Manitoba Hansard — Sitting 08 (38th Legislature, 2nd Session)

38-2-08

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Second Session - Thirty-Eighth Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable George Hickes Speaker Vol. LV No. 8 – 1:30 p.m., Monday, December 1, 2003

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Thirty-Eighth Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation AGLUGUB, Cris The Maples N.D.P. ALLAN, Nancy, Hon. St. Vital N.D.P. ALTEMEYER, Rob Wolseley N.D.P. ASHTON, Steve, Hon. Thom pson N.D.P. BJORNSON, Peter, Hon. Gimli N.D.P. BRICK, Marilyn St. Norbert N.D.P. CALDWELL, Drew Brandon East N.D.P. CHOMIAK, Dave, Hon. Kildonan N.D.P. CUMMINGS, Glen Ste. Rose P.C. DERKACH, Leonard Russell P.C. DEWAR, Gregory Selkirk N.D.P. DOER, Gary, Hon. Concordia N.D.P. DRIEDGER, Myrna Charleswood P.C. DYCK, Peter Pembina P.C. EICHLER, Ralph Lakeside P.C.

FAURSCHOU, David Portage la Prairie P.C. GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib. GOERTZEN, Kelvin Steinbach P.C. HAWRANIK, Gerald Lac du Bonnet P.C. HICKES, George, Hon. Point Douglas N.D.P. IRVIN-ROSS, Kerri Fort Garry N.D.P. JENNISSEN, Gerard Flin Flon N.D.P. JHA, Bidhu Radisson N.D.P. KORZENIOWSKI, Bonnie St. James N.D.P. LAMOUREUX, Kevin Inkster Lib. LATHLIN, Oscar, Hon. The Pas N.D.P. LEMIEUX, Ron, Hon. La Verendrye N.D.P. LOEWEN, John Fort Whyte P.C. MACKINTOSH, Gord, Hon. St. Johns N.D.P. MAGUIRE, Larry Arthur-Virden P.C. MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood N.D.P. MARTINDALE, Doug Burrows N.D.P. McGIFFORD, Diane, Hon.

Lord Roberts N.D.P. MELNICK, Christine, Hon. Riel N.D.P. MIHYCHUK, MaryAnn, Hon. Minto N.D.P. MITCHELSON, Bonnie River East P.C. MURRAY, Stuart Kirkfield Park P.C. NEVAKSHONOFF, Tom Interlake N.D.P. OSWALD, Theresa Seine River N.D.P. PENNER, Jack Emerson P.C. REID, Daryl Transcona N.D.P. REIMER, Jack Southdale P.C. ROBINSON, Eric, Hon. Rupertsland N.D.P. ROCAN, Denis Carman P.C. RONDEAU, Jim, Hon. Assiniboia N.D.P. ROWAT, Leanne Minnedosa P.C. SALE, Tim, Hon. Fort Rouge N.D.P. SANTOS, Conrad Wellington N.D.P. SCHELLENBERG, Harry Rossmere N.D.P. SCHULER, Ron Springfield P.C. SELINGER, Greg, Hon. St.

Boniface N.D.P. SMITH, Scott, Hon. Brandon West N.D.P. STEFANSON, Heather Tuxedo P.C. STRUTHERS, Stan, Hon. Dauphin-Roblin N.D.P. TAILLIEU, Mavis Morris P.C. TWEED, Mervin Turtle Mountain P.C. WOWCHUK, Rosann, Hon. Swan River N.D.P.

231 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Monday, December 1, 2003 The House met at 1:30 p.m. PRAYERS ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS PETITIONS Highway 32 Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): I wish to present the following petition. These are the reasons for this petition: Rural highways are part of the mandate of the Province of Manitoba. Under a previous commitment, the Province of Manitoba would be covering the costs of four- laning that portion of Highway 32 that runs through Winkler, Manitoba.

The Department of Transportation and Government Services has altered its position and will now undertake the project only if the City of Winkler will pay half of the total cost of con- struction. The provincial government's offload- ing of its previous commitment will cost the City of Winkler several million dollars. The City of Winkler has now been informed that it will have to wait several years before this project could be undertaken.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the Minister of Transportation and Government Services to consider honouring the previous commitment and complete the four- laning of Highway 32 through the city of Wink- ler, absorbing all costs related to the construction as previously agreed.

To request the Minister of Transportation and Government Services to consider the re- sponsibility of the Department of Transportation and Government Services for the construction of ural highways. r To request the Minister of Transportation and Government Services to consider the signifi- cant and strategic importa nce of the completion of four-laning Highway 32 through the city of Winkler, especially as it relates to the economic growth and the development of the city of Wink- ler and its trading area.

To request the Minister of Transportation and Government Services to consider the valu- able contribution of the city of Winkler and its trading area to the provincial economy and re- prioritize the four-laning of Highway 32 for the 2004 construction season. These are submitted by Ray Braun, Darryn Thiessen, Henry Janzen, Gerry Peters and others. Thank you. Mr. Speaker: In according with Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be re- ceived by the House. Co-op Program for Nursing Students Mrs.

Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis- lative Assembly of Manitoba. The background to he petition is as follows: t A co-op program for nursing students at the University of Manitoba was approved by the Senate and the Board of Governors. This program will provide the opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in the workplace through supervised work terms for which they are paid. Students are hired by participating agencies under supervision of a workplace employee who serves as a mentor.

Students assume responsibilities suitable for their level of knowledge and expertise and will provide patients with much-needed nursing.

232 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 The co-op program will enable nursing students to acquire valuable experience by work- ing with a seasoned mentor, become more pro- ficient and better able to handle heavier work- loads and increase their knowledge, skills and confidence. This program will enable students to earn income to help reduce their debt load. The Department of Health will benefit through reduced orientation costs for new gradu- ates and an increased likelihood that new gradu- ates will remain in the province. Although the Minister of Health (Mr.

Chomiak) was unable to attend the round table held on November 7, 2003, he graciously sent a representative who restated his position to work with the students to reach a creative solution. Several Canadian un iversities have success- fully implemented nursing co-op programs. Sev- eral faculties within the University of Manitoba have such a program available to their students. Therefore, students within the Faculty of Nur- sing should have equal opportunity and access to a co-op program. This program will offer students valuable experience and provide the confidence and strength they will need in the future.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the Legislative Assembly to con- sider supporting the proposed co-op program. Signed by Gail Thompson, Ed LaPlante, Doris San Diego and others. Thank you. Mr. Speaker: In according with Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be re- ceived by the House. * (13:35) Sales Tax Proposal Mrs. Bonnie Mitchels on (River East): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition.

These are the reasons for this petition: The Mayor of Winnipeg is proposing a new deal which will result in new user fees and addi- tional taxes for citizens of the city of Winnipeg. One of these proposed changes requires the provincial government to approve an increase of the sales tax. The Balanced Budget, Debt Repayment and Taxpayer Accountability Act requires a refer- endum to take place before the provincial gov- ernment can increase major taxes, including the retail sales tax.

The Doer government has been silent on whether they will make the necessary legislative changes required to give the City of Winnipeg additional taxing powers. Taxpayers deserve to have a say before hav- ing any major new taxes imposed upon them. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request that the Premier of Manitoba (Mr. Doer) notify the City of Winnipeg that the provincial government will not allow an increase of the sales tax without a referendum being held as required under balanced budget legislation. This petition is signed by Mary Prymak, Ken Brown, Wayne Green and others. Mr.

Speaker: In accordance with our Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be received by the House. Walleye Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition. The background to this petition is as follows: Fish stocks in Lake Winnipegosis began to decline in the 1960s. The walleye fishery on Lake Winnipegosis has been in serious trouble for many years. A similar situation happened in Lake Erie but it was handled much more effectively. In Lake Erie, a sound science-based management program was implemented and the stocks

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 233 rebounded. As a result, production of walleye on Lake Erie for 1980 to 2001 averaged 182 percent of the estimated sustainable yield. In contrast from 1980 to 2001, the average annual harvest of walleye on Lake Winnipegosis was about 14 percent of the estimated sustain- able yield for the lake. Much better management of a walleye fish- ery on Lake Erie shows that good management of a walleye fishery is possible. The fishermen on Lake Winnipegosis have been deprived of an estimated 72 million of in- come between 1980 and 2001.

Economic models of the effects of such pri- mary income loss usually estimate a significant multiplier effect and that may well mean a loss of several hundred million dollars in economic activity for the region. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the Minister of Finance and the Auditor General to consider undertaking a thorough investigation of the provincial manage- ment of the walleye fishery on Lake Winnipeg- osis. Signed by Loretta Thompson, Glen Thomp- son, Harold Thompson and others. Mr.

Speaker: In accordance with our Rule 132(6), when a petition is read it is deemed to be received by the House. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS World AIDS Day Hon. Jim Rondeau (Minister of Healthy Liv- ing): Mr. Speaker, I have a statement for the House. Mr. Speaker, Manitoba's provincial AIDS strategy recognizes the special needs of Abo- riginal people and identifies the presence of HIV-AIDS in the Aborig inal community as a priority. I am pleased to announce the appoint- ment of Dr. Shannon McDonald, who will chair the round table community review of the Aboriginal strategy on AIDS.

The round table session will make sure the strategy reflects recently held community con- sultations and that input from Aboriginal leaders and communities is also included in the final document.

Participants in the round table dis- cussions will include representatives from the Aboriginal leadership community organization and elders, regional health authorities, federal government department representatives, commu- nity service organizations and people living with and affected by HIV-AIDS. * (13:40) The final strategy will provide clear goals, strategic directions and recommendations for policy makers, Aboriginal leaders, service pro- viders, community members and others affected by HIV-AIDS throughout the province.

Mani- toba Health supports several prevention pro- grams on sexually transmitted diseases, in- cluding HIV-AIDS. These programs include: $80,000 in funding for a co-ordinator to help prevent, diagnose and treat sexually transmitted diseases including HIV-AIDS in the Burntwood Regional Health Authority; public health nurses in correctional facilities around the province to deliver culturally relevant sexually transmitted disease education and programming to offend- ers.

Manitoba and New Brunswick are the only provinces providing public health nurses in cor- rectional facilities; a new educational campaign for youth on sexually transmitted disease is in development, including accurate educational materials, information on region-specific issues and trends and usable resources for youth across Manitoba. Manitoba Health partnered with Teen Talk to conduct province-wide youth consulta- tions for this campaign; several educational initi- atives are sponsored by Manitoba Health bring- ing together researchers, policy makers and the community to discuss issues around HIV-AIDS.

I want to mark World AIDS Day here in Manitoba by taking a moment to honour those living with HIV-AIDS and to remember friends and loved ones who have succumbed to this disease. I would like all of us to take one minute of silence to reflect on the tragedy of this epi- demic and the opportunities in front of us to take

234 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 action and make a difference. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the minister for his statement today on World AIDS Day here in Manitoba and to acknowledge the efforts that are being addressed in this province in addressing the issue of HIV and AIDS. It certainly is, as the minister has indicated, a priority amongst Aboriginal peoples and a growing concern within the Aboriginal com- munity, but certainly other communities as well.

It was our government, in the late nineties, that began some of the deliberations and discussions around an AIDS strategy in Manitoba. I con- gratulate the minister and his department for furthering this issue because it is one that still requires a lot of effort and a lot of attention to be put upon it. I would also like to let the House know that on Saturday night I had the privilege of attend- ing a fundraising dinner at one of my local churches, the Charleswood Gospel Temple.

The evening fundraiser was to raise money to send some dentists and other people to Zambia to address some of the AIDS problems that are happening there. In that country, there are 10 million people and one million of them are orphans because of AIDS. There were two people at our table who were missionaries in Zambia. These two people are very involved integrally in dealing with the orphans that have become a huge concern for the country because of the scourge of AIDS in that country. It was my honour to be part of that evening and to receive a book from one of the missionaries who had written the book.

He and his wife are spending time there addressing the ssue. i I would certainly like to acknowledge the work of people in my community that are taking this issue to a worldwide level and trying to address the problems and certainly acknowledge that it still does have a long way to go before we do have this issue addressed. I thank the minister again for the statement, the recognition of World AIDS Day, and the opportunity to put a few words on the record. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speak- er, I ask for leave to speak to the minister's state- ment. Mr.

Speaker: Does the honourable member have leave? [Agreed] Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in response to the minister's statement today on World AIDS Day. It is an important day which we recognize by wearing the red ribbons and which we need to recognize in Manitoba by ac- knowledging the presence in Manitoba of people like Dr. Allan Ronald and Dr. Frank Plummer, who have made an extraordinary contribution to AIDS not only here in Manitoba but globally, particularly through the studies they have been involved in in Kenya.

It is, of course, not just Doctor Ronald and Doctor Plummer, but many who have worked with them like Dr. Joanne Embree and many others who have contributed a great deal and have brought back that expertise from Africa to here to he lp us deal with the IDS situation in Manitoba. A * (13:45) Mr. Speaker, during the last session I called for a much-improved provincial AIDS strategy, and I welcome the minister's statement today that the Government is moving along in this direction recognizing the need to pay attention in particular to Aboriginal people, and to the insti- tutions in this province.

I would say this is a pos- itive step forward and I would urge the minister to continue his efforts to make sure that the stra- tegy is not only developed but is implemented. Mr. Speaker: Let us rise and take a moment of silence to reflect on the tragedies of this epi- demic. A moment of silence was observed. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 11–The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act (Protection of Crown Assets) Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 235 Finance (Mr. Selinger), that Bill 11, The Mani- toba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act (Protection of Crown Assets); Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la Société d'assurance publique du Manitoba, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Mackintosh: Mr. Speaker, this bill will pre- vent privatization of Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation without the approval of the people of Manitoba by referendum. Motion agreed to. Bill 16–The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act (Denial of Benefits for Offenders) Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Transportation and Government Services (Mr.

Lemieux), that Bill 16, The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act (Denial of Benefits for Offenders ); Loi modifiant la

Loi sur la Société d'assurance publique du Manitoba, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Mr. Mackintosh: Mr. Speaker, this bill limits entitlement to certain in surance proceeds to per- sons convicted of listed offences. Motion agreed to. Introduction of Guests Mr. Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, I would like to draw the attention of all honourable mem- bers to the loge to my left where we have with us Mr. Brian Pallister who is the sitting Member of Parliament for Portage-Li sgar and also the for- mer Member for Portage la Prairie. On behalf of all honourable members, I wel- come you here.

Also in the public gallery we have from F. W. Gilbert School 17 Grade 5 students under the direction of Mr. Devon Turner. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Lac du Bonnet (Mr. Hawranik). Also in the public gallery we have from Somerset Collegiate 25 Grades 9 and 10 students under the direction of Mr. George Adams. This school is located in the constituency of the hon- ourable Member for Carman (Mr. Rocan). Also in the public gallery we have with us today the Progressive Conservative caucus con- stituency assistants.

These visitors are the guests of the Progressive Conservative caucus. On behalf of all honourable members, I wel- come you all here today. * (13:50) ORAL QUESTION PERIOD Balanced Budget Legislation Amendments Mr. Stuart Murray (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, over the last week we heard a lot of loose talk from this Premier and his Finance Minister (Mr. Selinger) that has not only the business community but frankly all Manitobans very concerned about the Premier's true intentions. The fact is the Premier has a credibility gap.

First he says: "He was not elected to raise taxes." Now he is saying: "gener ally speaking" he was not elected to raise taxes. Then last Friday when we raised concerns about his Government's plans to weaken Manitoba's balanced budget legis- lation, the Finance Minister went from first suggesting that they have "no plans to change the legislation" to letting slip they have no "specific" plans to do so. Mr. Speaker, will the Premier specifically commit that he will not remove requirements from Manitoba's balanced budget legislation that prohibits deficit budgets? Hon. Gary Doer (Premier): Mr.

Speaker, these phony balloons the members opposite keep floating up in the air, the last week or so it has been the issue of raising sales tax. If you went back to the Chamber of Commerce speech that

236 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 the mayor made a year ago, in January 2003, if he had done his research then, he would have found that we had said then we were not pre- pared to raise that tax. Nobody on the opposite side does that kind of research and then we are ending up with all these hypothetical questions. Mr. Speaker, the facts of the matter are not only have we balanced our Budgets throughout the last four years, we have taken a lot less from the rainy day fund and we have paid down $384 million in debt. Those are the facts.

I would sug- gest to the member opposite that there will be a Budget in the spring of 2004 and he can flail away all he wants at that point. Gasoline Tax Federal Revenue Returns Mr. Stuart Murray (Leader of the Official Opposition): The Premier has a credibility gap, and it is leaving Manitobans suspicious as to what his true intentions really are. They fear that he is going to weaken balanced-budget legisla- tion and they fear that he is going to raise taxes because he continues to couch his words, Mr. Speaker.

The fact he is now saying that generally speaking he was not elected to raise taxes is a clear signal that he has every intention to do just that. It would appear that increasing the gas tax is the first thing on his agenda. What we find troubling about this is the Premier knows full well that the Province, as did the previous government, put money raised from the gas tax back into Manitoba, that the federal government takes some $150 million out of the province and does not put any back in. Rather, Mr.

Speaker, than unnecessarily increasing taxes in the province of Manitoba, would the Premier instead commit to convincing Ottawa to return that fair share of gas tax that they take out and put that back into Manitoba? Will he commit to doing that? Hon. Gary Doer (Premier): Again, I was talk- ing about a little bit of research and, as I say, I made a statement in January 2003 that has ended up in a petition for January 2004 after the fact, Mr. Speaker. It is quite remarkable. Mr.

Speaker, speaking of research, I still have a copy of a press release issued by the Leader of the Opposition that had the wrong gasoline tax, actually called on us to drop the gasoline tax to where it is already, from a press release, I believe, in September of 2002. Mr. Speaker, the consistent view of this side of the House has been that $165 million, plus the motive fuel taxes for farmers–you should not forget the agricultural sector, they are paying a disproportionate different tax on the federal taxes than they are on the provincial tax. We should:

a) have that motive fuel tax eliminated for farmers by the federal government to be consistent with the province; and, secondly, the $165 million in gasoline tax should go to roads, infrastructure, infrastructure renewal, transporta- tion projects and be fully accountable. We have taken that position over and over again. That is why we are going to pass a law and we are going to provide an on-ramp for the federal govern- ment to have that money go directly to munici- pal infrastructure here in Manitoba. * (13:55) Federal-Provincial Relations Prime Minister Elect Mr.

Stuart Murray (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, in the recent dis- cussions that the mayor has had in the city of Winnipeg, he said that he was looking for some $99 million in additional revenue from the gas tax. Considering that the federal government takes out some $150 million and returns practi- cally nothing to the province of Manitoba, it is clear we do not need to raise taxes in Manitoba or Winnipeg, we need to get back what we de- serve from Ottawa. Perhaps the Premier unfortunately does not have much hope in doin g that, Mr.

Speaker, be- cause despite his claim to having a good work- ing relationship with the federal Liberals, the federal government, he does not. That was made very clear in his inability to get a fair deal for our farmers in Manitoba. We have a great opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to improve our roads and our infrastructure if we are successful in convincing the federal govern- ment to give back some of the money that Mani- toba puts into the federal gas tax, but we will never be successful if this Premier so publicly

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 237 attacks the federal Liberal Leader, Paul Martin. Can the Premier explain how he expects to get a good deal out of Ottawa for Manitobans on any front when his party's Web site that is accessible to all has a direct link attacking the new Liberal Leader? Hon. Gary Doer (Premier): I guess your new federal party Web site will have a direct link to the Alliance Party soon if the vote goes through this weekend. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. Mr. Doer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I actually was looking at the Premier's Web site last week and the Progressive Conservative site and I think there was stuff on the Premier's Web site, ob- viously, dealing with current information, and there was a blank page for the Conservatives, I believe. But on to the issue of the question that is not actually within the purview of the Government. There is a federal Web site which is their intel- lectual property and there is a provincial Web site. I just want to say that the Prime Minister- elect was in Manitoba campaigning for Liberal candidates in the last provincial election. So did Jean Chrétien.

So did Brian Mulroney. He is not fragile, Mr. Speaker. Leaders of political parties are not little teacups that crack onto the floor because they are members of political parties. We all are. The new Leader of the Liberal Party campaigned in New Brunswick against Bernard Lord. He campaigned in Nova Scotia. He campaigned in Prince Edward Island. He paid a little visit here in Manitoba. That is what happens in politics. Federal leaders campaign and we take no offence to that. * (14:00) Mr. Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Of- ficial Opposition, with a new question. James Driskell Case DNA Evidence Mr.

Stuart Murray (Leader of the Official Opposition): On a new question. On Friday, after having less than 24 hours to review infor- mation related to James Driskell's case, Justice John Scurfield determined there was sufficient doubt about his conviction to warrant his im- mediate release on bail. In his decision, Justice Scurfield said, and I quote: I have very serious concerns as to the accuracy of the conviction.

I point out that my focus must be on whether the new evidence could reasonably have affected the jurors' deliberations, and I regard the DNA evi- dence alone as sufficient to lead me to this con- clusion. It proves that a material piece of evi- dence upon which the jury may have relied is wrong. The Doer government has been aware of the DNA evidence for an entire year and despite this Minister of Justice's promise to take action if the NDP were ever elected, they have done nothing. Can the Premier today explain not only to Mr. Driskell but to all Manitobans why his Govern- ment failed to act for over one year?

Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Mr. Speaker, first, just on the facts of what took place when issues of hair DNA were raised, Manitoba Justice im- mediately arranged for testing and indeed paid $32,000 for the analysis of three hairs in Eng- land. As well, given concerns in this case and others, the deputy has proactively arranged for a hair evidence review committee to be estab- lished. As well, I can just add that the depart- ment and I myself personally have certainly urged that the federal review process under sec- tion 696 of the Criminal Code be pursued. Mr.

Speaker, given Friday's court decision and the conclusions of Mr. Justice Scurfield which I have reviewed, I am writing today to the federal Justice Minister urging a swift and pri- oritized review of this matter with a view to referring it to the courts. Independent Inquiry Mr. Stuart Murray (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, it is incredible that Justice Scurfield did in 24 hours what the Doer government was unable to do in 8760 hours. This Government had the ability to send the matter to the Court of Appeal a year ago. As

238 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 Justice John Scurfield said on Friday and I quote: I am satisfied that if all the new evidence had been presented to the Court of Appeal following the original trial the conviction would probably have been set aside and he probably ould have been granted a new trial. w The inaction of this Premier (Mr. Doer) and this Justice Minister have resulted in Mr. Driskell remaining behind bars for a full year longer than he should, Mr. Speaker, despite that and many, many promises both from the member from Concordia and the member from St.

Johns that if elected they would take action. The Premier has ordered an independent review of how Prosecutions handled the documents disclosed in the Driskell case. It just does not go far enough. Will the Premier today order an independent inquiry? Will he do the right thing? Mr. Mackintosh: Mr. Speaker, the only incom- petence is the member opposite who does not understand the process in place, the legal pro- cess.

I am bound by the laws of this country and I can advise that there is no ability in law, whether it is the criminal law, the common law, or the provincial law for a provincial Attorney General to send a conviction to the Court of Appeal. Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I regret, Mr. Speaker, that the information and indeed the understand- ing of the protocol and the law in place on how to deal with this kind of challenge is not under- stood by members opposite nor by others, and I am prepared to explain that.

There is a process set out in the Criminal Code which provides the federal government with a way to deal with allegations of unfairness in trials and indeed in wrongful convictions. Mr. Speaker, that is set out in

section 696 of the Cri- minal Code. The provincial Minister of Justice is not given a role in that process. That is a process reserved for the federal Mi nister of Justice. We have been urging that federal review to be start- ed up and I am just pleased that it has started up. I hope it leads to justice. Mr. Murray: Aside from the fact, Mr. Speaker, that the independent review is very narrow in scope, unlike an inquiry the review does not require sworn testimony.

This Premier's review is not a public hearing with witnesses called and the opportunity for detailed questions to be ask- ed of sworn witnesses under oath. This review is not looking into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Driskell's trial or conviction. It is not ad- dressing the concerns of the handling of the file by this Justice Minister. Mr. Speaker, I will ask the Premier again: Because of the incompetence and the mis- handling by the Minister of Justice and, in fact, by the Premier, will he do the right thing and order an independent inquiry?

That power rests with the federal minister, and the federal minister can also look at referring the matter to the court. I urged the federal gov- ernment to prioritize this matter, to look at this matter and refer the matters to the courts, in light of Mr. Justice Scurfield's decisions. I want to just reiterate, Mr. Speaker, this is a matter of an individual convicted in a court. The remedies lie with the federal Minister of Justice, not provincial. James Driskell Case Minister's Actions Mr. Gerald Hawranik (Lac du Bonnet): In 1995, as the Justice critic, this Justice Minister promised to help James Driskell.

For the last four and a half years, he has been Justice Mini- ster and he has broken his promise. In fact, he has been doing everything in his power to frus- trate Driskell's efforts to prove his innocence. He turned down an invitation to put the new evidence before the Court of Appeal, and he reneged on his verbal promise to fund Driskell's application to prove his innocence through Legal Aid. Will this Justice Minister take responsibility for keeping James Driskell in prison for the last year? Hon.

Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): The member opposite has both a vivid imagination and a misunder- standing of the protocol in place in this country. Not only have we pursued the DNA matter, we proactively are looking further. Mr. Speaker, I

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 239 wrote to the Driskell team about 10 months ago urging them to pursue the federal review process and, in fact, I said that if counsel for Mr. Driskell was not prepared to do that, Manitoba Justice would determine how it or myself could refer the matter under the Criminal Code. Now, when AIDWYC finally made that sec- tion 696 application, we have co-operated fully and we want to do everything we can to make sure this matter proceeds and proceeds in a time- ly way and in a process that is legal. Breach of Bail Conditions Minister's Comments Mr.

Gerald Hawranik (Lac du Bonnet): Mani- tobans who breach bail conditions should be subject to immediate arrest. These words should sound familiar to this Justice Minister because those were his words in 1995 and in 1998. Again, another broken promise. Sheryl Zechel from Lac du Bonnet died last month, and her five children are now without a mother because she was murdered by her com- mon-law husband who was out on bail again after breaching his bail conditions.

Will the minister agree that had he not bro- ken his promise to ensure that anyone who breaches bail would be arrested, Sheryl Zechel would, in fact, be alive today? Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): The member opposite knows that there is an RCMP investigation and review of that matter, and we will await the outcome of that deciding on what further action is necessary. Mr.

Speaker, on the issue of bail, I also remind members opposite, because I think they became the first modern political party in Canada to demand that politicians and sitting members of the Legislature, in particular the Attorney General, direct the prosecutors in the bail application. That does not happen in modern democracies like Manitoba. Mr. Hawranik: If breaking promises were a crime, this Justice Minister would be doing time. James Driskell is waiting for this Justice Minister to keep his pr omises eight years after making that promise.

Sheryl Zechel's children are waiting for this Justice Minister to keep his promise made more than eight years ago. Hon. Dave Chomiak (Minister of Health): Mr. Speaker, as I said at the patient conference that was held a couple of weeks ago, for the first time in Manitoba history we have critical incidents. Whenever an incident occurs we actually are able to learn from it and deal with it, something that was not in place. The critical incident When will this Justice Minister stop being soft on crime and keep his promises to ensure that there is justice for James Driskell and Sheryl Zechel? * (14:10) Mr.

Mackintosh: Mr. Speaker, we certainly are very eager to see the federal process unfold. At the same time, we are doing our own internal review of the disclosure matters in this matter. I might also remind members, Mr. Speaker, that when information came to Manitoba Jus- tice's attention in the last few weeks, information in the City of Winnipeg police report was not in our possession and had not been provided to the defence. The information was made available to Mr. Driskell's team. We also retained indepen- dent counsel at the bail hearing.

I might add that the counsel retained was counsel that was very experienced and prominent, and they looked at the legal standards and evidence and made the position in their best professional judgment. Health Care System Emergency Services Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, on September 25, Dorothy Madden came by ambulance to the St. Boniface Hospital emergency room with chest pains. She waited for six hours, never saw a doctor, never received any care and she died.

I would like to ask the Minister of Health to tell us why Dorothy Madden, a 74-year-old mother and grandmother, died waiting for care after this Minister of Health said he was going to fix health care in six months with $15 million?

240 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 regime was put in place as a result of 12 deaths of the babies in the mid-1990s and there was no system in place, Mr. Speaker, which is caught up by that. Mr. Speaker, hundreds of people died on waiting lists in the 1990s and members opposite did not keep waiting lists. We make the informa- tion public. We learned from the issues. It is very inappropriate for the member opposite to make the outrageous claim that we caused the death, or caused the death of a particular indivi- dual, particularly if one knows the facts of that case. Mrs. Driedger: Mr.

Speaker, well, it is the min- ister's comments that are absolutely outrageous. Dorothy Madden spent most of her time in the ER hallway and was never seen by a doctor, even though she had been triaged as urgent. Can the Minister of Health explain why a patient triaged as urgent spent four and a half hours in an ER hallway and never saw a doctor for six hours until her heart stopped beating, until she died? Mr. Chomiak: Mr. Speaker, I think it is very, very unfortunate that the member puts that type of information on the record and somehow implies that the nurses at St.

Boniface Hospital made errors in the particular dealing with that patient. I think it is inappropriate. If the member were to know all of the facts of that case and review it, I think it is very important that she look at that before she makes accusations against the nurses and against St. Boniface Hospital, as she has. Mrs. Driedger: Mr. Speaker, I would just re- mind the Minister of Health, it was him that said he would fix health care in six months with $15 million. He failed. Mr. Speaker, we have a health care system in chaos. Herman Rogalsky died alone in a wait- ing room waiting for an ultrasound.

Eleven patients have died waiting for cardiac surgery in this province, and now Dorothy Madden has died waiting for care in an emergency room. When is this minister going to get his act to- gether so patients do not have to die waiting for care in Manitoba? Mr. Chomiak: Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate the member is leaving the wrong impression. As I mentioned to the Patient Safety Conference that was put about to deal with issues arising out of the baby deaths, we have changed the system because of the unaccountability of former members opposite for the babies' deaths. We recognize wait lists.

We recognize criti- cal incidents. We deal with it. In the past nobody knows how many people died on waiting lists because they did not keep records. Nobody knows how many of the hundreds and hundreds of people suffered as a result of their waiting lists, because they did not keep records. If the member knew the facts of each of these situations, she would probably apologize to the House and to the nurses and hospital at St. Boniface for her outrageous comments. Mr. Speaker: Order. I would like the co- operation of all honourable members. It is very difficult for me to hear the questions and the answers.

If there is a breach of the rule, I am sure you expect me to make a ruling. So I ask the co-operation of all honourable members, please. The honourable Member for Charleswood, on a new question. Mrs. Driedger: On a new question, Mr. Speaker. This Government campaigned in two elections to fix health care. In this last Throne Speech they said they ha d fixed everything, that there is no crisis in health care. If there is no crisis in health care, can the Minister of Health please tell us why 13 patients have died under his watch because they could not get timely access to care in this province? Mr. Chomiak: Mr.

Speaker, there are 15 million contacts between patients and doctors every year in Manitoba. There are 15 million tests done between patients and the public in Manitoba. There are 10 million Pharmacare ap- plications. That is 15 million contacts between patients and the health care system, excluding hospitals and nurses. We discovered in the 12 unanswered baby deaths in the 1990s that things were not tracked

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 241 and followed up on. Those deaths were prevent- able. If even one had been caught it would have been preventable. What we are trying to do is when there are difficulties, we try to find it. The system is not perfect. It is human beings dealing with it. People have died, people will die. Our choice is to learn from every experience and try to improve the situation, but if members oppo- site are blaming doctors and nurses for deaths, I think they should know better than that.

That member should know better than to accuse doctors and nurses of causing deaths of patients. Very inappropriate. Mr. Speaker: Order. I would like to once again ask the co-operation of all honourable members. Time for questions is pretty scarce. We only have 40 minutes and we want to get as many questions and answers as we can. So I ask the co-operation of all honourable members. Mrs. Driedger: Mr. Speaker, I am not blaming doctors and nurses. I am blaming this Minister of Health, who said he was going to fix health care in six months with $15 million, and now he says there are no problems in the system.

On the day Dorothy Madden died waiting for care in a hospital ER, protocol dictated that another nurse should have been provided be- cause of the heavy workload level. Can the Minister of Health explain why another nurse was not provided to that emergency when they needed help? Mr. Chomiak: Mr. Speaker, I think it is very inappropriate for the member to attack St. Boni- face Hospital and attack the nurses the way she has. She should know better. But I might add that members opposite seem to think somehow that preventable deaths can be improved. In fact, we have improved them since we have come to office.

I might add that in the Winnipeg Free Press on April 21 they had an

article from 1998 where the widow of a man who died while waiting in the emergency room to be seen by a doctor is suing the Grace Hospital for damages. The only reason I raise that point is members opposite leave the impression that things never happened prior to 1999. What has happened is we put in place sys- tems, and that is why 86 percent of Manitobans polled said the system is working better. Mrs. Driedger: The minister's comments are certainly defensive for his position and I find them to be quite appalling.

According to a Freedom of Information doc- ument, in June of this year Winnipeg's ERs were short 67 nurses, just in the ERs alone, a nursing shortage of 67. In July of this year, Winnipeg's ERs were short 4.5 emergency physicians. I would like to ask this Minister of Health to tell us if this significant nursing shortage and doctor shortage in Winnipeg ERs was still in existence in September when Dorothy Madden died. * (14:20) Mr. Chomiak: Mr. Speaker, I really resent the fact that the member opposite is blaming nurses in St. Boniface Hospital for the death of an individual. Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr.

Speaker: Order. Mr. Chomiak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I might add that it is incredibly ironic that the very members who fired a thousand nurses, who cut nursing programs, who cut the number of doc- tors training in Manitoba would now come back and say, how come there are not enough doctors and how come there are not enough nurses. That is why we have tripled the number of nurses enrolled and coming out of education in Mani- toba. That is why we have increased the number of doctors by over 30 percent. That is why we have filled so many more positions.

That is why there are more doctors and nurses now in Mani- toba than when we came to office, more doctors, more nurses now than when we came to office, not during the bad, lean, cutback years of the 990s. 1 Mr. Speaker: The honourable Member for uxedo. T Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. The honourable Member for Tuxedo has the floor.

242 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 School Division Amalgamations Harmonization Costs Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): Thank you ery much, Mr. Speaker. v Manitobans are only just beginning to see the true costs of the Doer government's forced amalgamation of school divisions. Despite this Premier's (Mr. Doer) promise to save the tax- payers of Manitoba $10 million, the Manitoba Association of School Trustees has recently come out with a number that they believe it will cost the taxpayers closer to $17 million.

Does the Minister of Education agree with the Manitoba Association of School Trustees that the cost of amalgamation will in fact be closer to $17 million, or does he still stick to his Premier's line that they are going to save the axpayers $10 million? t Hon. Peter Bjornson (M inister of Education, Citizenship and Youth): The Public Schools Modernization Act is intended to put more re- sources back into school s where they belong so the teachers can provide the resources to their students. We have done a number of things to im- prove the delivery of services in our schools.

Part of the amalgamation process has cut the number of trustees from 433 trustees down to 309. We are rationalizing the services of senior management, we are doing a lot of things to streamline the services to provide more for the tudents of our schools. s Mrs. Stefanson: Mr. Speaker, it has become very evident just how poorly planned this Gov- ernment's forced amalgamation of school divi- sions really was.

In fact, in the Sunrise School Division situation the previous Education Mini- ster stated in the Winnipeg Free Press that he did not think the Doer government knew the wages were that far apart before they imposed amalga- ation. m In the end the Doer government made the decision to flow $428,000 of taxpayers' money to end a labour dispute in Sunrise School Divi- sion just two weeks prior to an election. I would like to ask the Minister of Education how much more will taxpayers be forced to pay for this Government's ill-thought-out legislation. Mr. Bjornson: Once again, Mr.

Speaker, I wel- come the opportunity to compare records be- tween– Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. Mr. Speaker: Order. The honourable Member for Tuxedo just asked a question and she is waiting for an answer. It is very, very difficult to hear. I once again ask the co-operation of all honourable members, please. We have the view- ing public, we have guests in the gallery, and I am sure every member here would like to set a good example. So I ask the co-operation of all honourable members. Mr. Bjornson: Once again, Mr.

Speaker, I ap- preciate the opportunity to compare the records of this Government to the record of members opposite with respect to education funding. I thought of it as an apples and oranges com- parison, but certainly our apples would not be a fair comparison to oranges. I think it is more like lemons with respect to the funding formula. After 13 years in the public school system, I still have a bitter aftertas te from their funding formula of minus 2.6, minus 2.20, minus 2 and, by the way, a token 2.2% increase in an election year. Mrs. Stefanson: Mr.

Speaker, the only lemon on the table is this Government's forced amalga- mation of school divisions, the botched plan. Sunrise School Division Labour Dispute Funding Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): Mr. Speaker, in the Sunrise si tuation there continues to be some confusion over the circumstances surrounding the settling of the strike. The Finance Minister (Mr. Selinger) has confirmed, contrary to the previous Minister of Education's comments, that a political appointee of Treasury Board approached the school division with a solution to settle the labour dispute.

Can the Minister of Education inform this House whether that political appointee, Lloyd

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 243 Schreyer, promised the school division that the $428,000 would be supplied through a base budget allocation? Hon. Peter Bjornson (M inister of Education, Citizenship and Youth): Mr. Speaker, there were 2000 students not in school. The member from Lac du Bonnet expressed concern over the fact that there would not be teachers aides to help kids with special needs on April 17 of this year. We worked with the school division to solve the problem with respect to $428,000 as mentioned, $112,000 of that fund would be this year.

We did that through means that existed within the budgetary process. James Driskell Case Review–Terms of Reference Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Unsettled lies the Crown reads a big headline in today's Winnipeg Free Press . The wrongful conviction of Thomas Sophonow, taken together with ac- cumulating evidence for the wrongful conviction of James Driskell, has raised serious concerns that there may have existed within the Justice Department and its Crown prosecutors a cancer that led to more wrongful convictions.

Is the Minister of Justice going to allow Justice Enns to investigate other instances where there is evidence or improper behaviour and concealment of information by Crown prose- cutors? Will Justice Enns be restricted to in- stances that relate directly to the Driskell case? Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Mr.

Speaker, I am pleased to report that when there are allegations raised about the conduct or the carrying on of a prosecution in our department we retained a former judge who was highly respected to do that, unlike members opposite who asked the lead prosecutor and got a short commentary. We are pleased with that. Mr. Speaker, when there are allegations raised about disclosure issues, it is important that there be an outside review. That is what we have ordered. I hope that will be turned in on a timely basis.

I hope there will be recommendations for further improvement following even on the rec- ommendations from the Sophonow inquiry. Deveryn Ross Case Wrongful Conviction Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, if the minister will not agree to fully broaden the inquiry, I ask the minister whether he will appoint another judge to look into the circumstances where there may be another wrongful conviction and where substantial evi- dence now suggests Crown prosecutors con- cealed crucial and important information from defence counsel. I table documents related to this case.

This is a case about which the minister has known for at least three years. This is the case of Deveryn Donald Alexander Ross. In today's Free Press , we read that the Minister of Justice has been consistently on the wrong side of the issues on the Driskell case. Will the Minister of Justice call an inquiry into the Deveryn Ross case to be conducted by someone with no conflicts, indeed, it will prob- ably need someone from outside the province, or is he going to be on the wrong side of the Deveryn Ross case as well? * (14:30) Hon.

Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I think when in ana- lyzing the role of a provincial Attorney General, it is useful to know the powers set out in law for a provincial Attorney General. I must respect the law that is in place, and it is under 696 of the Criminal Code. That sets in motion, Mr. Speaker, on application from an accused, or a person convicted or representatives, a process for review at the federal level. In the Driskell matter, this is an issue of an individual convicted of murder and sentenced by the courts.

An Attorney General of a province is not given the power to change a court decision. All remedies lie with the federal government. In terms of the matter raised, I will certainly under- take to review the documents tabled. Mr. Speaker: The time for Oral Questions has expired. Order.

244 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 Point of Order Mr. Speaker: The honourable Member for Inkster, on a point of order? Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): Yes, Mr. Speaker, I am wondering if I may have leave to ask one question that would normally be given during rotation. Mr. Speaker: Does the honourable member have leave to ask his question? Does he have leave? Some Honourable Members: No. Mr. Speaker: It has been denied. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Ukrainian Famine Mr. Doug Martindale (Burrows): Mr.

Speaker, the history of humankind has been rocked with atrocities in which many innocent people have died. The history of the Ukrainian people is no exception. These dark pages in history should not be forgotten. I rise before the House today to help raise awareness of these atrocities, to speak about the recent events in Winnipeg surrounding the 70th anniversary of the Ukrainian famine and to thank those who helped to organize the events. Estimates of the famine genocide put the death toll between seven million and ten million in a one-year period between 1932 and 1933.

This was 25 percent of the Ukrainian population. This famine was a result of the collectivization of the farms and the deliberate confiscation of grain and food. The result was a slow, painful and horrifying death by starvation. Those who survived and their stories stand as witnesses to the slaughter of their family and friends. It has left a deep and horrifying memory in the Ukrainian community here and throughout the world. Indifference to this infamy and human cruelty has contributed to their anguish. That is why it is in the public interest to recognize the anniversary of this tragedy.

I was pleased to attend the Symposium on the Famine/Genocide of 1932-1933 in Ukraine which was held this past week in Winnipeg. The symposium was intended to recognize the an- niversary and to educate people about these at- rocities. The symposium included the screening of films and speakers such as Professor Yurii Shapoval from Ukraine, Dr. Lubomyr Luciuk and Senator Raynell Andreychuk. A memorial service was held on Saturday in which the Minister of Labour and Immigration and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism (Ms.

Allan) proclaimed the period from No- vember 23-30, 2003, as the Week of the Great Famine/Genocide in Ukraine. I would like to thank the Metropolitan Ilarion Centre for Ukrainian Orthodox Studies of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral and the planning committee that organized the symposium. I would also like to thank the Ukrainian Canada Congress, Manitoba Provincial Council and other sponsors for pro- viding patronage for these events. Parent Seed Farms Ltd. Mr. Jack Penner (Emerson): I am pleased to rise today to congratulate Parent Seed Farms of St.

Joseph, who recently received the Canadian agrifood award of excellence for agriculture food exports. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in five areas that are key to the continued success of the agricultural sector: en- vironmental stewardship, innovation, export per- formance, agricultural awareness and education and volunteerism. Historically, Canadian agriculture has had an internationally renowned reputation for pro- viding safe and high quality foods to Canada and the international community.

Canadian farmers, or specifically Manitoba farmers, have been leaders in the research and innovation of agri- culture products. Our farmers have found ways to sustain and improve agriculture by diver- sifying their farms and finding new uses for the products they grow. Since the 1960s, Parent Seed Farms has blossomed from a small family farm to what it currently is, a major pulse crop exporter with

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 245 annual sales of $30 million or more, with cus- tomers in 30 countries. As a leader in marketing new and specialized crops in the late seventies, the Parent family has contributed to the diversi- fication and innovation of agriculture in this pro- vince. The company has offered its expertise to many local Manitoba producers looking to diversify their production and cropping base. Through innovation and producing a high qual- ity product, Parent Seeds is making remarkable sales growth in export markets.

With a plague of drought, BSE and overall climate change, diver- sification in farm management practices and in crop production hold a greater importance in ensuring a sustainable and prosperous agricultur- al community. It is important to recognize Manitobans who are contributing to this growth and improvement of agriculture in this province. Once again, on behalf of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, I would like to congratulate Parent Seed Farms for their hard work and dedication to agriculture in Manitoba.

The efforts of Parent Seed Farms are most worthy of recognition and thanks for their contribution to this great province of ours. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Lighthouses Program Mr. Harry Schellenberg (Rossmere): Mr. Speaker, today the Premier announced an ex- pansion of the innovative Lighthouses crime pre- vention program into five new sites. With this announcement, there will be 25 Lighthouse sites in communities across the province. The Valley Gardens Community Centre Lighthouse serves people of my constituency. This fall I was pleased to attend the opening of a community clubhouse.

Today's announcement shows that our Government is serious about crime preven- tion and community safety. With new Light- houses we will be increasing public safety by providing youth with an alternative to gang and other activities. The crime prevention program Lighthouses helps support recreational, educational and pro- social programs after hours for young Mani- tobans. It is an initiative launched by Manitoba Justice and the Neighbourhoods Alive! program.

Lighthouse sites use schools, recreation centres and other existing community facilities after hours for sports, arts, music and other activities identified and organized by local youths. For example, at Valley Gardens, local teams formed a committee to help build a new com- munity clubhouse. They solicited donations from local businesses to help paint and furnish this centre. As a result of their efforts and working in partnership with our Government, the Light- house at Valley Gardens Community Centre is able to offer activities for youths aged 10 to 18.

Every week 50 to 100 you th in the area parti- cipate in a program. Our Government believes in a community- based crime prevention program designed to de- velop partnerships among youth, police, justice personnel and the community in order to pro- mote opportunities for youth to get involved in pro-social, recreational and crime prevention activities. Programs like Lighthouses have tre- mendous benefits for participants.

A Statistics Canada survey of children and youth recently concluded that children who participate in or- ganized activities outside of a school tend to have high self-esteem, interact better with friends and perform somewhat better in school. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the volunteers at Valley Gardens for their commit- ment to their community. I look forward to hearing about the new Lighthouse sites and about their positive impacts on our communities. Thank you. Brant-Argyle School Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): Mr.

Speaker, this October, I had the opportunity, along with the member from Gimli, to attend a special cele- bration at the Brant-Argyle School, a ceremony commemorating the designation of a provincial heritage site. It is a rare survivor among two- storey brick schools, the Brant-Argyle School, located northwest of Winnipeg in Argyle. It is the only one of its nature and its kind in Mani- toba to remain in continuous service as a school since it was built in 1914.

After the school con- solidation process began in the 1950s, many schools shut their doors and were replaced with larger, more modern schools, but the Brant- Argyle School soldiered on.

246 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 In order to meet the needs of the Argyle residents through the decades, the Brant-Argyle School underwent a number of renovations. Be- tween 1923 and 1929, the building was ex- panded to accommodate the increased enrolment and in 1970 a gymnasium was added. Through- out all of these changes, the Brant-Argyle School has maintained its original architecture, a rather rare feat in light of the many challenges faced over the years. On November 25, 1999, the Brant-Argyle School became Manitoba Provincial Heritage Site No. 107.

The designation as a provincial heritage site not only preserves the Brant-Argyle School as a unique architectural building and an important part of our province's history, but also recognizes the importance of quality education in rural Manitoba. The declaration of the Brant-Argyle School as a heritage site was celebrated earlier this year, October 17, with the unveiling of a commemo- rative plaque. It was a pleasure to attend this ceremony. I would like to thank the citizens of Argyle and the surrounding area for banding together to save the Brant-Argyle School from closure.

The efforts that were started in the early 1990s by the community to volunteer, to fundraise and other- wise convince the school board to keep the school open have been successful. Community successes such as these are most worthy of our congratulations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church Ms. Kerri Irvin-Ross (Fort Garry): Mr.

Speaker, I am pleased to rise before the House to acknowledge and commemorate the 40th anni- versary of the Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church, which was recently held on November 15 and 16 and to thank them for providing such important programs in the constituency of Fort Garry. This particular Mennonite Brethren Church began services in Winnipeg in 1953 and for- mally organized in 1956 in a tiny chapel called the Gospel Light Mission, which was located on Logan Avenue. It was referred to as the Logan Mission.

Over the years, expanding membership has caused the church to relocate to different areas of the city to accommodate its growing popularity. The mission moved from its Logan Avenue lo- cation to McMillan Avenue, at which time it was called the Fort Rouge Mennonite Brethren Church. Membership continued to grow due to the popularity of the services. They attracted many new members, in particular people from the south end of the city. The surge in numbers from this particular area of the city brought about a new church being built in 1963 at 1771 Pembina Highway, close to the University of Manitoba.

At this time, the church's name was changed to the Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren hurch. C * (14:40) This church under the direction of Pastor George Shillington ministers to a large number of the Fort Garry population with some 350 to 400 people attending a service on Sunday. It also provides a valuable contribution to the com- munity through a variety of programs such as Skatepark, youth programs for university stu- dents and a teen young moms program. They also help rural students in their transition to the city of Winnipeg.

The recent anniversary celebration included a dinner at the Grant Memorial Church where four former pastors pres ented highlights of the ast 40 years. p Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend and congratulate the Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church. House Business Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, on House business, I would like to advise the House that a report that was referred to the December 5 meeting of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts does not have any requirement to be tabled in the House or to be referred or considered by the Public Accounts Committee.

The report in ques- tion is the Auditor General's Report: Guide to Policy Development dated January 2003. Therefore, this report is withdrawn from re- ferral to the Public Accounts Committee, Mr. Speaker.

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 247 Mr. Speaker: It has been advised that a report that was referred to the December 5, 2003, meeting of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts does not have any requirement to be tabled in the House or to be referred to or con- sidered by the Public Accounts Committee. The report in question is the Auditor General's Report: Guide to Policy Development dated Jan- uary 2003. Therefore, this report is withdrawn from re- ferral to the Public Accounts Committee. ORDERS OF THE DAY GOVERNMENT BUSINESS ADJOURNED DEBATE (Sixth Day of Debate) Mr.

Speaker: Resume debate on the proposed motion of the honourable Member for Flin Flon (Mr. Jennissen), and the proposed motion of the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. Murray) in amendment thereto, and the debate remains open. Mr. Cris Aglugub (The Maples): Mr. Speaker, as elected representatives, we come to the House to debate, to discuss and to form laws. All of this helps to guarantee that the Province of Manitoba attains the best for its citizens. It is again a privilege for me to be part of this process by delivering my response to the Throne Speech.

I would like to begin by wel- coming and thanking all of the people who helped ensure that this process functions well, including the Clerk and her staff, the Speaker, the pages and the Sergeant-at-Arms. I would like to congratulate all the MLAs who were either re-elected and those who are elected for the first time and my congratulations to the Speaker for being elected the second time. As representatives of our constituencies, we must all remember our roles as MLAs and try our best to attain the best for the citizens of Manitoba.

As a representative of the constitu- ency of The Maples, I am honoured to rise be- fore the House to speak about the Speech from the Throne. The Throne Speech signifies the formal opening of the session of the Legislative Assem- bly. This speech sets forth in detail the Govern- ment's view on the condition of the province and indicates what legislation will be brought forth in the coming months and years. In the Speech from the Throne it is evident that this Govern- ment is attentive to the commitments made to Manitobans in 1999 and in the June 2003 elec- tions.

Some of our commitments include the continued improvements to our health care sys- tem, laying the foundation for future growth in Manitoba by building on our economic partner- ships by continuing to expand education and training opportunities, and, finally, preserving the Manitoba advantage of a healthy environ- ment, clean energy, safe communities and af- fordable living. These priorities and the legis- lation that will stem from them will without a doubt improve the lives of the people of our province.

We must also remember the importance of legislation and policy issues pertaining to im- migration and trade, both of which offer us some fundamental solutions to the difficulties we face as a province. As Canadians, we should be thankful and proud of the advantages, both economic and social, that come from our equalized system of health care. With this system we try to ensure that the well-being of all persons, both rich and poor, and all those in between is protected.

The NDP government has made great strides in this area and continues to invest in health care and health innovations, such as new technologies which help cure people of disease. Increasing the number of doctors, nurses, diagnostic techni- cians and the reduction of waiting lists will also help to improve the quality of our health care. The advancement of a holistic approach to health will increase the health and well-being of Manitobans. Improving diet and increasing exer- cise are part of this approach.

The development of the Ministry of Healthy Living will address this issue and will help to reduce pressures on our health care system in the long run. Mr. Speaker, on Monday of last week, the Member for Morris (Mrs. Taillieu) warned that in the future there would be a lack of people for

248 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 the workforce as the baby boomers retire. She further claims that this lag in the workforce will translate into fewer taxes for health care. This may seem like a problem; however, in truth, it can be partially addressed by the Government's dedication to maintain and sustain the annual immigration goal. Mr. Conrad Santos, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair Mr. Deputy Speaker, I came to Canada in 1969 and settled in Winnipeg. As an immigrant from the Philippines, I am very well aware of the challenges and difficulties faced by many new- comers to our country.

I also know that many people from other countries want to come to Canada and numerous people are trying hard to bring family members here to live. I also under- stand that immigration is considered key to Manitoba's economic future and growth. It has contributed to our province's diversity and multi- culturalism. It will also help to meet the long- term needs of our labour force and tax base. Thanks largely to the success of the Provincial Nominee Program, immigration to Manitoba in- creased by 50 percent, reaching about 4600 in 2000, and it continues to climb.

To further achieve the annual immigration goal of 10 000 and to retain immigrants, the pro- vincial government has adopted some excep- tional strategies. The announcement of the Mani- toba Immigration Council will include represen- tation from local communities and organizations, business and labour.

This council will be instru- mental in increasing immigration to our pro- vince, the continued expansion of the Provincial Nominee Program, one of the most successful in the country, the continued strengthening of the foreign qualifications recognition, ESL training and settlement services, and, finally, improve- ments to the promotion of Manitoba as a desti- ation of choice for immigrants. n * (14:50) Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to en- dorse the Government's annual immigration goal of 10 000 and the many programs which have increased the number of immigrants.

All of these will address the skilled labour shortage in Mani- toba and any possible decreases in our provincial population. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am addressing the issue of immigration, not only because I am an immigrant, but also because The Maples is a fa- voured destination for immigrants coming to Winnipeg. In my constituency, there are more than a dozen languages spoken, and therefore a major hub of multicultural community. I would like to thank the Canada-Manitoba infrastructure program which has contributed $900,000 toward the construction of the Philippine-Canadian Cultural Centre located on Keewatin.

Also adjacent to The Maples, other cultural communities received support from this infrastructure program. Five hundred thousand dollars each was committed to the Manitoba Sikh Cultural and Seniors Centre, the Manitoba Islamic Association Community Centre Com- plex and the Hindu Centre. These centres when completed will serve as a cultural showcase and a welcoming place that will assist new immi- grants in their transition to their new country of esidence. r During the election campaign, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I spent much time talking to my consti- tuents in The Maples and I noticed that there is general approval in the way the NDP has gov- erned the province. There was also the im- pression that much has been accomplished in The Maples, but there is more to do. In the 1999 election, I was presented with two difficult is- sues. For years, reside nts along Leila Avenue expressed a desire to have back lanes lit along a stretch of Leila Avenue from the intersection of Manila Road to Agnes Arnold Street.

Safety was the reason for this because it was a little dark and unsafe for residents coming home after working the night shift. Nighttime driving along portions of Leila was hazardous, especially in the wintertime when both sides of the street were covered with snow. These conditions were very dangerous and were the cause of many driving accidents. This problem was addressed a couple of summers ago.

The residents received the back lane lights, and later in the summer, Leila Avenue was upgraded to a two-lane concrete roadway be- tween Altamont Street and Agnes Arnold Place thanks to a grant from the tri-level Canada- Manitoba infrastructure program. Finally, the roadwork is complete with landscaping and streetlights.

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 249 I would like to commend the construction company on their good work, but I would es- pecially like to thank the residents of Leila Ave- nue who signed the petition and asked for fund- ing to fix Leila Avenue. This is an example of the importance of developing co-operative rela- tions between the residents and their representa- tive that is to ensure th at their issues and con- cerns are being looked after. The Maples, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is bus- tling with new residential and business develop- ments.

There is a housing construction boom on Amber Trails and five large apartment blocks are under construction on the north side of Leila and Pipeline Road. A couple of days ago, along McPhillips Street and Templeton Avenue, Jim Gauthier's GM dealership had a grand opening of its brand-new car showroom. The Government's hard work to make our health care services more accessible has greatly benefited the residents of The Maples and sur- rounding communities, with the $7.5-million expansion of the Seven Oaks General Hospital.

It houses a new, 20-station dialysis unit, a cancer clinic, with 6 out-patient treatment stations, and clinical, pharmacy and support services areas. Our Government's commitment to our youth and our families is in the form of expansion to education and training. Helping parents give their children the best possible start in life and retaining our young people are also yielding tre- mendous results in The Maples. We set up the Seven Oaks Parent-Child Centre to help inter- ested parents develop skills in nutrition, literacy and parenting.

The Government has committed funds for a new building for the Seven Oaks Child Day Care Centre . The Province is also working with the Arthur E. Wright, Elwick and Leila North Schools to provide after-school rec- reational and educational activities for young people. The activities are funded by the Light- house program created by our Department of Justice. The Village Centre at Elwick Community School has just relocated to a new facility on Fife Street in The Maples in order to offer a wide range of programs, resources and activities in the neighbourhood. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, our Urban Green Team young people are gaining valuable work ex- perience with non-profit community organiza- tions while improving our neighbourhood. In The Maples, team members have maintained the grounds of the Maples Recreation Centre and community schools and have participated in neighbourhood clean-ups. Free public Internet sites also have been set up in the Maples Youth Activity Centre. All of these are what help to make The Maples a great place to live and raise our families and I have been very pleased and happy to act as a rep- resentative for this consti tuency over the years.

It has been a great and diverse experience. Since I became the New Democratic Party representative for The Maples in 1999, I have been in a variety of roles in the Legislature. I was appointed legislative assistant to the Mini- ster of Labour and also the Minister responsible for Multiculturalism. It has been an honour working with the former minister. I have had the pleasure of representing her in some of her numerous social and official events. The recent shuffling of the Cabinet in the Second Session of the Thirty-eighth Legislature of the Province of Manitoba has resulted in me taking on new responsibility.

I became the leg- islative assistant to the Minister of Intergovern- mental Affairs and Trade (Ms. Mihychuk). Al- though it will present a new challenge, I am excited about this new learning experience. This is a responsibility I will take very seriously. I am keen on helping the new minister in the develop- ment of our trade polici es and encouraging trade with other countries by expanding our economic activities. The promotional trade investment and co-operation with some of our top trading part- ners are priorities for our province.

We are in- creasing the number and value of contracts sec- ured by Manitoba companies and organizations in other countries. Also, in July 2003, the ministry of Industry, Trade and Mines appoin ted 10 private-sector representatives to a trade advisory council which will provide advice and direction to the minister on Manitoba's new trade strategies. I look for- ward to working on the Government's strategies which will continue to grow our economy.

250 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 I would like to draw to a close by thanking the constituents of The Maples for their support and dedication. I would also like to thank the Government of Manitoba for the continued in- vestment in immigration. I know their support of immigrants enhances our progress and economic growth as a province and helps provide immi- grants with a better life.

Also, our Government's commitment to maintaining our quality of life and the well-being of all Manitobans is evident in their continued support and investments in health care, education, children, youth and fam- ily members, and by ensuring that Manitoba is an affordable and safe place to live and raise a family. * (15:00) Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): Mr. Deputy Speaker, it was almost six months ago to this day that we faced the Manitoba electorate in a general election.

I do not think there would be any of us in this Legislature today if it were not for the tireless number of volunteers that helped out on our various campaigns. Certainly, I want to thank, we had hundreds of volunteers who committed their valuable time and effort, vol- unteering in the election campaign in Tuxedo. I just want to thank them very much for all of their hard work and dedication toward helping in y campaign. m I am truly honoured, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, for having been chosen once again to represent our community and look forward very much to continuing to work with the people of Tuxedo to ensure that our voice is heard loud and clear in this Manitoba Legislature. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Tuxedo is a wonderful place in which to work and live and raise our families.

Over the past three years, having gone through a by-election in the 2002 election campaign and a general election in June of this year, I have had the opportunity of meeting so many truly dynamic individuals, all of whom in their own unique way play a vital role in the betterment of our community. Our community stretches from Charleswood to the west, which represents about one third of the riding, to River Heights in the east, as far north as the Assini- boine River and as far south as Wilkes, right where we desperately need the underpass at Kenaston and Wilkes. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, Tuxedo is a diverse constituency, both physically and culturally. It is comprised of people who represent many differ- ent ethnic backgrounds. There are a number of small businesses. There are a number of single family dwellings. There is a vibrant tennis club and golf course. There are two community cen- tres and parklands which cover about one third of our geographical space known as Assiniboine Park and Assiniboine Forest.

We are fortunate enough to have a conserva- tory, a zoo, the Winnie the Pooh museum, the Leo Mol gardens, the Lyric outdoor theatre and endless bike and nature paths, to name but a few of the attractions in the Tuxedo community. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am truly honoured to represent such a vibrant community. I want to thank once again all of my campaign volunteers for their commitm ent to ensuring that Tuxedo continues to be represented by a member of the PC Party of Manitoba. I know that together we will continue to ensure that our community re- mains strong. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I also want to take this opportunity to put on record a few words about the Throne Speech that we recently heard from this Government. I have a few general comments o start off with. t Number one, I think there is sort of a re- curring theme from Throne Speech to Throne Speech as we can see in this Legislature, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I think it is rather unfortunate. What we see is weak leadership, a lack of vision and a lack of hope for economic prosperity for the future of our citizens. There is no plan, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to rein in out-of-control spending habits.

There is absolutely no plan to improve our health care system, no plan to make Manitoba competitive, no plan to counter our growing crime problem and no plan to keep our young people and attract new people to our province. Let us look at some of these individual areas, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Let us look at our economy. The Premier (Mr. Doer) has found billions of dollars of increases in revenue to our province since he took office. Yet, rather than choose to give some of this back to the

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 251 hardworking people of our province, he chose to spend it. If that was not enough, he spent that and he also had to go into Manitoba Hydro and raid some of those funds, funds, which I will let you know, they did not have at the time, all in order to support this Premier's out-of-control spending habit. Also, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Premier introduced labour legislation in this province which has stifled potential economic growth and sent a message to communities everywhere that were not open for business.

Manitoba continues to be one of the highest taxed provinces in our country. How can we possibly expect to compete in this country with those types of figures? Mr. Deputy Speaker, Manitoba cannot af- ford to continue down this path of tax and spend. This Government needs to send a message that our province is open for business so we can attract some of our people back to this province. Judging by this Throne Speech, the Premier either does not have the political will to make the right decisions for our economic prosperity or he does not have the knowledge of how to create such an environment for his province.

I think that is extremely unfortunate. Mr. Deputy Speaker, in the area of justice, let us talk about crime for a couple of minutes. Since this Government took office in 1999, our province has been open for crime rather than being open for business. Under this Govern- ment's watch, not only have the Hells Angels moved in, but also, regrettably, Manitoba is first in homicide rates.

Manitoba is first in robbery, first in motor vehicle theft, first in mischief, second in offensive weapons violations, second in sexual assaults, second in assault, second in violent crime, second in other Criminal Code violations, third in breaking and entering, third in property crime, and fourth in other theft. Now, as if that is not bad enough, let us look at Winnipeg in some of those statistics as well. This is according to Statistics Canada.

In 2002, the city of Winnipeg was ranked among other major metropolitan areas in selected Criminal Code incidents as follows: Winnipeg was first in homicide; first in sexual assault; first in assault; first in robbery; first in violent crime; first in motor vehicle theft; first in mischief; first in other Criminal Code violations; second in break and enter; second in property crime; second in offensive weapons; and third in other theft. One of my colleagues just said: Are you not proud to be a Manitoban at this point?

Well, I am proud to be a Manitoban, but I am not proud of the statistics of crime that this Government is responsible for. These numbers are dismal, to say the least. There is absolutely nothing in the Throne Speech to address these issues, which I find absolutely unbelievable. Clearly, this Gov- ernment has lacked leadership and vision for the province in the area of crime. Let us look at health care. The Government has put a lot more money into health care in our province since it took office. Yet, what are we getting for it? Patients still line our hallways of our hospitals.

Waiting lists for key diagnostic procedures continue to rise. The nursing short- age has doubled, and there is no will on the part of this Government to support a co-op program to try and keep our young nursing students here after they graduate. I think that is just absolutely shameful. Again, there is nothing in the Throne Speech to address these concerns. There is no plan, no vision and an extreme lack of leadership when it comes to governing the health care system in this province. So I would like to now go to education. I feel very passionately about education.

I have a two-year-old daughter at home and another baby on the way. Many of my peers discuss education of their children, and so on. It is something that we have discussions ab out on a regular basis, whether it is people in the community, people outside of my community who continue to voice their concerns around how our education system is being run in this province. Some of the issues that come forward are the quality of education. Yes, the costs have increased. There is more money going into the education system. Yet the quality has been declining.

I would like to just go to some statistics that have come out in the last little while where 64 percent of Grade 3 students do not meet expecta- tions in subtraction facts to 10; 48 percent of Grade 3 students do not meet expectations in

252 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 extending and describing mathematical patterns; 42 percent of Grade 3 students do not meet expectations in addition facts to 10; and 43 per- cent of Grade 3 students do not meet expecta- tions in creating addition and subtraction story problems. Mr. Deputy Speaker, those numbers are unacceptable to the people on this side of the House. Obviously, those are acceptable to this Government. I find that absolutely deplorable when it comes to the quality of education that we are trying to offer our children in this province.

So let us talk a little bit about standards tests. Now, the previous Minister of Education stated that his caucus would be discussing the direction that they would be taking for standards testing in the future. He stated that in a Free Press

article on September 24 of this year. I guess I would like to know where these dis- cussions have taken place, if they have taken place, and what direction that this Government plans to move in the way of standards testing. The Doer government spends about 1.7 million on optional testing for Grades 6 and 9. I am just wondering if they are planning to make this mandatory so we know where our children stand.

So, really, that 1.7 million right now is, I mean, a number that is being wasted, I think, unless it is a mandatory program in Grades 6 and 9, I believe it is, money that is basically being thrown out the window. So we would like to see them move in that direction but would like to know what their plan is. Also, will they expand the Grade 12 program of testing to include other subject areas? What is the Government's plan, again, for the quality of education for our chil- dren? Mr.

Deputy Speaker, just to talk briefly about forced amalgamation of school divisions, I think it has been bantered about back and forth in this Legislature several times now about the fact that this Government stated that its forced amalgamation plan would save the taxpaying citizens of our province about $10 million. Well, recently, the Manitoba Association of School Trustees has come out with a figure that it will actually cost school divisions closer to $17 million, and that is sort of a minimum they are looking at, a cost of $17 million. * (15:10) Mr.

Deputy Speaker, that is a difference of $27 million that we are talking about here of tax- payers' money. So I would like to know, and I have asked this question several times: Does this $10 million in savings still exist somewhere, or are we now finding out what the real costs are of this botched amalgamation scheme of this Pro- vince? It was obviously a very ill-thought-out plan. It lacked in vision and had nothing to do with providing a better quality of education for our kids. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I want to talk about provincial education funding which has dropped since this Government took office from 60.9 per- cent in 1999 to 56.7 percent today, a 7.7% de- cline since this Government took office. I mean, clearly education is not a priority for this Gov- rnment. e There was absolutely no mention or very little mention of education in the Throne Speech, which I find is absolutely unbelievable consider- ing that it is the future of our workforce in this province and to me an extremely important part of what the Government offers.

I just find it ab- solutely deplorable that it was not mentioned more in the Throne Speec h other than rehashing some announcements that have been made pre- iously. v Mr. Deputy Speaker, this offloading of the 7.7 percent or the decline of the percentage that this Government puts into education has resulted in a 30% property tax increase in our province, which is absolutely unbelievable in just the four years that this Government has taken office. The offloading of the education portion onto the taxpayers of local communities is unacceptable, and it must stop. So, in conclusion, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I would like to say that unfortunately it is regret- table that there is not much to be positive about in this Throne Speech. Generally, it is very weak. It lacked in vision. It lacked in hope for economic prosperity for our children, certainly with no or virtually very little mention of educa- tion at all in the Throne Speech. I will have no choice, Mr. Deputy Speaker, than to vote against it, but I would also, just in

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 253 conclusion, like to thank once again the people of Tuxedo for instilling in me the confidence to represent them in the Manitoba Legislature. Thank you very much. Hon. Peter Bjornson (M inister of Education, Citizenship and Youth): It is a privilege and an honour to stand in the House today to speak to the Speech from the Throne that is this Gov- ernment's great vision for the future of this great province.

I am very proud to represent the constituency of Gimli, geographically one of the smaller rural constituencies but in terms of eligible voters the second largest constituency in Manitoba. In my response to the Throne Speech, I will take a few moments to re flect first on some of the most profound moments in my life, moments which have affirmed what I have done with my life and why I have chosen this political path that has brought me to this magnificent building, the Manitoba Legislature.

I will pay tribute to many people who have played very important roles in shaping my views and supporting my choices, my challenges and my convictions. I will reflect on my home con- stituency, a place I have called home all my life, and the great things this Government has done to improve the quality of life in my constituency. Finally, I will comment on the vision that has been laid out in the Throne Speech that speaks to a very bright future for the best province in the Dominion in the best country in the world. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, before I do that, I must first reflect on what has tr anspired in the past six months. What a memorable six months this has been. I have had the opportunity to meet with many constituents and share in their celebra- tions, whether it be recognizing their heritage, preserving their history, celebrating milestones or launching a new venture. It has indeed been a tremendous opportunity to get to know so many people who share their passion for Manitoba.

More recently, I have also had the good for- tune to meet with many former colleagues and stakeholders in education with whom I have crossed paths before in my 13 years as a high school teacher. A number of memorable experi- ences indeed, but however one that was very important to me occurred last June. I had the privilege of representing the First Minister at The Forks on the occasion of the arrival of the Viking Saga. This ship was a 20-metre replica of a Viking knar , an ocean-going freighter, which was co-sponsored by this Government to provide tours on Lake Winnipeg all summer long. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, at this event and re- ception that followed, I had the good fortune to meet Mr. Magnus Eliason, and, as a close-knit community in Manitoba, our conversation inevi- tably turned to our Icelandic roots. "Who were your parents? Who were your grandparents?" Mr. Eliason asked. When he discovered that I was the grandson of Gudmundur Bjornson from Arborg, he immediately recalled having met my grandfather before. That was in Arborg in 1938 at an inaugural meeting for the CCF.

My afi, or grandfather, rarely talked politics with me when I visited him, and as such I was thrilled to learn that he had been a part of the founding movement of our party. It is unfor- tunate that my passion for politics would not emerge until about three years after my afi died at the age of 98. I regret that he and I never did discuss politics in any depth, but I am grateful I had the opportunity to speak about my grand- father with Mr. Eliason, and I look forward to the next opportunity to do so. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I have had many mo- ments in my life that have affirmed the choices that I have made and reminded me why I have chosen these paths that I have. I will relate three short stories of three very powerful moments. Perhaps occupational hazard as a former history teacher, I am compelled to tell some of these stories. I am very passionate about history.

When I worked in a retail store in Gimli while working towards my Bachelor of Arts, there was a regular customer, an elderly gentleman named Gordie, who stopped in on a daily basis while his wife made the usual rounds picking up the mail, picking up the groceries, et cetera. Gordie was always the passenger, never the driver, and when I finally got to know him well enough, I asked him why this was the case. Gordie had been posted in Hong Kong with the Winnipeg Rifles when it fell to the Japanese. He spent six years in

254 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 an internment camp, and it reached a point where he was so malnourished that he became legally blind. He could barely see a metre in front of him. Gordie would have perished had it not been for a good friend who would chew his food for him and regurgitate it so that Gordie could get some nourishment in order to survive. One morning, Gordie came into the shop and was visibly shaken.

When I asked him why, he told me that he had just been to a reunion for the Winnipeg Rifles POWs and that one person he really so desperately wanted to see, the man who saved his life, had died 10 days before the reunion. Gordie was neve r the same, and Gordie passed on shortly after that. Gordie's story made me realize how important it is to teach history and how important it would be to tell his story. Mr. Deputy Speaker, as a teacher, I have had many wonderful experiences. One that I must tell you about today relates to a young lady who had endured some very difficult times and who I was very concerned about.

I could not begin to understand some of the hardships she suffered and the emotional turmoil that was the under- riding part of her high school years. I always wondered if I was able to help her in any way, shape or form. Teachers have the tools to meas- ure academic performance, but it is often difficult to measure the impact we are having on a student in the school of life when academic needs might seem to be secondary. I had the tremendous honour of walking that young lady down the aisle at her wedding.

Her story, her circumstance made me realize how important a teaching career is, how powerful an impact teachers have on their students' lives, and as such, I have been incredibly passionate about the teaching profession. Mr. Deputy Speaker, as a social democrat, I must tell you the most moving story I was ever told. It had to be that of my friend Roger. His story takes us back to MacGregor, Manitoba, in 1931. Roger's father proudly brought his mother and his newborn son, Roger, home from the hospital only to discover that his wife had fallen ill.

The doctor informed Roger's father that his wife's illness would require hospitalization and he needed to pay $36 up front before she would be admitted, an insurmountable amount in 1931 in Manitoba for a man of limited means. Roger's father's friends, family and the community ral- lied to collect money and came up with $31. When they went to the hospital, they were refused care. They did not have enough money. He reluctantly turned back and took his wife home to watch her die. Roger was 13 days old when he lost his mother. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, this tragic story affirms what I believe about universal health care, what we believe about universal health care, and the tremendous work this Government is doing to continually improve our health care system. This reminds me that we must be diligent in im- proving and protecting a system that we all value not only as Manitobans but as a defining char- acteristic of what it means to be Canadian. * (15:20) Mr. Deputy Speaker, as I have said, these three stories have affirmed my passion for our history, my passion for the teaching profession and my passion for social justice.

But to be passionate about something is irrelevant unless you are prepared to take a step to act upon those passions and thus my journey to the Legislature began. My success in this journey is a debt of grati- tude I owe to a number of people. I must first thank my family. My parents, Don and Hedy Bjornson have supported me through all my choices in life respecting my decisions, offering unconditional support and guidance.

My siblings, my brother Don, sisters Cindy and Judy, are my best friends as there is a mere five years and one month from the oldest to the youngest, and I am very proud of their achievements and their successes in their lives. My wife, Joanne, my children, five-year-old Kieran, three-and-a-half-year old Dane and eight-and-a-half-month-old Iris have been very patient, understanding and supportive as daddy adjusts to the demands of his new career. My strength is in the strength, love and support of my family. My path to becoming a teacher has had many mentors.

I cannot acknowledge them all, but I must acknowledge the following: Professor Jean Friesen, who taught me to be passionate about what I taught; Professor Emeritus Ken

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 255 Osbourne, who taught me to be passionate about how I taught; my principal and good friend at Gimli High School, Mr. Robert Arnason, who continually supported my program and en- couraged me to raise the bar for my students and for myself; my mentor, vice-principal and good friend, Ken Kristofferson, who helped me deal with the demands of teaching that they cannot prepare you for at university, going beyond the pedagogical in dealing with the social dynamics and social realities that our students face every day. I must acknowledge Mr.

William Barlow, a colleague both in the classroom and on muni- cipal council. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the class, integrity and dignity he brought to the office of mayor in the community of Gimli over a very distinguished 17-year ca- reer on municipal council. My constituency association is an amazing group of hardworking, dedicated volunteers. There are so many on board I could not possibly acknowledge them all, but I must mention the unwavering support of Roger and Norma Lowe, Don and Helen Tole, and my campaign manager, Bonnie Schmidt. Finally, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, I must also pay tribute to my neighbours and colleagues in the Interlake ridings of Se lkirk and the Interlake. The honourable member s from these two con- stituencies have been incredibly helpful before, during and since the election. I am proud to be associated with my two colleagues from the Interlake and look forwar d to what we can ac- complish for the people of the Interlake and Manitoba. The journey that has brought me to the Legislature has been one that I will never forget, and I am very proud and honoured to serve the people of the fine constituency of Gimli.

This constituency is comprised of five muni- cipal governments. It is shared by three school divisions and is an area that continues to grow as a popular tourist region, retirement destination and bedroom community. It is a constituency that is home to a wealth of economic activities, including fishing, farming, light and heavy in- dustry and a region where the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. The Gimli constituency is home to a number of heritage sites, including the historic Lower Fort Garry, the St.

Andrews locks, the Ukrainian Homestead Museum in Winnipeg Beach and the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli, to name but a few of the attractions, a very diverse area indeed, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The Gimli constituency has benefited im- mensely from this Government. A new health centre in Gimli, a new school in Gimli, capital improvements to three other schools in the con- stituency, investments throughout the area in tourism initiatives and recreation facilities, re- cently announced highway projects in response to local government concerns are but a few ex- amples.

I must highlight one particular project that was particularly pleasing to me as a history major. The investment in the Full Circle-First Contact exhibit at the New Iceland Heritage Museum and the aforementioned Viking Saga were tremendous assets for the community of Gimli, contributing to a wonderful critical mass of tourism infrastructure in the area. I recently read a review of the exhibit which concluded, and I quote: From a museological perspective, the Full Circle exhibit was not only a striking reiteration of our passionate interest in roots and origins.

More importantly, perhaps, it marked an important milestone in the develop- ment of Gimli's New Iceland Heritage Museum and its transformation into an institution worthy of that coveted designation, world class. This excerpt from Dr. Robert Klymasz, Cur- ator Emeritus, the Canadian Museum of Civili- zation, in Gatineau, Québec. This Government believed in the can-do at- titude of the museum board and the Vikings on the Prairies committee to bring these two world- class attractions to Gimli with spectacular re- sults. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, an integral part of the past success and the bright future of the Gimli constituency is the health of Lake Winnipeg and our valuable water resources. I am proud to be part of a government that is leading the nation, leading the way for both Canada and the United States with a first-ever Water Stewardship De- partment. It was the lake that provided suste- nance for earliest Aboriginal cultures to inhabit the Interlake region 2500 years before present. It

256 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 was the lake that served as a vital network for fur traders and explorers to travel in the storied York boat brigades, to chart a future for Euro- pean development and settlement. It was the lake that attracted the struggling Icelandic settlers from their impoverished colony in Kinmount, Ontario, in 1875. It was the lake that attracted Sir William Whyte to create the weekend retreat that would become the popular boardwalk of Winnipeg Beach in the 1920s. It was the quality of water that attracted the Seagram plant to Gimli in 1969.

It is the lake that has hosted several provincial, regional, na- tional and international sailing competitions. However, it is the same lake that has been closed to fishermen in the 1970s due to mercury poisoning. It is the same lake that has suffered massive sewage spills from the sewers in the city of Winnipeg. It is the same lake that is threaten- ed by the possibility of foreign biota finding its way into the ecosystem if solutions cannot be found for flooding problems in the United States. It is a lake that has been neglected far too long and has suffered tremendous harm from years of neglect.

It is a responsibility every Man- itoban must now bear. This year alone we have seen beach closures due to unacceptable levels of E. coli and un- precedented algae blooms. That is why I am very proud to be part of a government that has sup- ported the first longitudinal research on Lake Winnipeg; a government that has assisted in establishing the Lake Winnipeg Research Con- sortium; a government that has established the Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Board and the first Water Stewardship Department.

This Government has a plan to work with all Manitobans to address the health of our lakes and the safety of our water supply. We will be regulating livestock operations, septic fields and urban waste treatment. We will restore water testing subsidies. We will improve flood protec- tion, drainage networks and clean drinking water service to all Manitobans as part of our com- mitment to our most valuable resource.

We in Manitoba accept our responsibility for water stewardship, and, as the region through which over 20 percent of the waters in North America drains, we look beyond our political boundaries to engage all partners in the watershed in a dialogue to restore our waterways to the health we expect, to the health it deserves in Manitoba. I have lived by the lake my entire life.

I have been in awe of the beauty of a peaceful, brilliant sunrise on the lake in the morning, yet that same evening I might be awestruck by the surreal quality of the lake when the waters are such that you cannot discern the water from the horizon. Yet that same night I might look on in fear of the rage and the fury of the lake as it awakens from a dead calm to the violent pounding of three- metre swells. I have a tremendous amount of re- spect for the lake. This Government has a tremendous amount of respect for the lake and we will work very hard to restore Lake Win- nipeg. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, on July 1 this past summer, I had the pleasure of attending the Canada Day celebrations in Gimli, Selkirk and West St. Paul. The West St. Paul Canada Day celebrations were held in a beautiful riverside park, aptly named Rivercrest Park, which was bustling with activities to celebrate our nation's birthday. As a history buff, I could not help but reflect on this sanctuary as it may have appeared almost 300 years ago when the Aboriginal mapmakers were first commissioned to provide a chart for the explorers and fur traders who would soon follow.

It is likely that the three Cree cartog- raphers, Auchagah, Tacchigis and La Marte- blanche, in 1728-1729 had sought refuge in this very same part as they chartered their course. This river sanctuary will benefit from the new course that this Government is charting in flood protection initiatives with the expansion of the floodway. At this time, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to focus on my new responsibilities as Mini- ster of Education, Citizenship and Youth. Before I begin, though, I must say how proud I am to be a graduate of the University of Manitoba.

Rarely does a day go by that I do not wear my U of M grad ring. Having said that, I must first say how very disappointed I am that the members

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 257 opposite would choose to buy into the rhetoric of the annual Maclean's poll rather than joining us in taking pride in and defending the reputation of one of Manitoba's fine post-secondary institu- tions. Last week, the Minister of Advanced Educa- tion and Training (Ms. McGifford) referenced Her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson, the Gover- nor General of Canada, and His Excellency John Ralston Saul as advocates of the ACCESS pro- gram here in Manitoba.

I will echo those com- ments as I had the good fortune to hear them first-hand when I was in Rideau Hall on No- vember 14 this year. Our ACCESS program should be the model for academic engagement and opportunity for all of Canada. It is an in- credible success story of which we should be very proud. * (15:30) Members opposite should be celebrating the successes of our universiti es. At the University of Manitoba alone, we have researchers who have been responsible fo r lifesaving research. It is a university where the multibillion-dollar Canola industry was pioneered.

It is one of Manitoba's universities which has contributed to the list of Manitobans who have achieved Rhodes scholar status, a status which has been bestowed the most on Manitobans when com- pared to the rest of western Canada. Yet mem- bers opposite choose to accept Maclean's rhet- oric and call into question the hard work, dedica- tion and academic achievement of our university students and professors. This Government will continue to make uni- versity and college more accessible.

We will not rest on our laurels of a 29% increase in enrol- ment, tuition freezes and the much needed in- vestment in infrastructure. We will invest in the University College of the North and initiate pro- grams that will make post-secondary education more accessible than ever and particularly acces- sible to rural Manitobans. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am very excited about the new Aboriginal Education Action Plan and the framework for improved learning out- comes and workforce participation for our grow- ing Aboriginal population.

Last week, I was pleased to bring greetings to the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents confer- ence on Aboriginal education initiatives. I look forward to the continued consultation with all partners and stakeholders to ensure that Abori- ginal perspectives are part of our curriculum and this process. I look forward to a more mean- ingful and engaging curriculum and education system that will translate into increased success for our Aboriginal youth. Mr. Deputy Speaker, members opposite have been questioning our commitment to edu- cation with respect to education funding.

I will once again for the record gladly compare our record with that of the previous Tory govern- ment. I appreciate that I used this analogy earl- ier, but one more time for the record, we do have a situation comparing th e record of this Gov- ernment with the record of members opposite that can best be described in the analogy, as I said before, of apples and lemons. As I said before, I still have a bitter aftertaste with respect to those particularly le an years under the Con- servatives. We have been funding education at the rate of economic growth or better since we came into office.

Compare our four years and over $83 million of increased funding to $15 million over five years of Tory governance. In my tenure as a teacher, I saw the impact that the funding from the members opposite had on our school system, minus 2 percent, minus 2.6 percent, zero percent, minus 2 percent, zero percent and a modest increase of 2.2 percent, which was announced in an election year. We saw an increase in dependence on the local school boards' municipal Special Education Levy to the tune of 68 percent. We have been reducing the provincial Education Support Levy and are committed to phasing it out completely.

We have increased proper ty tax credits and put money back into the pockets of Manitobans while not compromising programs, services and infrastructure improvements to our schools after years of neglect by the members opposite. We will continue to fund education at a level that will allow schools the opportunity to con- tinue to offer many valuable programs for our students. For example, last Tuesday night, I had

258 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA D ecember 1, 2003 the pleasure of attending the University of Mani- toba's School of Music concert at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute. Both the concert band and wind ensemble provided very powerful and moving performances. I was very pleased to see 39 students from Winnipeg and area high schools participating as guest musicians. I was especially pleased to see Gimli High School stu- dents, former students of mine, performing as well. Mr. Deputy Speaker, wind ensemble con- ductor, Dr.

Fraser Linklate r, referred to the fact that these performers were merely the tip of the iceberg, and that which lied beneath is the won- derful band and music programs that are offered throughout many Manitoba schools by very dedicated and hardworking band teachers. Music is alive and well in Manitoba schools. Almost two weeks ago, I enjoyed the oppor- tunity to visit the Point Douglas constituency and officially open the new addition at newly renovated Argyle Alternative School.

One could feel the pride and the very strong sense of com- munity shared by the students, parents and staff of this very unique school. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the audience was treated to a very informative, often humorous student video production sum- marizing the school's history and alternative pro- gramming. Many members of the audience were moved by the heartfelt, sincere presentation by Argyle student and Legislature page Frankie Sarson. At the conclusion of the ceremony, I promised to return to Argyle to look at the impressive student artwork. I am happy to say that I did so last Friday.

One could not help but be impressed by the magnificent artwork so proudly displayed in the art room and throughout the school. Art is alive and well in Manitoba schools. As a high-school athlete, I have been listen- ing with great interest, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to the results of the provincial volleyball compe- titions that have been going on. I really do firmly believe in the motto of the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association that sports is in- deed the other half of education.

As a product of high school athletics, I am a firm believer in this mantra and suggest to you that physical educa- tion is alive and well in Manitoba schools. The mantra of Manitoba Education, Citizen- ship and Youth is success for all learners. Suc- cess for all learners depends on our ability to offer those learners many options to explore their strengths, to engage the learners and pro- vide opportunities to succeed. Success for learn- ers means providing appropriate infrastructure both in terms of capital projects and technology. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am proud to say that we are investing in our youth.

We are investing in our schools. We will not compromise the pro- grams that offer our students the best oppor- tunity to succeed in our schools. I am also very thrilled with the addition of Citizenship to the portfolio. Civic engagement in adolescence leads to civic engagement in youth. This goes beyond civics in the context of voting. This includes understanding one's history, de- veloping a sense of community and participating therein.

Educational leaders need to lead by ex- ample, and last week I am pleased to say that I saw such an example of engagement when I de- livered an address to an audience of students, parents, teachers, support staff, trustees, super- intendents and community leaders at a vision- and-mission-building exercise at the Louis Riel School Division. This exercise is appropriately staged on the anniversary of the amalgamation of the St. Vital and St. Boniface school divisions which had created the Louis Riel School Divi- sion.

I was very pleased to participate along with my colleagues the honourable Member for Seine River (Ms. Oswald) and the honourable Minister of Family Services and Housing (Ms. Melnick). This exercise was a reflection of part of my personal philosophy of education, that it is a community responsibility that is based on an inclusive, recursive and consultative process that brings all partners to the table in the best interests of the students and their future place in our communities. Mr.

Deputy Speaker, the consultative ap- proach is something this Government has done very well in its first term and will continue to do so in our second. This is a government that re- spects teachers and trustees and the important work that they do fo r our children. I look

December 1, 2003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 259 forward to working very hard with all members of our educational community. I suppose one of the benefits of being one of the last members to speak in this Throne Speech debate process is the opportunity given to re- spond to some of the words spoken by previous speakers. As such, I would like to respond to some of the things that have been said thus far. First, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am very proud of the exceptional work our Minister of Health (Mr. Chomiak) has been doing to clean up the mess in health care that 11 years of neglect had created.

One of the very important initiatives was the introduction of the gamma knife. This technology performs lifesaving surgery, reduces patient time in hospital, and Manitoba is the first jurisdiction in Canada to offer this technology and service. I find it quite odd the Member for Morris (Ms. Taillieu) would pan this technology as be- ing somewhat dated and that we should be ex- ploring newer technologies, which rest assured we are doing. We are exploring newer tech- nologies.

However, having said that, this proven technology is a welcome addition for Manitoba patients and doctors, and I suggest that the Member for Morris disc uss the equipment and the procedure with the patients who have bene- fited from this technology, rather than sug- gesting that we are behind the times here in Manitoba. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the member from Portage la Prairie entertained us all with his rendition of welcome to the future by suggesting it was a good idea to actually sell MTS.

Very few Manitobans would benefit from the sale and all Manitobans would face increases of over 60 percent on their phone bills. Well, our Govern- ment's version of welcome to the future is a strong public utility, Manitoba Hydro, that will only grow in importance and value and remain a public utility to benefit all Manitobans. * (15:40) Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am very pleased to be here as the MLA for Gimli.

Manitoba is a pro- vince that is demonstrati ng incredible leadership here in Canada: the first Department of Water Stewardship; the first prenatal benefit in Canada; the first healthy child initiative; the first gamma- knife surgery in Canada; the first corporate tax deduction since World War II; the first university access program; one of the first jurisdictions to sign on the Kyoto agreement; and, with the co-operation of members opposite, the first indoor smoking ban.

These are but a few of the many things I can point out that speaks to the vision of this and in the case of the access program previous NDP governments. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am honoured to be here and to be a member of this Government. This province has been well served by this Gov- ernment and the success has been reflected in the fact that our young people are staying in Mani- toba. It has been reflected in the fact that our health care system is continually improving. It has been reflected in the fact that we have an education system that is providing opportunities for success for all learners.

We have a vision for the future economic growth of our province and sustainable clean energy and new partnerships in economic diversification. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am also compelled to respond to the comments made previously by the Member for Tuxedo (Mrs. Stefanson) with re- spect to the quality of our education. That com- ment questions the professionalism of our teach- ers. Obviously, the member from Tuxedo is not familiar with the recent data that shows that Manitoba is faring very well. I was very disap- pointed to hear those comments. The member from Tuxedo also advocates

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	38-2-08
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	38th 2nd hansardpdf 08.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	ffe5393ab339602456fae14a7a7f35b451b558e6

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