ISSN 0542-5492 First Session - Thirty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS 31 Elizabeth II Published under the authority of The Honourable D. James Walding Speaker VOL. XXX No. 1 - 2:00 p.m., THURSDAY, 25 February, 1982. Printed by the Office of the Oueens Printer. Province of Manitoba /

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Thursday, 25 February, 1982 Time - 2:00 p.m. At 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon the Sergeant-at­ Arms carrying the Mace on the crook of his arm and followed by the Clerks of the Legislative Assembly entered the House. The Sergeant-at-Arms proceeded to the main entrance of the House and the Clerks of the Legislative Assembly entered the House. The Sergeant-at-Arms proceeded to the main entrance of the House and the Clerks took post on the left side of the House, standing and awaiting the arrival of Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor.

The Premier, Members of the Executive Council, Military and Civil Aides, accompanied Her Honour from the reception room to the Chamber in the follow­ ing order: The Civil Aide on the right, The Military Aide on the left, The Officer Escort, The Members of the Executive Council, The Premier, and then The Lieutenant-Governor. At the Bar of the House, the Military and Civil Aides, the Officer Escort, Members of the Executive Council and the Premier, halted and turned inwards to allow the Lieutenant-Governor to advance to the head of the Escort where Her Honour was met by the Mace.

The Lieutenant-Governor then, preceded by the Mace carried shoulder high and followed on her left by the Military Aide, and on her right by the Civil Aide, proceeded along the west side of the Chamber to the Throne. The Officer Escort divided when reaching the table, the left file going to the east side of the Chamber, and the right file going to the west. The Premier proceeded along the east side of the Chamber. The Members of the Executive Council took their place. The Military Aide then took up his position on the right side of the Throne and the Civil Aide took up his position on the west side of the Chamber.

The Lieutenant-Governor seated herself on the Throne; the Mace made obeisance and retired to the east side of the Chamber. HONOURABLE ROLAND PENNER, Attorney-General (Fort Rouge): I am commanded by Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to state that she does not see fit to declare the cause of the summoning of the present Legislature of this Province until a Speaker of this House shall have been chosen according to law. Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor retired.

The Mace then made obeisance before the Lieuten­ ant-Governor and preceded Her Honour along the east side of the Chamber to the Bar of the House, accompanied by the Premier and Aides. HON. HOWARD R. PAWLEY (Selkirk): I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Leader of the Opposi­ tion, that James Walding, Esq., Member of the Elec­ toral District of St. Vital, do take the Chair of the House as Speaker. MR. CLERK, Jack Reeves: It has been moved by the First Minister, seconded by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, that James Walding, Esq., Member for the Electoral Division of St.

Vital, do take the Chair of this House as Speaker. MR. PAWLEY: It is my pleasure to nominate James Walding as Member of the Legislative Assembly for St. Vital as Speaker of the Thirty-Second Legislature. Mr. Walding has served faithfully his constituents since 1971. He served with distinction as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee, has served as Chairman of four Legislative committees and as a Commissioner of both the Manitoba Telephone System and the Mani­ toba Centennial Corporation. I believe that he will be a fair and able Speaker. MR. STERLING LYON (Charleswood): Mr.

Clerk, I'm happy to join in seconding this motion of nomination of the Speaker, the Honourable Member for St. Vital. I subscribe to the remarks made by the First Minister about the character, the devotion to this House of the honourable member and we look forward to serving under his guidance during the next four years or what­ ever shorter period may be required. MR. CLERK: Are you ready for the question that James Walding, Esq., member for the Electoral Divi­ sion of St. Vital, do take the Chair of this House as Speaker? Motion carried.

The Speaker was then conducted to the Chair by the Mover and Seconder, and was invested with the robes of office. MR. SPEAKER, Hon. D. James Walding (St. Vital): Honourable Members of the Thirty-Second Legisla­ ture, I am not unmindful of the honour which you have conferred upon me today in electing me to the highest office within the gift of the Assembly, that of your Speaker and your servant.

It will be my aim and duty to uphold the principles and traditions of the House and secure for each member the right to express his or her opinions within the limits necessary to preserve deco­ rum; to recognize the rights and privileges of the honourable members, the political groups and the House itself; to facilitate the transaction of the public business in an orderly manner; and above all, to seek to be fair and impartial in the decisions you entrust to me. If these are your objectives, and I believe they are, I ask your patience and co-operation in approaching them.

I deeply appreciate your actions in elevating me to the Speaker's Chair. With your assistance I hope to fulfil! this commitment with dignity and honour. The Mace was placed on the Table. The Premier left the Chamber to meet Her Honour in the reception room. The Clerks took their posts on the west side of the House. The Mace proceeded to the Bar of the House and met Her Honour, who re-entered the House accom­ panied by the Aides and the Premier, as on her first entry. The Speaker left the Chair and stood on the

Thursday, 25 February, 1982 floor of the House on the east side and the Clerks took position on the west side. The Mace makes obeisance and retires to the east side of the Chamber. DEPUTY SERGEANT-AT-ARMS, Mr. Myron Mason: Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor. MR. SPEAKER: May it please Your Honour. The Legislative Assembly have elected me as their Speaker though I am but little able to fulfil I the important duties assigned to me. If in the performance of these duties I should at any time fall into error.

I pray that the fault should be imputed to me and not to the Assembly, whose servant I am, and who through me, the better to enable them to discharge their duties to their Queen and Country, hereby humbly claim all their undoubted rights and privileges, especially that they may have the freedom of speech in their debates, access to Your Honour's person at all reasonable times. and that their proceedings may receive from Your Honour the most favourable consideration. MR. PENNER: Mr.

Speaker, I am commanded by Her Honour. the Lieutenant-Governor to declare to you that she freely confides in the duty and attachment of the Assembly to Her Majesty's person and Govern­ ment. and not doubting that their proceedings will be conducted with wisdom. temper and prudence. she grants. and upon all occasions will recognize and allow their constitutional rights.

I'm commanded also to assure you that the Assem­ bly shall have ready access to Her Honour upon all reasonable occasions and that their proceedings as well as your words and actions will constantly receive from her the most favourable consideration. SPEECH FROM THE THRONE HONOURABLE PEARL McGONIGAL, Lieutenant­ Governor of the Province of Manitoba: Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Prov­ ince of Manitoba. I welcome you to the First Session of the Thirty-Second Legislature of the Province of Manitoba.

Monsieur le President et Deputes de L'Assemblee Legislative du Manitoba. je vous souhaite la bien­ venue a la premiere session de la trente-deuxieme Legislature de la Province du Manitoba. Two of our largest urban centres are celebrating their centennial this year. We join with the residents of Brandon. Selkirk and other centennial communities in marking this milestone in their development. Munici­ pal centennials are an occasion for Manitobans to reflect upon our heritage. Manitoba cherishes the proud traditions of its Native peoples.

We have also gained strong values from those who seitled this province and broke the land. The people of Manitoba have time and again dem­ onstrated their ability to co-operate and support each other in times of adversity. My Ministers inform me that this great quality in our people has been called upon by the harsh economic circumstances which all Canadians are facing at this time. Manitoba's economy was in a weakened condition as this most recent recession began. My Ministers inform me that Manitoba suffered economic stagna- 2 tion in the late 1970s. culminating in reduced eco­ nomic activity in 1979 and 1980.

Limited growth in 1981 could not reverse the damage done by declining investment. sharply reduced construction activity and the loss of vital processing. financial and service enterprises. The economic base of the province has been seriously eroded. Of particular concern to my government is the decline in job creation. with many jobs lost in a number of Manitoba's most important basic indus­ tries. By late 1981. total employment in the province was below the 1980 levels.

Record-high business bankruptcies in the last two years. and the poor investment performance since 1977 will influence the province's prospects for some time to come. In the brief period since assuming office. my Minis­ ters have listened to the concerns of many individual Manitobans and a broad range of organizations. They have noted widespread frustration with current eco­ nomic circumstances. especially the high level of interest rates. The prospects of economic recovery are reduced by present federal monetary policy.

High interest rates cause particular hardship for homeowners facing mortgage renewals. farmers and small businesses. Provinces such as Manitoba which rely heavily on small business activity are especially hard hit. My Ministers intend to maintain their call for a fed­ eral policy of lower interest rates and increased pri­ vate and public investment in the Canadian economy. However. my government accepts its responsibility to use the province's limited resources and jurisdiction to help Manitobans through these difficult times.

My government will play an active role in the econ­ omy. to advance our common interests and to encour­ age those developments that best serve Manitobans. Experience has proven that a partnership of business. labour and government is essential to building a stronger provincial economy. My government's economic program will seek to protect Manitobans from the worst effects of inflation which has been fueled by high interest rates and energy costs.

It will take advantage of Manitoba's mixed economy by preparing for public investments and joint ventures with private companies that can help rebuild the structure of our economy. It will act within the limitations imposed by a strained fiscal capacity to stimulate the provincial economy so that job creation does not continue to decline. My Ministers have already announced an emer­ gency program of limited. one-time interest rate relief to cushion the effects of those Manitobans who are in most difficulty because of high interest rates.

You will be asked to authorize funds for homeowners. farmers and small businesses. Manitobans also require protection from unfair rent increases. To meet this need. a new rent control act will soon be introduced for your consideration. I am told that every effort has been made to prepare a rent control program that will be fair to both landlords and tenants. The aged and infirm, particularly those on fixed incomes. often suffer most from the effects of quickly rising prices.

You will be asked to provide funds to begin the provision of hearing aids. dental services. and eyeglasses for elderly persons under Pharmacare.

Thursday, 25 February, 1982 The Winnipeg Transit System ably serves many Manitobans, including those who cannot afford to own an automobile or who wish to conserve gasoline. To encourage greater use of the transit system you will be asked to approve a grant to the City of Win­ nipeg which provides break-even revenue for the transit system and allows freezing of transit rates. There is considerable concern that increased tui­ tion fees at Manitoba's universities unfairly limit access to those institutions by students from lower income families.

You will be asked to provide additional funds to permit the universities to forego any tuition fee increases for the 1982-83 academic year. Manitobans unable to work and therefore depen­ dent upon the province for their income found them­ selves unable to maintain a decent standard of living because provincial social allowances did not keep pace with inflation. My Ministers inform me that allow­ ances were increased to correct this neglect, and that future increases will be based upon a measure of recipients's basic costs.

My government is concerned that the minimum wage in Manitoba has not kept pace with the increased cost of living in recent years. They have asked the Minimum Wage Board to recommend an appropriate increase in the minimum wage. My government is committed to using public invest­ ment as a major means of sparking economic activity and private investment in Manitoba. To improve finan­ cial administration and effective use of all public investment, a Department of Crown Investments has been created.

The new department will begin to plan for provincial investment by the Crown corporations, while respecting the traditional operating indepen­ dence of the major Crown corporations. My Ministers place a particular priority upon public investment in natural resources. This maximizes the return from resources which stays in Manitoba. It also permits greater development control by the people of our province. Manitoba's endowment of energy and mineral resources are assets to be used for the benefit of all.

My government will manage these assets to ensure that present and future generations realize more fully the value of our resource endowment. Energy conser­ vation is an essential dimension of resource management. You will be asked to approve

an Act to establish the Manitoba Oil and Gas Corporation. This Crown cor­ poration will participate in the exploration and devel­ opment of Manitoba's petroleum resources. You will be asked to authorize funds to maintain Manitoba Mineral Resources Limited's ownership share in the Trout Lake Copper Mine which is being developed near Flin Flon, and to maintain or establish a public share in exploration and other promising mineral discoveries. The report of the Commission on Surface Rights has been received and it is being reviewed.

Legislation arising from the report may be prepared in time for consideration in this Session. My government is reviewing a number of major resource-based project proposals, including the Western Power Inter-Tie, the expansion of Manitoba Forest Resources Limited, the establishment of an aluminum industry, the development of our potash 3 resources and the construction of Limestone Gener­ ating Station. The benefit to Manitobans of each pro­ ject is being weighed against our cost.

My Ministers will co-operate with mining compa­ nies and trade unions to examine measures to offset the harmful effects on communities from the cyclical nature of the mining industry. Major construction projects are a source of imme­ diate stimulus for the economy and our construction industry. My government will proceed with several significant construction projects. You will be asked to approve funds for work to begin in the fall of 1982 on a new law courts building which will relieve serious overcrowding in existing facilities.

You will be asked to provide funds for the complete opening of Seven Oaks General Hospital, for the addi­ tion of 20 adult psychiatric beds at Grace General Hospital, for a free standing unit of 25 adolescent psychiatric beds in Winnipeg, and for the continued expansion and redevelopment of the Health Sciences Centre and other major health care facilities through­ out the province. As part of the long-range plans to improve mental health centres, a new 100-bed unit replacing existing facilities and laundry facility will be constructed at the Brandon Mental Health Centre.

I am informed that the capital development assis­ tance programs included under the Federal Provincial Subsidiary Agreement for Tourism Development will be presented shortly for consideration. These pro­ grams will create jobs and increase access to the wide range of vacation opportunities that this province's natural, cultural and historical resources provide. My Ministers are committed to the rehabilitation of Manitoba's housing stock as a means of creating worthwhile jobs and improving the standard of living for Manitobans.

You will be asked lo authorize funds for a significant revitalization and expansion of the Critical Home Repair Program. This program will complement federal programs and the Winnipeg Core Area Initiative. The provincial trunk highway system and the pro­ vincial road system represent the largest transporta­ tion infrastructure investment in Manitoba. You will be asked for funds to protect adequately this investment with maintenance and reconstruction. Amendments to The Highway Traffic Act will be introduced.

My government views training as a crucial part of our development and is fully committed to meeting training needs. Manitoba's community colleges will provide in­ eased training opportunities in occupations in which there are shortages of skilled workers. Priority will continue to be directed toward increasing appren­ ticeship training, particularly within trades experienc­ ing critical shortages of labour. Efforts will continue to be directed toward increas­ ing the accessibility of training and employment.

Training that leads to a job is also a priority for women, Native people and other Manitobans whose access to jobs has been severely limited. These efforts will help Manitoba to keep the human resources that are critical in a modern economy. Rural Manitoba is the heartland of our province and agriculture is the backbone of the diverse Manitoba economy. My government is committed to protecting

Thursday, 25 February, 1982 the family farm and to the rural values which helped to shape this province. My government will pursue the economic revitaliza­ tion of rural Manitoba communities. You will be asked for funds for the Main Street Manitoba Program which will involve towns, villages and local businesses in fresh development. You will be asked to provide additional funds for Regional Development Corporations to identify development opportunities in rural and Northern Manitoba. My Ministers are extremely concerned with the implications of the Federal Government's move to change the statutory grain rates.

Such a change could seriously reduce net farm income in Manitoba with little likelihood of any resulting benefits in livestock production or increased value added processing. You will be asked to examine this issue and to approve a resolution presented by my government. My Ministers believe that the most prudent approach to the problems of the beef industry is to develop a meaningful stabilization program on a national basis.

However, in the absence of a national program, my Ministers intend to work with the producer groups to develop a reasonable provincial approach to assist in stabilizing the livestock industry in Manitoba. There will be an evaluation of the Manitoba Agricul­ tural Credit Corporation's capacity to strengthen the family farm unit for beginning farmers. My Ministers also intend to propose restrictions in absentee ownership of agricultural land in order to strengthen Manitoba family farms.

Northern Manitoba is the source of rich mineral resources but many northern communities suffer from the loss of economic activity and very high unemployment. My Ministers want to make sure that northern concerns are heard and that northern devel­ opment is encouraged. My Ministers are hopeful that continued consulta­ tion and negotiations of the Northlands Agreement will lead to economic development for Northern Manitoba. There will be a concerted effort to ensure that Northern Manitobans are able to take full advan­ tage of the opportunity to participate in the develop­ ment of northern projects.

As well, my government will place an increased emphasis on the development of strong local govern­ ment in Northern Affairs communities. Manitobans favour increased use of the Port of Churchill. My Ministers will continue to advocate more adequate infrastructure and an extended ship­ ping season for the prairie port. They are also review­ ing the potential for provincial use of Port Churchill. Winnipeg contains almost 60 percent of the provin­ ce's population and therefore, all provincial activity is significant for Winnipeg.

My government is proceed­ ing with several programs of particular interest to Winnipeggers. The Ministry for Urban Affairs has been re-esta­ blished and will provide a focal point for the ongoing development of innovative provincial policies and programs which respond to the needs of the City of Winnipeg. My Ministers have proposed a major shift in planned spending to finance a Winnipeg Core Area Agreement Training and Employment Agency.

You will be asked 4 to provide funds for the establishment of the agency to co-ordinate a sustained effort by the three levels of government to train core area residents for long term employment in identified jobs in both the public and private sectors. My government will also endeavour to ensure that special efforts are made to provide for consultation and citizens' participation in policies in programs for the core area. You will also be asked to approve the expenditure of $44.8 million in grants to the City of Winnipeg.

These grants represent a 16.5 percent increase over the former block funding grant, and are being provided as an interim measure in 1982. pending the results of a provincial review of local government financing. My Ministers are committed to ensuring greater accessibility and creating greater awareness of cultur­ al opportunities. My Ministers are determined to work closely with Manitoba's cultural community at all levels. My government is keenly aware of the needs of the many emerging and practising professional artists and intends to increase opportunities for these artists to work and live in the province.

My Ministers propose to take positive action to rec­ ognize the rich contribution to the province of our many ethnic groups. You will be asked to approve funding necessary to initiate a full-scale review of government multicultural policy and to create a multi­ cultural council. Mes ministres jugent que la conservation et la mise en valeur du patrimoine manitobain, merveilleuse­ ment riche et varie, ont ete negligees.

Mes ministres se sont engages a conserver les documents importants qui se rapportent a l'histoire, ancienne et moderne, du Manitoba et les richesses archeologiques et architec­ turales .de notre province. Nous vous demanderons. au cours de cette session. d'approuver des credits supplementaires pour ces projets. My Ministers will stress the principles of co-opera­ tive federalism and the need for effective Federal­ Provincial co-ordination to deal with the difficult changes confronting all Canadians. My Ministers share Manitobans' traditional support for strong cen­ tral government.

My government recognizes the vital financial sup­ port provided by the Federal Government. The cur­ rent Federal-Provincial fiscal arrangements have served Canada and all Canadians relatively well. My Ministers remain hopeful that the new arrange­ ments will provide sufficient funds for the maintaining of high quality health and educational services in all parts of Canada and will reflect a strong, renewed commitment to equalization. Manitoba intends to maintain its commitment to these vital social services.

My Ministers inform me that included in the legisla­ tive program for this Session will be a Community Child Day Care Standards Act to ensure high stand­ ards of child care. Significant provisions will be made in the expenditure budget to reflect the needs for additional child day care and care for special needs children, and to recognize the inflationary pressures on publicly-funded day care centres. As well, there will be expansion in the child care services course to alleviate the shortage of qualified day care personnel. My Ministers further inform me that a task force will

Thursday, 25 February, 1982 be established to review both provincial and munici­ pal social assistance in Manitoba. This initiative will be undertaken within the framework of the govern­ ment's fiscal capacity. My Ministers inform me that while the International Year of the Disabled has ended, the Manitoba Govern­ ment recognizes the needs of the physically and men­ tally handicapped residents of our province, and will continue to work with the disabled to achieve their equality and dignity in the community.

It is also my government's intention to expand the Children's Dental Health program this year. 1982 is the International Year of the Elderly. My government will begin consultation on major reform of the pension system to help ensure a secure retire­ ment for those now in the work force. It will also work to satisfy elderly Manitobans' desire for a dignified, safe and independent life in this province. Existing plans for the Garrison Diversion Project in North Dakota pose a threat to water quality and the fishing industry in Manitoba.

Manitoba will be repre­ sented in Washington to co-operate with the Cana­ dian Embassy and register Manitobans' grave con­ cerns about present plans for the project. Other environmental concerns are more fully within the province's jurisdiction. Public hearings on hazardous waste site selection will be held. The issue of acid rain will be addressed by increased monitoring and public information programs. There will also be more emphasis on Workplace Safety and Health Committees so there can be greater worker participation in the achievement of safer and healthier work places.

A chief occupation medical officer will be appointed and research into occupation­ related cancer will be expanded. Canadians expect that our country's Constitution will soon be patriated. This historic milestone has long been sought by those of every political persua­ sion. My government is now looking ahead to the Constitutional Conference which must take place a year after patriation to define further aboriginal rights. Manitoba's Native people will be fully involved in a preparation for that conference as members of the provincial delegation.

Provincial policy on the wild rice industry has been reviewed and after the public is consulted a new pol­ icy will be issued. A Native Land Claims Commission will be estab­ lished to recommend a rational and effective process for resolution of this long-standing problem. The Commission's mandate will include Indian and Metis claims. My Ministers view this initiative as a major step in carrying out their pledge to consult and work closely with our Native community.

Recognizing that financial barriers discourage many Native students in Manitoba, you will be asked to approve an expansion in the Student Aid Special Bur­ sary Awards to Melis and Native Students, including Status Indian students living permanently off reserve. Library and audio-visual materials for students in French language, immersion and basic French courses will be enhanced to ensure an adequate level of service. Important improvements will be undertaken to French language services both in the the courts and in 5 the provision of programs to the public.

Steps have been taken to quicken the pace of translating existing statutes into French. Your approval will be sought for a substantial increase in the funding of education. Funds will be used to redress inequities in education funding by providing assistance to divisions with low assess­ ments and low per pupil expenditure levels. Extra support will be provided to offset high transportation costs faced by divisions. These will be interim mea­ sures while a one-year review of education financing is conducted.

Amendments will be introduced to The Labour Relations Act to provide for first collective agreement arbitration to encourage good faith bargaining and to update the act. It is also intended that changes to The Payment of Wages Act will be introduced to clarify and improve procedures for the collection of unpaid wages. During this Session, legislation will be introduced to strengthen our family law statutes. This legislation will include amendments to The Marital Property Act to ensure that pension benefits are considered as fam­ ily assets.

Other family law legislation will strengthen the enforcement of both maintenance and custody orders. An amendment to The Legal Aid Services Society Act will allow the society to issue certificates to groups representing consumer and related interests in certain circumstances. During this Session of the Legislature you will be asked to approve amendments to The Lotteries and Gaming Control Act which will strengthen the con­ trols and improve the accountability relative to the conduct of lotteries and games in Manitoba.

My Ministers are committed to openness in govern­ ment and steps will be taken to develop an appropriate freedom of information policy for Manitoba. My govern­ ment will ensure the strengthening of the ability of members of this House to serve their constituents by appropriate amendments to The Legislative Assembly Act. The question of conflict of interest in the perfor­ mance of their duties by those elected to public is a matter of great concern to the public; accordingly legislation will be introduced at this Session dealing comprehensively with conflict of interest by Members of the Legislative Assembly.

My government will present the Estimates of Expendi­ tures for the public service of the province and capital works for the next fiscal year for your consideration. These Estimates will reflect a clear commitment to an active and responsible role by the public sector, not only in alleviating current hardships and injustices but also in controlling as much as possible to improving the quality of life and equality of opportunity for all Manitobans. Manitobans are willing to work hard and to welcome the diverse contribution of many cultures.

We feel close ties to this soil, yet trade and immigration make the world our horizon. Many of us earn our living from the rich resources of our province in an extension of the Native tradition. Although Manitobans are currently sharing the economic problems of other Canadians my Ministers are confident of a bright future for the people of

Thursday, 25 February, 1982 Manitoba. The resources of this great province and the spirit of its people can assure that bright future despite the difficulties of the current economic period. My Ministers want to work with the people of Mani­ toba to build a great future for all Manitobans. To that task my government is fully committed. My Ministers look forward to building a society in which each individual can fulfil! his or her personal potential and contribute to the betterment of the larger community.

Economic and social justice for Manitoba mean both the liberation of individuals and the advancement of our provincial economy. Later in the Session, the Budget Address will pro­ vide further evidence of my government's commit­ ment to improved economic and social justice. As well, the Public Accounts for the last fiscal year will be presented for your consideration. En vous quittant, je prie la Divine Providence de vous guider et de vous eclairer dans vos deliberations et vos decisions. Que Dieu benisse la Reine et notre pays.

In leaving you, I pray Divine Providence may guide you and enlighten you in your deliberations and your decisions. May God bless the Queen and our country. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN The Civil Aide then advanced and after obeisance received the Speech from the Lieutenant-Governor and retired to the west side of the Chamber. The Mace then made obeisance before the Lieuten­ ant-Governor and preceded Her Honour along the east side of the Chamber to the Bar of the House, accompanied by the Premier and the Aides, followed by the Official Escort. The Premier then took his seat in the Chamber.

The Speaker then proceeded to the Chair after Her Honour had passed the Bar of the House. The Sergeant-at-Arms then proceeded to the Speaker who was standing before the Chair. The Mace then made obeisance to the Speaker and returned to the Table. MR.

SPEAKER: 0 Eternal and Almighty God from Whom all power and wisdom come; we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our Province; grant 0 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. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS HON. HOWARD PAWLEY, Premier (Selkirk) intro­ duced Bill No. 1,

An Act Respecting the Administra­ tion of Oaths of Office. MOTION presented. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE MR. SPEAKER: I wish to inform the House that in order to prevent mistakes I have received a 6 copy of the Address of Her Honour which was read. I am further pleased to inform the House that James E. Diack has been appointed Sergeant-at-Arms for the First Session of the Thirty-Second Legislature. The Honourable First Minister. MR. PAWLEY: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Riel that the Votes and Proceedings of the House be printed, having first been perused by Mr.

Speaker, and that he do appoint the printing thereof, and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the same. MOTION presented and carried. MR. PAWLEY: Mr.

Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Member for lnkster that the Stand­ ing Committees of this House for the present Legisla­ ture be appointed for the following purposes: Privi­ leges and Elections; Public Accounts; Public Utilities and Natural Resources; Agriculture; Municipal Affairs; Law Amendments; Private Bills; Industrial Relations; Statutory Regulations and Orders; Economic Devel­ opment; Rules of the House, which several commit­ tees shall be empowered to examine and enquire into all such matters and things as may be referred to them and to report, from time to time, their observations and opinions thereon with power to send for persons, papers and documents and examine witnesses under oath.

The Standing Committee of the House on Privileges and Elections shall constitute the Special Committee appointed to consider persons suitable and available to be appointed as Ombudsman, referred to in Subsections 1 and 3 of

Section 2 of The Ombudsman Act. MOTION presented and carried. MR. PAWLEY: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Burrows, that Jerry T. Storie, Esq., Member for the Electoral District of Flin Flon, be Chairman of the Committees of the House and Deputy Speaker. MOTION presented and carried. MR. PAWLEY: Mr.

Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Dauphin that a special committee of seven persons be appointed to prepare and report, with all conventional speed, a list of members to compose the Standing Committees ordered by this House and that such committees shall be composed as follows: The Honourable Mr. Penner, Anstett, Banman, Blake, Fox, Lecuyer and Ransom. MOTION presented and carried. MR. PAWLEY: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Brandon West that the speech of Her Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor be taken into consideration tomorrow.

MOTION presented and carried. MR. PAWLEY: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Radisson, that the

Thursday, 25 February, 1982 House do now adjourn. MR. SPEAKER: Before putting the motion to the House, may I inform all present that a receiving line composed of the Lieutenant-Governor, the Premier and the Speaker will form shortly in Room 200 at the north end of the building and that refreshments will be served in Room 254 at the south end of the building in five minutes time. MOTION presented and carried and the House adjourned and stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. (Friday) 7