask the Premier why it is that he would use Manitoba schools as a backstop for a non-existent loan on a stadium project of this nature. Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, this will be a public asset. It will be at least 50 percent owned by the University of Manitoba. It will be an educational asset. The current stadium–the current site pays zero taxes, so there is no loss when you've got zero.

You can't lose any more than when you've got zero. The new project that will be developed where the stadium is currently located at Polo Park will generate tax revenue. That tax revenue will be available to the municipality. It'll be available to the school division. That is revenue that currently does not exist under the present circumstances. So schools will be better off, the City will be better off, the university will be better off, with this publicly owned asset. Mr. McFadyen: Mr. Speaker, I can understand why other levels of government might like this agreement; they don't have to front any money.

I can understand why Creswin and Mr. Asper like the deal; it makes a ton of sense from their perspective. The only losers are the taxpayers of Manitoba, the schools of Manitoba and those other public services that are going to have to be cut or that are going to have their revenue taken away in order to fund this project that this Premier has put in place in order to support somebody who made a substantial contribution to his leadership campaign. I want to ask the Premier if he can confirm that the real driver behind this deal is the fact that he's repaying somebody who made a major contribution to his campaign.

Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, I'm proud that this political party banned corporate and union donations for the first time in the history of this province, and let the record show the members opposite were against that bill. They want to legalize corporate and union donations. We have banned those donations. Mr. Speaker, this proposal will build a new stadium that will be at least 50 percent owned by the University of Manitoba. It'll be used by the Bisons. It'll be used by the lacrosse. It'll be used by soccer. It'll be used by the community groups as a fitness facility and for amateur sport.

It will do all of those things. It will generate 2,400 person-years of employment in the next two years. All of those things will be done, and it'll open up Polo Park–the site at Polo Park, which currently yields zero taxes, for redevelopment, and that site will generate new taxes for schools and for the municipalities, more taxes for schools and municipalities, a better asset to the University of Manitoba and more facilities for all Manitobans to enjoy. Mr. Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition on a new question. Mr. McFadyen: Well, Mr.

Speaker, the MOU that's got his own signature on it on page 3 actually doesn't resemble, even remotely, what he's saying in the House today and what he's saying to Manitobans. In fact, the MOU that he signed last week, which doesn't even have a signature on it from Creswin Properties or Mr. Asper–not even–they're not even signatories to the MOU that he signed–says that they're going to take money away from schools and municipalities down the road as a way of funding the stadium project today.

I want to ask the Premier: On top of the $2.3 billion that he's saddling the next generation of Manitobans with, how can he live with himself by asking the next generation of Manitobans to pay for a political pet project that's driven more by short-term politics than it is about the future of Manitoba? Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, the five-year plan we have will net out at $1.4 billion of increased spending inside of Manitoba to protect front-line services, to stimulate the economy with 29,000 jobs.

532 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 And in that $1.8 billion of stimulus money will be $90 million as a loan made available to the stakeholder's group, the stakeholder's group being the university, the City and the football club, who will then contract with Creswin realty to build a new stadium, which will generate 2,400 person-years of employment. It will have community access benefits. It will provide a proud rallying point in Manitoba for everybody to enjoy that facility. It moves Manitoba forward. What is the member's solution? He has nothing.

He doesn't even understand that it will be a publicly owned asset, a publicly owned asset for the benefit of all Manitobans. We're moving Manitoba forward. They're doing nothing but st alling like they always do. Mr. McFadyen: Mr. Speaker, and I just want to ask the Premier that if he's so proud of the deal that he cooked up last week and which was sprung on the public, why didn't he mention it in the budget that was introduced eight days earlier? Why did he present a dishonest budget to this Legislature and to the people of Manitoba, and will he now, Mr.

Speaker, have the decency to add $105 million of expenditure over the next two years so that he shows a true deficit number to the people of Manitoba, rather than these fictional numbers that he puts out through smoke and mirrors and deception? Mr. Selinger: The loan authority is contained within the budget. There are many projects that have not yet been officially announced. They will be announced as we will go forward. You have–I was out just a week–two weeks ago, I was out in Brandon announcing a new wellness centre, which is provided for in the budget.

This has a $22.5-million fitness centre, which is part of our commitment on the stimulus program. This was announced as soon as all the people came together: the University of Manitoba, the football club, the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, a nd the private sector as represented by Creswi n realty. The whole community came together to solve a problem, to move forward on a stadium, one that was going to require up to $52 million in repairs and only last 10 years. It builds the assets of Manitoba. Just like we did the MTS Centre, which the members opposed.

Just like we did with the new baseball park, which members did not support. Just like everything we've done in the last 10 years, the members have voted against it as we’ve moved this economy forward. We will move Manitoba forward. You will be the monkey-wrench party that makes things go backward. Mr. McFadyen: Well, Mr. Speaker, he is right. He is a right. We are dead set against the way he ran Crocus into the ground.

We are dead set against the way he tried to run Manitoba Hydro into the ground when he was minister, and we're dead set against the fact that he's going to add more than $2 billion in debt for short-term political projects. And I just want to ask the Premier, whose predecessor, Mr. Doer, said that under no circumstances would he use TIF financing on a stadium deal. He would never ever take money from schools to fund a stadium. Why won't he listen to Mr. Doer? Why won't he listen to taxpayers? Why won't he listen to teachers?

Why won't he listen to media commentators and say no–say no to taking money away from schools to spend on sports stadiums? Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, it's the third time he's asked that question. The existing property yields zero taxes. The new development at Polo Park, the new 650,000 square feet retail complex that will be built there, will generate substantial–millions of dollars of taxes. Those taxes will be available for the municipality. They'll be available for the school division. It will be a new source of revenue not currently available. This legislation is an in surance policy in case–in case, Mr.

Speaker–and the TIF legislation will be used–and this is something the mayor and I agreed on–it'll be used as an insurance policy to ensure that there is no current revenue or current programs that are affected by the new stadium, that the new stadium will generate up to $20 million of extra provincial sales taxes, which will fund schools, which will fund hospitals, which will fund essential services inside Manitoba. * (14:00) Winnipeg Hospitals Infectious Disease Control Standards Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr.

Speaker, some disturbing news came to light over the weekend, and according to the WRHA accreditation report, Winnipeg hospitals are failing to meet high priority infection control standards, which means that they aren't doing enough to prevent the spread of highly contagious superbugs.

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 533 So, I'd like to ask the Minister of Health: Considering that these superbugs can actually kill people, can she tell us why these standards, these very important priority standards, are not being met? Hon. Theresa Oswald (Minister of Health): Mr. Speaker, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, like all regional health authorities in Manitoba, is accredited and takes the a ccreditation process very seriously.

I am pleased to inform the House that the infection prevention and control team indicates that, indeed, they are meeting all of the standards on hospital infection identified in the 2009 accreditation report. This was not reflected in Accreditation Canada's most recent final report, and this was due to the timing of the report in relation to Manitoba's experience with H1N1. Subsequently, the same people that were working so diligently on H1N1 and the important infection control measures during that time, they have completed the paperwork that confirms that all of these standards are indeed being met, Mr. Speaker.

Mrs. Driedger: Mr. Speaker, according to that report, Winnipeg hospitals fell short in 13 of 17 standards. They had lots of time to pull this together, and it's extra troubling because the majority of hospitals across Canada were meeting these standards at exactly the same time that Winnipeg hospitals were not meeting the standards. So I'd like to ask this Minister of Health: Why has she failed to make this a priority? They seem to have money for football stadiums, but these superbugs can kill patients. Where's her priority with this issue, Mr. Speaker? Ms.

Oswald: We do take infection control very seriously as does the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. The member is incorrect in her information concerning timing. These particular accreditations take place across the nation at different times. The time that Manitoba was having this portion of their accreditation reviewed was during the thick of pandemic H1N1. I can assure the member, as has the infection control team from Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, all of these standards are indeed being met.

The member might also note, although it would be a surprise, that Winnipeg actually ranks consistently lower in–on the national average for superbugs than other jurisdictions. We know, for example, that the number of C. difficile cases in '09 was 844. It was down more than 25 percent than the previous report. In fact, we're lower than the rest of the nation. Mrs. Driedger: Well, Mr. Speaker, I hope that indeed the minister might be right because it would be better for patients.

In 2007, in fact, we were below the Canadian average, and now we get this report in 2010 by an objective outside accredita tion body, and they're saying that Winnipeg has not been meeting priority standards around the issue of superbugs. You can't put aside the superbug issu e while there's an H1N1. You should be able to look after both because patients' lives depend on it. So what's happened with this Minister of Health? She's had all this information for a long time. You can't argue that you put something aside because of H1N1. Did she hit the snooze button, Mr. Speaker? Ms. Oswald: No, in fact, Mr.

Speaker, the infection control teams across Manitoba, including the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, were focussed on front-line care during pandemic H1N1. That's why our outcomes in the nation were better than every other jurisdiction wh en it comes to serious illness. That's a very significant fact. Furthermore, I can let the member know that the story she's referring to, from her research in the Winnipeg Free Press, was that there weren't 13 of 17 not met; the analysis was actually 11 out of 94. And today, Mr. Speaker, all 94 standards are being met by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Further, that paperwork has now been completed. All of that work had been done. It hadn't been fully documented according to Accreditation Canada's standards. It has been done since then. We know that we are–with C. difficile, we know, in fact, according to our increased reporting of superbugs, comparatively speaking, that our rates are down, Mr. Speaker. Why isn't she speaking of the 2010 accreditation– Mr. Speaker: Order.

534 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 Agriculture Industry Program Funding Reductions Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): Mr. Speaker, Budget 2010 chops agriculture funding by 4.2 percent. Even though agriculture is one of our key economic drivers, this government has no problems making producers pay for their financial mismanagement. Producers are being saddled with new fees, and one is less funding for vital programs like AgriInvest. Yet the Province is wasting hundreds of millions of dollars in misdirected placement of Bipole III transmission line, on enhanced driver's licences, and so on. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister explain why farm families are being penalized for this government's inability to properly manage Manitoba's finances? Hon. Rosann Wowchuk (Minister of Finance): I want to assure this–the member that this government does indeed take very seriously the importance of the agriculture community, Mr. Speaker, and our focus has been to work on further value-added, and that's why I'm so pleased that my colleague the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Struthers) was able today to announce investments in hemp processing in the Parklands.

And I hope that members opposite will realize how important it is to move further along the value chain, and, instead of exporting all our materials, look at ways that we can add value to them right here in this province. And we will continue to do that. Mr. Eichler: Mr. Speaker, Manitoba farmers should not be punished that this government can't balance its books. The supply-managed sect or was surprised by a new fee quota on transfers in the budget. All producers will pay more for pesticide, fertilizer licences and Crown land lease rental fees.

Keystone Agricultural Producers President Ian Wishart said of this budget, I quote: Fees on agriculture are not usually positive in terms of the overall economy. These types of fees will also put additional costs on being farmers or those expanding family farm operations. Mr. Speaker, I ask the minister again: Why are producers being held for responsible–misgovern- ment, mismanagement? Why do they want fewer farmers? That won't help this economy. Ms. Wowchuk: The member opposite talks about balancing and spending money. He should talk to his leader, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, he–I'll tell you what his leader said.

He said, we'll have a policy of balancing the budget as quickly as possible while protecting front-line services. You know, you'd think that was a New Democrat talking. We said we would balance the budget and we would continue to protect front-line services. The members opposite speak against that, but when he talks to the media, he says he will protect front-line services. And this government will work with the farming industry, will work with producers, Mr. Speaker, and we will continue to protect front-line services that are important to all Manitobans. Mr. Eichler: Mr.

Speaker, this is a minister that can't balance her own budget. She's got to change the balanced budget legislation in order to meet her own mess up. Mr. Speaker, this budget cuts funding from AgriInvest, an important business risk management program. In the April 1st Manitoba Co-operator , KAP President Ian Wishart questioned the decision, stating, and I quote: That certainly is a cause for concern because we want a level playing field with other provinces, end of quote.

Our producers will be ad versely affected because this government is too busy wasting funds on a misdirected hydro transmission line, forcing the City of Winnipeg to undertake a costly nitrogen-removal cost, and launching an underutilized enhanced driving licence program. Mr. Speaker, will the minister finally admit that farm families in rural Manitoba are being forced to take the fall for this government's inability to balance their own budget? Ms. Wowchuk: Well, Mr. Speaker, the next thing that his leader said was that our policy will be that government should live within its means and that we should cut waste.

Mr. Speaker, you know what that means? We know what that means. That means that they would just do the same thing that the Conservatives did in the '90s. They would fire nurses. They would cut training for doctors. They would–all kinds of programs. They would raise taxes. That's what that message says. * (14:10)

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 535 But, Mr. Speaker, Manitobans understand that we are prepared to protect front-line services and make investments so that they–we don't have services cut. We will not do what Conservatives do, and that is cut front-line services, raise taxes on farmers, all of those things that they would have done, that they did do in the '90s. Manitoba Crop Insurance Compensation for Corn Producers Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): Mr. Speaker, when you buy fire insurance, you hope you will never need it. The same when you buy crop insurance, you hope you will never use it.

To the Minister of Agriculture: Last fall, because of weather conditions and no fault of the producers, corn developed a mould. This corn was condemned by Manitoba Crop Insura nce. The Crop Insurance officials instructed their field agents to tell producers that, if producers harvested the corn, the producers would be fairly compensated, the same as those who harvested for high-moisture corn or coblage. When will the minister make this final decision? Hon. Stan Struthers (Min ister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives): It's good to be here, Mr. Speaker.

I–and I very much appreciate the question from my friend across the way. We have met with the corn growers. We've met with MASC. We're working our way towards a solution to this problem. We know we don't want to have crops left out on the field. The member and I agree to that. And, Mr. Speaker, I think we need to keep working to make sure that this problem gets solved and that farmers are treated fairly. Mr. Dyck: Mr. Speaker, will Manitoba Crop Insurance honour the commitment made to producers who dried and harvested their corn?

Will the minister assure the producers that they will be treated fairly, the same as those who harvested high-moisture or coblage? Mr. Struthers: I think we need to make very clear, too, the good work that MASC does do, the good work that they do with farmers right across this province. MASC has met with corn growers on this p a r t i c u l a r i s s u e . M y g o a l i s t o m a k e s u r e t h a t w e work our way through this problem and that we leave ourselves in a position so that farmers can make good decisions to utilize that corn and not have it sit out there on the crops.

So I want farmers to be treated fairly and we're going to work with MASC to make sure that happens. Mr. Dyck: There is an urgency to this in that about 10 percent of the crop is still out there. So I would urge the minister to make that decision and to make it very quickly, because certainly it has–it is dependent on what the producers do out there today. So I want to thank him for looking at it but it–the decisions needs to be made and made very soon. Mr. Struthers: Yes, and I agree with that.

I think timing is of the essence on this and I appreciate the advice that the member for Pembina has given us and MASC on this issue. We do need to solve this issue quickly. Farmers need to know where they stand on a go-forward basis and the member is right, there is still 10 percent of that crop out there that there's some decisions need to be made on. So I get that point and I thank him for his advice. Beverage Containers Levy Charges Mr. Larry Maguire (Arthur-Virden): Mr. Speaker, March 31st was the last day that the province's 2-cent levy on bottle–beverage-container sales in Manitoba was to be collected.

These funds had been used to help fund recycling programs. However, a visit to six different retailers in the past two days found that four are charging a 2-cent recycling fee on bottle beverages, or on bottle beverages like water and soda, while two were not. So, Mr. Speaker, I want to table the copies of these receipts to the minister and I want to ask him, will the Minister of Conservation explain why a 2-cent levy is being collected by some retailers but not all? Where is the money going? Hon. Bill Blaikie (Minister of Conservation): Well, Mr.

Speaker, as the honourable member will know, April the 1st was the beginning of the new regime for recycling in the province where the MMSM began its extended producer responsibility regime for dealing with recycling. Now, the discrepancy in terms of the levies–I'm not sure where the honourable member is alleging that the levy that was supposed to end on April the 1st is still being charged in some places and not in others, or whether he's referring to the beverage levy, which has been introduced by the industry itself after April 1st, and is being applied in this way that he speaks of.

536 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 So, I'd be interested in finding out more about it, this variation. And what happens in one store and another is not something I'm aware of, and I'm certainly as interested in finding out what's going on as he is. Mr. Maguire: We can all agree, Mr. Speaker, that we need to tackle the issue of excess packaging and find ways to get people to recycle more, but the province has launched a new system without all the details being sorted out. When asked to explain the 2-cent levy, retail cashiers were at a loss as to how it worked. Mr.

Speaker, how is the consumer to know if they should be paying this levy, particularly after the minister announced that it would end on March the 31st? Why did the minister not tell Manitobans that some would continue to pay while others would not? Why did he create such confusion? Mr. Blaikie: Well, Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that the government levy ended on March 31st and industry has taken it over.

This–we're now into extended producer responsibility, something which I understand members opposite supported, it's a concept that they suppor t, having businesses and industry look after, you know, their product that they produce, from one end of the cycle to the other. Now, if the–if there is a levy being paid at some places and not others, I'd be interested–as the honourable member would, too–to know, is that the new levy, if it has to do with beverage containers, that the industry itself is levying, or is it an inappropriate carry-over of the levy that was supposed to end on March the 31st?

I'll get back to the member on that. Mr. Maguire: Well, Mr. Speaker, I've already given the minister the answer. It's on his desk. It is still being collected. So the Province has ended the recycling program administered by the Manitoba Product Stewardship Corporation. The new Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba Web site states, and I quote, Mr. Speaker: "The launch of the new program is anticipated for April 1, 2010." But as the receipts from the different retailers clearly show, confusion is the order of the day.

Manitobans want to protect the environment, but they also want evidence of the new program's design before they pay a recycling levy that, as they understand, the minister announced would end on March the 31st. Mr. Speaker, is this type of confusion what the minister planned when he launched the new material management system? When can Manitobans expect this to be sorted out? Mr. Blaikie: Well, Mr. Speaker, I can assure the honourable member that we didn't plan confusion. What we planned was to have an entirely new regime of extended producer responsibility begin on April the 1st. That's what's happened.

The member has brought some details to my attention. I'll look into them. But in the meantime, I hope that the honourable member and all members would join with me in hoping that this new regime, which we've–which has begun on April the 1st, will actually increase the amount of recycling that's going on in this province. That's the goal. That's what industry and business wanted and what the honourable members agreed to, and the proof will be in the pudding. And we hope that this system will work better than the system we had. Post-Secondary Education Faculty Tuition Increases Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr.

Speaker, as reported today, the University of Manitoba is proposing to increase tuition for Masters in Business Administration students by $15,000. We are led to believe that up to seven more schools or faculties within the university are also planning major increases, with the Faculty of Medicine apparently wanting a 114 percent increase, Faculty of Dentistry, a 40 percent increase, the faculty of agriculture, a 20 percent increase. I ask the Premier: Is he going to allow these increases?

And will the Premier increase student aid so that people–students attending these faculties– we're not in a situation where it's just for the rich? Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): There have been no submissions or proposals put forward to the Council on Post-Secondary Education yet to have these kinds of increases.

If and when they are received, they will be reviewed according to five criteria, and those criteria include whether the fees will have an adverse effect on the programs' accessibility, whether the increased fees will have an adverse effect on Manitoba's labour market, and it will–whether or not it will increase the number of students choosing to enrol in the faculty. It'll also be looked at in terms of whether the grad rates are maintained in the program, and average earned income shortly after graduation is sufficient to support repayment of the loans. And

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 537 finally, it will be looked at in terms of whether there's student support. So there are criteria in place if and when a submission comes forward to the Council on Post-Secondary Education and we would, of course, be concerned that there's not dramatic sticker shock for students in terms of the fees they pay in the future. Mr. Gerrard: Mr.

Speaker, if the Premier is going to allow such huge increases in tuition, at the very least, the Premier should be putting forward much more in terms of student aid, but, in fact, the student aid budget decreased this year, except for a program, a rebate program which the Premier told us a couple of weeks ago would provide $150 a student. Well, if you're providing $150 a student, that's virtually nothing for somebody who's got a $15,000 tuition increase. * (14:20) Come clean, Mr. Premier. That's not good enough.

What are you going to do to increase student aid so that this is not just a campus for the rich, this is a campus for all Manitobans. Mr. Selinger: First of all, the member shouldn't assume that there's going to be these dramatic increases in fees when there hasn't even been a submission made to the Council on Post-Secondary Education. I put on the record the criteria that will be used to examine any submission, if and when it's received.

The member also knows in the budget that the reduction in the budget was the Millennium Scholarship Fund which, unfortunately, when he was with the federal government they did not make it permanent; they only made it a temporary fund. That funded–that scholarship fund ended. Yes, we have increased the graduate tuition tax rebate. We've made it available for the first time ever to students during the course of their studies while they're going to school.

It's worth $7.5 million, and we have a general guideline of a 5 percent increase to tuition fees which are still among the lowest in the country–in the top three–for affordability in the country. Access Centre Northwest Winnipeg Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. For well over 30 years the Nor'West Community Health Centre has provided valuable services to thousands of residents in Winnipeg's North End, and, in fact, beyond. Mr.

Speaker, there's been an expectation for the last number of years that there would be an access centre which would be able to expand medical services to the residents of Winnipeg's North End, and there's a sense of frustration that the government is once again overlooking the needs of Winnipeg's North End. My question to the Minister of Health: What can she tell us today, given the budget documents that have been released, that could provide some encouragement to the residents of the Winnipeg north in regards to this access centre that they have been promised for a number of years already? Hon.

Theresa Oswald (Minister of Health): Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for the question. We know that he has a keen interest in medical services, as do many members on this side of the House, for northwest Winnipeg. We have worked very carefully to provide more access centres, which means more access to primary care in all areas of our city and, indeed, we are committed to continue to build and build one in northwest Winnipeg. We also know in the interim that there is work going on with the Nor'West Co-op and health professionals in the area where the Westbrook clinic was formerly located.

So I can let the member know that plans for the Nor'West access centre are going forward. We are working on an interim plan with the Nor'West Co-op and with some interested professional–professionals, doctors, et cetera, to locate there. We want to bring as much primary care to the people of northwest Winnipeg as possible, and we're working together to do that. Provincial Parks Campsite Reservation System Mr.

Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): The remarkable questions from the members opposite not- withstanding, the highlight of my day so far has actually been my daily walk to the Legislature enjoying the wonderful spring weather that has now arrived in our fair provin ce and was reflecting this morning that perhaps a number of Manitobans might be interested in maybe visiting one of our provincial

538 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 parks for free for the seco nd year in a row, and perhaps they might need to make a reservation somewhere to do that. I would ask my colleague, the honourable Minister for Conservation, if he could provide the House with an update on how the park reservation system is faring so far. Hon. Bill Blaikie (Minister of Conservation): Well, Mr.

Speaker, I'm glad that the honourable member from Wolseley was so inspired on his way to the Legislature this morning and inspired to ask me that question, because what we can celebrate today is that, given the 50th anniversary of provincial parks, the Manitoba Parks Reservation Service set a record for first-day bookings of individual campsites on Monday by handling 13,641 bookings for the 2010 camping season, which is an increase of about 20 percent over last year's opening day. Now, if we can just get a 20 percent increase in the weather over last summer, everything will be absolutely perfect.

Drain Maintenance Resources Mr. Stuart Briese (Ste. Rose): Mr. Speaker, two major third-order drains in the McCreary area are basically non-functional because of lack of maintenance. Third-order drains are the responsibility of the Province. The Turtle drain has sedimentation plant growth to such a severe degree that it keeps water tables artificially high in surrounding farmland. Will the minister commit today to providing maintenance resources for third-order drains? Hon. Steve Ashton (Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation): We, on this side, do understand the importance of drainage.

In fact, since we came to office, we've significantly increased both the capital and the maintenance for drainage. I, also, Mr. Speaker, made it a point as minister to meet with municipalities throughout the province; the member knows that from his previous life. And certainly, as we look forward to again this year, we're doing a significant amount of maintenance work. I certainly welcome the input from the member on this particular drainage issue as I do from all members of the House. This government, once again, is committed to rural Manitoba and is committed to drainage in rural Manitoba. Mr. Briese: Mr.

Speaker, I'd certa inly be pleased to take the minister on a tour of that area and show him that none of that–the infrastructure money he's talking about–is being spent there. I recently saw 20-year-old pictures of a bridge on the Wilson Drain, a third-order drain south of McCreary. In the pictures, men were standing under the bridge with about a foot of head clearance. Today, you couldn't crawl under that bridge on your hands and knees. Why does the minister allow the deplorable condition of drain maintenance to continue?

Why take the risk of paying flood mitigation every year instead of doing one-time maintenance that will last for many years? Mr. Ashton: Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm glad the member mentioned flood mitigation. Dare I say, again, this government has shown its commitment to rural Manitoba by record investments in flood mitigation, and I can indicate we were even better prepared this year, in terms of our flood mitigation, both in terms of the flood tubes, the ice cutters. And I look forward very shortly, Mr. Speaker, to a further announcement with our partners, the federal government, in terms of that.

The member may want to be inspecting underneath bridges and drains across his constituency. We take a forward-thinking view; we're committed to rural Manitoba; we're committed to drainage and of flood mitigation of rural Manitoba. Westman Regional Laboratory Pathologist Vacancies Mr. Rick Borotsik (Brandon West): Mr. Speaker, western regional labs and CancerCare Manitoba facilities in Brandon cannot possibly operate properly if biopsies cannot be tested within a reasonable time line. I have a constituent, Mr. Speaker, who was waiting weeks for a biopsy result.

Without the lab test results, proper cancer care could not be prescribed. Can the Minister of Health please tell me how many pathologists are currently working out of the

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 539 Westman Regional Lab and how many this is short of a full complement? Hon. Theresa Oswald (Minister of Health): I thank the member for the question. At the moment, there are 3.75 vacancies at the Westman lab; this is out of six positions. So recruiting is very focussed and aggressive concerning Westman labs. I can inform the member, however, that Diagnostic Services Manitoba was created in order to enable the sharing of samples and the testing of samples to be expedited. We know that as a result of this that the sharing of the pathology work is going on.

We know that doctors in the Westman lab are indeed prioritizing cases as they always do, and, in some cases, Mr. Speaker, a few cases, tests are being sent out of the province in order to expedite the results. We know that even waiting one day when there is a fear of the diagnosis of cancer, that's too long, Mr. Speaker. That's why the aggressive recruitment of pathologists is going on at Westman lab. Mr. Speaker: Time for oral questions has expired. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Marie Rose Nerynck Mr. Blaine Pedersen (Carman): On March 30th, 2010, I had the opportunity to attend a celebration in Swan Lake for Mrs.

Marie Rose Nerynck on the occasion of her 105th birthday. Mrs. Nerynck was one of 10 children born in Bruxelles, Manitoba, March 30th, 1905, to Sidonie and Aelie Ledoyen. Mrs. Nerynck married her husband, Leon, on May 3rd, 1929. They farmed near Bruxelles, Manitoba until 1937 when they moved to Swan Lake. Her husband, Le on, worked at various trade positions, including an elevator agent, a Massey Harris dealer and the department of highways and transportation. Marie and Leon raised their family of four girls and one boy, who all live in Manitoba today. Marie an d Leon were married for 69 years.

Her husband passed away at the age of 94 years in 1996. (14:30) Over the years, Mrs. Nerynck contributed many hours of volunteer service in her community. Mrs. Nerynck's neighbours, the Swan Lake hospital and St. John's Ambulance, amongst others, have all benefited from Mrs. Nerynck's generosity and dedication. Marie Rose Nerynck lived in her own house in Swan Lake until October of this past year. She is currently in the Swan Lake hospital, waiting placement for the personal care home in Notre Dame, Manitoba. Mr. Speaker, I had a wonderful visit with Mrs. Nerynck on her birthday.

I was teasing her about blowing out so many candles and eating too much cake. However, she assured me she would not eat too much cake. Some of her family celebrated the previous Sunday while the rest of her family were coming on her birthday on March 30th. I want to wish Marie Rose Nerynck a happy 105th birthday. Roger Joseph Carriere Sr. Mr. Frank Whitehead (The Pas): Mr. Speaker, I stand today to share some stories about my late uncle Roger Carriere Sr., a great man who recently passed away. Roger was known as a northern icon, but I would like to speak about the man behind the legend.

Roger was an accomplished woodsman, trapper, but he considered his family to be his greatest achievement and highest priority. His youngest son, Roger Jr., was an accomplished hockey player and a golf aficionado, and Roger Sr. was his biggest fan. He regularly attended his son's games and I remember with pleasure a round of golf I played with his son that Roger caddied for. It is quite an incredible thing to witness a man of his stature in his role as a dad. I always knew him to be a loving and supportive father who acted in his children's best interest.

Roger and his wife, my aunt Olive, visited my family regularly when I was growing up. I recall the conversation always revolved around the importance of community and the strength of family. His commitment to his own family's well-being was evident. He worked tirelessly so his children would have the opportunity to advance their education and have better lives. He and my aunt truly acted as the anchors of the family. He was well known for his outstanding athletic abilities and commanded respect because he conducted himself not only as an esteemed athlete, but also was a gentleman.

He was a true team player and treated his competitors as friends. By nature very humble, he never trumpeted his many athletic

540 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 successes. On one occasion, when I was 19 years old, he encouraged me to train and enter a 10-mile snowshoe race that–insisting that it would make me physically and mentally resilient. He was right, Mr. Speaker. Roger was also famous for his unrivalled bird calling. At a time when these skills were dying out, he shared his gift with his sons, nephews and grandchildren, ensuring that his legacy will surely live on in the younger generation. Mr. Speaker, I will certainly miss my uncle and his profound positive impact on the Opaskwayak community.

The admiration and respect that I and others had will not be forgotten. Bette Mueller Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): I am pleased to rise in the House today to recognize Bette Mueller, one of this year's recipients of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, recognized for their talents, achievements, imagination and innovation in both their professional and volunteering lives. The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards are presented each year to those women who make an outstanding contribution to their communities.

Along with 25 other women of distinction, Bette Mueller accepted her award on March the 4th, 2010, at a gala celebration in Brandon. Bette Mueller's friend and colleague, Lynda Matchullis, thought it was time Miss Mueller's many contributions were formally recognized and nominated her for the award. Linda enthusiastically detailed all of the contributions that Bette made to the community, outlining each under the three categories set out in the awards criteria.

In the area of unique and outstanding individual achievements, Bette Mueller was recognized for her work as an educator, including her role in developing Success for All Learners: A Handbook for Differentiating Instruction, an educational tool used across the world. Under the second criteria, contributing to the well-being of the community, Bette Mueller had undertaken a key role in developing the Pembina-Manitou action committee. This committee has been integral in the success of many projects in the community, including the 55-plus complex, Manitou community pool and the Communities in Bloom initiative.

Bette Mueller has also been involved in many tourism and historical initiatives, including the Log House Tourism Centre, the Nellie McClung statue committee and the heritage committee. Her contributions as a role model for other women, Bette Mueller's work as an educator, becoming the first female principal of Nellie McClung Collegiate, has inspired many women to excel. Betty Mueller is an ideal YWCA Woman of Distinction recipient. Her contributions to the community and her achievements professionally are an inspiration to everyone in Manitou. Thank you. Ham Sandwich Drama Group Mr.

Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday night my wife and I were privileged to attend the play, Speaking in Tongues, performed by the Ham Sandwich theatre group in the R.H. Channing auditorium in Flin Flon. The playwright is Canadian Australian Andrew Bovell. The Ham Sandwich group is widely known for their light comedy and penchant for quirky dialogue. However, they have also not shied away from serious drama. In the fall of 2000, for example, they did a very convincing performance of Rain, a drama based on Somerset Maugham's short story by the same name.

Again they have succeeded admirably in this drama, a drama whose theme explores the complexity of communication. Speaking in Tongues follows the exploit of two couples who exchange partners and are about to commit adultery. The stage was structured uniquely, paralleling the split-screen technique which allowed the interactions of both couples to be seen simultaneously. The depth of the performance was enhanced as dialogue involving one couple carried over to the second couple emphasizing the subtle differences in the meaning of words. Mr.

Speaker, the performance was outstanding and I wish to commend the talented artists who put in so much effort to ensure the play was a success: Buz Trevor, Lance Englebrecht, Beth Heine, Miranda Hyndman, Kevin Imrie, Ray Knight, Samantha Moore, John Taylor and Sarah Trevor. Also thanks to Jude McCombie, Doug Peterson, Corey Dewhirst and Derek Novosel. Last but not least, a big thank you to Tom Heine, the director, who is developing a reputation as a serious force in the performing arts in the Flin Flon region. I'm

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 541 certainly looking forward to Ham Sandwich's next performance. Thank you. Bill Stilwell Mr. Stuart Briese (Ste. Rose): Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise today and share with this House the accomplishments of my constituent, Mr. Bill Stilwell, who's served the Manitoba libraries for many years. Mr. Stilwell's passion for libraries was recognized when he was presented the Library Trustee of Distinction Award at the Manitoba Library Trustees Association.

The Trustee of Distinction Award is the highest recognition given to library service of Manitoba, and this is only the sixth time that it's ever been given out. Mr. Stilwell has been an active advocate of libraries at his local community, provincially and nationally. By serving with organizations such as the Neepawa Library Board, the Manitoba Public Library Board and the Canadian Library Trustee Association, Mr. Stilwell has been a strong advocate of the needs of libraries in Manitoba and across the country.

Libraries are needed to build strong communities and to encourage young people to develop a lifelong desire to read. Mr. Stilwell has recognized this importance and continuously advocates for increased funding and accessibility to ensure that every Manitoban can benefit from the rich resources that libraries have to offer. Mr. Stilwell has always also helped to rejuvenate the Manitoba Library Trustee Association. When he took over the association, they faced minimal support and membership.

Under Bill's enthusiasm and strong leadership, it has transformed into a thriving organization that is constantly seeking to improve library services in Manitoba. Mr. Stilwell is also an active community member serving as town councillor and Neepawa's deputy mayor and as a director of the Southwest Regional Development Corporation. Over the years he's been on many other committees in an effort to actively support and improve his community. Manitoba is lucky to have individuals like Bill, who selflessly volunteer their time to serve others. I would like to congratulate Mr.

Stilwell in receiving this prestigious award, thank him and many others who work tirelessly to preserve and improve the libraries of Manitoba. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS BUDGET DEBATE (Second Day of Debate) Mr. Speaker: Resume adjourned debate on the proposed motion of the honourable Minister of Finance (Ms. Wowchuk) that this House approves in general the budgetary policy of the government and the proposed motion of the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. McFadyen) in amendment thereto, standing in the name of the honourable member for Concordia. Mr.

Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Mr. Speaker, you know, I think I might have heard an audible gasp from the opposition side of the House here just now when the member from Concordia was recognized. But I can assure the members opposite, it is not a ghost of a former member come back to haunt them. I can't, however, promise that the new member from Concordia won't seek to make them take notice in the future. * (14:40) I want to thank my honourable colleagues for this opportunity to speak first to Budget 2010 and to the important priorities that it sets out for my community and for our province.

I want to first take this opportunity, however, as it is my initial speech in this House, to pass along some acknowledgement and some thank-yous to those who have been instrumental in getting me to this point. First and foremost, I want to thank the voters of Concordia. My predecessor once mentioned, even as he was in his third term as premier, what a humbling experience it can be at election time to go to the voters and ask for them to support you.

I can tell you that after 33 days of visiting thousands of homes, and having hundreds of conversations with people on the doorsteps and in the coffee shops, I can certainly agree with this sentiment. It was a hard-fought campaign and one that myself and my team never took lightly. Despite the undeniable–undeniably positive electoral history of the constituency, and the popularity of our current Premier and government, I knew we would have to work hard to allow people to get to know me, who I was and what my vision was for the community.

I knew that if I could accomplish that, and if we could effectively get our message out, that we would be

542 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 successful. But I also knew th at we couldn't rest on our laurels, and I think we ran a lively, a fair, and an exciting campaign, and I'm proud of the hard work put in by all. On that note, I want to thank the amazing staff and volunteers that helped me communicate that message to the voters over those 33 days. I have volunteered in many election campaigns over the years, and I know just how much work goes into the successful campaign behind the scenes.

I was so lucky to have people supporting me that I had so much faith in that I could confidently leave all of the day-to-day operation of the campaign in their hands. All of the important things like getting out literature to mailboxes, putting up signs on lawns, contacting voters on my behalf, these were all vital aspects of the successful campaign we ran, and they were all aspects that were managed by the staff of the campaign and carried out by volunteers. There's absolutely no question, Mr.

Speaker, that I couldn't have run such a successful campaign without the support, and I'm incredibly grateful and humbled by all the time and energy that was dedicated to this effort on my behalf. It was a great feeling then to know that I only had one main job during the campaign, and that was to knock on doors, and talk to as many residents as I could. And despite the sometimes frigid temperatures of a winter by-election, I actually enjoyed this part of the campaign most–I think because I felt that at every door I learned something new.

I came into this campaign believing that I knew my neighbourhood inside and out but with every conversation I had at the doorstep I felt that I came to know the constituency better and better. It was a unique opportunity too because I think there are very few circumstances, outside of an election campaign, that one would knock on all your neighbours doors and introduce yourself, and poll them for their concerns and their thoughts about the neighbourhood.

It was a unique opportunity that's reinforced the pride that I feel for my community and has strengthened my commitment to work hard for the betterment of the residents of Concordia. I also want to thank my family, Mr. Speaker, my wife, Kaila, my mother, Carolyn [phonetic], who are both joining me–joining us in the gallery here today. I want to thank my father, Rudy [phonetic], my in-laws, Ken and Loreen [phonetic], my brothers and sisters. Their encouragement and advice during the campaign was invaluable to me and I couldn't have done it without their support. I want to thank my friends in the community as well.

Over the past number of years I've had the pleasure of working with many different individuals and community groups in the constituency on a variety of projects. Volunteering my time as a resident for the betterment of my community has been one of the most fulfilling activities that I've ever been involved in. There are so many individuals and community organizations that are having such a positive impact on our community and I would like to acknowledge the incredible work that they are doing, and thank them for the support that they afforded me personally over the years and throughout the campaign.

I want to thank Martin Landy and Robb Massey, and the staff and the board at the Elmwood Community Resource Centre who worked tirelessly day in and day out to provide countless services to those in need in our community. To Jan Stuyck and the community at Beautify Elmwood and the organizers of Happy Days on Henderson/Take Pride Elmwood, which is a great community-building event each summer in our constituency, Mr. Speaker, and to John Kubi and the committee at the residents advisory group, who do great work to create awareness of civic issues in our community.

I want to thank all the contributing members of the River East Neighbourhood Network, the folks at the Good Neighbours Active Living Centre and the EK Seniors–Elmwood-Kildonan Senior Centre, 180 Poplar, who provide crucial programming for seniors in our neighbourhood. And a special thank-you to Louise Balaban and Sigrun Bailey and the rest of the team of the RENN Trail Committee who are responsible for the wonderful active transportation trail in our neighbourhood, the Northeast Pioneers Greenway that connects our communities, the communities of Concordia and beyond.

And to the many, many others who volunteer their time, energy and money to the betterment of our community: these individuals and groups are working every day to make Concordia a better place to live for all residents, and their hard work and dedication is an inspiration to me as I move into this new relationship with them and to the work that they do. I'm excited to continue to work with them and to

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 543 help them connect with provincial resources that will help them accomplish their goals. I also want to briefly mention, Mr. Speaker, how proud I am to be part of the–a long tradition of NDP representatives in Concordia. Peter Fox was the first member from Concordia who was the Speaker of this Legislature at the time, followed, of course, by Gary Doer, who would go on to be premier. However, the tradition extends further back even than that, as A.J. Reed who was elected in 1958 as a CCFer in the constituency then known as Kildonan, as it was called at that time.

I feel that, in many ways, Mr. Speaker, I am walking in the shadows of giants, as I look at the accomplishments of these men, but I am committed to working hard to continue the tradition of good representation for the people of Concordia. I can report to this Hous e, Mr. Speaker, that the previous member for Concordia left the constituency in good shape.

One of the things that struck me knocking on doors, is the almost universal acknowledgment that not only was Gary Doer a good premier and the premier who worked for all–for the best interests of all Manitobans, but he was also a good representative of our neighbourhood. Even those voters who were by nature not of the same political persuasion still recognized that Gary was a premier that, despite being engaged with the issues of the whole province and having the responsibility that comes with that, he never lost focus on our community.

One only has to look as far as the many projects that were supported by the former premier in Concordia to see his commitment to our community. Ms. Marilyn Brick, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair He was also someone who managed to maintain a personal connection with the many constituents in Concordia despite how busy he was. As I was knocking on doors, I found many people would share a story or two about how Gary had visited their house and sat down at their kitchen table for a chat or how they would see him at his daughter's soccer games cheering on the team with the rest of the parents.

People knew that Gary was someone they could relate to, someone who was, like them, interested in making the community a better place to raise his family, and I hope to have the same relationship with the people of Concordia and intend to work hard to foster that relationship. I have to admit, Madam Deputy Speaker, that the last couple of months have felt like a bit of a roller coaster for me following the hard work and the long hours put in during the campaign and then, of course, the success of election day and now my first– my subsequent first expe riences here in this Chamber.

And my family and I have also been dealing with the passing of my grandmother, Aganetha Wiebe, my oma, as we would call her, at the age of 95. It was a lot to take in in such a short time, but it has also helped me to appreciate the strong ties my family and I have to this community. My grandparents came to Canada as refugees from the Soviet Union by way of Germany in 1949 and settled and raised their family in East Kildonan just a few blocks outside of the area that I now represent.

My grandmother was still around to hear that I'd successfully been elected, and I'm grateful that she was here to know that her grandson came to represent the community that she cared so much about. In fact, my immediate family never strayed too far from where my grandparents first settled. My parents moved a few times in northeast Winnipeg but eventually moved into north–into Valley Gardens in the northern part of the constituency of Concordia where I grew up, just a few blocks down the street from where my grandparents first came. Similarly, I moved around a bit in east Kildonan.

I lived in Morse Place for a while but eventually settled very close again, in Elmwood, in the southern part of Concordia. I feel that this family history in the neighbourhood has given me a unique knowledge of this constituency and the issues people care about in this community. I mention this as well because my oma spent her last days at Concordia Hospital in my constituency, so my experience with the care she received there is very fresh in my mind. On behalf of my family, I want to thank the staff at the hospital who did their best to treat her and later to help her and my family be comfortable.

I know many from the constituency of Concordia and the rest of northeast Winnipeg have contact with this hospital every day, and in some of their most difficult times, and I'm sure they appreciate the care that they receive there as well. * (14:50) They know that, as a community asset–that a community asset like Concordia Hospital is vital to the overall well-being of our community. That is

544 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 why I am proud that this government has committed to keeping health care as one of our No. 1 priorities despite the economic realities in this province along with the rest of the world. The constituents in Concordia know the importance of investments in health care, and they only need to look as far as the hospital to see the government's record on health care: a new emergency room, Mr. Speaker, capital funding for the Hip & Knee Institute, an ongoing commitment for funding for research at that facility.

All these are tangible representations of our government's commitment to health care. And now, as we tackle this current global economic reality–created not, I might add, by the hardworking people of Manitoba, but created on Wall Street–it is clear that our government continues to make health care a priority. Without this unprecedented commitment to health care, even in difficult times, many initiatives that people have told me are priorities would then be at risk. Projects such as the new birth centre for Winnipeg, the mental-health crisis response centre and the new state-of-the-art cardiac care centre at St.

Boniface Hospital would all be at risk, Mr. Speaker, without a commitment by this government to the front-line services that matter most to Manitobans. I keep saying "Mr. Speaker." This is in stark contrast to the government's reaction the last time Manitobans faced difficult economic times, of course. The last time the government faced difficult choices in the 1990s they chose to cut health-care funding, to cut nurses from the payrolls and to slash dollars for doctors, and the effects of these disastrous policies have been felt in Manitoba for over a decade.

Manitobans are telling us now that they want government to maintain these vital services, and our budget reflects those priorities. In this budget 90 percent of new funding is going directly to services Manitobans count on, like health care, and I am proud of that fact. Manitobans are also telling us that they want to continue to fund initiatives that make our communities safer. During the by-election, Madam Deputy Speaker, my opponents tried to make political hay using the overly simplistic slogan of getting tough on crime.

You know, time after time on the doorstep in the–during the campaign, I heard from the residents of Concordia that we need to address the root causes of crime and delinquency in our neighbourhood, not just talk about punitive measures. That is why I'm so happy that our government is continuing to fund those initiatives in our community that promote safe activities for youth. The expansion of the Lighthouses program by five additional sites is an excellent example of the priorities that this government places on community safety.

Giving youth an opportunity to have a safe, healthy environment to spend their time after school is an invaluable resource for families who struggle to provide their children with after-school activities. I believe the success of this program demonstrates the type of forward thinking our government takes on issues like community safety, and the continued commitment to this program even in difficult economic circumstances showcases this government's commitment to those front-line services.

I'm also thrilled that this government has committed to extending the Neighbourhoods Alive! program to include the neighbourhood of Elmwood. This type of commitment is vital to the continued ability of our community to address the needs of residents on the ground level. I know personally of several community groups and programs–I mentioned some of them earlier here–that will benefit, directly benefit from this commitment and will be in a position to directly provide front-line services to those who need it.

Additional government money for programs that are proven to work is an example of the commitment our government has made to keeping vital programs and services available to those who need them. In my work as chair of the Elmwood Safety Committee I found that residents value the small measures that help make their neighbourhoods safer, and having the Neighbourhoods Alive! initiative in our community will go a long way to helping those on the ground deliver the plethora of programs they know firsthand will help our community.

In addition to this, Madam Deputy Speaker, our government knows that we must also continue to address the realities of crime by increasing the funding for police officers on the street at a level that is unprecedented in Manitoba history by giving–and giving the people of Concordia and other communities across this province the security in their neighbourhoods that they want. Our government is committed to increasing the number of police officers that are funded by the Province to 13 new

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 545 officers in this budget, which brings to a total of 93 the number of new officers this government has put on our streets since 2005. I'm very proud of this fact, as these officers are on the front lines who will directly impact the communities that they work in.

As well, our government's commitment to once again increase the provincial funding for prosecutors in this province, to fund an additional nine prosecutors, Madam Deputy Speaker, means that those charged with crimes will be tried more quickly, and this will get–both get criminals off the streets and make our system fair. And, finally, our government's commitment to listen to the recommendation of the Winnipeg Police and help them fund the police helicopter that they have identified to us, Madam Deputy Speaker, that the experts have determined is a vital crime-fighting tool, is an exciting commitment.

On the doorstep, I heard that people want to listen to the advice of experts on these matters and assist them with whatever tools that they feel are most useful. Another concern I heard during the campaign, Madam Deputy Speaker, was regarding public housing. I'm proud that Budget 2010 identifies housing as an important part of this government's commitment to Manitobans as well. In my community we have several affordable housing options, but what I heard from constituents is that retaining the quality of this housing is also a priority.

By increasing the operating and capital investments in housing by 10 percent in this budget, I am pleased that this government has pledged to both increase the amount of affordable housing by 1,500 units, which is substantial, but also seek to improve the quality of housing available. Upgrades to existing housing– existing units are vital for ensuring that our social housing remains a healthy place for our families to live. As well, the commitment to promoting the use of members of the community to make certain upgrades is an important commitment to developing skills and community pride in these neighbourhoods.

Another vital area–a nother area vital to Manitoba families is health care. I heard from people during the campaign that child care was a priority, and I know this first-hand, Madam Deputy Speaker. I'm recently married and, while I don't have any children quite yet, it is top of mind, and I can certainly say that it's an area I know we have to continue to make a priority. Our government's commitment in this budget is to fund hundreds of additional child-care spaces slated for this fall is a critical commitment for Manitoban families.

And Concordia has already seen some additional funds to increase the number of spaces available to our families. In 2009–October 2009–it was announced that a new facility at Concordia Hospital would be one of the new–the 16 new child-care centres in Manitoba to receive a share of $2.35 million in capital funding to renovate space at the hospital complex. As well, Budget 2010 commits to a new pension plan system that will provide child-care workers more stability and help recruit and retain these vital early childhood educators.

Finally, I am also proud, Madam Deputy Speaker, that Manitoba is one of the most affordable places in Canada to live, and this budget goes a long way in keeping it affordable. By keeping tax rates low while at the same time stimulating our economy through $1.8 billion in spending on capital projects–a 90 percent increase over last year–as well as keeping our government services that people have come to count on, our government will ensure that the Manitoba economy remains strong.

There is a commitment in this budget to support the creation of 29,000 direct and indirect jobs through infrastructure investments and this is a commitment that very clearly focusses on neighbourhoods like Concordia. Concordia is proudly a working-class neighbourhood. We know that giving people the opportunity to work is important for keeping neighbourhoods healthy as well as our economy healthy. Our government is committed to increasing the minimum wage, while at the same time eliminating the small business tax.

I know several small business owners in my constituency, Madam Deputy Speaker, who have directly benefited from this program. And more money for training and apprenticeship programs and more money for universities mean that more people in my community will have an opportunity to further their education. Our community is one that wants to work, Madam Deputy Speaker, and this government is committed to helping them give–give them that opportunity. I am proud to be part of a government that puts people first.

This economic plan seeks to protect the citizens of Manitoba from an economic downturn that was created on Wall Street, Madam Deputy Speaker, but it's being felt here in Manitoba on Grey Street and on Molson Street and on Munroe Avenue. Budget 2010 clearly states that it is this government's commitment to deal with the global

546 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 economic realities in a responsible, prudent manner that protects the services that are important to Manitobans. I think it's an important thing, Madam Deputy Speaker, that we support this budget and I thank you for your time. Thank you very much. * (15:00) Mr. Stuart Briese (Ste. Rose): I do want to welcome the new member from Concordia to the House. I'm sure he'll be a useful member of this august body over the years to come.

Madam Deputy Speaker, I'm pleased to rise today to put a few thoughts and comments on the record regarding the latest attempt by the NDP to put forward a budget, and I thin k my views are going to differ a little bit from some of the member from Concordia's. Madam Deputy Speaker, I've only been a member of this House since my election in 2007, and during that short tenure I have seen two poor attempts by this government to deliver budgets, but this feeble attempt has to be the poorest approach to budgeting I've ever seen. Last year, the NDP projected in their budget that there would be a surplus of $2 million.

Now we find that there is actually a deficit of close to $600 million. I guess the obvious question is: Do we really believe any of the spin the NDP is putting on– putting forward in this budget? In 2010-2011 budget, the NDP are projecting another $545-million deficit. Keeping in mind that they missed the mark by over a half a billion dollars last year, what safeguards are there to protect Manitobans from the same incompetence this year? It's certainly feasible that we could see a shortfall of well over a billion dollars in the year–in this year alone. Now the Premier (Mr.

Selinger) chooses to call H1N1 a disaster, but in reality it was a disaster that never occurred, and I believe the NDP should be accountable for the more than $100 million supposedly spent on H1N1, especially in light of the fact that the federal government paid for the vaccine and covered a large portion of the costs. The second thing that the Premier claims is that the spring flooding resulted in some $50 million of extra costs, and that isn't entirely accurate either. Under Disaster Financial Assistance, once the total damage reaches $5 per capita, the federal government picks up 90 percent of the costs.

So, by simply doing the math, the Premier is saying that we had 460 million of flood damages last year and no one, repeat, no one believes that that is true, and there are no figures anywhere to back up the Premier's claims. Even if the NDP figures for H1N1 are anywhere near accurate, they still mismanaged and wasted $350 million in last year's budget. This Premier and the former minister of Finance, along–and former minister of Finance, along with his Cabinet, do not have a revenue problem; what they have is a spending problem. They have no idea what it's like to live within their means.

The constant solution to any problem is throw more money at it, not do an assessment of what results are expected from the expenditure. Madam Deputy Speaker, we hear a regular response in this House from the Premier and his ministers. That response is that we put this many million into whatever may be the issue of the day, but we have very little about–we hear very little about results that are achieved by expenditures, and that should be the No. 1 priority. When Manitobans spend money, they expect results and they have every right to ask for them.

They have every right to demand that their government get results with their money as well. You know, I heard a phrase used the other day, and I quote: If you are telling the truth, why do you need spin doctors? This budget is so weak that even the army of spin doctors that the NDP employ cannot improve it, and the people of Manitobans–the people of Manitoba are astute enough that they are seeing through the façade. The ND P are spending tens of thousands of dollars on ads, talking about their five-year action plan, when they can't even come close, remotely close, on a one-year action plan.

They missed their mark by $600 million. They say the plan will stimulate economic growth and then they cut back funding to core industries, such as agriculture and mining. They talk about the 29,000 jobs that they're going to produce. It's not 29,000 jobs; it's 29,000 man-years. That's the figure they're using. But, on top of that, most of those jobs already exist. They didn't increase the infrastructure funding very much from last year or the year before, so those jo bs are already out there.

They're–and, keep in mind, also, that that vaunted $1.7 billion on infrastructure is over five years, not one year, as they're trying to let people believe.

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 547 They say they will manage government spending when they have set a track record over the last 10 years with the Premier (Mr. Selinger), the former minister of Finance, at the helm, of not having the common sense that a child has in managing their piggybank. The question arises, are you smarter than a fifth grader? They say they will restore balance. There would be no need to restore balance if they had used some common sense for the last 10 years.

The NDP inherited balanced budgets from the Filmon PC government at a time when provincial revenues were rapidly escalating. Revenues have actually doubled in the last 10 years and yet the NDP have wasted and mismanaged their windfall. When they cut debt repayment by $90 million a year in the recent legislation, and they still can't come within a half a billion dollars of balancing their books, what assurance do Manitobans have that the NDP will ever restore balance? They say they will maintain affordability, and that is one of the most mi sleading statements of their entire ad campaign.

Manitobans are the highest-taxed people in western Canada. Just in this year we see personal taxes and costs for a single person making 30,000 a year rise by $207. A two-earner family of four making $60,000 a year will see a rise of $797 under the cost of living. We still have bracket creep in this province and none of the small tax changes from the previous budget have been implemented. Alberta has no provincial sales tax and they have a personal tax exemption of close to $16,000. Saskatchewan lowered their provincial sales tax to 5 percent and have a personal tax exemption of close to $13,000.

Manitoba has a provincial sales tax of 7 percent and a personal exemption of a measly $8,900. In addition, the NDP have raised almost every licence permit and user f ee they can think of and then added a few new ones. Camping fees are up 6.25 a night. The NDP gets you in the gate and then they nail you. Speeding fines have increased dramatically. Property transf er fees have doubled. Vehicle registration fees are up $18, which goes directly to general revenues. Pharmacare deductibles are up one to 5 percent on top of 35 percent increase in the last five years.

Crown land rental fees are up at a time when the cattle industry is really struggling. Hydro rates have gone up 16 percent in the last five years and going up an additional 2.9 percent this year for three main reasons: the NDP have raised water rates to Hydro by 150 percent to $125 million a year; the NDP have raided Manitoba Hydro in 2002 for $203 million to balance their budget; thirdly, the political interference of mismanagement in Hydro and almost all of the as pects of the corporate– corporations management.

And Ag, in spite of a 4.5 percent decrease on funding, there are new levies on pesticide fertilizer lice nces and a new 2 percent tax on transfer quota. Madam Deputy Speaker, everywhere Manitobans turn, the greedy tentacles of the Premier (Mr. Selinger) and his gove rnment are reaching into their wallets and their purses. Every Manitoban, rich or poor, young or old, will have less disposable income at the end of this year than they had last year, yet the Premier says he's keeping Manitoba affordable and that he's stimulating the economy.

The way to stimulate the economy is to leave more money in Manitobans' pockets. Let the people decide themselves how they want to spend their money. The former minister of Finance has led us down this road with his Alfred E. Neuman approach from MAD Magazine of, what, me worry? Until six months ago this Premier told us everything was coming up roses. The economy was charging along. We had nothing to worry about. Then, in an abrupt about-face, we heard the famous words, flat is the new up. What sheer hypocrisy.

This budget is bad news for families, bad news for all Manitobans. * (15:10) This is a budget of debt growing faster than the economy, a budget of waste, of mismanagement, a budget that has absolutely no credibility or any sense of fiscal prudence is gone. Madam Deputy Speaker, the NDP budget is really quite extraordinary in its departure from any attempt to keep spending under control. The former premier pledged in '99 to maintain balanced budgets but the new Premier appears to be from the old socialist school of thought. Balancing a budget is the furthest thing from his mind. Spending is out of control.

This budget has nothing to do with the economic recession, everything to do with overspending and, as such, both the budget and the five-year plan are unsustainable. This budget is based on wage freezes and stagnant interest rates and both are highly unlikely. Governments do have to spend for many

548 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 reasons but there must be emphasis placed on results, on priorities and, especially, on fiscal responsibility. I suspect we will hear from the NDP that we are against all manner of things in the days to come and I want to make it clear that I understand the need for spending, but it must be done wisely, with common sense. The results must be tangible and verifiable. There are many ways of spending taxpayers' money that could get meaningful results and save money into the future.

Supports to primary industries, the real wealth providers of the province, always bring long-term gains. Those primary industries include agriculture, fisheries, mining and forestry. Every dollar spent on those wealth- providing industries results in long-term economic gain for the province. Those industries provide the wealth that allows Manitobans to provide social services to our population. Small businesses provide 80 percent of the employment in this province but are treated with disdain by this NDP government. This government has overtaxed, overregulated small business to the point of despair.

There is no recognition that in order to be in a position to write paycheques, employers must take risks. The government should be a leader in controlling those risks, not be one of the risks. One of the impediments that business leaders must deal with should not be the provincial government. Madam Deputy Speaker, the former minister of Agriculture, along with the former minister of Conservation, will long be remembered in rural agricultural areas for their mismanagement of the livestock industry in this province.

Together they destroyed the hog industry by forcing large producers out with legislation and small producers out with regulation. BSE happened almost seven years ago. The impacts are still being felt in the cattle industry. What did the minister do? Well, she twiddled her thumbs and used phrases like, I am hopeful, and, I hope that this isn't the case. Well, that is simply not good enough. When the livestock industry needed clear decisive leadership, it was nowhere to be found in this government. They were too busy putting more regressive regulations in place.

This government will leave a clear legacy of the lack of action in the ag community and it will be long remembered. Mr. Speaker, there–another–a number–Madam Deputy Speaker, I'm sorry–there are a number of other points I want to touch on. Situations in this province like the long-term projected waste of revenues in this province, the west-side Bipole III proposal, is simply ridiculous. There's no firm reason why it shouldn't go down the east side. It's compatible with the UNESCO site. The First Nations along the east side want it there.

They feel there is some economic development that will come with it and some trade-offs they can make to have it go through their territory. I' ve heard the phrases on caribou herds and there is two caribou herds on the east side and five on the west side. But the sheer extra distance of that line is the main drawback. That extra distance is going to cost at least $640 million more. On top of that, there will be 13 to 14 hundred more towers that have to be maintained and–first of all, erected and maintained.

And I've been told, from fairly good sources in Hydro, that once the full load is on that line, once the Conawapa dam is in place, full load goes on that line, our line losses could be as high as $50 million a year by the extra distance of that line. Now 50 million extra dollars a year, think about that. If we were generating that revenue rather than wasting it on lost hydro in a line, we could build a new arena in 25 small towns every year. We could build a new $50-million hospital, we could build one of those every year. There' s absolutely no reason to waste that kind of money.

We're seeing another $350 million being committed to nitrogen removal from waste water in Winnipeg, and we're seeing over 60 fairly vaunted experts saying that's the wrong way to go. Spirited Energy campaign: cost us $3 million, gained us nothing. What do we see of Spirited Energy today? That $3 million is money that could be well used in a number of other places. I asked questions today about the third-order drainage in the province and the lack of maintenance, and I hear back that we haven't got enough money to do any of this. Well, don't waste $3 million. Use it in something that's useful.

Photo IDs: 14 million more wasted dollars. Some of the things that I've heard in the last few weeks I'm just absolutely shocked at, one being the new wind farm proposal. I have no problem with another wind farm going up in this province. I think it should be going up with private money. I don't think it should be loans from Manitoba Hydro or Manitoba government. We have a company that's in very good shape in the United States that are going to put up a $350-million wind farm providing only $90 million of their own and getting a $250-million

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 549 loan–or a $260-million loan from Manitoba Hydro. And what's that loan for? That's loan is for that company to put up a wind farm to produce power to sell back to Manitoba Hydro at a higher price than Manitoba Hydro can already produce power for themselves. That's a shameful approach. That's a tremendous waste of money. Another thing I find quite ironic is when Manitoba Hydro spends $160 million to, at the behest of this government, to hire lawyers and consultants and various other people to fight against Manitoba's–Hydro's lawyers and consultants.

It just doesn't make any sense. And as I mentioned earlier, the 150 percent increase in Hydro's water rates, the rate they pay the province, is just unacceptable. If that–we're told that the 3 percent increase in the Hydro rates will produce about $35 million, and we've raised Manitoba Hydro's rent for water by $75 million a year. We would not need the rate increases if that hadn't have happened.

Madam Deputy Speaker, I understand governments are expected to spend money, and I certainly have no problem making some recommendations where some of that money should be spent, and–but I also believe they should get a bang for the buck. They need to get meaningful results. This is another budget in a long line of budgets that is mostly about re-election at all costs. Service to people doesn't matter. Spin, smoke and mirrors, and half-truths ar e the only constants in NDP governments. * (15:20) One thing I do agree with the Minister of Finance (Ms.

Wowchuk) on is the fact that it'll take at least five years and probably much longer to clean up the mess her predecessor, the Premier (Mr. Selinger), made of the finances of the Province. I wish her well in her endeavours, and I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Hon. Steve Ashton (Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation): I first want to comment, Madam Deputy Speaker, that it's spring in Manitoba and what a spring. We saw, this past few days, many Manitobans celebrate Easter. In fact, both Orthodox and Catholic, Protestant Easter coincided this year. We saw Jewish celebration of Passover.

The next few weeks we'll see Indo-Canadian communities celebrating Vaisakhi. We are seeing not just a spring season, but a general sense of optimism in this province. Pretty well everywhere you go, you'll find that, except amongst members of the opposition. And I want to contrast, you know, and first commend the new member for Concordia (Mr. Wiebe), I think, captured that in his firs t speech. And I do want to say, as someone who has spoken on the budget on more than a few occasions, he did an admirable job and continuing in a great tradition of members for Concordia.

And I wish him well as MLA, continuing in the tradition of Peter Fox and–who was the last MLA for Concordia? Yes, Gary Doer. I say that because I'm only just getting used to saying his name in this House. But I think you'll see a general sense of optimism. Why shouldn't there be, Madam Deputy Speaker? You know, let's put aside the, you know, the give-and-take of this House for a moment. But– members opposite not realize that we just had the announcement that we had the highest population increase in this province in 38 years–38 years. We've had a situation that's virtually unparalleled.

We've had 10 years of economic growth and even with the global economic slowdown, this province has escaped much of the dramatic slowdown we've seen– and I look at Ontario, or Alberta even, or British Columbia. We maintain it by, I think, a combination of factors, and I want to say that, you know, we'll get into that in our–in the budget debate. But it didn't just happen. So we've had–we got, I think, a growing sense of optimism you'll see reflected across this province.

I have the great opportunity to travel much of the province on a weekly basis, going back and forth to my home community of Thompson, and you'll see it in northern Manitoba. And, yes, there have been some tougher times in some communities, but right now there's a significant amount of optimism in the mining industry, and you'll see the resilience in the forestry sector in The Pas. You'll see it across rural Manitoba and, you know, I realize that there have been some significant challenges over the last number of years.

But when you look at the kind of investment we're seeing in agribusiness, when you see the kind of investment in the new frontiers of biofuels, when you see the kind of investment we're seeing now in terms of wind farms, you'll see a dynamic and growing rural economy. In fact, I was just in Steinbach last week turning on traffic lights. They've got urban traffic counts in Steinbach. Again, 10 years of the NDP government

550 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 and you've seen record growth in Steinbach, you know, and I think that's something the member of Steinbach, you know, must be really, really happy about. And here in Winnipeg, you know, when I look at the dynamic growth that's taking place in our downtown and across this city, when I particularly look at the fact we're seeing a rebound of confidence in our North End, in our core area, and I realize members are having a difficulty hearing me. Madam Deputy Speaker, you know what?

I'm enthusiastic about the fact we're seeing a dramatic turnaround in some of the most challenged parts of Winnipeg. And it, again, didn't happen, it's a result of direct policy initiatives and a partnership. Now, why am I putting this forward? For one simple reason, and that is because I see over the period of time in this budget debate, and over the next year, and next year and a half, that Manitobans are going to have very clear choice. We have been a government that has been in government for 10 years. We have a proven record, but we're not running on our government–our government's record.

We have an economy that has outperformed pretty well every jurisdiction in Canada. We've proven–we're growing the economy, we're growing the population. There'll be that alternative on the one side or–well, what do the opposition members really offer? We're not really quite sure. You know, we know what they did in the '90s. We know what they did when they hit a recessi on. They know what they did, Madam Deputy Speaker.

And you know, it's interesting, because as we've seen the slowdown in the economy, you will see a complete contrast between what we have done, and what they did in the '90s, and what they would do if they were elected government. Let's start with a couple of basic things that we're doing in this budget, and we're going to be giving as alternatives to Manitobans over the next year and year and a half. Have we cut significant– anything in terms of health services or education services? No, Madam Deputy Speaker. Vital human services like health and education are critical in our budget.

Now, by the way, if you think that's, again, just accidental, and I know we've just had a joint meeting with the Saskatchewan Cabinet, but I'm sure they wouldn't mind me relating their budget. They have a slightly different political philosophy than we do. You know, what did they do with education in Saskatchewan? They cut it by $60 million. We're increasing public school funding by 3 percent. We're increasing our colleges and universities by 4.5 percent; that includes capital funding. They are cutting it.

Now, again, invest in it vital human services–not what they did in the '90s; not what similar governments are doing elsewhere in the country. Not what they would do if they had the unfortunate situation of being in government. Now, that's the one element. I want to talk about infrastructure because, again, we are now investing record amounts in infrastructure, and to the members opposite, the member for Ste. Rose (Mr. Briese), and I look at, you know, the member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen), any of the members opposite, the member for Brandon West (Mr. Boro tsik).

You know, what I love about infrastructure is you couldn't get a clearer distinction. You know these members, especially those that purport to speak for rural Manitoba, I want to tell you what the Tories did, of what similar governments are doing right now. In Saskatchewan, what did they cut? Highways and infrastructure, by $33.7 million. We now have our second year of record funding–$366 million on capital expenditures. What we're doing is we're maintaining record expenditures. Now, how does that compare? In the 1990s, they spent a quarter of it.

We've quadrupled, quadrupled the amount that's spent on highways and infrastructure. Now, what are we doing by the way? The federal government is, through infrastructure spending, is investing in our highways. What did we do? We put it on our highways. Do you know what they did in the 1990s? They took federal money, and they took it out of their own budget. They actually cut back in '97 and '98 and '99. Now, what is the difference? We understand one thing. We are creating jobs–29,000 of them during an economic slowdown, and we're also investing in the future.

Let there be no doubt that if members opposite were in government again, they would follow the same policies. And, by the way, in Saskatchewan, they've also cut back on investment in health-care capital. And I note, by the way, the significant announcements we've made in health-care capital, our Minister of Health (Ms. Oswald) has made, and by the way, sign ificant announcements in terms of post-secondary education. I'm particularly looking forward to a day, very soon, in which we're going to have the

April 6, 2010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 551 announcement of a new UCN campus for Thompson, my home community, Madam Deputy Speaker. Again, something that's part of this budget. So we know the difference. We know what they have done. We know what similar governments are doing in the future. So that's the first point, by the way. You have to be a good manager of the economy, and we've proven we are good managers of the economy. Ten years of solid growth; record population growth. Well, the second thing I think you have to do is prove to Manitobans you have a social conscience.

You know, and I realize members opposite have a difficult time with this, you know, but I am a great believer that Manitobans–and you saw it in Concordia, I think, in the by-election–don't buy sort of very simplistic slogans when it comes to public safety, for example. * (15:30) You know what, they expect some consequences in terms of crime. They also understand, however, that the key thing you should be doing is working to prevent crime by tackling the causes of crime.

And it makes sense no matter where you live in the city or wherever you live, in rural Manitoba or northern Manitoba because, you know what, if you focus in on it, and you focus in on the causes of crime, you can make a real difference. We're seeing that and I point to the community here in the city, of Point Douglas, where local residents have taken on that challenge, and right now Point Douglas is one of the safest neighbourhoods in the city. They did it. [interjection] They did it and, you know, I'm glad the member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen) is excited about what's–what he's seeing in Point Douglas. Mr.

Mohinder Saran, Acting Speaker, in the Chair But you know what? It's a combination of things. We're there as a provin ce with Neighbourhoods Alive! We're there in terms of working with community groups and organizations, and you'll see that throughout the North End, and I'm pleased that we're expanding Neighbourhoods Alive! now into the Elmwood area, because we've tackled the challenge in many of our most challenged communities. And it does make a difference. We're doing it with recreation. We as a Province have put specific funding in for rec directors in those same communities, rec directors.

We didn't just sit back and run little slogans on the top of lawn signs in an election. We got in there and we said, give those kids a chance and give them opportunities. So we've been there and we've done it. And, by the way, we're doing it across the city. I was very pleased recently to be at an announcement of provincial support at the–for the new expanded community centre in Lindenwoods. So, again, you know, we're there for all of the city, regardless of which party they're officially represented, and I think that's something I'll get to in a moment. But we're tackling those costs.

We've seen a significant investment in other important social areas as well in terms of our child care system. And, you know, I always note, by the way, that the Tories, when we originally brought in licensed child care in this province, they had great difficulties with it. They didn't think it was necessary.

You know, we've now seen a generation that's grown up with child care, and we're seeing across this city that it's one of the key demands and key challenges, and we're there to meet it and we've done it by recognizing that one of the things we have to do is invest in child-care workers, and in terms of salaries, and in terms of training, as well in terms of facilities. I think you'll see across the board that we've shown, as a government, that we understand the social dimension.

Yes, the economic dimension, we have to have strong economic policies to develop wealth in this province, but when it comes to the social dimension we also have to make sure we're looking at making sure that everyone shares in that benefit. And, yes, by the way, you can include the minimum wage. I note election after election after election, the members opposite have gotten up and they've said they're opposed to increases in the minimum wage. Can you imagine if we had the same minimum wage we had 10 years ago in this province? What kind of legacy would that have left? And we–by the way, and we've balanced it.

By now we're going to be a zero small business tax jurisdiction, Mr. Acting Speaker, the first in Canada. So we also understand the challenges of small businesses as well. Where are the members opposite? I remember when they used to talk about small business. They don't even bother any more. They literally have given up in that whole area. So you need a social conscience. Now, having said that, I think there's another important element as well that any government has to pass, and that is the sense of bringing people

552 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 6, 2010 together. And I mentioned, you know, I was in Steinbach at a traffic lights opening ceremony. I was in Lindenwoods recently. I travel throughout the province in my official capacity, and I'm really proud of the fact that we as a government have worked really hard for every single region in this province. But you know what? What does the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. McFadyen)–the would-be alternative for premier–talk about?

You know, it's interesting, he doesn't say this in northern Manitoba, and I want to thank the Carman Valley Leader , by the way, because, you know, they sure managed– they sure managed to get out the real Tory agenda. And I'm going to start with the fact that the member– the Leader of the Opposition in the Carman Valley Leader–this is November 20th–he said that, well, southern Manitoba has not done as well as they should in terms of allocation of highway and bridge budgets. Well, here we go again. You know, in the last election he did the same thing. He was going to cut northern Manitoba in terms of highways.

By the way, north was north of the Riding Mountain National Park. That shows you how far it goes. I think they actually would probably start on the southern end of the member for La Verendrye's (Mr. Lemieux) boundary, but, you know, they have a different view of the north. He didn't come to Thompson. He didn't come to The Pas. He didn't come to Flin Flon. He didn't come to Swan River and say it. You know what? I could tell you, we've invested $75 million on Highway 75–$75 million, another $10 million this year. When they were in government they spent $100,000 on a passing lane.

We've four-laned Highway No. 1 and we've significantly improved the condition of Highway No. 1, so members like the member for Brandon West (Mr. Borotsik) can get home with a more smooth ride, Mr. Acting Speaker, but not a word from them in terms of that. We've had major investment on the Yellowhead, the Trans-Canada Highway, Mr. Acting Speaker, but not a word is said about that. We've had investments on Highway 6, Highway 10, throughout this province. We are investing in every area of this province and we're doing way more than the Tories ever did. They know that.

But, you know, I think that the key element here though, and I again want to thank the Carman Valley Leader, because, you know, the member for Carman (Mr. Pedersen), he–well, he stated that the Tories are going to put less focus on other issues, right? Remember he had his top five. Guess what they're not going to put reference on now and going into the next election? Health, roads, social services, agriculture, rural depopulation and the First Nations.

Well, you know what, I mean, you know, it must be pretty embarrassing for the Ag critic to get up and ask Ag questions when the member for Carman has given it away. They're not going to put tension on Agriculture. Rural depopulation, well, of course, why would they? You know what? If they have one thing in common, it's this sense that somehow they represent rural Manitoba. They talk about it. They don't actually do anything when they're in government. They oppose every single initiative you can imagine that's good for rural Manitoba, but they don't do it. But, you know what? First Nations, well, we know that.

We know that Tories when they get into government don't care about First Nations. Social services, well, he gave it away, social services, hack and slash. That's what they did when they were in government; that's what they would do again. But, you know what? I mean, health care? I mean, how many questions have we heard from members opposite on health care? Numerous times, right? They get up on their local hospital. They talk about this situation, that situation. I mean, good for them. Did nobody bother to check with the real plan here? And, by the way, I got to say this: Roads.

The member for Carman has put it on the record that they're not going to emphasize roads. They're not even going to emphasize highways. So I've got a bit of a message for the members opposite, by the way, and that is we're going to take your real agenda to rural Manitobans. We're going to talk about it in this budget. We're going to talk about it in the next six months, the next year, right up to and including the next provincial election, because what you've said is very clear. You're going to run, I know, and you're already started.

You tried it in Concordia on a few glib one-liners, you're going to run on, you know, we're different. Well, yeah, you are different. You know what, Mr. Acting Speaker? They are different from New Democrats. But you know what? We know what that difference rea

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	39-4-22
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	39th 4th hansardpdf 22.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	e9c881dc45095a7306d0e1272ea58c5dbe0b0d84

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