LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Madam Speaker: Good afternoon. Please be seated.
Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade): I move, seconded by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Eichler), that Bill 39, The Canadian Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Labour Mobility Act and Regulated Health Professions Act Amended), be now introduced for a first reading.
Motion presented.
Mr. Pedersen: I am pleased to introduce this legislation that would establish an open, efficient and stable domestic marketplace for Manitoba goods, services, investments and people. This bill makes administrative amendments to The Labour Mobility Act and The Regulated Health Professions Act to reflect that the government of Manitoba and the governments of Canada and the other provinces and territories have agreed to a new domestic trade agreement, the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed]
Hon. Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister for Crown Services, that Bill 40, The Legislative Assembly Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'Assemblée législative, be now read a first time.
Motion presented.
Mrs. Stefanson: The Legislative Assembly Amendment Act will repeal section 52.3.1 of The Legislative Assembly Act, which bans floor crossing by members of this Assembly.
The provision was introduced and passed in 2006 by the previous NDP government.
Madam Speaker, our Progressive Conservative team trusts Manitobans to choose their representatives wisely. If any member chooses to cross the floor, it will be the people of this great province that will decide their political future in the next election. That is how our system was meant to be, and will–and we will restore those time-honoured traditions with this legislation.
With that said, I am pleased to present this bill to the House for its consideration. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed]
Mr. Len Isleifson: (Chairperson): I wish to present the First Report on the Standing Committee of Crown Corporations.
Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Your Standing Committee on Crown Corporations presents–
An Honourable Member: Dispense.
Madam Speaker: Dispense.
Your Standing Committee on CROWN CORPORATIONS presents the following as its First Report.
Meetings
Your Committee met on the following occasions in the Legislative Building:
· September 28, 2015 (4th Session – 40th Legislature)
· September 20, 2016 (1st Session – 41st Legislature)
· September 26, 2017 (2nd Session – 41st Legislature)
Matters under Consideration
· Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2014
· Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2015
· Annual Financial Statement of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2015
· Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 29, 2016
· Annual Financial Statement of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 29, 2016
· Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2017
· Annual Financial Statement of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2017
Committee Membership
Committee Membership for the September 28, 2015 meeting:
· Mr. Altemeyer
· Hon. Mr. Chomiak
· Mr. Cullen
· Mr. Goertzen
· Ms. Howard
· Mr. Jha (Chairperson)
· Hon. Mr. Mackintosh
· Hon. Ms. Marcelino (Logan)
· Mrs. Mitchelson
· Mr. Schuler
· Mr. Wiebe (Vice-Chairperson)
Committee Membership for the September 20, 2016 meeting:
· Mr. Altemeyer
· Mr. Curry
· Hon. Mr. Fletcher
· Mr. Isleifson
· Ms. Klassen
· Mr. Lindsey
· Mr. Marcelino (Tyndall Park)
· Mr. Martin
· Mr. Smook
· Mr. Teitsma
· Mr. Yakimoski (Vice-Chairperson)
Your Committee elected Mr. Smook as the Chairperson at the September 20, 2016 meeting.
Committee Membership for the September 26, 2017 meeting:
· Mr. Allum
· Mr. Bindle
· Hon. Mr. Cullen
· Mr. Curry
· Ms. Fontaine
· Mr. Isleifson
· Mr. Johnston
· Ms. Klassen
· Mr. Lindsey
· Ms. Morley-Lecomte
· Mr. Teitsma
Your Committee elected Mr. Isleifson as the Chairperson at the September 26, 2017 meeting.
Your Committee elected Ms. Morley-Lecomte as the Vice-Chairperson at the September 26, 2017 meeting.
Officials Speaking on Record
Officials speaking on the record at the September 28, 2015 meeting:
· Mr. Dan Guimond, President and Chief Executive Officer
Officials speaking on the record at the September 20, 2016 meeting:
· Mr. Dan Guimond, President and Chief Executive Officer
· Brent VanKoughnet, Chairperson of the Board
Officials speaking on the record at the September 26, 2017 meeting:
· Mr. Dan Guimond, President and Chief Executive Officer
· Brent VanKoughnet, Chairperson of the Board
Non-Committee Members Speaking on Record
Non-Committee Members speaking on the record at the September 20, 2016 meeting:
· Hon. Mr. Schuler, Minister of Crown Services
· Mr. Swan, MLA for Minto
Reports Considered and Passed
Your Committee considered and passed the following reports as presented:
· Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2014
· Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2015
· Annual Financial Statement of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2015
· Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 29, 2016
· Annual Financial Statement of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 29, 2016
· Annual Report of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2017
· Annual Financial Statement of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2017
Mr. Isleifson: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Seine River (Ms. Morley-Lecomte), that the report of the committee be received.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Matt Wiebe (Chairperson): I'd like to present the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following–
An Honourable Member: Dispense.
Madam Speaker: Dispense.
Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following as its Fifth Report.
Meetings
Your Committee met on the following occasions in the Legislative Building:
· October 30, 2013 (2nd Session, 40th Legislature)
· November 26, 2013 (3rd Session, 40th Legislature)
· June 19, 2017 (2nd Session, 41st Legislature)
Matters under Consideration
· Auditor General's Report – Follow-up of Our December 2006 Report: Audit of the Child and Family Services Division Pre-Devolution Child in Care Processes and Practices – dated September 2012
· Auditor General's Report – Follow-up of Previously Issued Recommendations – dated May 2015
o Section 3 – Special Audit: Society for Manitobans with Disabilities
· Auditor General's Report – Follow-up of Recommendations – dated March 2017
o Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Program
Committee Membership
Committee Membership for the October 30, 2013 meeting:
· Ms. Crothers
· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chairperson)
· Mrs. Driedger
· Mr. Ewasko
· Hon. Mr. Gerrard
· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)
· Hon. Ms. Howard
· Mr. Marcelino (Tyndall Park)
· Mr. Pedersen
· Mr. Saran
· Mr. Wiebe
Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on October 30, 2013:
· Mr. Marcelino (Tyndall Park) for Mr. Jha
· Mr. Saran for Mr. Whitehead
· Mr. Ewasko for Mr. Cullen
Committee Membership for the November 26, 2013 meeting:
· Hon. Mr. Allum
· Mr. Cullen
· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chairperson)
· Mrs. Driedger
· Hon. Mr. Gerrard
· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)
· Mr. Jha
· Mr. Pedersen
· Mr. Whitehead
· Mr. Wiebe
· Ms. Wight
Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on November 26, 2013:
· Hon. Mr. Allum for Hon. Ms. Howard
Committee Membership for the June 19, 2017 meeting:
· Mr. Bindle
· Mr. Helwer (Vice-Chairperson)
· Mr. Johnston
· Mr. Lagassé
· Ms. Klassen
· Mr. Maloway
· Mr. Marcelino
· Mrs. Mayer
· Ms. Morley-Lecomte
· Mr. Smith
· Mr. Wiebe (Chairperson)
Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on June 19, 2017:
· Mr. Lagassé for Mr. Michaleski
· Mr. Smith for Mr. Yakimoski
Officials Speaking on Record
Officials speaking on record at the October 30, 2013 meeting:
· Carol Bellringer, Auditor General of Manitoba
· Hon. Ms. Braun, Minister of Labour and Immigration
· Jeff Parr, Deputy Minister of Labour and Immigration
· Hon. Ms. Howard, Minister of Finance
· John Clarkson, Deputy Minister of Finance
· Hon. Ms. Irvin-Ross, Minister of Family Services
· Joy Cramer, Deputy Minister of Family Services
Officials speaking on record at the November 26, 2013 meeting:
· Carol Bellringer, Auditor General of Manitoba
· Sandra Cohen, Assistant Auditor General
· Hon. Ms. Irvin-Ross, Minister of Family Services
· Joy Cramer, Deputy Minister of Family Services
Officials speaking on record at the June 19, 2017 meeting:
· Norm Ricard, Auditor General of Manitoba
· Hon. Mr. Fielding, Minister of Families
· Jay Rodgers, Deputy Minister of Families
Agreements:
Your Committee agreed to conclude consideration of the following sections of the Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Recommendations – dated May 2015:
· Section 3 – Special Audit: Society for Manitobans with Disabilities
Your Committee agreed to conclude consideration of the following sections of the Auditor General's Report – Follow-up of Recommendations – dated March 2017:
· Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Program
Report Considered and Adopted:
Your Committee has considered the following report and has adopted the same as presented:
· Auditor General's Report – Follow-up of Our December 2006 Report: Audit of the Child and Family Services Division Pre-Devolution Child in Care Processes and Practices – dated September 2012
Reports Considered but not Passed:
Your Committee has considered the following reports but did not pass them:
· Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Recommendations – dated May 2015 (Section 3 – Special Audit: Society for Manitobans with Disabilities – concluded consideration of)
· Auditor General's Report – Follow-up of Recommendations – dated March 2017 (Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Program – concluded consideration of)
Mr. Wiebe: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Brandon West (Mr. Helwer), that the report of the committee be received.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Matt Wiebe (Chairperson): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the Sixth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following–
Some Honourable Members: Dispense.
Madam Speaker: Dispense.
Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following as its Sixth Report.
Meetings
Your Committee met on August 31, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building.
Matters under Consideration
· Auditor General's Report – Management of Manitoba's Apprenticeship Program – dated July 2017
Committee Membership
· Mr. Helwer (Vice-Chairperson)
· Mr. Johnston
· Mr. Lagimodiere
· Ms. Klassen
· Mr. Maloway
· Mr. Marcelino
· Mrs. Mayer
· Mr. Michaleski
· Ms. Morley-Lecomte
· Mr. Wiebe (Chairperson)
· Mr. Yakimoski
Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on August 31, 2017:
· Mr. Lagimodiere for Mr. Bindle
Officials Speaking on Record
· Norm Ricard, Auditor General of Manitoba
· Hon. Mr. Wishart, Minister of Education and Training
· James Wilson, Deputy Minister of Education and Training
· Lesley McFarlane, Executive Director Apprenticeship Manitoba
Report Considered and Adopted:
Your Committee has considered the following report and has adopted the same as presented:
· Auditor General's Report – Management of Manitoba's Apprenticeship Program – dated July 2017
Mr. Wiebe: I move, seconded by the honourable member for Brandon West, that the report of the committee be received.
Motion agreed to.
Hon. Heather Stefanson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, I'd like to table the memorandum of understanding related to legislative security, that you and I signed earlier today, for the members of this House.
Madam Speaker: Further tablings?
Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, I rise today to table the restated estimates of expenditure and revenue for the fiscal year ending March the 31st, 2018.
Due to changes in executive government this summer and the reassignment of certain responsibilities, the Estimates of Expenditure are hereby restated to make sure that expenditure areas are properly and accurately presented for all members.
I also, at this time, table an excerpt of the restated appropriations to assist members of the Legislature in the review of the Estimates.
And I also, at the same time, want to table the Manitoba Finance Restated Supplementary Information for Legislative Review 2017-2018, Departmental Expenditure Estimates.
Madam Speaker: Further tablings?
Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Sustainable Development): I'm pleased to table today the Manitoba Sustainable Development Restated Supplementary Information for the Legislative Review 2017-2018, Departmental Expenditure Estimates.
Hon. Cathy Cox (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage): I am pleased to table the Annual Report of the Department of Sport, Culture and Heritage for the fiscal year of 2016-17.
And also, I am pleased to table the annual report of the Restated Supplementary Information for Legislative Review for the fiscal year twenty‑seven–2018, Departmental Expenditure Estimates.
Madam Speaker: Are there any further tablings?
The honourable–sorry–the honourable minister for municipal affairs.
Hon. Jeff Wharton (Minister of Municipal Relations): It's my pleasure today to table in the House the Restated Supplementary Information for Legislative Review for 2017-2018, Departmental Expenditure Estimates, for Municipal Relations.
Hon. Eileen Clarke (Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations): It's my pleasure to table in this House the Restated Supplementary Information for Legislative Review for the 2017‑18 Departmental Expenditure Estimates for the Department of Indigenous and Northern Relations.
Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade): I wish to table the Manitoba Growth, Enterprise and Trade Restated Supplementary Information for Legislative Review 2017-2018, Departmental Expenditure Estimates; as well, the annual report, March 2017, for the Manitoba Development Corporation; as well, the annual report, March 2017, for the Manitoba Opportunities Fund Ltd.
Madam Speaker: In compliance with section 4 of the Members' Salaries, Allowances and Retirement Plans Disclosure Regulation, I am pleased to table the report of amounts claimed and paid for members for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
And also, I am pleased to table the annual report of the Chief Electoral Officer for 2016, which also contains the annual reports on The Elections Act and the elections finances act, as well as the conduct of the 41st provincial general election.
* (13:40)
Madam Speaker: The honourable First Minister, and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes' notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with our rule 26(2).
Would the honourable Premier please proceed with his statement.
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Thank you, Madam Speaker. Welcome back to the Chamber. I am pleased today and also displeased to have to rise and speak in opposition to federal proposals which we consider dangerous in respect of tax reforms that would impact significantly on not only Manitoba small and medium enterprises but also on entrepreneurs across the country who we depend upon to create jobs and grow our economy.
We are also opposed–beyond being opposed to the measures specific to the federal government's proposals, opposed to the mechanism of consultation which was cut off earlier this week, Madam Speaker. The implications of what is being proposed are far-reaching, long-lasting, detrimental in many respects to small businesses across our province and country, disproportionately impact, for example, on the agricultural community and farmers.
At this point in time, Madam Speaker, to cut off consultations in the midst of a harvest season is, to me, not demonstrative of understanding the importance of this time of year to many families across our country, and so, for that alone, we would ask the federal government to, at the very least, respectfully extend the period of consultation to allow the participation of those impacted to participate.
In addition, Madam Speaker, we are strongly opposed to the divisive language which has been put on display for the last number of weeks by federal representatives in respect of the small-business people impacted by these proposals. They have used–insistently used language such as tax evasion. They have used language like loopholes. As soon as one is, of course, accused of being associated with tax evasion and loopholes, they are guilty by implication.
The federal government has used this form of communication to communicate to Canadians that people engaged in small businesses across the great country of Canada, who are abiding by the tax laws, many of which were made under the previous 40 years of legislative activity by various political parties at the federal level including, but not limited to, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and others, that they would somehow be evading taxes or using loopholes is, Madam Speaker, a harsh and ill-conceived representation and demonstration of the federal government's lack of understanding of the importance of these people to our economy and also to the great sacrifices and great contribution they make not only for their well-being and their family's well-being, but for the well-being of their friends and neighbours. They are in the engine of the economy, counted upon to create the lion's share of the new jobs. Some studies have said up to 90 per cent of new jobs in our country over the next decade would be created by SMEs–small- and medium-sized enterprises.
And so any bill that proposes to impact negatively on these very people we are counting on to grow our economy, these risk-takers, these people who put capital at risk, must be given full consideration and not thrust forward in the interests of division or pitting one group of people–an employee group against an employer group, for example, as the federal government appears intent on doing.
Here, in Manitoba, we understand because we have Canada's most diverse economy here. We understand that we are in this together, that employers and employees must work together as part of a team to build opportunities together. We understand that and will not allow ourselves to be pitted against one another. We understand that the small meat shop down the street is where the coach of our daughter's soccer team resides and where he and his family work very hard every day to provide services at low cost to us and to our families.
We understand, also, that the jobs created for summer students around our communities are created by, in many cases, people who are putting capital at risk and working hard with their family in partnerships with each other to create those opportunities. We understand that the hair salon down the road may have the husband not at work every day in support of his wife but very much in support of his wife at home doing the things that allow her to be, for 12 hours of the day, at the hair salon.
We understand these things because we, on this side of the House, come from–many of us–directly or indirectly, small-business backgrounds, and we understand how important and vital it is that Manitobans and all Canadians oppose these proposed changes.
How will people not involved directly as entrepreneurs pay for these changes, Madam Speaker? They will pay in many ways. They will pay with reduced job opportunities for their children and grandchildren. They will pay with higher prices for their goods and their services. And, most of all, we will pay and all provinces will pay with the erosion of capital from our jurisdiction. Here in Manitoba, for example, tens of millions of dollars will go away from Manitoba and go directly to Ottawa.
Madam Speaker, the fundamental question we have to ask ourselves in terms of how we act on these proposals is this: Who do we trust to create the jobs of the future? Is it the people who take their capital or lever and borrow capital and put it at risk, or is it the people who tax those people?
Fundamentally, there is no room for waffling on this issue. We, on this side of the House and in this government, are clearly opposed to these measures and have said so. I invite other parties and independent members in this Chamber to do the same.
Thank you.
Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, I listened intently to the First Minister's comments, and when he says that we will pay for the erosion of capital going to another jurisdiction, I would ask that he give due consideration to the amendments that we will propose to The Local Vehicles for Hire Act, many of the business owners who are with us here today and are worried about their investments that they've made into their own locally owned small businesses and having that capital being transferred out to multi-billion-dollar corporations.
Madam Speaker: I would just indicate to members of the gallery that there is to be no applause or participation in the debate that is going on on the floor, so I would urge all members in the gallery, all of our guests, to please not participate, and that includes not clapping. Thank you very much.
Mr. Kinew: Thank you for your wise guidance, Madam Speaker.
We know that small business is the backbone of the Manitoba economy. Small business accounts for more than two thirds of private sector jobs in Manitoba. I see that in my own backyard, whether it's the hipster coffee shop in Osborne Village, or the restaurant on Corydon, or it's the tech start-up brewing in an apartment building. That's why it's so important that the Manitoba government support small business to ensure they remain competitive and their costs stay affordable. We're pleased that Manitoba is the only province to have eliminated its small-business tax, ensuring the cost of business doesn't get too high.
All Canadians expect to be treated fairly by the tax system, the details of the federal proposal matter, and we think the federal government needs to lay out its plan clearly to understand its impact. We do have concerns; locally owned small businesses and middle-class entrepreneurs may be negatively impacted by the federal government's changes.
But it's interesting what the federal government is leaving out–no changes to estate taxes, where wealth is handed down from one generation to the next in rich families. Very wealthy Canadians use tax havens in foreign countries to shield their wealth from fair taxation, and stock options are not taxed at the same level as regular income, which allow the extremely wealthy to avoid some $840 million in taxes this year. Why not start with tax fairness for the super rich?
But, closer to home, we're also concerned about the Premier's (Mr. Pallister) proposed health tax. All Manitobans, including small businesses, could see the biggest increases in taxes in a generation if the Premier goes through with his plans. Loren Remillard said that the impact would be three times greater that that of the PST increase. He called it troubling and said that it is a huge cost to taxpayers. That's from the president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Madam Speaker.
The Premier's health tax means Manitobans, including small-business families, could pay tens of thousands of dollars more per year.
We're also anxious about this government's approach to business development. The Premier has cut funding to economic development organizations that support small business in what one board member called, quote, a blood bath. Organizations that support entrepreneurs were cut by millions of dollars, and the Premier's KPMG report laid the groundwork for more cuts, identifying organizations like CentrePort, the World Trade Centre and Economic Development Winnipeg for cuts.
We believe small businesses are at the heart of the Manitoba economy. That's why we will continue to oppose the idea of the Premier's health tax, and we will continue to call on the government to invest in Manitoba businesses to ensure good jobs and a strong and competitive economy.
* (13:50)
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I ask leave to speak to the Premier's statement.
Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to speak to the ministerial statement? [Agreed]
Mr. Gerrard: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm grateful for the opportunity to rise and respond to the Premier's statement on the proposed federal tax changes.
First, our provincial Liberal caucus is strongly supportive of small business and I provide this perspective on the proposed changes. The federal Liberals ran on a campaign of tax fairness. The proposals put forward have generated a healthy and vigorous discussion which we're all aware of.
Unlike the provincial government, the federal Liberals have promised to act on the feedback from the consultations. Indeed, the federal Liberals have heard from Canadians and are making changes. They're making changes which will better support small business–
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order.
Mr. Gerrard: –which will keep small-business taxes low while supporting owners who invest and create jobs which will recognize the importance of family farms and ensure tax changes do not affect the transfer of family businesses to the next generation, which will better enable health professionals and others to save for maternity leave and pensions, which will promote gender equality and which will ensure that family members who work in a family business can be properly remunerated. I urge all members to look carefully at the changes as they're revealed and then provide comment.
This provincial government similarly ran on a campaign of tax fairness, and yet the Premier very quickly has raised taxes on students and recent graduates, has raised taxes on premiers–on seniors, and he proposes enormous monthly health premiums for Manitobans.
Madam Speaker, I understand the Premier and his supporters would be hardest hit by closing tax loopholes that favour the wealthy. His government needs to stand up for all Manitobans.
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Madam Speaker: Order. The honourable Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade.
Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade): On a ministerial statement.
Madam Speaker: On a ministerial statement. The required 90 minutes' notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2).
Would the honourable minister please proceed with his statement.
Hon. Blaine Pedersen (Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade): Thank you, Madam Speaker, and good afternoon to you.
I am pleased today to highlight that since our spring session, this government has joined in signing the Canada Free Trade Agreement, CFTA.
Like the New West Partnership Trade Agreement which we joined at the beginning of the year, the objective of the Canada Free Trade Agreement is to reduce and eliminate, as much as possible, barriers to the free movement of people, goods, services, and investments within Canada and to establish an open, efficient, and stable domestic market.
Increased trade means more choice for consumers, more markets for businesses to sell their goods and services, and opportunities for more jobs. In fact, Madam Speaker, it is estimated that Manitoba's gross domestic product, GDP, will increase by $2 billion as a result of our signing the CFTA.
The agreement makes the rules governing domestic trade more open and transparent and the CFTA's rules align with our commitments in Canada's international trade agreements, helping Manitoba companies do business more easily both here in Canada and around the world.
By better aligning rules and regulations between jurisdictions, we not only reduce unnecessary red tape, but we remove significant barriers to internal trade. For example, differences in trucking rules, standards for the construction industry, and certification regulations for food.
The agreement also supports economic innovation by automatically applying to economic activity in new and emerging sectors. For example, clean tech, an information and communications technology, will have the same access as more established sectors.
Madam Speaker, I look forward in the coming days debating the necessary legislative changes to fully implement the Canada Free Trade Agreement and ask that all members join me in supporting the modernization of our country's internal trading system.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry-Riverview): Madam Speaker, Manitoba is a proud partner in Confederation, and our province was built on trading relationships since time immemorial. We know that good trade agreements are important to our prosperity and the well-being of all Canadians. That's why our government was a leader in reforms to the Agreement on Internal Trade. Our party believes in building our province and our nation through a fairer, more equitable and more inclusive Canada.
We obviously are not opposed to reducing trade barriers when it makes sense for Manitoba's interests, but Manitobans expect that their government will take a balanced and pragmatic approach to trade. The Canadian Free Trade Agreement was an important opportunity to ensure our own interprovincial trade agreements make sense in an increasingly trade-dependent world.
But, Madam Speaker, we are concerned that the Pallister government's concessions on procurement were not balanced or pragmatic.
Energy Crown corporations remain protected across the country including Quebec, New Brunswick, Alberta and Newfoundland. Even Conservative governments included exemptions for their energy Crowns. In Saskatchewan, Brad Wall protected SaskPower. In British Columbia, former-Premier Christy Clark ensured that only companies from provinces whose procurement was equally open would be allowed to compete for BC's procurement.
The result is that Manitoba companies can be shut out of procurement opportunities across the country but may be forced into aggressive competition right here in Manitoba. That just doesn't sound like a pragmatic trade agreement and begs the question as to why the government didn't negotiate on the same footing as every province across the country, including Conservative governments.
It's also worth pointing out that many other provinces protected small procurement initiatives that target poverty reduction or local food production. Manitoba did not and has virtually no procurement protections when even Conservative governments had more.
Madam Speaker, the NDP stands for fair trade that promotes workers' rights, that enhances environmental protection–
Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. The member's time has expired.
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I ask leave to speak to the minister's statement.
Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to speak to the ministerial statement? [Agreed]
Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, which came into force three months ago.
The agreement provides internal trade within Canada, provides for modernized trade rules, will cover the service economy, much of the energy sector and will enhance innovation. It's a positive step for Manitoba businesses and for jobs in our province.
Interprovincial exports of goods and services represent 52 per cent of all Manitoba exports and almost 30 per cent of our province's GDP. Measures which open up markets to other–in other provinces to us and to our companies should therefore be a net gain for Manitoba.
This agreement will automatically apply to goods and services in new and emerging sectors and prohibits discrimination amongst goods, services, workers and investments based on the province or territory of origin. The single government-run electronic portal for Canadian businesses to find procurement opportunities across the country is a very positive step in consolidating information sharing for government access and is a model that should be commended.
On behalf of the Manitoba Liberal caucus, we support the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and the opportunities that it will bring to Manitoba businesses.
Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): I rise today in my role as Minister of Education and Training to observe and celebrate World Teachers' Day.
World Teachers' Day is celebrated internationally on October 5th by a proclamation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to commemorate and acknowledge the important contribution of teaching profession to all societies.
My ministry supports this worldwide acknowledgment of teachers and has proclaimed its thoughtful observance to all citizens by a proclamation.
Today is a day devoted to appreciating teachers and is an opportunity to recognize the enduring contributions teachers make to education and development in Manitoba classrooms. Promoting teachers helps ensure that this profession, so vital to the healthy functioning of society, receives its due respect.
As we begin a new school year, I stand in the House today to encourage all Manitobans to celebrate and respect the work our teachers undertake in Manitoba classrooms every day and to recognize their efforts in delivering quality education to our youth.
* (14:00)
We are joined in the gallery today by Manitoba Teachers' Society Vice‑President James Bedford. Please join me in thanking Manitobans' teachers for their service to Manitoba students.
Madam Speaker: I would indicate that the required 90 minutes' notice prior to routine proceedings had been provided in accordance with rule 26(2).
Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Today marks World Teachers' Day, a day to celebrate the critical role teachers play in providing quality education around the world and here at home. This year's theme, Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers, is one that Manitoba holds dear. We know that when teachers have the supports and the resources that they need, students have a better chance at success.
We continue to advocate for investments in education so that more supports can be provided for teachers, parents and students. Our NDP team knows that working with middle-class families–they need the investment in education so that their children will get quality education from a great teacher and get the skills they need to get a good job here in Manitoba. We understand that everyone matters, and no–when no child falls behind, the entire class succeeds.
The work teachers do for our society is invaluable. Even when teaching can be incredibly challenging, they are with our children every single day, going above and beyond their duties to ensure that our children are receiving the support that they need to be their very best. Creating the next generation of Manitobans and Canadians is no easy task. Their compassion and commitment go a long way in giving our children the incredible role models to look up to.
I urge everyone to take some time today to thank the teachers that have–
Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired.
Ms. Judy Klassen (Kewatinook): I ask for leave to speak to the ministerial statement.
Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to speak to the ministerial statement? [Agreed]
Ms. Klassen: Madam Speaker, I'm honoured to speak to World Teachers' Day and the important contribution that teachers make in all of our lives.
Right now, as we stand in this House and honour teachers, there is a shortage of at least 36 teachers across northern Manitoba First Nations. The children of Shamattawa are sitting at home right now because there is no one to teach them. Where is that fight?
Right away we saw a resolution on the tax change. Where is the announcement or resolution to fix this critical situation? Where is the PC fight for the basic needs of my indigenous people?
It is difficult to bear witness to this government's commitment to teachers and education in our province when their recent actions speak volumes.
Cutting funding to school divisions, delaying much‑needed infrastructure for growing and evolving institutions, cuts to post-secondary grants, hikes to tuition–these demonstrate to Manitobans that this government doesn't value the enormous contributions to our economy that education provides.
We need to give our teachers the ability to teach in freedom by fairly funding education on all levels. Until then, statements like these are just words. The Province needs to fight for all Manitobans.
Miigwech.
Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister for Sport, Culture and Heritage, and the required 90 minutes' notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2).
Would the honourable minister please proceed with her statement.
Hon. Cathy Cox (Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend our government's sincere congratulations to the Winnipeg Goldeyes on winning the 2017 American Association Championship.
It's the second year in a row that the Goldeyes have won the title, and it's their third championship victory in this league.
Madam Speaker, the Goldeyes enjoy the support of passionate and loyal fans and year after year their attendance figures are incredible.
It shows that Manitobans love baseball, and the Goldeyes know how to deliver a great experience for the whole family. With the gorgeous weather we had this summer and a winning team, the 2017 season was unbelievable.
I want to congratulate the entire organization for such a great year.
My sincere thank you to all the players, coaches and staff for their efforts. I'd also like to acknowledge and thank all of the dedicated people who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the Shaw Park experience so memorable.
Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize several Goldeyes guests who have joined us here today: president and CEO, Sam Katz; general manager, Andrew Collier; Regan Katz, chief operating officer; and Dan Chase–excuse me–director of sales and marketing.
Madam Speaker, I invite all members to join me in congratulating the Goldeyes on the 2017 championship win and giving us another fantastic season of baseball. They really knocked it out of the park.
Mr. Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): Madam Speaker, I'd like to congratulate the players, management, staff and fans of the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club. Yay. They are now the repeat American Association champions. This is a championship that will be truly remembered. The team played incredibly in a roller-coaster final series where the Goldeyes pulled off one of the greatest comeback stories in Manitoba sports history.
After going down in the series, the Goldeyes showed immense determination to come back and win game 4 in an astonishing 17 innings, forcing a winner-take-all scenario for game 5. They were not only victorious but walloped the Wichita Wingnuts 18 to 2. Yes.
I thank the Goldeyes for representing the city of Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba well once again. We are very proud of you. And this championship is something that will be a wonderful memory for Manitoba families and supporters to fondly look back at–upon.
Thank you.
Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): Madam Speaker, I ask for leave to speak in response to the ministerial statement.
Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement?
An Honourable Member: Yes.
An Honourable Member: No.
Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied.
Hon. Ron Schuler (Minister of Infrastructure): Madam Speaker, would you canvass the House to see if there would be leave to revert back to tabling of reports?
Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House to revert back to tabling of reports?
An Honourable Member: No.
Madam Speaker: I heard a no, so the–there is no ability for the minister to table his report.
Members' statements–or the honourable member for River Heights.
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): I just want to rise, and I'm not sure that the Speaker heard correctly. Could she ask once again for leave to have the MLA for Burrows speak to the minister's statement?
Madam Speaker: Is the member rising on a point of order?
Mr. Gerrard: Yes.
Madam Speaker: On a point of order. Could the member restate it as a point of order, then.
Point of Order
Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I wonder if you would ask once again for leave for the MLA for Burrows to speak on the minister's statement. I think there may have been a mishearing.
* * *
Madam Speaker: Is there leave for the member of Burrows to respond to the ministerial statement?
An Honourable Member: No.
Madam Speaker: Leave has been denied.
Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Sustainable Development): I'm proud to rise today to recognize an amazing young lady who lives in my constituency of Riel. [interjection]
Madam Speaker: Order, please.
Ms. Squires: Kaitlyn Clarke is a grade 11 student at Glenlawn Collegiate who has accomplished a great deal at a very young age.
Madam Speaker, Kaitlyn has always been very involved in school activities and in her community. While in junior high at St. Emile School, she received a community spirit award recognizing her outstanding contributions to her school and her community.
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Kaitlyn has maintained a 95 per cent average in high school while being very active in numerous extracurricular activities. She plays on the Glenlawn women's hockey team, plays ringette at her local community centre and has been part of the Glenlawn track and field team. Kaitlyn participated in the 2016 Manitoba Games, earning a silver medal in discus and a gold medal as a member of the pentathlon team. She also performs in three school bands.
Madam Speaker, Kaitlyn was one of the students selected from her school to intend Encounters with Canada forum in Ottawa. This is the largest and foremost youth forum in Canada with hundreds of students from across the country coming together for a week. Each student goes through an extensive selection process, and some of the factors in selecting participants are high academic achievement and being a good role model for their school, city and province.
Kaitlyn went to this forum in September for a week and chose law and justice as her area of study. The group visited the Canadian Parliament, the Supreme Court, the Canadian War Museum and the Governor General's residence, to name a few. Kaitlyn was inspired by this excellent experience and is excited about her future. Her career goal is to become a lawyer, and she is very interested in journalism and politics.
Madam Speaker, Kaitlyn has already accomplished so very much in her life and she has a very bright future, and I am proud to honour and recognize her achievements. And I'd like all members of the House to join me in congratulating Kaitlyn on her excellent achievements thus far.
Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister for Sustainable Development.
Ms. Squires: Madam Speaker, I'd like to have leave to enter the names of her guests into Hansard.
Madam Speaker: Is there leave to enter the names of the guests in Hansard? [Agreed]
Lea Clarke, mother; Irene Foster, grandmother; and Lilia Foster, aunt.
Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): This week, we recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week, and we affirm that every Manitoban deserves mental wellness. Each year, doctors and researchers learn more about the spectrum of mental illness and the tools Manitobans can use to manage their mental health.
One in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness every year. Nearly everyone knows someone who struggles with mental illness. We encourage Manitobans to speak freely and openly about mental health in an effort to spread awareness and break the stigmas attached.
Our NDP team has had the pleasure of meeting with the dedicated staff of various mental health organizations in our province such as the Schizophrenia Society and Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba. Manitoba has many organizations committed to improving the lives of those with mental illnesses.
We've heard concerns that this government has stood still while other provinces have put forward comprehensive mental health strategies. Rather than taking action and using a boost in federal funding to build beds, the minister has chosen to cut crucial health services.
As the minister sits on his hands, mental illness becomes a larger provincial crisis. Young people, particularly indigenous youth who live on reserves, are taking their own lives. Mental illness often co-occurs with substance abuse, targeting our most vulnerable citizens. The minister himself admits that mental health services have failed to keep up with the demand.
Mental health advocates are calling on the government to invest in the supports our system needs to help those in mental crisis and promote mental wellness across the province. Families want the government to fund long-term-care beds and recovery treatments. Teachers call for more support as they approach mental health in schools.
The Health Minister has the opportunity now to change course and stop the cuts. It's time for this government to take real action and advance the fight for mental health.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Jeff Wharton (Minister of Municipal Relations): I am pleased to rise today to recognize Larry Moore of Winnipeg Beach. Larry has quite an amazing record of volunteerism and community involvement.
This year will be his 48th year organizing youth curling in Winnipeg Beach. It is also his 38th year on Winnipeg Beach Community Curling Club executive.
With the curling season fast approaching, Madam Speaker, I am confident that Larry will be quite busy this year again. But having a busy year in the community is something he is familiar with. He has volunteered his time to the community organizations such as Winnipeg Beach recreation centre, the Winnipeg Beach baseball association, Winnipeg Beach area recreation commission, just to name a few.
Madam Speaker, Larry's dedication to community has not gone unnoticed. In 2011, Larry was a recipient of the Volunteer Manitoba's award for outstanding community leadership. The following year, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. The Jubilee Medal was awarded as recognition of Larry's outstanding contributions to the community.
In 2014, the Town of Winnipeg Beach named a park after Mr. Moore, called Mr. Moore Park where my grandchildren play today.
These accomplishments are a small thanks and show of appreciation to Larry for all the hard work and dedication he has given to the community of Winnipeg Beach.
I ask my fellow members to join me in thanking Larry for his volunteerism and community involvement over the last number of decades.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the month of September as the province's first official Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Madam Speaker, approximately 60 children in Manitoba and more than 1,400 children across Canada are diagnosed with cancer each and every year. Last year, I introduced Bill 209 to officially recognize September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and this September it was marked for the first time.
Madam Speaker, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month has demonstrated why public education and awareness matter so much in the battle against cancer. A number of foundations held fundraising and awareness events, such as the Canadian Cancer Society's Daffodil Gala, CancerCare Manitoba's Dragon Boat Festival, and the annual Terry Fox Run, just to name a few.
Madam Speaker, I had the pleasure of co‑chairing Relay for Life back in June and this past weekend marked the 19th annual CIBC Run for the Cure. I would like to commend every Manitoban who has supported these events by volunteering, participating and donating.
Madam Speaker, I would specifically like to recognize the tenacity of 11-year-old Abigail Stewart. As a childhood cancer survivor herself, she works to raise awareness through her gold initiative. Abigail partnered with local car dealerships and other businesses to put thousands of special gold balloons on display and collect donations for Abby's Balloons, a community initiative through the Canadian Cancer Society. With the help of the member for Radisson (Mr. Teitsma), Abigail was able to see her gold initiative become a reality. Abigail is a shining example of the motivation that Childhood Cancer Awareness Month can inspire in Manitobans. She reminds us that we all have a role to play in fighting for a cure.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): A few days ago, a wonderful, retired teacher went to her nearby Grace Hospital for help. She was assessed, told she needed to be in hospital, but then told, we won't let you in here. Go to the Victoria Hospital.
On her own, frail, elderly and not feeling well, she got a taxi and travelled many kilometres. She was assessed again. She was told, you need to come into hospital but not here. After a further journey to St. Boniface Hospital, she was finally cared for. This, Madam Speaker, is run-around health care under the PCs.
Health care needed change. The PCs, in opposition, knew a central element was a dedicated stroke unit. Then they were elected. The PCs had no plan for health care. So, when they discovered the NDP's Peachey plan, they grabbed it. The PCs opted for changes but forgot the stroke unit and neglected to consult with ordinary people.
The Mature Women's Centre and the Misericordia urgent care were superb examples of good care. Instead of eliminating them, the PCs should have built upon them to achieve even better.
Instead of cutting primary care support by 65 per cent as they have done, the PCs should have put as a centrepiece of health policy the need to prevent sickness and keep Manitobans well.
Instead of instituting poorly thought out closures of ambulance stations in rural communities, the PCs should have built on a network of paid and volunteer paramedics to build a better system and consider the importance of people and communities.
Instead of hiding the KPMG health analysis, the PCs should make it public immediately to show the openness and transparency they called for in opposition.
We have moved, sadly, from an era of health-care mismanagement under the NDP, to an era of bad management under the PCs. There is plenty of opportunity to do much better for Manitobans.
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Madam Speaker: Prior to proceedings, I just would like to indicate I know some of you might be concerned about the noise that we're hearing. We are checking into it. We do think it is related to air in the vents, so I will report back to you once we can verify that that is the sound. But, in case anybody was wondering, that sound is not thunder; it is actually, perhaps, air in the vents.
Members' Condolence
Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): It is a great honour to rise before you in question period for the first time in my new role. I promise to work hard every day to do right by you, the Crown and, most importantly, the people of Manitoba.
I also want to acknowledge my brother Jagmeet Singh, who was elected as a leader as one of the federal parties earlier this week. His election represents an important step towards us all living in a society where we can achieve our full potential, no matter what we look like, how we pray or who we love.
I also want to acknowledge the events that took place in Las Vegas and Edmonton earlier this week, very tragic. And, to those who lost their lives and to their families, I am sorry.
As human beings, we have to learn to both endure tragedy and embrace beauty during our time here on earth. We are in the presence of God. I'm sure the First Minister would agree.
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): We all share in the sadness and the senselessness of the events not only in Las Vegas but also in Edmonton in recent days. Our concerns for the well-being of the families who are–who have lost loved ones, and, of course, for those who–many who have been injured are real, and we send our thoughts, our prayers, our genuine sympathies to them.
And we must always be diligent in terms of understanding that there is no place for violence in this world. There is no place for thoughtless violence against freedom-loving, peaceful people, and we must all work together to fight for love and respect and peace and build hope for a better future for all of us, Madam Speaker.
Impact on Manitobans
Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Things are getting harder here in Manitoba. People are anxious as the Premier closes an emergency room at Victoria General and the Urgent Care Centre at Misericordia this week.
Premier is changing too much, too fast, without thinking about the consequences. Manitobans can't make sense of these changes. People know that ER wait times won't get shorter with fewer emergency rooms. They won't be cared for more quickly if they have to drive further away. And their health will not get better with fewer people working at the bedside. But the Premier doesn't appear to care if people disagree with him.
Will the Premier listen to the people of Manitoba who say these emergency room closures are too much, too fast, and back off his plan for cuts?
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Before I respond to the member's line of inquiry, Madam Speaker, I do want to sincerely welcome him to his new role and sincerely wish him all the best as he works to rebuild both himself and his party.
I encourage him, however, to depart from the old ways of false assertions in his preambles. Rather than cuts, Madam Speaker, we're investing close to half a billion dollars–I repeat, over $450 million more in this year's budget and into our health-care system than the previous NDP government ever did.
I encourage the member to pursue a new direction based on fact, not fantasy.
Mr. Kinew: People in our communities face a lot of uncertainty right now with the Premier's plan to close emergency rooms. We've all been moved by the experience of the late Hildegard Pauls. She moved from ER to ER, eventually finding care at one of the emergency rooms that the Premier wants to shutter.
This raises serious questions. The Premier's in such a rush to push his plan to save money, he forgets he might actually make care worse. Manitobans deserve clean, well-staffed hospitals close to home. They did not vote to have fewer hospitals farther away.
If the Premier's current plan for emergency room closures fails to improve care for patients in this province, is he prepared to change course?
Mr. Pallister: Well, Madam Speaker, I am told and I believe that if one is to solve problems one has to first accept the challenge of admitting they have a problem and we inherited a massive problem in this province from the previous NDP government. The member has admitted that at other times. He needs to admit that now.
So the solution to solving the problem is hardly to go backward, as the member suggests, but to go forward with a better system, and that takes courage. It takes no courage, Madam Speaker, to lament the challenges of change. We all know they're there. We all know they're real, but the reality is that other jurisdictions across our great country have concentrated their resources in fewer locations with the effect being that they have provided better care and sooner to the people in their jurisdictions. Whether it is in Ottawa or Calgary or Vancouver, this is exactly what has happened, and those people in those communities do not have to endure hours and hours of wait in pain for care. So we are in pursuit of better care and we will find it.
I would like to welcome the new member at my first opportunity and congratulate her, the new member from Point Douglas. I know that she will work hard for her constituents. I know that she has worked very, very hard for those disadvantaged as a consequence of this–the horrible atrocities committed against indigenous women and girls in our country. I respect that very much and I thank her and I welcome her here today, and I encourage her to reach out not only to her colleagues but to all in this Chamber so that we can work together for the common good, for the values we share, for the outcomes we desire to see.
Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
Mr. Kinew: Miigwech, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker: On a new question.
Mr. Kinew: Miigwech, Madam Speaker, for that clarification.
Impact on Manitobans
Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): A lot of families are feeling insecure these days. Wages aren't keeping up with the cost of living. It's hard to get enough hours at work to make ends meet, and now the Premier is talking about charging a tax on health care that could cost some $1,200 a year. This against the backdrop of cuts.
Even as the Premier closes emergency rooms and urgent-care centres, he is looking for ways to charge families more for fewer services. This government is collecting more from people but investing less in us Manitobans.
There's been plenty of talk about fiscal performance, so we know that he's thinking about the money, but is he thinking enough about the impact on people, especially those who are living cheque to cheque?
Will the Premier abandon his plan to charge health-care premiums?
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Madam Speaker, the fundamental misrepresentation of the facts, which was contained in that preamble, I have to address, and that is this: We are having a dialogue with Manitobans about their No.1 priority, and we will have dialogue with Manitobans about their No. 1 priority, and their No. 1 priority is getting better health care. That's what we stand for here, and that's what we'll talk about.
The members opposite had a chance to stand with us against federal Liberal cuts that will add up to over $2 billion less for Manitobans. They sat on their hands and did nothing about it, and now they oppose having a dialogue about how we address a real problem that will grow over the next 10 years.
We're not afraid to have dialogue on difficult issues, not on this side. We will. We will have dialogue, but where was the dialogue when the NDP hiked taxes on small-business owners? Where was the dialogue with them when they jacked up property taxes, when they put PST on everybody's buildings and homes? Where was the dialogue when they raised the PST? Where was the dialogue when they put the PST on benefits for people who work?
Madam Speaker, there was none. I'm glad to hear the new leader is saying clearly that he's continuing the old ways of opposing dialogue and honest, transparent government in this province.
Mr. Kinew: We see the crux of the issue here in the Premier's response. He shows us that he cares about money, but we don't hear as much about the care that Manitoba families deserve when they go to a hospital.
And, to me, a dialogue is not this government website about health-care premiums. It's a rigged survey. It's designed to deliver no surprises, only the answers that this Premier wants to hear. Yet many people are saying the plan for a health-care tax is wrong. Even Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Loren Remillard said that Manitobans, quote, could be facing one of the largest tax increases in this province's history, end quote. This on top of increases to hydro and MPI rates.
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Does the Premier understand life costs more and more these days because of his decisions, and will he back off this health-care tax that will make it harder for families in Manitoba to get by?
Mr. Pallister: For 25 years in public life, Madam Speaker, I've chosen to listen to the people I represent. And I'll continue to do that as Premier. Thank you.
Mr. Kinew: I think the concern that I've heard from Manitobans about this health-care tax deserves more than a glib response.
The Premier seems to understand the impact that his health-care taxes will have–and Manitobans, but does he care? Life is costing more and more. People are anxious about the quality of care they will get in the hospital. And yet, when they look to this building they see a Conservative government that just doesn't seem to get it.
People I've spoken to are already worried about the hit they'll take with higher Hydro bills and car insurance. Now they might have to pay a tax on their health care. To add insult to injury, he's rigged a survey to get the answer he wants.
Which choice will the Premier make? Will he invest in prevention, community health and mental health? Or will he cut services and bring in a health-care tax on Manitobans?
Mr. Pallister: I see the members speak of compassion, which his predecessors failed to demonstrate in government, Madam Speaker.
They didn't demonstrate any willingness to listen to Manitobans before they invoked the largest tax hikes in the country, impacting everybody around the province, impacting families trying to raise their children. I didn't hear any compassion in that approach, Madam Speaker, the highest tax hikes in Canada under the previous regime, and no consultation at all. In fact, quite the opposite. They went to the doors of the people of the city of Winnipeg and around the province and knocked and they said to everybody we promise not to hike your taxes. And then they went and invoked the tax hikes anyway, with no listening involved.
It takes courage to listen, Madam Speaker. I'm listening to the member, but I'm not hearing anything new here today. I'm just hearing the same old, same old false assertions and phony arguments. So I'd invite him to deal with the facts, not fancy. We're concerned with getting better results for Manitobans; we're concerned with keeping taxes low too. But we want to make sure that people get the health care they deserve in a timely manner, the way they haven't been getting it for a long, long time in this province.
Tuition Affordability Concerns
Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Students have gathered here once again in the Legislature and in the gallery to send a very clear message to this government and opposition to their callous disregard for post-secondary education in this province.
They know that this Premier's regressive Bill 31 will force new students to pay thousands more for their degree and see their tuition rise by more than 30 per cent by the time they graduate. All Manitobans know that education needs to be accessible and affordable, and that getting a good education shouldn't be a debt sentence.
Why was this government trying to balance its books on the backs of students rather than sitting down and listening to their concerns?
Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): I thank the member for the question.
This government has made a very clear choice when it comes to post-secondary education. We have decided to support students that are in need, and we have increased the amount of support through Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative, from $4 million under the previous government to $20 million under this government. In anybody's books, that's significant.
Madam Speaker: Prior to proceeding with questions, I would just like to indicate to members in the gallery that there's no participation in what is happening on the floor. And that includes standing, as some members are doing.
If people want to participate–or, be here as our guests, they need to follow the rules. And that is to remain seated while one is in the gallery.
So I would appreciate everybody's co‑operation. Thank you.
Mr. Wiebe: A student entering a university next year could see their tuition rise by more than 30 per cent by the time they graduate, and that's not including rising course fees and a rising cost of living. By every single measure, this government falls short on keeping tuition affordable. It's not just students but parents who want a good education for their children, and they're worried that they won't be able to afford the rising costs of schools.
This government is forcing parents and students to pay thousands of dollars more over the course of a degree, and now they've cut the tuition tax rebate that was worth up to $25,000 per student.
Madam Speaker, why is this government making all of these cuts on the backs of parents and students?
Mr. Wishart: I think many Manitobans don't appreciate that back in 1999, we were second in this country in terms of the percentage of our population that had a post-secondary education. After 17 years with the NDP, we are now dead last in terms of percentage. In fact, we are so far dead last that we are 10 percentage points behind the average. So I'm–we'll take no lessons in how to build a sustainable post-secondary education from this government.
Zero Interest Loan Program
Mr. Wiebe: The reality is that this Premier's (Mr. Pallister) KPMG report, which was hidden from Manitobans for over a year, clearly lays out this government's plans when it comes to education. It cuts tens of millions of dollars from students and their parents while freezing supports for their education.
And the worst is yet to come, Madam Speaker. The government's secret report lays out the prospect of more cuts, including eliminating the zero-interest loan program here in this province.
I ask the minister: Will he preserve the zero-interest loans to students, or will this be yet another hit coming to students and their parents?
Mr. Wishart: This government is pleased to work with post-secondary institutions and consult with them to build a long-term, sustainable post-secondary education system for Manitoba. We're not afraid to deal with the issues like the previous government was.
Future of Clinical Assessment Services
Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): Madam Speaker, the recent CBC town hall on health care made it clear that Manitobans are worried about so much more in this government's plan than just the ER and urgent-care closures. The Health Minister himself didn't think it was worth his time to be there.
The health authority leadership was forced to admit that after months of criticism from families and health-care professionals, they seemed to be suddenly reversing their government-approved plan to privatize occupational therapy and physiotherapy services, yet no details were given. Patients don't know if they qualify for care, where they will go and certainly don't know how many OTs and PTs will staff them.
Why has this minister left Manitobans in the dark about an important front-line service?
Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living): Well, Madam Speaker, I know that at that same forum of which the member speaks of, he took the opportunity on TV to slander Dr. Peachey, the hand-picked consultant–the hand-picked consultant–that the NDP picked to do the review on health care in Manitoba. That member said on public television that Dr. Peachey had been interfered with by this government. Of course, Dr. Peachey very clearly said that this government had no interference in the report, that he reported to ensure that health care was being improved in Manitoba.
I hope the member takes the opportunity to now apologize to Dr. Peachey for that slanderous comment, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Minto, on a supplementary question.
Mr. Swan: Well, Manitobans would be glad to hear the minister watched on TV. They're wondering why he couldn't even be bothered to be there.
Patients who count on physiotherapy and occupational therapy services are worried that this Hail Mary announcement is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Without any clear direction on clinical assessments and what these guidelines are, patients have no idea whether they can access the therapies they need. The abrupt plan to redirect all patients to Health Sciences Centre will mean long wait times unless this government increases the number of professionals working. Patients and health-care providers are tired of the chaos, the anxiety and the confusion this government has caused.
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Will the minister commit to ensuring all patients get the treatment that they need?
Mr. Goertzen: Madam Speaker, the member opposite knows all about chaos, and I'm not referring to the chaos that he caused within his own caucus and within his own party. I'm speaking about the chaos on the health-care system where Manitobans had to wait for hundreds of thousands of hours to get service for hip replacements, for knee replacements, for cataracts. They had to wait in the ERs for five, six, seven, eight hours.
That member–why–he was still in Cabinet didn't say anything about improving care at that time. We're working to improve care. He can be negative all he wants; we're going to improve the system, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Minto, on a final supplementary.
Mr. Swan: Well, Madam Speaker, this minister talks tough in here, but couldn't even make it to the town hall meeting. Maybe he was tired from the night before when he was down–pulling down the sign for Misericordia urgent care so the people could no longer go there. He knows his health-care plan is so unpopular he has to hide the details from Manitobans.
I've asked a very specific question. This minister continues to hide more cuts from yet another secret KPMG health report. This minister won't answer a question about how occupational therapy and physiotherapy patients will access services.
Now I wonder, is it the minister's position that these are just not front-line services, or is this just another example of the Premier's (Mr. Pallister) broken promise to Manitoba families?
Mr. Goertzen: Well, I acknowledge, Madam Speaker, we've been hiding the Peachey report on the Internet for the last nine months. If he also searches the Internet he'll find comments from Dr. Postl, the Dean of Medicine in Manitoba, who said that Manitoba has been due for some change for a long time. He also said that we simply, in other cities, don't see the number of emergency rooms that we have in Manitoba. So he was suggesting that he approved of the plan.
Now this member may not agree with Dr. Postl, but I would refer to him to a former member of this House who said that Dr. Postl was well‑renowned across Canada and that we should listen to his advice. That former member was Gary Doer. I wonder if he has problems with Gary Doer as well, Madam Speaker.
Amendment Support Request
Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): Madam Speaker, the health and safety of drivers and passengers must be at the centre of all–of any changes to the ride-hailing industry. The safety of newcomers, women and indigenous peoples needs to front and centre. The government has an opportunity to support our proposals to strengthen the protections for the health and safety of passengers and drivers.
Will this government commit to our proposals to include comprehensive health and safety protections of Bill 30?
Hon. Jeff Wharton (Minister of Municipal Relations): I'd like to welcome the new member to the Chamber, as well and congratulate her on her recent win.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Premier (Mr. Pallister) for the opportunity to serve as Minister of Municipal Relations. I also want to thank my predecessor, the honourable Minister of Indigenous, Northern Relations for all her work to ensure municipalities have fair say and more unconditional funding to respond to local priorities.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased and very excited to be here at our government's commitment to strengthen partnerships with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and the City of Winnipeg.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a supplementary question.
Mrs. Smith: The government is moving ahead, but it doesn't seem to be paying attention to the consequences of its actions. Pushing through Bill 30 has a potential to create an uneven playing field for the industry. For many participants in the ride-hailing industry, this bill could cost some Manitobans tens of thousands of dollars, a lifetime investment, and their jobs. Our proposal is to ensure a level playing field for all Manitobans.
Will this government support our proposal for an even playing field including compensation for all members of the ride-hailing industry?
Mr. Wharton: I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Municipal Relations department, our staff, for serving Manitobans through the province and working in partnership with our communities.
Over these past few weeks I've been impressed with the professionalism, the dedication to the important work that these folks do for Manitobans right across this province. Because of this great team, Madam Speaker, I'm confident that Manitoba will become the most improved province in Canada.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a final supplementary.
Mrs. Smith: The government should not simply embrace changes for the sake of change. It should make sure its changes get it right. It has an opportunity to ensure that there are comprehensive health and safety regulations for drivers and passengers. It has an opportunity to make sure that the changes do not cost Manitobans their livelihood.
Will this government support our proposal to amend Bill 30?
Mr. Wharton: The current system has failed to evolve with the changing interests of Winnipeggers. For 17 years under the NDP government, not a single standard taxi licence was issued in Winnipeg and the system has become riddled with red tape.
Unlike the NDP, Madam Speaker, we have every confidence in our municipalities to create responsible bylaws, just as they do every day in Manitoba.
Apology Request
Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): Madam Speaker, allow me to first congratulate the Goldeyes, and, through the Chair, of course, I would like the Premier to know that by taking away my opportunities to speak, all it does is display his fear and unfair practices, and I will not be intimidated.
I would like to provide the Premier with an opportunity to apologize.
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): The member should consider her actions of yesterday where she deprived members in this House of offering condolence to families who lost staff members, when she deprived people in this House of the opportunity to offer strong support to people who have suffered tremendous consequences of the actions of others in terms of violence, in terms of support for murdered and missing indigenous women and girls. We were deprived of these opportunities by the thoughtlessness of the member and her colleagues, and I have no reason to apologize whatsoever.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Burrows, on a supplementary question.
Tuition Affordability Concerns
Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Burrows): Madam Speaker, we asked for leave to have that member statement addressed. Let's be clear. Bill 31 increases a student's tuition by a minimum of 30 per cent over a four-year degree. That's a best-case scenario.
Currently, the average student in Manitoba is $19,000 in debt. Debts like these are very concerning and, in many cases, can have a profound negative impact on students when graduating.
I ask the minister to explain to the students who are up here in the gallery and all throughout Manitoba: Why is his government making post‑secondary education more costly than it needs to be?
Hon. Ian Wishart (Minister of Education and Training): And Bill 31 also guarantees that during its period of activity, or ongoing, that Manitoba students will have the lowest cost tuition of any province in western Canada.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Burrows, on a final supplementary.
Ms. Lamoureux: We in the Liberal Party want to hold the government accountable for their actions. We want people from all walks of life to know that education is so important and that it needs to be affordable.
Education is an investment for our future, and these tuition hikes are ultimately hindering opportunities for students and for our province as a whole.
When will this government step up to defend the rights of education for all Manitobans and reverse the decision of Bill 31 before the House?
Mr. Wishart: Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity.
Certainly I–sorry–our government is very pleased to support Bill 31 and to build a long-term, sustainable post-secondary education in this province.
* (14:50)
We have improved the program, the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative from a mere $4 million a year under the previous government to $20 million and provided those students–
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Mr. Wishart: –provided those students with up‑front support when they're in need.
Land Claim Agreement
Mr. Kelly Bindle (Thompson): Unlike the former NDP government, our government does more than just talk about indigenous issues. We are committed to real, concrete and meaningful action to deliver on the priorities of indigenous people. Another example was on display last month at an announcement of an agreement with the Sayisi Dene First Nation.
Can the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations please update the House on this recent historic agreement?
Hon. Eileen Clarke (Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations): I thank my colleague for the question. And I'd like to thank him for all the work that he does representing our indigenous peoples in the North.
I was proud to be joined by the Sayisi Dene chief, Tony Powderhorn, for the signing of a very historic land-claim agreement for the forced relocation of the Sayisi Dene First Nation. As part of that agreement, Manitoba is transferring over 13,000 acres for the creation of a new reserve on lands that they were forced to leave over 50 years ago.
Our government knows that the talk about reconciliation has to be backed up by real, meaningful action to address historic wrongdoings. And that is exactly what we will keep delivering.
Thank you.
Repair Inquiry
Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): The train that's been stranded in Churchill since winter has finally got some good news. After a long wait, the train may be going home. Unfortunately, the people of Churchill aren't so lucky. The fact that the trains are being shipped home by sea rather than by rail is interpreted by the people of Churchill as a clear signal that they are being abandoned.
Madam Speaker, Via Rail is taking responsibility for its trains. Why isn't this government fulfilling its responsibility to the people of Churchill by getting the rail line fixed before winter sets in?
Hon. Ron Schuler (Minister of Infrastructure): Our government has been working to ensure that Churchill has supplies for the winter. We are doing so by working with the local chamber and local stakeholders in co-ordinating supplies, not just by ship but also by air.
I would like to point out to the member that the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill are private assets that fall under federal jurisdiction.
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question.
Mr. Lindsey: Without a working rail line, life is going to get a whole lot harder in Churchill as winter sets in. Fuel is expected to jump soon to $2.33 a litre, never mind the cost of a jug of milk. It's quite likely that this government's stalling has caused irreparable harm to Churchill and other towns served by the rail line.
People are abandoning hope, Madam Speaker, and starting to leave Churchill. Will the Minister of Infrastructure admit that his government's inaction, lack of leadership for all Manitobans may be contributing to the end of this community?
Mr. Schuler: Well, Madam Speaker, I would encourage members opposite to join us in challenging the federal government to live up to their jurisdiction.
Members opposite are pointing in the wrong direction. They should stand with us, encourage the federal government to stand up to their jurisdiction when it comes to the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill, instead of looking to the provincial government to cover federal government jurisdiction.
Why don't they join us and–
Madam Speaker: The House is now recessed.
I would indicate to you that we have had a security threat in the gallery this afternoon. The Winnipeg police department and the fire department wants us to leave the building, so, if everybody could please leave–exit the building in a very orderly fashion. We will keep you informed throughout the day of what has happened.
And the House will be recessed until further notice.
The House recessed at 2:55 p.m.
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The House resumed at 4:33 p.m.
Madam Speaker: Welcome back, everybody. We will now call the House back into session.
Hon. Cliff Cullen (Government House Leader): Madam Speaker, could you canvass the House for unanimous consent to set aside subrules 2(17) and 2(20) for today only so that the deadline provisions in the rules for the completion of second reading of the designated bills will apply to Tuesday, October 10th, rather than today?
Madam Speaker: Is there unanimous consent of the House to set aside–pardon me, is there unanimous consent for the House to set aside subrules 2(17) and 2(20) for today only so that the deadline provisions in the rules for the completion of second reading of the designated bills will apply to Tuesday, October 10th, rather than today? Is that agreed? [Agreed]
Mr. Cullen: Thank you for members of the Chamber for that.
Madam Speaker, would you canvass the House to see if there's a will to call it 5 o'clock?
Madam Speaker: Is it the will of the House to call it 5 o'clock? [Agreed]
The hour being 5 p.m., this House is now adjourned and stands adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 10th.
And, at this time, I'd like to wish everybody a very happy Thanksgiving.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Thursday, October 5, 2017
CONTENTS