Manitoba Hansard — 8 March 2022 (Sitting 19B, 42nd Legislature, 4th Session)

42-4-19b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXVI No. 19B - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2022 ISSN 0542-5492

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

Southdale PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC GUILLEMARD, Sarah, Hon. Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg, Hon. Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek, Hon. Interlake-Gimli PC JOHNSTON, Scott, Hon. Assiniboia PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan, Hon. Selkirk PC LAMONT, Dougald St. Boniface Lib. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib.

LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya Notre Dame NDP MARTIN, Shannon McPhillips PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC MOSES, Jamie St. Vital NDP NAYLOR, Lisa Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PEDERSEN, Blaine Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle, Hon. Turtle Mountain PC REYES, Jon, Hon. Waverley PC SALA, Adrien St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron Springfield-Ritchot PC SMITH, Andrew, Hon.

Lagimodière PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Vérendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP WHARTON, Jeff, Hon. Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant Fort Whyte Vacant Thompson

519 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, March 8, 2022 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 15–The Drivers and Vehicles Amendment and Highway Traffic Amendment Act Hon. Doyle Piwniuk (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the members –honourable member of – Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage (Mr. Smith), that Bill 15, The drivers and vehicles amendment and highway traffic amendment, be now read for the first time.

Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honour - able Minister of Transpor tation and Infra structure, seconded by the honourable Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, that Bill 15, The Driver s and Vehicles Amendment and Highway Traffic Amend ment Act, be now read a first time. Mr. Piwniuk: Madam Speaker, I am pleased to intro- duce Bill 15, the drivers and vehicles amendment and the highway traffic amendment act.

This bill amends The High way Traffic Act and The Drivers and Vehicles Act to modernize and clarify require ments for the Medical Review Committee and to allow the Licence Suspension Appeal Board to hear appeals from com mercial ve- hicle operators. These changes will improve servi ce delivery to citizens who access driver -related appeal services. This bill also modernizes the public submits –police reports to motor vehicle collisions. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 16–The Financial Administration Amendment Act Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): I move, seconded by the Minister responsi ble for Natural Resources and Northern Dev elopment, that Bill 16, The Financial Adminis tration Amend ment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la gestion des finances publiques, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Friesen: Madam Speaker, this bill makes impor- tant amendments to The Financial Admin istration Act. These amend ments increase trans parency and accountability of the gov ernment by clearly specify - ing the borrowing author ity limits for the prov incial government and for Manitoba Hydro. The bill also adds further trans parency and accountability by increasing the information that must be included in the Estimates of expenditure and its supplement.

By taking this action, Manitoba adopts the approach taken by the federal gov ernment and other provinces that have moved to replace annual loan act ap propriations with borrowing aut hority limits. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Bill 222–The Pay Transparency Act MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the member from St. Vital, that Bill 222, The Pay Trans parency Act;

Loi sur la transparence salariale, be now–be read for a first time. Motion presented. MLA Marcelino: Madam Speaker, I'm honoured, on International Women's Day, to introduce Bill 222, The Pay Transparency Act. This bill would be a step towards stopping 'genter,' dis ability and racial discrimination in the workplace. It would require private employers to post rates of pay on job postings and file a public pay audit report detailing the position, voluntary disclose self - identifying inf ormation and the rate of pay to help close pay gaps that exist because of gender, race and disabilities.

On Inter national Women's Day, this is a step towards pay equity for all and I look forward to unanimous support of this bill. Thank you.

520 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed] Committee reports? Tabling of reports? MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honour able Minister of Families and Status of Women, and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Would the honour able minister please proceed with her statement. International Women's Day Hon.

Rochelle Squires (Minister responsible for the Status of Women): I r ise today to recognize International Women's Day on behalf of our first female Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) of Manitoba. International Women's Day is a time to celebrate how far we've come as women and to acknowledge how much farther we have left to go. Just outside this Chamber, there is a tribute to trailblazers of the first 100 years of women's suffrage in Manitoba. When members leave the House today, I encourage them to pay special attention to the names and faces of the women who grace that hall.

They include Edith Rogers, a proud Métis woman who in 1920 became the first female elected to Manitoba's Legislative Assembly. They include Thelma Forbes, the first woman to serve as a Speaker of this House. They include Rosemary Vodrey, the first woman to serve as the minister of Justice and Attorney General. And, Madam Speaker, of course, the face that stands out to me the most is that of Bonnie Mitchelson, Manitoba's longest serving female MLA.

Bonnie was the first woman to lead the Manitoba Progressive Conse rvative Party, and she's been a tireless advocate for newcomers in our province, helping pioneer Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Program. Madam Speaker, I note that your picture is on the wall outside this Chamber, as well, recognizing your work as the founder of the Nellie McClung Foundation that was so instrumental in installing a monument to the Famous Five right here on our Legislative grounds. I would also like to highlight that the member for The Pas -Kameesak (Ms.

Lathlin) is proudly recog - nized as the first Indigenous woman elected as MLA in this Chamber. As well, we have our wonderful Clerk, Patricia Chaychuk, who is recognized as the first woman to serve as Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. On International Women's Day, we should take the opportunity to acknowledge all those women who came before us and who created the conditions for success. But we must also acknowledge how much more we have left to do in encouraging more women to live out their dreams and achieve their destiny.

Madam Speaker, I hear from many young women who feel called to contribute in new ways, by running politically or pursuing careers in business, law, medicine or many other fields. These women are often worried about the toll their career will take on their personal lives and families. They worry about juggling their career with the demands of being a wife, a daughter, a sister, a mother. I want to send a message to all of them today: There is no better time to be an ambitious woman than right now, in 2022.

You have the access to a network of support and advice from all those women who blazed the trail before you, and there is no ceiling on the success that you can strive for. But as we continue to work to encourage women in these ambitions, we must also eradicate those things that continue to hold women back in society. Madam Speaker, it is a sad reality that I must highlight, on this International Women's Day, the fact that family violence has been exacerbated these last two years in this pandemic.

We must remain vigilant in providing women the supports they need to escape abusive rela- tionships and achieve their destinies. That includes educating men on how to be better allies to the women in their lives and to call out abusive behaviour wherever and whenever they see it. Madam Speaker, we must also never forget that there are women around the world who are fight ing for basic rights and freedoms that we all take for granted. Far too many girls are growing up in coun- tries that deprive them of the right to an education and the right to hold political office.

So, even as we celebrate our success and strive to improve the lives of Canadian women, we must never give up on the fight for equality for women around the world. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to recognize International Women's Day. I'm here because of the trailblazers who came before me, and I am so proud to serve under this administration with our first female Premier. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 521 MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): I rise today in honour of International Women's Day. Although women in Manitoba have made great strides for equality and accomplished extraordinary things that challenged stereotypes, the reality is that even in 2022 women across Canada still do not receive the same recognition and benefits as men. * (13:40) According to the Canadian Women's Foundation, Canada has the eighth highest pay gap. A comparison of full -time workers shows that women make on average 75 cents for every dollar that a man makes.

The pay gap widens for newcom er women earning 71 cents to the dollar, racialized women earning 67 cents on the dollar and Indigenous women earning 65 cents to the dollar. The gap is even wider for women living with a disability: 54 cents to the dollar. For every 100 men that are pro moted and hired to manager, only 72 women are promoted and hired. It is also important to point out that women are overrepresented in low-wage sectors such as the care sector, which is highly feminized. Women make up the majority of workers in child care, home care, long- term care and community assisted living.

Now, this work is vital and valuable, yet the majority of workers are making mostly minimum wage and receive very low benefits. We know that many women still face systemic barriers to economic ad vancement and it's time for change. Having women in leadership positions should become the norm, not the exception. Our caucus and I stand together with women today to say there is still much more work to be done. The fight for equality is far from over, and I'm excited to see what we can all accomplish together. Thank you. Ms.

Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): Madam Speaker, I seek leave to speak in response to the minister's statement. Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] Ms. Lamoureux: I had prepared a statement to share with the House, however, after this morning's incred- ibly disappointing Chamber decorum, I've decided to share some different remarks. Today is Inter national Women's Day, and this morning we debated a resolu tion recognizing the historic role women have played in politics.

Madam Speaker, this is a day you would like to think that members of this House could unanimously get behind and support, and even if for whatever reason members couldn't, that's why we have a democracy. I think it's fair to expect a certain level of respect, and this was not demonstrated this morning. Madam Speaker, this morning, while debating the historic role women have played in this House, I was hearing hurtful and disrespectful comments being made, so I started to make a note of what I was hearing.

I also want to be clear that this is not pointed at any party or even any individual because we all stood by as bystanders as it happened, so we're all guilty of it. Madam Speaker, here's a bit of what I heard: (1) a male shouting to a female who was reading her speech about being a woman in politics: who wrote that for you? And, later in her speech, when she was saying she's proud to be a female i n this Leg., another individual shouted: that is not a victory. Secondly, Madam Speaker, three individuals having a full and loud conver sation about how there are no feminists across the way.

This is disgusting and completely anti-feminist, and by taking this blaming stance, they are actually obstructing any systemic change. Thirdly, Madam Speaker, we had a male member bluntly accuse –thankfully, he retracted it –several members in these Chambers as mean girls. Lastly, Madam Speaker, we had members mock- ing other members on International Women's Day as they sang the song Stand By Your Man. Madam Speaker, I'm blown away at this level of disrespect in these chambers , and I'm ashamed, because Manitobans deserve better. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Alexa Scott Hon.

Alan Lagimodiere (Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations): I stand before you today on Inter national Women's Day to celebrate one of Canada's amazing women athletes who displayed her skills and talents on the world stage at the 2022 Olympic Games held in Beijing, China. Here, she competed against the best of the best in the world. I'm speaking of Manitoba's very own Alexa Scott from Clandeboye, Manitoba. While watching the 2020 Olympics, Alexa's dreams emerged. She hung up her figure skates to try speed skating.

522 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 With hard work, dedication, training and support of her parents, Malcolm and Judy Scott, Alexa would go on to represent Canada at the ISU world junior championships in 2018, 2019, and 2020. In 2020, Alexa competed in her first senior international event, winning a silver medal. When the COVID -19 pandemic emerged, plans were put on hold. However, Alexa did not give up on her dreams. She continued to focus on training. At one point, Alexa recalls training at an out door facility, bringing back fond memories of her home club in Selkirk, Manitoba.

Alexa's goal in 2021 was to make the World Cup circuit to compete and learn from the best. A year of pandemic training would lead to Alexa being named to the World Cup circ uit in October of 2021. Alexa exceeded her goal by earning a spot on the 2022 Canadian Winter Olympic team. Alexa attri - butes her success to support and encouragement from her parents, her coach, Tyler William [phonetic] Derraugh and the entire Interlake community. At the age of 20, Alexa was among one of the youngest athletes to compete in the Winter Olympics where she finished 12th in the finals of the 1,000-metre speed skating event.

Madam Speaker, I would ask all my colleagues to join me in celeb rating Alexa Scott in her success and in sending her best wishes on her path to the 2026 Olympics. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for St. Johns (Ms. Fontaine)? No? The honourable member for Notre Dame. John Lloyd Barrion MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): On February 15th, our Filipino community experienced a devastating loss when a young man, John Lloyd Barrion, was killed during a robbery while working the night shift at a Notre Dame beer vendor and hotel.

John Lloyd graduated from Tec Voc High School last year and just celebrated his 19th birthday. He was responsible and very sensitive to his family's needs: walking his younger siblings to school, saving for culinary school, paying for household bills, food and clothing for his younger si blings. The Barrions are a loving family. Whenever John Lloyd would work the closing shift, a parent would always wake up at 3 a.m. to drive him home. John Lloyd leaves behind his beloved parents, Maria and Manuel, siblings John Emmanuel, John Christian, John Paul and Maria Angela.

Amidst the family's intense grief, there is a yearning for justice. Unsafe working conditions at Manitoba Liquor Marts led MGEU to demand secur - ity measures to protect employees. We ask that the Province work proactively with employers in this sector to ensure that workers have access to security measures that can protect lives. Our Filipino community is standing united for safer communities. We have learned the brutal way that the safety of our children in this place that w e've immigrated to is not a given. It's not enough to work hard, study hard, go to church, stay out of trouble.

We live in the poorest urban neighbourhoods in all of Canada. Crushing deprivation like this leads to low school graduation rates, poor mental health and addictions outcomes and higher incidence of violence. As his brother implored to the crowd gathered at the prayer vigil after John Lloyd's death: a safer com- munity for everyone is one where everyone's basic needs can be met, where young people and anyone who needs it can access mental health and addictions supports.

The Barrion family would like to thank the com- munity for their prayers, all their kindness and the donations that were given to them at this difficult time. Thank you. Shea Fust Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): Today, on International Women's Day, I am pleased to recognize the very special person who is an amazing coach, leader and mentor. Shea Fust is a business owner who has her degree in kinesiology, is a certified per sonal trainer, nutrition coach, former bodybuilder and university soccer player.

Shea Fust operates Shea Fust Fitness and has deep passion for helping others and loves to see her clients thrive on a multitude of levels. She has helped hundreds of people t ransform their lives through fitness, nutrition and her positive energy. In 2021, the Portage and district Chamber of Commerce honoured Shea Fust for the Outstanding Business of the Year Award. When the pandemic arrived in Manitoba, Shea Fust rolled with the punches and adapted her business to offer virtual fitness classes with outstanding

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 523 success. The flexible combination of live and recorded classes made it possible for participants to feel connected, interacting with others and staying active. Shea kept her business running through the lockdowns, expanding her network and access to reach people from across Canada and beyond. Shea Fust's program encompasses all fitness levels, with clients ranging in age from 17 to 70. Each workout is made with the intention of creating a fun, dynamic and inclusive experience for all. Shea's motto: If It Doesn't Challenge You, It Won't Change You.

I ask my colleagues to join me to congratulate Shea Fust for her many accomplishments and commitment to improving the m ental health and wellness of others. * (13:50) International Women's Day Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Today, on international woman's day, it's a critical day for intersectional feminists to honour women, celebrate our achievements and recommit to the fight for women's equality, including campaigning for women most impacted by armed conflict and climate change, often as the result of the actions of men in positions of power.

The UN Refugee Agency states that women and children make up more than 50 per cent of any refu - gee population and cites that 82.4 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced, with the greatest numbers coming from Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar. Two million refugees have now been displaced from Ukr aine, with two-thirds being women and children.

Refugee women and girls are not inherently vul - nerable, but rather the situation that they find them- selves creates a vulnerable environment, with millions enduring the horrors of rape, sexual abuse, lack of access to reproductive health services and vastly over- represented as victims of gender-based violence. Women also constitute the majority of the world's poor, particularly women in the southern hemisphere and where women depend more on their local climate to survive and thrive. The 'intern -governmental' panel on climate change released its latest climate report.

It is important that human activity is impacting on the right of women and children to live and thrive. This is why it's important for women and girls to be at the forefront of creating transformative change to protect our planet. I celebrate intersectional feminists who are not only stepping up to sit at decision- making tables, but are actively working to dismantle the institutions of sexism, misogyny, racism, white supremacy and patriarchy. Happy International Women's Day. Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, earlier today, I joined others at a breakfast celebrating International Women's Day organized jointly by the Afghanistan task force group, Manitoba, and Manitobans for Human Rights. The focus was on women in Afghanistan. Both organizations are working with Hospitality House to support Afghan refugees to come to Winnipeg and to live with family members already here. The stories we heard were difficult. Currently, in Afghanistan, the situation is horrible with women's rights being taken away. Most young women aren't allowed to go to school.

Women are not allowed to work, even with training as doctors, teachers, midwives and judges. Women are being persecuted. Women are not safe. Many are fleeing or trying to flee Afghanistan. Kobra Arianta, a member of the Afghan com - munity in Winnipeg, she has relatives in Afghanistan who need and want to escape and come to Winnipeg. She described these horrors. Ariana Yaftali, a leader in Winnipeg's Afghan community, talked of her important work to help new immigrants from Afghanistan settle in our city.

Karin Gordon of hospitality house described the critical work of helpin g refugees who come to Winnipeg to transition to life here. She emphasized the contribution that refugees make to life in Manitoba. Lloyd Axworthy provided a global perspective of the refugee situation. He stressed the importance of improving the infrastructure for welcoming refugees to Canada. The current infrastructure is too slow and needs major improvements and better funding. We have many refugees, especially recently from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

On International Women's Day, it is important we're aware of the situation of women globally and that we work together to improve

524 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 the situation of women here in Canada and in the rest of the world. Thank you. Merci. Miigwech. Dyakuyu. ORAL QUESTIONS International Women's Day Personal Acknowledgements Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Happy Inter national Women's Day, Madam Speaker. I want to take this op portunity to celebrate the many amazing women in my life and, of course, to women around the world. I'm very lucky to be surrounded by many strong women: colleagues, staff that I work with, and, of course, my wonderful family.

And so today is an opportunity to pay tribute to them. I also want to acknowledge yourself, the Clerk and, of course, the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson), who is the first woman to occupy that seat. I do have a question about ICU capacity, but I wanted to begin with those words. Hon. Cliff Cullen (Deputy Premier): Thank you for those–the words. I appre ciate the Leader of the Opposition putting those comments on the record. Some impassioned speeches this morning in terms of International Women's Day.

I, too, want to congratulate all women across Manitoba for their great service to our com munities, and certainly to those involved in politics. I know it certainly can be a struggle for a woman in politics, and I appre ciate the work that you do in–day in and day out to accomplish what you have accomplished. And together we can do more great work here in Manitoba. I think there is more work ahead of us, as we recognize women in Manitoba. I think we, as gov- ernment and legis lators, have to work together to achieve more. Thank you.

Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Transfer of ICU Patients to Ontario Government Knowledge of Transfer Plans Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): The Premier continues to mislead Manitobans about when she knew about the plan to move ICU patients out of province. The CEO of Shared Health met with Thunder Bay's hospitals about our ICUs on May 13. The Premier was briefed by him on the same day. Five days later, the Premier misled the House about ICUs, and yesterday the Premier denied misleading Manitobans. But the Premier is parsing words.

What we are pointing out is that the Premier was aware of the plan to move patients out of our ICUs and to Ontario. When–which day–did the Premier find out about the plan to move ICU patients out of province? Hon. Cliff Cullen (Deputy Premier): Well, that joyous occasion was pretty short-lived. Madam Speaker, you know, clearly the Minister of Health (Ms. Gordon), and all ministers of health, are facing challenges. This pandemic has brought con- siderable difficult times for Manitoba families. We have always acted in the best interests of patients and patient safety.

We've taken directions from clinical leaders, and clinical leaders are facing those tough decisions, as well. And certainly we were forced to make some changes that we didn't want to make as gov ernment, in terms of moving people to other locations for patient care. But let's just rest assured, patient care is priority 1. It has been and always will be. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: I will repeat: On which day did the Premier find out about the plan to move ICU patients out of Manitoba? Mr.

Cullen: I think the member opposite will recog- nize these are tough decisions to make. We, as gov - ernment, rely on the clinical lead s to make these decisions. Clearly, during the pandemic, there was a really rapidly evolving situation. We had a spike –certainly, a spike in the patients that appeared both in hospital and in the ICU rooms, and as a result of that decisions have to be made on a fairly quick basis. Again, patient safety is first and foremost. Patient safety has been, in the past, during the pandemic, and will continue to be, first and foremost. Patient safety is No. 1 for our government.

Madam Speaker: The honourable Le ader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. Mr. Kinew: I'll repeat my question again. On which day did the Premier find out about the plan to move ICU patients out of Manitoba?

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 525 Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): It is my understanding, and the members opposite may want to check on social media and other platforms, that Shared Health has just moments ago put out a statement which clarifies the baseless accusations of the opposition. * (14:00) But I thank the member opposite for allowing me the opportunity to discuss the amazing vaccine implementation program that was done right here in our province to keep Manitobans safe.

Today, Madam Speaker, 87.7 per cent of the population 18 and over: fully immunized, Manitoba Speaker; 5- to 11-year-olds: 36.4 per cent; 12 to 17: 80.1; and for those 50 and over: 90.9 per cent. Thank you, Madam Speaker. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Order. The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: You know, Madam Speaker, I'm not sure if there's an issue with my microphone here, so I'll go ahead and ask the question again, one more time. When did the Premier –on which day did the Premier find out about the plan to move ICU patients out of Manitoba?

Ms. Gordon: If the member opposite would like to continue down this line of questioning, I will continue. This is completely false, Madam Speaker. The opposition accusation is completely groundless, and it is them who are misleading Manitobans on such a critical issue as the care of Manitobans during a difficult pandemic. Just yesterday, the Premier stated that she was completely unaware of the potential transfers and that has been corroborated by Shared Health. Will the member opposite stand up in this House today on International Women's Day and apologize to our Premier and all the women in this Chamber?

Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: Let's review, Madam Speaker. So, even though the CEO of Shared Health knew on May 13th about ICU patient transfers, even though the Premier had two briefings on this, even though Lanette Siragusa said publicly there was a plan to send patients away on May 7th and May 17th, the Premier would have us believe that she only find out –found out about the plan for ICU patients after the first patient left the province. That defies belief.

It means either the Premier misled Manitobans or she was not aware of what was happening in the De partment of Health under her watch during the most critical period of the pandemic. So I will ask again: On which day did the Premier find out about the plan to send ICU patients out of province? Ms. Gordon: Madam Speaker, the Premier was doing a difficult job during a difficult time. Just yesterday, the Premier stood in this House and stated she was completely unaware of the potential for transfers when she spoke in the House on May 17th.

And, you know, this is the problem with the members opposite digging up calendars and making stories out of things that they're not aware of. They need to do their research, Madam Speaker, but, of course, they don't because it's much easier– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –to stand in the House and try to con- nect the dots– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –where there is no connection.

They don't know how to run a health system and, Madam Speaker, the Health ministers that have sat in the chair that I'm in now will tell them that it is a dif- ficult job and we do the very best on behalf of– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Community Corrections–Gladue Reports Court Report Writers–Staff Levels Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): In our criminal justice system, judges must consider the historical and individual circumstances of Indigenous peoples be - fore passing sentences on them, which is meant to en- sure a fair sentence.

A Gladue report is written–is a written document that interviews families, elders and community leader- ship sharing an individual's whole story. A Gladue report seeks to document the impact that colonization has and continues to have on Indigenous peoples in conflict with the law.

526 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 In Manitoba, both court report writers and proba- tion officers are charged with writing Gladue reports. Many court reporter writers have not been hired back after COVID. Why? Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, the member will know that in Manitoba, like in every jurisdiction in Canada, there have been challenges when it comes to–continue to keep the courts operating, and it has resulted in some courts having to be closed, has resulted in some more electronic hearings having to happen.

Maybe those are some lessons that'll continue on, but I know in speaking with Justice officials and the judiciary, they would like to see things more normal- ized, Madam Speaker, even if there are benefits. When it comes to a Gladue report, it is certainly something that is important, it is something that's part of our law, something that is seen as important by the Supreme Court of Canada, and seen as im portant by the Province of Manitoba as well. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question. Ms.

Fontaine: Gladue reports are entrenched in the Criminal Code of Canada, meaning that they're inte - gral to the sentencing processes of the courts and integral to ensuring that Indigenous peoples get a fair sentence. Community Corrections was underspent by $3 million last year, despite the essential nature of their work. This includes laying off court report writers who write Gladue reports and transferring said responsibilities to probation officers.

Many court writers have not been hired back, and I've heard from many, many people working in the justice system raising the alarm Indigenous peoples' rights and access to Gladue reports are in jeopardy. Will the minister rehire these court writer –court report writers immediately? Mr. Goertzen: Madam Speaker, Gladue reports are important when it comes to the issue of sentencing. They have been important for a long time. It's been a fixture within the Canadian system for a long time as well, and I think that all those in the legal system understand why they are im portant and how they've made a difference.

That includes in Manitoba as well, Madam Speaker. That practice continues. It needs to continue. It is legislated to continue and it will continue. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary. Ms. Fontaine: There's no formal standard across Canada for how Gladue reports are to be written, but it gives op portunity for us to consider the im portant aspects of our justice system and h ow they're being implemented. We're concerned about the timely access to Gladue reports and their overall quality.

We know that writing Gladue reports should be understood as a very specialized skill designed to present the whole picture under colonization of an Indigenous person in conflict with the law. Community Corrections was underspent by $3 million again last year. Will the minister commit to staffing up and improving Gladue reporting today? Mr. Goertzen: We certainly support Gladue reports and the basis by which they were determined that they were necessary within the Canadian legal system many years ago.

Member opposite refers to the fact that there aren't standardizations when it comes to the Gladue reports, but there are principles, Madam Speaker, and that is because it weaves together a story of an individual offender. It is based on interviews with the family. It's sometimes based on interviews with the community. It's based on individual experiences. And so that is probably part of the reason why there aren't standardized forms. It is supposed to be individual, Madam Speaker. It is supposed to tell the context of an offender and how it is that their individual back ground may have impacted them.

Pay Transparency Legislation Request for Support for Bill 222 MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Madam Speaker, everyone deserves equal pay for work of equal value. Public reporting of positions and pay by the pri - vate sector is an im portant step to help stop pay dis - crimination in the workplace. Conducting pay audits will make sure employers identify any pay gaps that exist because of gender, race and even dis abilities. Bill 222 will do exactly these things.

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 527 Will the minister support pay transparency legis- lation today? Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister responsible for the Status of Women): Madam Speaker, I'd like to thank the member for this very important question on equal pay. * (14:10) And before I answer that, I would like to just ask all members of this Chamber to pause and look around and notice how few women there are in this Chamber. We are predominantly a Chamber of men. Four to one, actually.

And I think we've all come to this place at some point in our political careers with a desire to make this a more equitable Chamber, to bring more women into these seats that we all occupy. And I would just argue, Madam Speaker, respect- fully, on International Women's Day, if we could all remember that calling women names, calling us mean girls, is not a way to enhance women partici pation in this Chamber. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Notre Dame, on a supplementary question. MLA Marcelino: As life gets more expensive for working families, we can't ignore gender dis - crimination on the pay scale.

Women make on average 75 cents for every dollar a man makes – 75 cents. But, unfortunately, it gets even worse. That pay gap widens with new comer women earning 71 cents for every dollar a man makes; for Indigenous women, only 65 cents on the dollar. It's s hameful, Madam Speaker, and it's some - thing, as legislators, we should work to end. Will the minister support pay transparency legis- lation to help close the pay gap today? Hon.

Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services): I appreciate the comments from my colleague earlier about the participation of women in this Legislature, and I want to reflect on my career in the past, where I was a president of the chamber of commerce. And we had a young woman, Lori Danger field, was the vice -president. Another past president and I encouraged her to move on to the chair –to the presidency of the chamber of commerce, and we worked hard to make sure that she understood that we would gain so much from her participation.

And f inally she said, you know, you don't understand, as a man. You just move ahead and work and get things done and it kind of happens. But for me, I have to think what are the barriers to me. So, I learned a lot from Ms. Dangerfield. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Notre Dame, on a final supplementary. MLA Marcelino: Manitoba was a leader in pay equity. Pay equity legislation was passed by Manitoba in the 1980s. It revealed women were paid 20 cents less than men in similar jobs, and that was wrong.

Now, today, it's time to be a leader again and address pay discrimination that exists in society, be - cause everyone deserves a fair paycheque. On International Women's Day, will the minister commit to supporting pay trans parency legis lation today? Ms. Squires: I appreciate the member opposite bring- ing up this important issue. We do agree that all women deserve equal pay, and that is one of the reasons why our government has been working hard to ensure that women- led sectors, predominant women in sectors –are receiving a pay increase.

And that's why I was very pleased to stand with our gov ernment when we announced pay in - creases for all those working in the child- care sector, which is predominantly led by women, and to make it more inclusive and accessible. That is just one of the things that our government is doing to make the workplaces better and more equitable for women in the province of Manitoba. Menstrual Product Availability Request to Supply Schools Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): Again, on International Women's Day, the NDP has to stand in this House and ask the PC gov ernment to end period poverty for children and youth.

Last year, a minister inexplicably offered them USB data blockers, but it's no surprise to anyone that some students are still missing school because of their period. Ontario, Nova Scotia, BC and PEI have all launched programs. Will the Manitoba gov ernment finally follow suit? Will the Minister of Edu cation commit to making menstrual products free and acces sible in all Manitoba schools? Hon. Wayne Ewasko (Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning): I'd like to thank the

528 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 member opposite for the question, because it is an im- portant topic when we start talking about accessibility to menstrual products for our Manitoba students, Madam Speaker. That is why, just a few weeks ago, we launched the poverty and education task force and, actually, we've made a subcom mittee within that poverty and education task force to strictly, specifically look at ac- cessibility to menstrual products. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for Wolseley, on a supplementary question. Ms.

Naylor: It's just sad that a year later we have to get up on the same issue. A poverty task force today? We've been talking about how children need to be fed and people need menstrual products for years. In 2019, the minister for the Status of Women said the Province was con sid- ering making tampons and pads free and av ailable to students in grades 7 to 12. That was three years ago. So, it's three years later. There's been no move - ment on this issue.

There's a poverty task force perhaps being struck and students are taking it upon themselves to stock washrooms with fr ee pads and tampons for their peers –don't have to miss school because the government is failing them. Will the Minister of Education commit to making menstrual products– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Mr. Ewasko: I didn't quite hear a question there, Madam Speaker, but I do want to talk about the good work of our poverty and education task force that we actually did launch a few weeks ago. So, it's unfortunate that even the member across the way didn't –was aware of that.

But within that poverty and education task force, we actually put in a subcommittee so that they're looking at ac cessibility to menstrual products. And I know first -hand, Madam Speaker – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –that, working in the schools and the school divisions, you know, the–partnering with local businesses, with local organi zations to make sure that accessibility for menstrual products for young Manitoba students is possible, Madam Speaker. So, thank you for that. Madam Speaker: The honour able member for Wolseley, on a final supplementary. Ms.

Naylor: I'd like to offer my services to save the government a whole lot of money and let you know that children are hungry and sometimes they bleed, and one third of Canadians who menstruate under the age of 25 struggle to afford menstrual products. The period poverty gap is growing and this government is still refusing to do anything about it. Students should not have to miss school because they can't afford menstrual products. They've written you petitions. They've put on events. They've spoken and we've spoken on their behalf in this House. I don't understand why you can't hear it.

Will the Minister of Edu cation eliminate this barrier and commit to making menstrual products free in all Manitoba schools today? Mr. Ewasko: We on this side of the House have done more in six years to reducing the barriers to education for all genders, Madam Speaker, than the NDP did over 17 years. Matter of fact–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –I'm proud of the –this gov ernment listening to– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Order. The honourable Minister of Education. Mr.

Ewasko: On International Women's Day, it's too bad that there's so many on the opposite benches that are being so disrespectful today, Madam Speaker. We know that –listened to the K -to-12 com mis- sion– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –and we struck–we know that through our–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Ewasko: –education partners and stake holders across this great province of ours, Madam Speaker, wanted us to do something in regards to poverty with- in education. That's why we launched the poverty and education task force.

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 529 More to come, Madam Speaker. Thank you. Seniors Advocate Request to Establish MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, we know the pandemic has taken a heavy toll on seniors in this province, and the Stefanson govern- ment's response has only made things worse. Action is needed to ensure our seniors are protected. After the tragic loss of life at private personal-care homes, now is the time to establish a seniors advocate and for comprehensive reform of the systems that care for our seniors.

Will the minister commit today to the esta blish- ment of a seniors advocate? Hon. Scott Johnston (Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care): I do appreciate my first question as a minister in the House and, Madam Speaker, may I say how proud I am to be responsi ble for this new portfolio: Seniors and Long-Term Care. * (14:20) Our Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) recog nized that seniors does need advocacy and deter mined that the best way to have that advocacy is by actually having a Cabinet minister at the Cabinet table.

Madam Speaker, I look forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of seniors and, certainly, deal with the challenges they have long term. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a supplementary question. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, we all know that COVID-19 has taken a toll on our seniors in care homes, and it's tragic. It's exposed the strain under which these centres were operating. Unfor tunately, many centres didn't have proper staffing before the pandemic. This gov ernment's cut has hurt our seniors.

Tragically, the result of their mismanagement is that lives were lost. So, I'll ask the minister, will they support our call for a seniors advocate today? Mr. Johnston: Our government continues to take the initiative to focus on seniors' needs. That's a commit- ment that our Premier has made, and that's a commit- ment that I will make to the House long term. In regards to dealing with seniors' issues, I can tell you, Madam Speaker, that I will be bringing forward the recommendations of the Stevenson report very shortly. Our gov ernment will be adopting all 17 recommendations.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a final supplementary. MLA Asag wara: Madam Speaker, too many Manitobans have lost their loved ones at personal-care homes, and the deadliest out comes occurred at for - profit facilities. Now, we're all deeply saddened by the events that occurred at Maples care home and at Parkview personal-care home. A former Conservative Health minister believed that these deaths were un avoidable and that he questioned the motivations of the health staff that were fighting on behalf of their patients. We can do better.

We need to amplify the voices of those advocating for seniors and the health of Manitobans, not try to stifle them. Will the minister take action today and support our call for a seniors advocate? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member for Union Station–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –for the question. The tragic loss of life of our seniors is very sad and our government is taking steps to ensure that does not happen again, and that is why we have committed as a gov ernment to imple menting all 17 recom men- dations from the Dr. Stevenson report.

I also want to highlight that in Budget 2021 our government invests over $653 million in personal - care homes, and that's more than the NDP ever spent, Madam Speaker. And we will continue t o ensure our seniors and our vul nerable popula tions are looked after in this province. Donations to Ukrainian Canadian Congress Matching Provincial Program Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): Today is International Women's Day. In 1920, the first woman MLA, Edith Rogers, was elected. And though it took a little over a century, we can all celebrate that Manitoba, at last, does have a woman Premier.

This morning, my fellow Manitoba Liberal MLAs and I joined a breakfast for Manitobans for Human Rights, where women from Afghanistan spoke of the

530 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 horrific oppression that is returning under the Taliban, as well as the many millions of refugees leaving Ukraine who are women and girls, many mothers and–with children, who are fleeing for their lives. Ukraine still needs more humanitarian aid, Madam Speaker. Alberta is committing over $11 million. We're not Alberta, but we can and must do more than $150,000. We ask again, will this gov ernment stand with Ukraine by committing to dollar -for-dollar matching of donations from Manitobans to the U-C-C-C-U-F. Hon.

Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): I thank the member for the question. We are all concerned about the continuing situation in Ukraine and with the aggression of the Russian government. We are responding, of course, first of all with a $150,000 donation imme diately to the Ukrainian congress. But, of course, as we have said very clearly and our Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) has said, that is only a starting point.

I can update this Legislature and indicate that there has been a committee struck of deputy ministers and leadership across this province that is interacting with federal officials, with international officials, with aid organizations. We're bringing to the table educa- tion, immigration, finance of various departments and expertise, including emergency measures, and we will continue to provide leadership and we will continue to respond. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Boniface, on a supplementary question. Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Request to Increase Applications from Ukraine Mr.

Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): I believe the Premier has said that they will do everything they can, but we would like to see the receipts. Over 2 million people have fled Ukraine, and our province has had the ability to do much more than they currently are to support refugees here in Manitoba. Immigration is federal, but settlement is provincial. On March 2 , the Premier said the province will expedite 100 prov incial nominee applicants, which seems like a drop in the bucket. We believe Manitoba as a province can and–do much more.

Will the Province commit to raising the number from 100 applicants to at least 1,000 and commit to meaningful funding to assist local agencies w ith ramping up capacity for resettlement services so we can respond to the crisis right now? Hon. Jon Reyes (Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration): We've heard and seen of the mass exodus of the Ukrainian people because of Putin's defiance on demo cracy. We've also seen the mass exodus of inter national students from Nigeria, Egypt, India and other nations trying to leave the Ukraine–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr.

Reyes: –that are ex periencing having issues when trying to enter those neighbouring countries. Manitoba will work with the federal government to help immigrate individuals and families here regardless of where they come from and welcome them like, you know, how we can here in friendly Manitoba. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Tyndall Park, on a final supplementary. Women Refugees Support Services Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): This morning, I attended an Inter national Women's Day event hosted by the Afghanistan task force group, Manitoba, and Manitobans for Human Rights.

At this event, I learned more about what is happening on the front lines in Afghanistan and some of the dire situa - tions women have been forced into. What is this government doing here in Manitoba to specifically help women refugees fleeing violence? Hon. Jon Reyes (Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration): We know that it's very important that when we welcome future Manitobans– immigrants, refugees, anyone that comes from around the world to our province –that we have a key investment into our new comer integration support programs.

So that's going to be very im portant moving forward, because, whether they come from India, Afghanistan, the Ukraine, we know that labour is going to be a crucial –immigration is going to be a crucial enabler for the economy, and we'll ensure that we work together with these new comer support programs. Thank you.

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 531 WPS Victim Services Extension of Pilot Program Mr. James Teitsma (Radisson): Over the last year, our government has been running a pilot program in conjunction with the Winnipeg Police Service. That program provides better access to victim services staff as early as possible. I've been very encouraged to hear about the success of this program, especially for women in our province. So does the minister agree that this program is a success, and does he intend on renewing it? Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, while the member for Radisson was being heckled by the Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. Kinew) on his question, I want to commend the member for Radisson for being a strong advocate for the extension of this program. And it's because of his advocacy that I can announce today that we have extended the pilot project between the Winnipeg Police Service and the Department of Justice. I know the Leader of the Official Op position doesn't care about these sort of programs, but I can explain it to him.

We have two justice officials who are embedded in the Wi nnipeg Police Service at headquarters, who, when they get calls that are do- mestic related but maybe don't relate to a criminal matter, those individuals can provide service and give a direction to the Winnipeg police and those who need victim services. More than 600 calls have been served. I want to thank the member for Radisson. Because of his hard work and advocacy, this program has been extended. Minimum Wage Request for Increase Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I know a lot of working mothe rs and working women.

None that I know would forget to claim $31 million worth of real estate. In fact, they're all struggling because of this government and their lack of wanting to increase 'miminum' wages. In fact, they only gave 'miminum'– gave those mothers and working women 5 cents, Madam Speaker. * (14:30) Will this gov ernment ever listen to working women in this province and actually give them a living wage? Hon.

Rochelle Squires (Minister responsible for the Status of Women): While the members opposite choose to disparage women on this Inter national Women's Day, on this side of the House, we want to take a moment to highlight some of the accom plish- ments of our first woman Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) in this province. For example, this fir st woman Premier, she brought in the reduction of child- care fees that have never been seen in this province before that will help a lot of women get back to work.

She also brought in presumptive cancer legislation for firefighters, which will really help women who are in the firefighting field and, of course, if they have the female repro - ductive cancers, that would be covered under this 'presumptiative' legis lation. She also brought in an Immigration Advisory Council and –prioritizing im- migration reform. Madam Speaker, I could go on about what our government and our first female Premier has done for women in– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a supplementary question. Mrs.

Smith: For years, this gov ernment has been nickeling and diming working mothers and working women, but then the PCs decided to actually keep that dime. The last increase to 'miminum' wage was a mere, lousy 5 cents . The cost of housing has gone up, the cost of food has gone through the roof, the cost of gas is way up. Working mothers and working women need a break. They need a living wage, Madam Speaker. Why is this government standing in the way? Hon.

Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Gover nment Services): I thank the member for the question, and I'm thrilled to serve under the auspices of our female Premier, the first in Manitoba. It's a great job that they do here. So, in Manitoba, we have a predictable increase, that's linked to the cos t of living, to minimum wage, unlike the members opposite, who makes it –make it political. We've also increased the minimum personal exemption, and this–totally, in all contexts, is more – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order.

532 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 Mr. Helwer: –beneficial to women in Manitoba than anyone else. Don't forget that we reduced the PST, and the NDP increased it not once, but they also talked about increasing it twice. Perhaps the member opposite was party to those discussions and agreed to take even more money away from Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a final supplementary. Mrs. Smith: Tens of thousands of working mothers and working women make 'miminum' wage. Manitoba's 'miminum' wage is the second- last in the country, and a nickel is not going to cut it.

Fresh fruit has gone up by 8 per cent. Bread has gone up by 7 per cent. Gas to get to those 'miminum' wage–well, it costs about 50 cents more a litre. This government is out of touch with Manitobans. Working Manitobans need a lifeline. Will–when will this government support a living wage? Mr. Helwer: Well, let's not forget that the NDP wanted to shut down all manufacturing in Manitoba during the pandemic. They called for Maple Leaf to be shut down, throwing thousands of Manitobans out of work, Madam Speaker.

They wanted to shut down the entire economy, creating ruin and devastation for thousands of em - ployees in Manitoba. They planned to destroy and devastate our economy, all the while they collected their guaranteed paycheques from home. The New Devastation Party. There're no lessons from members opposite, Madam Speaker. Abortion Protest Buffer Zone Act Request for Government Support Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I've introduced Bill 203, the abortion protest buffer zone, now, in this Chamber four times, and in the last four years Manitobans could have been protected while trying to access abortion services.

But instead, all of the mem- bers opposite have stood up and voted against this im- portant legislation. Manitobans and health-care providers deserve to be protected from harassment, inti midation and persuasion. Will the Minister of Health (Ms. Gordon) get up today and support in creating a buffer zone? Miigwech. Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister responsible for the Status of Women): On this side of the House, we believe that all Manitobans should access health care free of intimidation and bullying.

And in closing, on this Inter national Women's Day I'd like to wish all the women in this Ch amber and in the province a happy Inter national Women's Day. And at 5 o'clock, I'd like to ask anybody who's able to join me and many other members of this Legislature to the Clan Mothers Healing Village walk at The Forks; 5 o'clock, hope to see you there. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired. PETITIONS Foot-Care Services Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) The population of those aged 55- plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson.

(2) A large percentage of people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

(3) A large percentage of those who are elder ly and/or diabetic all–are also living on low incomes.

(4) The northern regional health author ity– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Kinew: –N-R-H-A, previously provided essential medical foot -care services to seniors and those living with diabe tes until 2019, then sub- sequently cut the program after the last two nurses filling those positions retired.

(5) The number of seniors and those with diabetes has only continued to grow in Thompson and sur - rounding areas.

(6) There is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 medical foot-care centres.

(7) The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations.

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need of–for foot

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 533 care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1, 2022. This petition has been signed by Melissa Spence, Joe Roque, Louise Baker and many other Manitobans. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Further petitions? Mr.

Ian Bushie (Keewatinook): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba: The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) The population of those aged 55- plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson.

(2) A large percentage of people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

(3) A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes.

(4) The northern regional health author ity, N-R-H-A, previously provided essential medical foot- care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program after the first two nurses filling those positions retired.

(5) The number of seniors and those with diabetes has only continued to grow in Thompson and surrounding areas.

(6) There is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 medical foot-care centres.

(7) The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations.

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1, 2022. This petition has been signed by many Manitobans. Cochlear Implant Program Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The background to this petition is as follows: People who suffer hearing loss due to aging, illness, employment or accident not only lose the ability to communicate effectively with friends, relatives or colleagues; they also can experience unemployment, social isolation and s truggles with mental health. A cochlear implant is a life-threatening electronic device that allows deaf people to receive and process sounds and speech, and also can partially restore hearing in people who have severe hearing loss and who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids.

A processor behind the ear captures and processes sound signals which are transmitted to a receiver implanted into the skull that relays the information to the inner ear. * (14:40) The technology has been available since 1989 through the Central Speech and Hearing Clinic founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Surgical Hearing Implant program began implanting patients in the fall of 2011 and marked the completion of 250 cochlear implant surgeries in Manitoba in the summer of 20 18. The program has implanted about 60 devices since the summer of 2018, as it is only able to implant about 40 to 45 devices per year.

There are no upfront costs to Manitoba residents who proceed with cochlear implant surgery, as Manitoba Health covers the surgical procedure, internal implant and the first external sound processor. Newfoundland and Manitoba have the highest estimated implantation costs of all provinces. Alberta has one of the best programs with Alberta aids for daily living, and their c ost share means the patient pays only approximately $500 out of pocket. Assistive Devices Program in Ontario covers 75 per cent of the cost, up to a maximum amount of $5,444, for a cochlear implant replacement speech

534 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 processor. The BC Adult Cochlear Implant Program offers subsidized replacements to aging sound processors through the Sound Processor Replacement program. This provincially funded program is available to those cochlear implant recipients whose sound processors have reached six to seven years of age. The cochlear implant is a lifelong commitment. However, as the technology changes over time, parts and software become no longer functional or available.

The cost of upgrading a cochlear implant in Manitoba of approximately $11,000 is much more expensive than in other provinces, as adult patients are responsible for the upgrade costs of their sound processor. In Manitoba, pediatric patients under 18 years of age are eligible for funding assistance through the Cochlear Implant Speech Processor Repl acement Program, which provides up to 80 per cent of the replacement costs associated with a device upgrade.

It is unreasonable that this technology is inaccessible to many citizens of Manitoba who must choose between hearing and deafness due to financial constraints because the costs of maintaining the equipment are prohibitive for low -income earners or those on a fixed income, such as old age pension or Employment and Income Assistance.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide financing for upgrades to the cochlear implant covered under medicare, or provide funding assistance through the Cochlear Implant Speech Processor Replacement Program to assist with the replacement costs associated with a device upgrade. Signed by Jason Gobeil, Ray Inglis, Sharon Richardson and many, many other Manitobans. Abortion Services Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Manitoba women, girls, two -spirit, genderqueer, non-binary and trans persons deserve to be safe and supported when accessing abortion services.

(2) Limited access to effective and safe abortion services contributes to detrimental outcomes and consequences for those seeking an abortion, as an esti- mated 25 million unsafe abortions occur worldwide each year.

(3) The prov incial government's reckless health cuts have created inequity within the health -care system whe reby access to the abortion pill, Mifegymiso, and surgical abortions are less accessible for northern and rural individuals than individuals in southern Manitoba, as they face travel barriers to access the handful of non- urban health-care pro fes- sionals who are trained to provide medical abortions.

(4) For over five years, and over the admin istra- tion of three failed Health ministers, the prov incial government operated under the pretense that reproductive health was not the responsi bility of the Ministry of Health and Seniors Care and shifted responsibility to a secretariat with no policy, program or financial authority within the health-care system.

(5) For over four years, the prov incial gov ern- ment has refused to support bill 200, The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, which will ensure the safety of Manitoba women, girls, two- spirit, genderqueer, non-binary and trans persons accessing abortion services, and the staff who provide such services, by establishing buffer zones for anti -choice Manitobans around clinics.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial gov ernment to imme - diately ensure effective and safe access to abortion services for individuals, regardless of where they reside in Manitoba, and to ensure that buffer zones are immediately legislated. Signed by many Manitobans. Foot-Care Services MLA Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) The population of those aged 55- plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson.

(2) A large percentage of people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

(3) A large percentage o f those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes.

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 535

(4) The northern regional health author ity, N-R-H-A, previously provided essential medical foot- care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program after the last two nurses filling those positions retired.

(5) The number of seniors and those with diabetes has continued to grow in Thompson and surrounding areas.

(6) There is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 medical foot centres.

(7) The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations.

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1, 2022. And this petition, Madam Speaker, has been signed by many Manitobans. Diagnostic Testing Accessibility Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) Until recently, diagnostic medical tests, including for blood and fluid samples, were available and accessible in most medical clinics.

(2) Dynacare blood test labs have consolidated their blood and fluid testing services by closing 25 of its labs.

(3) The provincial government has cut diagnostic testing at many clinic sites, and residents now have to travel to different locations to get their testing done, even for a simple blood test or urine sample.

(4) Further, travel challenges for vulnerable and elderly residents of northeast Winnipeg may result in fewer tests being done or delays in testing, with the attendant effects of increased health -care costs and poorer individual patient outcomes.

(5) COVID-19 emergency rules have resulted in long outdoor lineups, putting vulnerable residents at further risk in extreme weather, be it hot or cold. Moreover, these long lineups have resulted in longer wait times for services and poorer service in general.

(6) Manitoba residents value the convenience and efficiency of the health -care system when they are able to give their samples at the time of the doctor visit. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial gove rnment to immedi - ately demand Dynacare maintain all of the phlebotomy blood sample sites existing prior to the COVID-19 public health emergency, and allow all Manitobans to get their blood and urine tests done when visiting their doctor, thereby facilitating local access to blood testing services. And this petition has been signed by many, many Manitobans.

Lead in Soils MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) In December of 2019, the provincial government's commissioned report on lead concentrations in soil in Winnipeg was completed.

(2) The report found that 10 neighbourhoods had concerning levels of lead concentration in their soil, including Centennial, Daniel McIntyre, Glenelm - Chalmers, north Point Douglas, River Osborne, Sargent Park, St. Boniface, the West End, Weston and Wolseley-Minto.

(3) In particular, the predicted blood lead levels for children in north Point Douglas, Weston and Daniel McIntyre were above the level of concern. * (14:50)

(4) The Weston Elementary School field has been forced to close down many times because of concerns of lead in soil and the provincia l government's inaction to improve the situation.

(5) Lead exposure especially affects children aged seven years and under, as their nervous system is still developing.

536 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022

(6) The effects of lead exposure are irreversible and include impacts on learning, behaviour and intelligence.

(7) For adults, long- term lead exposure can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems and reproductive effects.

(8) The provincial government currently has no comprehensive plan in place to deal with lead in soil, nor is there a broad advertising campaign educating residents on how they can reduce their risks of lead exposure.

(9) Instead, people in these areas continue to garden and work in the soil and children continue to play in the dirt, often w ithout any knowledge of the associated risks.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to take action to reduce people's exposure to lead in Winnipeg, and to implement the recommendations proposed by the provincial government's independent review, including the creation of an action plan for the western neighbour–Weston neighbourhood, developing a lead awareness communications and outreach program, requisitioning a more in- depth study, and creating a tracking program for those tested for blood lead levels so that medical professionals can follow up with them. This has been signed by Godfrey J.

Araboy, Raymond A. Araboy, Rose Fabro and many other Manitobans. Health-Care Coverage Mr. Jamie Moses (St. Vital): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Health care is a basic human right and a fundamental part of responsible public health. Many people in Manitoba are not covered by provincial health care: migrant workers with work permits of less than one year, international students and those undocumented residents who have lost their status for a variety of reasons.

(2) Racialized people and communities are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, mainly due to the social and economic conditions which leave them vulnerable while performing essential work in a variety of industries in Manitoba.

(3) Without adequate health- care coverage, if they are ill, many of the uninsured will avoid seeking health care due to fear of being charged for the care, and some will fear possible detention and deportation if their immigration status is reported to the authorities.

(4) According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, denying essential health care to undocumented irregular migrants is a violation of their rights.

(5) Jurisdictions across Canada and the world have adopted access -without-fear policies to prevent sharing personal health information or immigrat ion status with immigration authorities to give uninsured residents the confidence to access health care.

(6) The pandemic has clearly identified the need for everyone in Manitoba to have access to health care to protect the health and safety of all who l ive in the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the provincial government to immediately provide comprehensive and free health - care coverage to all residents of Manitoba, regardless of immigration status, in cluding refugee claimants, migrant workers, international students, dependant children of temporary residents and undocumented residents.

(2) To urge the Minister of Health and Seniors Care to undertake a multilingual communication campaign to provide information on expanded coverage to all affected residents.

(3) To urge the Minister of Health and Seniors Care to inform all health -care institutions and providers of expanded coverage for those without health insurance and the details on how necessary policy and protocol changes will be implemented.

(4) To urge the Minister of Health and Seniors Care to create and enforce strict confidentiality policies and provide staff with training to protect the safety of residents with precarious immigration status and ensure that they can access health care without jeopardizing their ability to remain in Canada. This petition has been signed by many Manitobans.

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 537 Eating Disorders Awareness Week Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows: An estimated 1 million people suffer from eating disorders in Canada. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting one's physical, psychological and soci al function and have the highest morality rate–mortality rate of any mental illness.

The dev elopment and treatment of eating disorders are influenced by the social determinants of health, including food and income security, access to housing, health care and mental health supports. It is important to share the diverse experiences of people with eating disorders across all ages, genders and identities, including Indigenous, Black and racialized people; queer and gender -diverse people; people with dis abilities; people with chronic illness; and people with co- occurring mental health con di- tions or addictions.

It is necessary to increase awareness and edu ca- tion about the impact of those living with, or affected by, eating disorders in order to dispel dangerous stereotypes and myths about these illnesses. Setting aside one week each year to focus attention on eating disorders will heighten public understanding, increase awareness of culturally relevant resources and supports for those impacted by eating disorders and encourage Manitobans to develop healthier relationships with their own bodies.

We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial government to support a declaration that the first week in February of each year be known as eating disorders awareness week. This has been signed by Jolene Schnerch, Shauna Thompson, Carrie Gingras and many other Manitobans. Foot-Care Services Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I wish to present the following petit ion to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) The population of those aged 55- plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the City of Thompson.

(2) A large percentage of people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

(3) A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes.

(4) The northern regional health author ity previously provided essential medical foot -care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program after the last two nurses filling those petitions retired.

(5) The number of seniors and those with diabetes have only continued to grow in Thompson and surrounding areas.

(6) There is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 medical foot-care centres.

(7) The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations.

(8) The City of Thompson also serves a s a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the City of Thompson effective April 1, 2022. This was signed by many, many Manitobans. Road Closures Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Manitoba Infra structure has under taken the closure of all farm -access roads along the North Perimeter Highway, forcing rural residents to drive up to six miles out of their way to leave or return to their property.

(2) The prov incial gov ernment's own consul ta- tions showed that closing the access of some of these roads, including Sturgeon Road, was an emerging concern to residents and businesses–business owners, yet the North Perimeter plan does nothing to address this issue.

538 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022

(3) Residents and business owners were assured that their concerns about access closures, including safety issues cited by engineers, would be taken into account and that access at Sturgeon Road w ould be maintained. However, weeks later, the median was nonetheless torn up, leaving local residents and busi - nesses scrambling.

(4) Closing all access to the Perimeter puts more people in danger, as it emboldens speeders and forces farmers to take larg e equip ment into heavy traffic, putting road users at risk. * (15:00)

(5) Local traffic, commuter traffic, school buses, emergency vehicles and commercial traffic, including up to 200 gravel trucks per day from the Lilyfield Quarry, will all be expected to merge and travel out of their way in order to cross the Perimeter, causing increased traffic and longer response times to emergencies.

(6) Small businesses located along the Perimeter and Sturgeon Road are expecting to lose busi ness, as customers will give up on finding a way onto their premises.

(7) Residents, busi ness owners and those who use the roads have been left behind by the prov incial government's refusal to listen to their concerns and that closures will only result in worsened safet y and major inconveniences for users of the North Perimeter. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Infrastructure to leave residents access at the Perimeter Highway at least every two miles along its length, especially at intersections such as Sturgeon Road, which are vital to local businesses; and

(2) To urge the Minister of Infra structure to listen to the needs and the opinions of the local residents and busi ness owners took the time to complete the Perimeter safety survey while working with engineers and technicians to ensure their concerns are addressed. This petition, Madam Speaker, is signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): On gov ernment busi ness, pursuant to rule 33(7), I'm announcing that the private member's resolution to be considered on the next Tuesday of private members' business will be the one put forward by the honour able member for Springfield- Ritchot (Mr. Schuler). The title of the reso lution is Reducing Barriers for Ukrainians Seeking Refuge.

Madam Speaker: It has been announced that, pursuant to rule 33(7), it has been announced that the private member's reso lution to be considered on the next Tuesday of private members' business will be one put forward by the honour able member for Springfield-Ritchot, and the title of the reso lution is reducing barriers for Ukrainian seeking refuge. * * * Mr. Goertzen: Could you please call this afternoon for debate Bill 5, Bill 4, Bill 12 and Bill 9.

Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the House will consider the following bills this afternoon: second reading of Bill 5, debate on second reading of Bill 4, second reading of Bill 12 and second reading of Bill 9. SECOND READINGS Bill 5–The Coat of Arms, Emblems and the Manitoba Tartan Amendment Act Madam Speaker: I will therefore call second reading Bill 5, The Coat of Arms, Emblems and the Manitoba Tartan Amendment Act. Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister for Sport, Culture and Heritage, that Bill 5, The Coat of Arms, Emblems and the Manitoba Tartan Amend- ment Act, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Motion presented. Mr. Goertzen: Bill 5, The Coat of Arms, Emblems and the Manitoba Tartan Amendment Act, recognizes the polar bear as a prov incial–official provincial em- blem to recog nize the im portant role that the polar bear currently plays internationally and as a symbol of Manitoba.

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 539 Mr. Andrew Micklefield, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair Northern Manitoba is known internationally for its polar bears. Tourists come from around the globe– and I know that the pandemic over the last couple of years has disrupted that and there's been a return to international tourists to Churchill more recently–have come to Churchill to see and to be amazed by the natural beauty of the community, the surrounding area and, of course, the polar bear.

Recognizing the polar bear as an official symbol of Manitoba helps build on our province's brand as the polar bear capital of the world and a must-see, one-of- a-kind tourism attraction and for visitors of all ages. This is particularly relevant as tourism begins to recover from the detrimental impacts on the industry due to COVID-19 and the pandemic. Manitoba's tourism industry is a key contributor to the prov incial economy and polar bears represent significant draw to tourists across Canada and across the world.

Manitoba has already made sig nificant invest - ments to protect polar bears and their natural habitat with the creation of the polar bear protec tion area, as well as providing significant financial support for the creation of a Polar Bear Con servation Centre at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Of course, the well -known, internationally renowned Assiniboine Park Zoo. And many im provements under our gov ernment, and I would say under the previous gov ernment, as well. Everybody recognizes how im portant the zoo is to Manitoba. The polar bear will become the second official mammalian emblem of Manitoba, Mr.

Deputy Speaker. In 2014, the North American plains bison was officially recognized as a mammal emblem, and this is im portant because there–we'll have, then, a mammal that is largely symbolically recognized with the North, and one that is more recognized with southern Manitoba. In addition to the polar bear and plains bison, Manitoba currently recognizes the great grey owl, the pickerel, white spruce, prairie crocus, big bluestem grass, Newdale soil and the mosasaur as official natural emblems.

Members of the Chamber and, I hope, all members of the public will be able to see them soon as this b uilding starts to reopen again for tours, will notice that there are statues that have been put into place in the building and the enclaves within the building, that for 101 years have been empty. Now, in the original designs of this building, those spaces were earmarked for statues, although it's not entirely sure what type of statues were going to go into those places within the building.

But they stood empty because, as a lot of things that happens in gov- ernment, I understand as they were building this parti- cular building, they ran out of money and they never put in the statues in those locations. So, Manitoba 150, as part of their work in celebrating the 150th anniversary of Manitoba, saw fit with–after discussions with others, to put into those long, empty spaces in this building statues of our natural emblems in Manitoba. And so some have already gone into place. I know the mosasaur is there, and the great grey owl is also – was the first one that was put into place.

Beautiful artwork, Manitoba artw ork, Brunet Monuments in Saskatchewan have done the moulding, but those are Manitoba artists who've designed the statues, and the base is also a Manitoba artist. And I'm always amazed, when you look at that base, it looks, Mr. Deputy Speaker, like it's been there for 101 years. There was some degree of concern when we approved this project . What would it look like? Because we all have such a connection to this build- ing, and we understand how beautiful it is, and any time you make a change to it, you know, you're really messing with history in some ways.

But I'm really, really glad how it turned out, and I think that all members–and I've heard from other members of the Assembly how beautiful they believe the statues are. The polar bear has long been associ ated with Manitoba, which is home to one of the largest known maternity denning areas located in Wapusk National Park on the shores of Hudson Bay. The polar bears and the town of Churchill are globally famous and a tourist attraction known, of course, as t he polar bear capital of the world.

Dennis Fast, who is a constituent of mine, a former teacher –not of mine, but a teacher within the Hanover School Division –has become a world-renowned artist of nature, and some of his polar bear pictures from Churchill have also become internationally known and famous. I was fortunate in the fall of last year to be able to visit Churchill. I visited with the chief of protocol for Manitoba, the consul generals of the United States, Iceland, India and the United Kingdom. And it was common, at one point, for MLAs to bring diplomats up to Churchill. I know that the town of Churchill very much appreciates it.

And it allows those diplomats,

540 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 then, of course, to go back to their own individual countries and promote Churchill as a tourist attraction. And while this is about polar bears, and we're talking about polar bears, Churchill is very much expanding their tourism operation. The northern lights tours are a big part of what they do, and, of course, the beluga whale season in the summer–significant part of the tourism destination. So, polar bears is part of the tourist attraction of Churchill, but I wouldn't want to leave the impression that it is the only tourist attraction.

They continue to expand the seasons in which they are drawing tourists into Churchill. I had the pleasure–and I would say it was a plea- sure, and I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. But to take the train from Thompson to Churchill–it's a relatively slow moving train, but I think that every Manitoba should do it. You know, it's cheap–it was $50, I think, to take the train and, you know, I was amazed as we started off. * (15:10) After about 45 minutes, the train stopped and I wasn't–I looked out the window to see which commu- nity we were stopping at and it wasn't any community at all.

And one of the people informed me that it's a flag stop; somebody just flags down the train and the train stops and then the person gets on the train. It might be a hunter or somebody else from a nearby area, and it's just, you know, it's almost like a bus and that was a really, really unique experience, and I loved it. I really enjoyed it. I think that every Manitoban, if they get the oppor tunity, should not only visit Churchill, but if they have they opportunity to take the train, it is a unique Manitoba experience. So, Madam –or, Mr. Deputy Speaker, this is brought forward, of course, as a non- partisan bill.

I think we all ap preciate the polar bear as a symbol of Manitoba. When we do school tours in this building– and, hopefully, we can start to do them again soon–I often ask the students, what to them is the most recognizable symbol of Manitoba, and, you know, more than half of them usually say the polar bear. It has just become, by its own sort of organi c nature, become a symbol of Manitoba. So this codifies and makes it official, but I think it makes official what many Manitobans and those around the world already believe.

So I suspect that this bill will get unanimous support in the Chamber and I look forward to its passage and all of us being able to celebrate it together. Questions Mr. Deputy Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minister and by any member in the following sequence: first quest ion by the official opposi tion critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each indepen- dent member; remaining questions asked by any op- position m embers; and no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. Ms.

Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): I am also really happy to celebrate polar bears, but I'm wondering if this gov- ernment will use this occasion to commit to policies that will lead Manitoba to achiev e Paris climate accord and IPCC recommendations and targets which would actually help protect our polar bear habitats and population. Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I thank my friend across the way for the question.

There are always op portunities to have those types of discussions and I anticipated that there might be questions about, well, is there going to be more money for this or more money for that. And when I talked to Manitobans about this bill and recognizing the polar bear as an official symbol, you'd be surprised that the first question isn't, well, is there more money? They sometimes just go, that's a really good idea and we support that. It doesn't mean there can't be discussions about those other t hings at different times, but that is not what this specific bill is about. Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): The polar bear is clearly an iconic symbol of Manitoba and this bill is some–certainly some positive features. But one of the questions here is that the predictions are that the polar bears may vanish from Manitoba by the end of the century if there's no plan to make sure that they stay in Manitoba. What is the minister's plan for making sure that we have polar bears for a long, long time into the future? Mr. Goertzen: Indeed, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the bill doesn't presume to solve every problem in the world.

It doesn't presume to solve climate change and it doesn't presume to solve the diminishment of the number of polar bears. But the member is right. It is a

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 541 challenge and it is a problem, and climate change plays into that. And I know that there are many organizations like the international polar bear association and others who brought forward initiatives in trying to ensure that the polar bear is with us for a very, very long time. That isn't specific what this bill is about, but by promoting the polar bear, I think it does bring awareness and might, in fact, in a tertiary way, help that cause. Mr.

Diljeet Brar (Burrows): While I appreciate the member opposite for introducing this bill, when we talk about polar bears we talk about nature and its creativity. I would like to ask this: Why were regional vehicle permits for polar bear tourism given out against the advice of the gov ernment's own analysis and without the input of the local com munity, Indigenous com munity or environ mental organi- zations? Mr. Goertzen: I think that the member opposite, his question is a bridge too far and a bridge by about 100,000 miles, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

I'm not trying to say that he doesn't have a right to ask questions that are important to him or to those he may be representing on that particular question. This bill is spe cifically about making the polar bear a symbol of Manitoba, one of the emblems. It is not about solving climate change; it is not about ending world hunger; it, sadly, will not bring peace to the world, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It will not solve all the problems of the world. But it is important to recognize that it is an important emblem of Manitoba. Ms. Naylor: Mr. Deputy Speaker, well, this gov ern- ment's consistent.

They want to make –they want to recognize the importance of women without making society better for women and they want to recognize the importance of polar bears without making the world better for polar bears. So, my next question is: Why did this PC admin- istration abandon plans for a polar bear park after championing it, even after taking office in 2016? Mr. Goertzen: I think the member opposite , while her question might come from the right place in terms of her heart, I think she misses some of the importance of recognition and what recognition can do.

Recognizing the polar bear as a symbol of Manitoba can have lots of benefits in and of it self. It brings publicity; it can bring attention, maybe, to some of the issues that the member opposite is trying to raise, and I think I understand that this is politics; she's trying to make other political points. But I think she also knows that simply the recognition will have benefits that we might not always be able to see initially, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Now I might be wrong. She might vote against this bill. But I suspect she won't because she also knows that this can have positive effects for– Mr.

Deputy Speaker: The minister's time has expired. Mr. Gerrard: I'm a little leery of the minister bringing in a bill to make a symbol of Manitoba a polar bear, which is maybe going extinct in Manitoba without even a plan to make sure that it stays here for a long time. And I would urge the minister to work with his minister who's responsi ble, which I think is the Minister of Agri culture (Mr. Johnson), to make sure that there is a long-term plan. Mr. Goertzen: I don't disagree with the point.

I would have to point out, of course, though, that the mosasaur is a symbol of Manitoba and it is extinct, and we're not going to try–or we might try to revive the Mosasaur in some way. Maybe that member opposite –that's his goal, but clearly I think all of us have a vested interest and want to see plans–[interjection] Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order, please. Mr. Goertzen: –and this government and other gov- ernments have brought forward plans when it comes to ensuring that nature is preserved, the polar bear being one of those.

I absolutely think it's an important idea to bring forward ideas when it comes to polar bear preservation, as this and other governments have, but we can't disqualify the mosasaur from being a symbol, as the member opposite seems to want to do. Mr. Brar: As expressed by the member opposite, I understand that this bill talks about emblems and symbols. But I'm also pretty sure it doesn't just talk about just symbols. When we talk about symbols that has some sig nificance that why we're t alking about symbols, because we care about polar bears; we care about the environment.

So I would ask: One of the main recom men- dations of the Tourism Carrying Capacity Review of the Churchill WMA is that the gov ernment try to resolve conflicts between different tourist operators.

542 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 Can this gov ernment address what steps it has taken to address local conflicts over polar bear con - servation and tourism or if they have not taken any, why– Mr. Deputy Speaker: The member's time has expired. Mr. Goertzen: The member opposite said in his question that he's pretty sure that the bill doesn't just talk about polar bears as a symbol, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I would encourage him to read the bill because that is exactly all that it speaks about. * (15:20) Mr. Deputy Speaker: Are there any further questions? Ms. Naylor: The minister is correct.

I would definite- ly be in support of this bill because I think it is impor- tant to recog nize symbols that are im portant to us. I know that this has meaning. I also know that a hundred years from now, when children or anyone are –is looking at that emblem, they're going to say, what animal was that, because polar bears are expected to go extinct by the end of the century. So will this gov ernment take steps to comm it to creating a polar bear park which will help to protect the species and investing in mitigating climate change? Mr.

Goertzen: I'm glad that the member opposite has indicated she'll support the bill. I think that what she's done–and I really do appre- ciate her saying that. I think she indicates by that support that she recognizes that there is value, not just symbolic value, though, of course, this bill brings symbolism to the polar bear being a symbol of Manitoba; but that it can have other positive benefits, that it can encourage others to do research. It can encourage others to have interest.

It can, of course, continue to ensure that the gov ernment, all gov ern- ments, see the polar bear is an im portant part of Manitoba and Canada, and the world. So I ap preciate the fact that she's indicated her support. I think by doing so, she recognizes the various ways this bill can be beneficial. And the things that she's– Mr. Deputy Speaker: The minister's time has expired. Mr. Brar: I appreciate the member opposite and I ap- preciate this bill as well, but this is an op portunity to talk a bit more about it.

What's the gov ernment's response to Indigenous leaders like Chief Morris Beardy of Fox Lake Cree Nation who said, in response to new vehi cle permits, that there was no con sultation with our resource management board or our community that shares these traditional lands. Indigenous communities must be part of decisions that affect our territories and our communities must be part of opportunities to promote and expand tourism in the North. Mr. Goertzen: I'm sure that in his next question the member will try to draw the relationship between creating a provincial symbol and the question that he asked, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, because relevance is im- portant in this House. But I do appreciate he indicated at the beginning of his question that he does support the bill, and I think he, like his colleagues, support the bill because they see that it is some thing that can have other benef its under other than symbolism to the province of Manitoba, and that it can lead to things that are tangible when it comes to the polar bear. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't recognize the polar bear as a symbol of Manitoba. So I appreciate him offering his support to the bill. Mr. Gerrard: Mr.

Speaker, my question to the min - ister is this, last year–[interjection] Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. Mr. Gerrard: –the Fox Lake First Nation was not consulted. Did the minister consult the First Nations whos e traditional territory is the territory of the polar bears before bringing in this bill? Mr. Goertzen: I've certainly had discussions with First Nations. But on this bill I spe cifically consulted with the Inuit Association, Mr. Deputy Speaker, because, of course, their close connection to many of the areas where the polar bear would be considered a natural habitat for. Ms.

Naylor: I can appreciate the value of looking at a polar bear on an emblem and I can ap preciate the value of visiting polar bea rs at the zoo, but I would like to know what this gov ernment will do to ensure that polar bears can continue to exist in their habitat 10, 50, 100 years from now.

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 543 What is the investment and how can you make sense of honouring polar bears in this way wi thout making that investment? Mr. Goertzen: Well, I know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that when the former NDP gov ernment brought in symbols and emblems in the House –and they did at times, and I don't believe we ever opposed it –they didn't bring it in as a money bill with all sorts of money attached to the value of the emblem. I mean, that is not what this act, let alone this bill, is intended to do.

She can go back and look at history and see that that's not what her former colleagues did. But that doesn't mean that the–bringing in a new symbol doesn't lead to those sorts of discussions, or doesn't bring more focus or highlight more attention on it. But this bill doesn't in the same way that the bills that her colleagues under the NDP didn't either, in the past. Mr. Deputy Speaker: The minister's time has expired. Are there any further questions? Seeing no questions, there is a small admin istra- tive matter we need to clean up. The clerks are arranging for that as I speak. Just bear with us for a moment.

House Business Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): This is a matter of House business, actually. Reverting back to the announcement for next–for the–next Tuesday's private members' reso lution, I read into the record, if we review the t apes, that the title of the reso lution will be Reducing Barriers for Ukrainians Seeking Refuge, but I understand that the presiding officer in the Chair at that point may have read back reducing barriers for Ukraine seeking refuge. They might not have made it plural because I think the script that they were provided might not have had a plural.

So, it's simply a mistake, we want to ensure the House understands that the resolu tion is Reducing Barriers for Ukrainians Seeking Refuge. Mr. Deputy Speaker: It has been announced by the honourable Government House Leader that the pri - vate member's resolution to be considered on the next Tuesday of private members' busi ness will be put one–will be one put forward by the honour able member for Springfie ld-Ritchot (Mr. Schuler). The title of the reso lution is Reducing Barriers for Ukrainians Seeking Refuge. * * * Mr. Deputy Speaker: Now, back to the other busi - ness of the afternoon. Debate Mr.

Deputy Speaker: Seeing no further questions, the floor is open for debate on Bill 5. Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): The provincial govern- ment–the PC prov incial government is pretending to champion our polar bear population, but their actions consistently work against the interests of this mammal.

They scrapped plans to protect polar bear dens through the esta blishment of polar bear prov incial park; they increased the number of vehicle permits for polar bear tourism against the advice of experts and for the benefit of one of the PC party's biggest donors; and their failure to address climate change are further harming our polar bear popula tion every day. This government says one thing but does another. And they say they want to honour and respect Manitoba's polar bear popula tion, but their action s show the exact opposite.

In 2013, the NDP announced plans to begin con- sultation for a prov incial park on the Hudson Bay coastline to protect polar bear denning areas. At the time, it was heralded by environ mental groups as an excellent initiative to protect the species. The Manitoba

chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society wrote at that time, with polar bears facing an uncertain future, as climate change alters their winter sea ice hunting grounds, protection of large areas of their land-based habitat will provide a greater opportunity to adapt to these changes. By far the largest park in Manitoba, if created, will serve a huge diversity of species in this northern boreal region, including caribou, Arctic fox, beluga whale and the thousands of migratory birds that flock here to breed in summer.

This is incredible news, both for wildlife as well as local com munities and the province at large. As – at–as the central draw of an in creasingly popular ecotourism industry in the regi on, polar bears are a critical component of our northern economy. If esta - blished, the park would allow the expansion of this economy while ensuring the persistence of the species and ecology it depends on.

544 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 * (15:30) Through a process that includes full con sultation with local First Nations, we help Manitobans support this initiative as a wise path to integrating healthy environmental and economic values. And that was from an

article in CPAWS, November 27th, 2013. Back in 2016, the PCs said they wer e going to support the NDP's plan. The then- minister–or, they indicated it anyway. The then-minister of Sustainable Development told the press that the long-term sustain- ability of polar bears is im portant to Manitobans and definitely important to all of us, so we want to move forward with polar bear park in conjunction with First Nations people.

But since then, prov incial officials have con - firmed that the PCs have completely abandoned this initiative, you know, so much so, I was in a briefing last winter with the minister when we asked about the status of polar bear park. And it was obvious to me that the minister had actually never heard of it, and granted, she was new on the file, but that's how long ago they had already abandoned the plan. It's worth noting that CPAWS continues to advo- cate for a polar bear park. Only last year, CPAWS Manitoba

chapter executive director, Ron Thiessen, said that the park presents a sterling oppor tunity to protect the terrestrial habitats polar bears need to give birth and raise their young. This gov ernment wants to designate the polar bear as one of the designated mammal emblems of Manitoba. But they're failing to address climate change, which is an existential threat to polar bears. Due to their inaction, Manitoba's greenhouse gas rates are at an all-time high and are growing faster than ever under the PC government. In fact, C0 2 emissions have increased by 10 per cent since the PC gov ernment took power in 2016.

The rising temperatures will be particularly impactful on polar bears who rely on rapidly melting sea ice for movement. Their plans to address climate change are a joke and an inter national embar rassment. No other pro- vince has adopted plans that would allow a rise in GHG emissions to s till be considered meeting their goal. If the PCs were truly concerned about protecting our polar bear popula tion they would get on track to meet the targets under the Paris climate accord, but so far they failed to do so.

Instead, they've spent their time, energy and Manitobans' tax dollars fighting the federal government's carbon tax in court in a case they lost. The PCs have also abused the federal Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, using it to backfill expenses through Efficiency Manitoba that alr eady should've been funded. They cut clean energy programs like Manitoba Hydro's hugely popular solar rebate program. They cut funding to Winnipeg Transit and mismanaged Efficiency Manitoba. They cut funding to environmental organizations like the Gr een Action Centre, Climate Change Connection and the Manitoba Eco-Network.

None of these actions indicate a true desire to protect Manitoba's polar bears. This gov ernment wants to designate the polar bear as one of the designated mammal emblems of Mani toba while actively taking steps to hurt the population. Since 1984, the Manitoba government has issued 18 tundra vehicle permits for companies to facilitate polar bear tourism in the North. This 18- permit limit was a good balance between preserving the Churchill area's ecosystem and allowing its tourism sector to remain strong.

In 2015, a report commissioned by the Province recommended maintaining the current number of allowable vehicles. However, apparently, without consultation with Churchill residents or informing them beforehand, the Province awarded two addi - tional permits to an operation owned and operated by a former Conservative Party of Canada candidate and PC party of Manitoba donor. To the best of our knowledge, other business owners were not given the same opportunity to bid on these permits.

The PC gov- ernment's choice to go against expert advice to protect our polar bear popula tion has upset three im portant groups: members of the busi ness com munity, First Nation leaders and environmental groups. John Gunter, a Churchill business owner, said that he is extremely disappointed in the gov ernment's actions and that –he said, I just don't understand. I'm stunned. It seems like there's two sets of rules and I'm not sure why that's the case. That was quoted on CBC in April '21. Another busi ness owner named Caleb Ross echoed those concerns.

According to media reports, he only found out through the grapevine that the new permits were being awarded to the PC donor's company and said that it was surprising and a bit disappointing that the rest of us weren't given the option.

March 8, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 545 Chief Morris Beardy of Fox Lake Cree Nation, whose traditional lands include parts of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, noted that his community was not consulted before this decision was made. There was no consultation with our resource manage- ment board or our com munity that share these tradi - tional lands. Indigenous communities must be part of decisions that affect our territories and our com mu- nities, must be part of oppor tunities to promote and expand tourism in the North.

And, finally, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society said they are highly concerned that the gov - ernment is departing from the area's manage ment plan. Ron T hiessen, the Executive Director of the group's Manitoba chapter, says they've been informed that there was no scientific assessment or con sulta- tions with local com munities associated with this decision that may very well pose additional challenges to this threatened species.

Long-term–time–researcher Andrew Derocher also shared his concerns about the new vehicle permits in a letter he wrote to the Province, which reads in part: Increasing the number of tundra vehicles is a change to the existing situation, and for a popula- tion of polar bears in decline and under increasing pressure from climate change, a precautionary ap - proach is advisable. The government wants to designate the polar bear as one of the designated mammal emblems of Manitoba, but organizations like CPAWS see that this government isn't committed to protecting polar bears and their habitat.

The Manitoba NDP position is clear. This PC government is letting down Manitoba's North, Manitoba's environment and Manitobans' polar bears. But the members opposite don't need to take our word for it. They can read the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society's 2021 report card on the Manitoba gov ernment's progress in protecting its land. The report began by noting that between 2010 and 2015, the Manitoba gov ernment designated 15 new protected areas that covered more than 20,000 square kilometres.

But since 2015, the report notes, there has been little on -the-ground progress because the current Manitoba gov ernment has made little progress in expanding the prov incial protected area system including in the North of the province. In fact, between 2015 to 2020, the Manitoba gov- ernment added 177 square kilometres of land. This is less than 1 per cent of what the NDP government had added in the preceding five years.

The CPAWS report also noted that the Manitoba government sent a very worrying signal about the future of Manitoba's provincial parks by com mis- sioning an assessment to deter mine which parks and services could be divested, decommissioned and/or potentially privatized. We need to encourage Manitobans and tourists to spend more time outdoors, but instead, this PC gov - ernment is con sidering park priva tization across the province while simultaneously placing our polar bear population at risk.

The CPAWS report went on to note an important reminder to this PC gov ernment as it seeks to imple - ment their harmful environmental agenda in the North and across the province. Privatization will undermine the critical role parks play in the accessible, affordable public service at a time when parks are needed more than ever for Manitoba's well-being. The assessment also includes exploring how to achieve greater financial stability for Manitoba's parks.

This seems to ignore evidence that public in- vestments in parks generate sig nificant positive economic impacts, including job creation and signifi- cant savings in health-cap costs. The gap between park revenues and operating expenses is appropriately filled by Manitoba's prov- incial budget because the social, economic and environmental values parks hold are essential services for citizens. End quote. * (15:40) Mr.

Deputy Speaker, only days ago, on Monday, February 28th, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released their most dire report yet on the future of the planet, warning that if we do not take drastic action now, we will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all. No animal is more famously associated with the dangers of global warming than the polar bear. We've all seen images of polar bears stranded on melting ice. These images are not misleading. Manitoba's polar bear population is, in fact, at high risk due to global warming.

A com prehensive Royal Society review con - cluded that the loss of Arctic sea ice owing to climate change is the primary threat to polar bears throughout their range. Our findings support the potential for large declines in polar bear number s. Studies show that global warming is heating the Arctic at least twice

546 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA March 8, 2022 as fast as the global average, and additionally, sea ice cover is diminishing by nearly 4 per cent per decade. You know, I've spoken with a Canadian scientist who studies what's called pizzly bears. This used to be a rare form of bear when it was first discovered, but increasingly pizzlies are becoming more common. And a pizzly bear is the hybrid between a grizzly and a polar bear. This isn't something that's supposed to happen in nature, and it's being caused because polar bears must journey further afield and further south to search for food.

With climate change happening, grizzly bears are also coming out of their dens earlier in the spring. And so these two types of bears that never might have met in the past are now seeing enough of each other that there is a new species of beer–bear that has developed, which is the hybrid pizzly bear, and we're going to continue to see more of this as the polar bear gradually becomes extinct. And many experts believe that will happen by the end of the century at the rate that we're going.

No polar bear will realize that they became one of Manitoba's official mammals, but they will feel the rising temperatures and the water in their lungs when they're drowning due to the lack of ice. So if this PC government truly wanted to honour our polar bear population, it would begin by getting a serious climate-change plan in place today that would actually help our polar bears. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Ron Schuler (Springfield-Ritchot): And I'll pause for just a moment and say congratu lations to you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, on your appointment, and I don't think we're allowed to reflect on the Chair.

I'll just pause by saying looks great on you. You look great in the Chair. We're speaking today about Bill 5, The Coat of Arms, Emblems and the Manitoba Tartan Amendment Act, which will designate the polar bear as an official provincial emblem. And it does actually recognize the importance of the polar bear to Manitoba, and I'd like to thank the Minister of Justice (Mr. Goertzen) for this–probably one of the more im portant pieces of legis lation he brought forward.

It was pointed out to me, and I'm learning a lot about the new role I have, that I'm not allowed to get up and ask questions, and that I would say to the op- position members, they failed the Chamber. There were some very important questions that should have been asked of

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	42-4-19b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	42nd 4th hansardpdf 19b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	f9e98f204979fa800de10e4e9b115bbadc140156

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (pdf).