LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Monday, May 16, 2016
At 1:30 p.m. the Sergeant-at-Arms, carrying the mace and followed by the Speaker, the Clerk, the Deputy Clerk and the Clerk assistants of the Legislative Assembly, entered the Chamber.
The Sergeant-at-Arms returned to the north doors and met Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor with the mace.
Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms (Mr. Ray Gislason): Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor.
Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor, accompanied by the honorary aides-de-camp, the officer escort, the Premier and the Provincial Court judges, entered the Chamber and took her seat on the throne.
The Sergeant-at-Arms made obeisance with the mace and retired to the side of the Chamber.
Hon. Janice Filmon (Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Manitoba): Please be seated.
Madam Speaker and members of the Manitoba Legislature, I welcome you to the First Session of the 41st Legislature of the Province of Manitoba.
Je vous convie à la première session de la 41e législature de la Province du Manitoba.
Translation
I welcome you to the First Session of the 41st Legislature of the Province of Manitoba.
Manitoba's new government believes in the values of integrity, caring, inclusion, common sense and teamwork. These are the values upon which our great province has been built and upon which we will govern. We acknowledge that we are on Treaty 1 territory and in the heartland of the Metis people. Together we share a rich, vibrant and tolerant cultural landscape that makes us the envy of the world.
Manitobans are also the most generous and charitable people in Canada, giving both of their time and resources to so many worthwhile causes. It is in that spirit of national pride and citizenship that we stand with the people of Alberta in the wake of the terrible circumstances and suffering in Fort McMurray. Manitobans know all too well the tragedy and heavy burdens of massive natural disaster, and they join our government in extending concern and support to our Alberta neighbours.
We acknowledge the courage and dedication of all those working on the front lines to protect property and life from the fires, both in Alberta and here at home in Manitoba.
Our mandate and future course is clear, Manitoba's new government is committed to making Manitoba the most improved province in all of Canada: to better health care and education for Manitoba families, to better jobs that will inspire our young people to make their Manitoba their home into the future, and to an open, transparent government that earns and deserves the trust of Manitobans.
Strengthening Manitoba's Economy
Jobs and economic growth are at the centre of our plan for a better Manitoba. A stronger economy will allow us to improve front-line services in health care and education, and will enable investment in programs and initiatives most important to supporting Manitoba families.
A strong fiscal plan is the necessary foundation for sustained growth. Manitoba's new government finds itself facing significant fiscal challenges, the full extent of which was not previously disclosed to Manitobans. This magnifies our shared challenges. But our collective will is strong and we will meet these challenges together. Manitoba's new government will immediately commence a comprehensive value-for-money review across government as a first step toward restoring prudent financial management.
Manitobans embrace change and Manitoba businesses are champions of innovation. Manitoba's new government will partner with business and community leaders to create new and innovative economic opportunities, and we will continue to support and protect jobs in vital areas of our economy.
The aerospace sector is one such example. Manitoba is home to the third largest aerospace industry in Canada. Manitoba's new government will continue to advocate for focused engagement in specific funding commitments from our partners in the federal government to ensure the proposed changes to the Air Canada Public Participation Act provide a net investment and job-creation benefit for Manitoba's aerospace industry.
We will embrace municipal partnerships. Members of our Cabinet will meet with their counterparts at the City of Winnipeg and municipalities from across Manitoba to provide them with a fair say on strategic infrastructure investments. And we will ensure long-term assured and targeted infrastructure investments of no less than $1 billion per year while making flood protection a top priority. To that end, we will take immediate action to work with our partners in the federal government on flood protection infrastructure, beginning with the outlet needed to alleviate flooding around Lake Manitoba.
Our government will establish a Premier's enterprise team comprised of business leaders who will make recommendations that will result in new jobs and stronger economic growth in our province. And we will engage in focus discussions with indigenous leaders to develop a framework for meaningful ongoing consultation, and together we will work to build strong mutually beneficial relationships based on the spirit of partnership and trust.
Many jobs in Manitoba depend on trade and Manitoba's new government is committed to pursuing enhanced trading opportunities. For too long, Manitoba has been isolated from its neighbours and has forsaken the co-operative opportunities they present.
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Our government has already taken the first step towards the New West Partnership Trade Agreement with Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. We will work diligently to complete the negotiations necessary to conclude this important initiative, and we will seek the support of this Legislature for the Trans-Pacific Partnership in order to send a strong and united signal that Manitobans are ready, willing and able to trade with the world.
Manitoba's new government is committed to realizing additional tourism potential. We will increase our investments in the promotion of Manitoba's many unique attractions to visitors from all over the world. We will launch Yes! North to promote partnerships needed to attract new companies, assist entrepreneurs and foster quality jobs and a stronger economy in northern Manitoba.
And we will focus on the sustainable development of our natural resources, including forestry and mining, to pursue additional opportunities for balanced growth and job creation.
Better Care for All Manitobans
Providing the best possible care to families, seniors, children and patients is the most fundamental role of government. This requires ongoing vigilance and support while protecting the jobs of the dedicated front-line workers who provide those services.
Manitoba's new government will take immediate steps to reduce ambulance fees for Manitobans in critical need. We will establish a wait-times reduction task force, made up of experts who will guide our decisions as we implement initiatives to reduce the time that Manitobans spend waiting for specialized or emergent care. And we will take initial steps toward implementing our plan for the construction of additional personal-care-home beds.
Manitoba's new government will also address the urgent needs of our most vulnerable. We will immediately introduce the protecting children act to make it easier for government departments, child and family services authorities, community service providers and law enforcement agencies to share information and collaborate when dealing with victimized and at-risk children. This legislation is the necessary first step towards the establishment of a made-in-Manitoba collaborative model that puts children first.
We will also begin discussions towards developing a comprehensive mental health strategy, which will include mental health and addictions programs and services emphasizing better co‑ordination and access.
A Brighter Future with Better Education
Education is the path forward to personal success and growth for all young Manitobans. Investing in education benefits not only the present-day student, it is an investment in our province's collective future.
Manitoba's new government will immediately begin discussions with front-line education stakeholders towards the development of a long-term literacy plan for our children. This plan will include measurable goals to allow us to track progress on improving student literacy throughout their educational career.
We have already begun consultations with leaders in Manitoba's business and post-secondary education communities around increased funding for scholarships and bursaries available to Manitobans seeking higher education. These discussions will continue to be focused on strengthened partnerships with, and increased investment by, the private sector creators of Manitoba jobs.
Creating a Clean, Green Manitoba
Manitoba is home to diverse natural areas, including vast plains and parkland regions, northern tundra, boreal forests and inland seas. We must preserve and protect this natural heritage for future generations to use and to enjoy.
Manitoba's new government will begin discussions with our federal partners and other jurisdictions as we develop a made-in-Manitoba climate action plan. This plan will include carbon pricing that fosters emissions reductions, retains investment capital and stimulates new innovation in clean energy, businesses and jobs. We will consult in the development of land-use and conservation measures that sequester carbon, improve water quality and foster adaptation to climate change.
A More Honest, Accountable Government
Trust and integrity are at the heart of what Manitobans expect from their elected government. Manitoba's new government will enlist the direct help of Manitobans in evaluating our progress towards specific results. Our goal is to make Manitoba the most improved province in the country. We will develop measurements to report on our progress towards restoring our public finances to balance, reducing health-care wait times, strengthening our infrastructure, improving literacy rates and restoring trust in the integrity of government.
High taxes and red tape stifle job creation and economic growth. Manitoba's personal, corporate and payroll taxes have grown to be the highest amongst our neighbouring provinces. Manitoba's new government will abolish the vote tax subsidy for political parties and will restore Manitobans' right to vote on major tax increases. We will establish a team of business, labour and community agencies to find and reduce unnecessary red tape.
We will restore the right to a secret ballot vote in workplaces to foster a more open and respectful labour environment that protects workers' rights and freedoms, and we will allow all Manitobans, whether union members or not, to participate in bidding on work for publicly tendered projects.
Manitoba's new government will ensure that by-elections are called within six months of a vacancy unless they occur within one year from a general election.
We will establish a fixed election period so that the start of the election is known, while adhering to the current fixed election date requirements.
Legislative Agenda
In the course of this session, ministers in Manitoba's new government will present to this Legislature a number of specific proposals for review. Members will also be asked to consider Estimates for the requirements of the public services of the province in the next fiscal year, as well as the most recent public accounts.
Our Concluding Pledge
These are the early commitments and intentions of Manitoba's new government to whom the people of this great province have entrusted their collective concerns. The resulting responsibilities are great but they will be borne earnestly with respect, purpose and humility in the interests of all Manitobans.
Je vous laisse maintenant aux nombreuses tâches que vous allez être appelés à accomplir fidèlement. Que la divine providence vous éclaire au cours des délibérations nécessaires à l'exécution de ces tâches.
Translation
I leave you now to the faithful performance of your many duties and trust that in meeting them you may benefit from the guidance of divine providence in all your deliberations.
I leave you now to the faithful performance of your many duties and trust that in meeting them you may benefit from the guidance of divine providence in all your deliberations.
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Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor rose from the throne and retired from the Chamber escorted by the Sergeant-at-Arms carrying the mace and followed by the honorary aides-de-camp, the officer escort, the Premier and the Provincial Court judges.
Prior to their exiting the Chamber, the lyrics of God Save the Queen and O Canada were sung.
The Speaker proceeded to the throne.
The Sergeant-at-Arms approached the Speaker, made obeisance with the mace, then placed the mace on the table.
Madam Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom, know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.
Please be seated.
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): I move, seconded by the member for Kildonan (Mr. Curry), that Bill 1, an act representing the administration of oaths of office; Loi sur la prestation des serments d'entrée en fonction, be now read a first time.
Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honourable First Minister, seconded by the member for Kildonan, that Bill 1, An Act Respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office, be now read a first time.
Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed]
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Mr. Pallister: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for St. James (Mr. Johnston), that Doyle Piwniuk, member of the electoral division of Arthur‑Virden, be Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House and Deputy Speaker.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Pallister: I move, seconded by the member for Southdale (Mr. Smith), that Dennis Smook, member for the electoral division of La Verendrye, be Deputy Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Pallister: I move, seconded by the member for Thompson (Mr. Bindle), that Colleen Mayer, member for the electoral division of St. Vital, be Deputy Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Pallister: I move, seconded by the member for Seine River (Ms. Morley-Lecomte), that a special committee consisting of Mr. Ewasko, Ms. Fontaine, Honourable Mr. Goertzen, Ms. Lathlin, Messrs. Marcelino and Micklefield, and Ms. Morley-Lecomte, be appointed to prepare the proportional membership representation to compose the standing committees provided under subrule 83(1).
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Pallister: I move, seconded by the member for Dauphin (Mr. Michaleski), that the speech of Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor be taken into consideration tomorrow.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Pallister: I move, seconded by the member for Selkirk (Mr. Lagimodiere), that this House do now adjourn.
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Madam Speaker: Before putting the question to the House, I would just like to take a moment to welcome everybody here, especially to our guests in the gallery and elsewhere in the Manitoba Legislative Building, but also to all of you who are here, many MLAs for the first time after a first election. And I know how exciting that can be. And, to all of you, I wish you well and I wish everybody good deliberations. I hope that we can have a very productive session, and I look forward to doing my best to work with all of you to make this a very effective Legislature.
I just want to indicate, too, that there will be refreshments in room 254 which is on the south end of the building, and we would welcome all of you to come and attend that.
It has been moved by the honourable First Minister, seconded by the member for Selkirk, that this House do now adjourn.
Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed]
The House is now adjourned and stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Monday, May 16, 2016
CONTENTS