Mr. Gerry McAlpine (Sturgeon Creek): Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the actions our government is taking to prevent crime and ensure safer streets for the residents of Winnipeg.

Last week the Department of Justice announced that the Winnipeg Police Services will receive an additional $2 million from the Manitoba government. This money will go to ensure that 40 more police officers are serving and protecting Winnipeg residents. Committing further funds to the Winnipeg Police Services, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is another example of the strong commitment on behalf of members of this side of the House to keep the streets of Winnipeg safe for our residents. Having more police officers to deal directly with the public is a genuine contribution to crime prevention and the safety of our communities.

This $2-million contribution will secure 40 jobs for enthusiastic, motivated persons who have aspiring careers with the Winnipeg Police Services. It is worth noting that this is the third consecutive year that our government has committed $2 million to the Winnipeg police force. In this time, 40 officers have been recruited and trained. Eight officers are working with the street gang unit, 20 are part of the neighbourhood foot patrol and 12 are working at our community service centres.

The presence of 40 additional police officers signals an important joint commitment to crime prevention by our government and the Winnipeg Police Services. With another increase in the Winnipeg Police Services workforce, the residents of our city will be served with greater peace of mind that our streets are being kept safer for residents of all ages. Safety and crime prevention are, after all, fundamental priorities of this government.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

Mr. George Hickes (Point Douglas): While 12 bank branches have been closed or merged in the inner city of Winnipeg this year, bank profits are over $7 billion according to this year's records. The numbers of Manitobans living below the poverty line who have no bank accounts due to the service fees and other costs is growing. Many of these people are forced to pay exorbitant fees to cash cheques at firms preying on the poor. It is shameful that the federal government refuses to investigate the link between the huge increase in profits and the increases to user fees that have hurt so many people living on the poverty line. The provincial government has similarly been silent over the loss of banking services and investment in the inner city of Winnipeg.

The loss of banking services leads to further economic deterioration, and this is obvious in rural areas where the closure of banks in Baldur, Miniota, and Whitemouth and soon Lynn Lake are causing great hardship for residents forced to drive long distances for banking services. The provincial government should be taking a stand on this very important issue and stand up for all citizens of Manitoba. Thank you.

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Hon. Bonnie Mitchelson (Minister of Family Services): Mr. Deputy Speaker, earlier today I had the pleasure of attending the Winnipeg high school football awards ceremony at River East Collegiate, honouring the River East Kodiaks on their recent victory over the Churchill Bulldogs. In an outstanding display of agility and skill, the River East Kodiaks defeated the Churchill Bulldogs 22 to 7 to capture the Winnipeg high school football league championship.

The River East Kodiaks had an exceptional year, losing only two games throughout their entire season. Both offence and defence were extraordinary. As the MLA for River East, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate and commend the entire Kodiak football team for the enthusiasm, determination and good sportsmanship they displayed in their 1997 football season.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Kodiaks' coaching staff, led by 15-year veteran coach, Gord Puttaert, for the encouragement and guidance they provided throughout the season.

Finally, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to applaud the many parents, students and staff members of River East Collegiate for the outstanding support they provided to the Kodiaks. Game after game, supporters braved the cold Manitoba winds to cheer on this feisty team, and I am sure their contribution attributed to the Kodiaks' successful football season. Winning is a team effort, and this is certainly reflected in the Kodiaks' performance this season. Thank you.

Mr. Clif Evans (Interlake): Mr. Deputy Speaker, in September the Minister of Health (Mr. Praznik) said that he wanted to have a fair and timely decision made on the coverage of Betaseron and Copaxone. Since that time, and many times over and over, he has shifted responsibility in dealing with the issues. He has in fact shifted responsibility of this issue onto someone else and that someone being the Manitoba drug formulary committee. I would like to tell the minister today on behalf of the MS patients who could be benefiting right now by coverage of the drugs that health care is his responsibility, and he needs to accept that responsibility and deal with this very serious issue.

Betaseron and its companion drug Copaxone decrease the severity and frequency of acute attacks in people with relapsing, remitting multiple sclerosis. These drugs have relatively minor side effects while offering tangible relief to many Manitobans. Unfortunately, people who could gain substantial benefits from these drugs have been denied this earlier service as requested due to the countless delays and excuses of the past.

When we rose to ask the previous Minister of Health to cover the costs of these drugs, the minister responded: I would not want to have any delays which would be bureaucratic in nature. Since that time, up until just lately, nothing has been done despite the fact that several other provinces have moved to provide Betaseron and Copaxone to MS patients.

I say to the Minister of Health (Mr. Praznik), if his government and he are going to deal with the health needs of Manitobans fairly, then he should do the right thing today, Mr. Deputy Speaker, cover these drugs, stop making the people who need them wait.

Mr. Ben Sveinson (La Verendrye): Mr. Deputy Speaker, as members of this Chamber know, Manitoba has one of the lowest youth unemployment rates in all of Canada. This has been achieved through partnership that our government has forged with various organizations and local governments, as well as the creation of a variety of youth employment initiatives.

Today, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to comment on yet another initiative our government will take part in to better the future for young Manitobans. As recommended at the August 1997 annual Premiers' Conference, our government will join with our provincial and territorial partners to develop a national youth employment strategy so that the young people of Manitoba and Canada will be further prepared to meet the challenges of the workforce in the new century.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, we continue to believe that there needs to be co-operation between our federal and provincial colleagues to set the priorities for programs so the funding is used in an effective and efficient manner. Young Manitobans have seen the benefits of a government which has worked in partnership and a government which has developed a sound economic strategy.

Today, young Manitobans can look forward to a future of opportunity in their home towns and in their home province. Today, we have reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that all young Canadians are able to look forward to a new century which will be challenging and rewarding. Thank you.