LEGISLATIVE
ASSEMBLY OF
Wednesday,
March 11, 1992
The House met at 1:30
p.m.
PRAYERS
ROUTINE
PROCEEDINGS
PRESENTING
PETITIONS
Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (
Mr. Oscar Lathlin (The
Pas): Mr. Speaker, I beg to present the petition of
Wayne Waddell, Richard Grouette, A. J. Asqarali and others requesting the
government show its strong commitment to aboriginal self‑government by
considering reversing its position on the AJI by supporting the recommendations
within its jurisdiction and implementing a separate and parallel justice system.
Mr. Daryl Reid
(Transcona): Mr. Speaker, I beg to present the petition of
Jennifer Davidson, Will Ziprick, Alf Wiebe and others requesting the Minister
of Justice (Mr. McCrae) call upon the Parliament of
Mr. Speaker: I have reviewed the petition of the honourable
member. It conforms with the privileges
and practices of the House and complies with the rules. Is it the will of the House to have the
petition read?
The
petition of the undersigned citizens of the
THAT
child abuse is a crime abhorred by all good citizens of our society, but
nonetheless it exists in today's world; and
It
is the responsibility of the government to recognize and deal with this most
vicious of crimes; and
Programs
like the Fight Back Against Child Abuse campaign raise public awareness and
necessary funds to deal with the crime; and
The
decision to terminate the Fight Back Against Child Abuse campaign will hamper
the efforts of all good citizens to help abused children.
WHEREFORE
your petitioners humbly pray that the Legislature of the
I have reviewed the petition of the honourable
member. It conforms with the privileges
and practices of the House and complies with the rules. Is it the will of the House to have the petition
read?
The
petition of the undersigned citizens of the
THAT
child abuse is a crime abhorred by all good citizens of our society, but
nonetheless it exists in today's world; and
It
is the responsibility of the government to recognize and deal with this most
vicious of crimes; and
Programs
like the Fight Back Against Child Abuse campaign raise public awareness and
necessary funds to deal with the crime; and
The
decision to terminate the Fight Back Against Child Abuse campaign will hamper
the efforts of all good citizens to help abused children.
WHEREFORE
your petitioners humbly pray that the Legislature of the
I have reviewed the petition of the honourable
member. It conforms with the privileges
and practices of the House and complies with the rules. Is it the will of the House to have the petition
read?
The
petition of the undersigned citizens of the
THAT
child abuse is a crime abhorred by all good citizens of our society, but
nonetheless it exists in today's world; and
It
is the responsibility of the government to recognize and deal with this most
vicious of crimes; and
Programs
like the Fight Back Against Child Abuse campaign raise public awareness and
necessary funds to deal with the crime; and
The
decision to terminate the Fight Back Against Child Abuse campaign will hamper
the efforts of all good citizens to help abused children.
WHEREFORE
your petitioners humbly pray that the Legislature of the
I have reviewed the petition of the honourable
member. It conforms with the privileges
and practices of the House and complies with the rules. Is it the will of the House to have the petition
read?
The
petition of the undersigned citizens of the
THAT
child abuse is a crime abhorred by all good citizens of our society, but
nonetheless it exists in today's world; and
It
is the responsibility of the government to recognize and deal with this most
vicious of crimes; and
Programs
like the Fight Back Against Child Abuse campaign raise public awareness and
necessary funds to deal with the crime; and
The
decision to terminate the Fight Back Against Child Abuse campaign will hamper
the efforts of all good citizens to help abused children.
WHEREFORE
your petitioners humbly pray that the Legislature of the
I have reviewed the petition of the honourable
member. It conforms with the privileges
and practices of the House and complies with the rules. Is it the will of the House to have the petition
read?
The
petition of the undersigned citizens of the
THAT
child abuse is a crime abhorred by all good citizens of our society, but
nonetheless it exists in today's world; and
It
is the responsibility of the government to recognize and deal with this most
vicious of crimes; and
Programs
like the Fight Back Against Child Abuse campaign raise public awareness and
necessary funds to deal with the crime; and
The
decision to terminate the Fight Back Against Child Abuse campaign will hamper
the efforts of all good citizens to help abused children.
WHEREFORE
your petitioners humbly pray that the Legislature of the
* (1335)
TABLING OF
REPORTS
Mr. Speaker: Pursuant to Section 55 of The Freedom of Information
Act, I am tabling the Third Annual Report of the Ombudsman.
INTRODUCTION
OF BILLS
Bill 63‑The
Highway Traffic Amendment Act (2)
Mr. Daryl Reid
(Transcona): I move, seconded by the honourable member for Burrows
(Mr. Martindale), that Bill 63, The Highway Traffic
Amendment Act (2); Loi no 2 modifiant le Code de la route, be introduced and
the same be now received and read a first time.
Motion presented.
Mr. Reid: Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this bill is to
rectify an inconsistency in The Highway Traffic Act. Currently the amateur radio operators, also
known as ham operators, are allowed by statute to apply for and display the VE4
designated licence plate on his or her private car.
The
present statutes do not permit these operators to have and display such licence
plates in place of the standard issue plate on private light‑duty trucks
registered in their name.
The
ham operators play a significant role in our preparation and reaction to
disaster within our province and throughout the world. In conjunction with the Emergency Measures
Organization, the ham operators fill the communication void during times of emergency
or disaster when normal communications are disrupted. By allowing these ham operators
to display these VE4 plates on their private light‑duty trucks, it can
increase the role these radio operators play in an emergency or disaster
situations.
I
ask and look forward to the support of all members of this House for this
important bill.
Motion agreed to.
Introduction
of Guests
Mr. Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, may I direct the
attention of honourable members to the gallery where we have with us this afternoon
15 visitors from the Adult ESL Winnipeg School Division No. 1. They are under the direction of Susan Israel.
On
behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you here this afternoon.
* (1340)
ORAL
QUESTION PERIOD
Piper
Aircraft
Mr. Jerry Storie (Flin
Flon): Mr. Speaker, some months ago the member for
The
Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism (Mr. Stefanson) assured us that the
department was still working hard to discuss the potential location of that plant
in the
Today
in the Globe and Mail, it is reported that Harvard investments, along with the
creditors involved in this bankruptcy action, have asked the courts to allow
the purchase by the
Can
the minister indicate whether in fact in terms of
Hon. Eric Stefanson
(Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism): The short answer to that question, Mr.
Speaker, is no. The owner of Piper, Mr.
Stuart Millar, was in
Mr. Storie: Mr. Speaker, according to the Globe and Mail article,
the minister continues to be Pollyanna about the prospect.
Seafood
Enterprises
Associates
Agreement
Mr. Jerry Storie (Flin
Flon): Some weeks later, Mr. Kim Sigurdson, the vice‑president
of SEA Inc., also said that some 160 to 200 jobs could have been located in the
community of
Can
the minister indicate now whether following on his remarks of a couple of weeks
ago he has met with SEA and whether in fact that plant will also be lost to
Manitobans?
Hon. Eric Stefanson
(Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism): Mr. Speaker, in terms of the issue
related to SEA, the honourable member for
I
should point out we have written a letter to SEA, as I indicated to the
honourable member for Flin Flon (Mr. Storie); to date, we have received no
reply. I have had no specific request to
meet with SEA. The honourable member for
I
should remind the honourable member, we are talking about significant financial
requests of the
Employment
Creation Strategy
Government
Commitment
Mr. Jerry Storie (Flin
Flon): Mr. Speaker, this minister and his department
have a string of losses that are really quite tragic for
My
question is to the Premier, who now sits as chair of the Economic Development
Board of cabinet. Does the Premier take
any responsibility for these bungled opportunities on behalf of
* (1345)
Hon. Gary Filmon
(Premier): Mr. Speaker, the people of
What
the member for Flin Flon is not telling the public is that he would be prepared
to risk $150 million of loan guarantee capital from the taxpayers of
Staff
Layoffs‑Portage la Prairie
Mr. Gregory Dewar
(Selkirk): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister
responsible for MTS. As part of what
this government calls rightsizing, a minimum of 100 jobs and potentially over 1,500
jobs will be lost at MTS over the next few years. We are beginning to see this now when the
government decided to cut 22 operator jobs in the city of
Did
this minister consult with the City of
Hon. Glen Findlay
(Minister responsible for the administration of The
Mr.
Speaker, let me tell the member what
Mr. Dewar: What will the minister do to ensure that
Mr. Speaker: Order, please.
The honourable member for Selkirk, kindly repeat your question, please?
Mr. Dewar: Mr. Speaker, what will this minister do then
to ensure that
Mr. Findlay: Mr. Speaker, MTS is a very responsible
employer. They will be offering them opportunities for other employment, opportunities
of career counselling to help them identify other opportunities that exist.
I
am not saying there are any specific jobs that have been identified at this
time, but they are in a process that is responsible to both their employees and
to the telephone users of this province.
Mr. Dewar: Mr. Speaker, after the air base‑‑
Mr. Speaker: Order, please.
Question, please.
Federal
Telecommunications Bill
Government
Position
Mr. Gregory Dewar
(Selkirk): My final question is for the same minister.
What
is the government's position on the new telecommunication bill currently before
the House of Commons?
Hon. Glen Findlay
(Minister responsible for the administration of The
As
the member may remember, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding to the federal
government about a year ago that laid out our conditions under which we would
accept them introducing that kind of a bill.
My understanding is, the vast majority of the conditions in that MOU are
addressed in the present telecommunications bill. We will be watching it very carefully to be
sure that the rights of Manitobans are protected and the ability of Manitobans
to be regulated by Manitobans in the new CRTC process is respected as we laid
out in the MOU.
* (1350)
St. James
Seniors Group
Government
Assistance
Mr. Paul Edwards (St.
James): Mr. Speaker, for the Minister responsible for
Seniors: The minister, in a letter to me
of January 30 of this year, indicated that he would be meeting with representatives
of the St. James Senior Centre group the next day, January 31, 1992.
This
group has been organized for some time now, going on two years, and is
experiencing some considerable amount of frustration in securing a facility for
a seniors centre in St. James. The
minister is aware of that and indicates in his letter that he appreciates their
frustration in dealing with this issue.
Mr.
Speaker, can the minister indicate what assistance he was able to give that
group at the meeting on January 31 in order to curtail the frustration that
they are feeling, which he obviously recognizes and apparently sympathizes
with?
Hon. Gerald Ducharme
(Minister responsible for Seniors): Mr. Speaker,
I did meet with the group along with the St. James school board. As the member is aware, there are new methods
to obtaining school buildings. I went
through it also with our members who represent that area. Now we have the two groups together and they
are now working that situation out. I
will report back to this minister along to the members from St. James.
Mr. Edwards: Mr. Speaker, again for the minister‑‑and
I am pleased to hear that something is in the works.
Why
is this minister and this government able to come up with hundreds of thousands
of dollars for a commercial and residential project on
Mr. Ducharme: Mr. Speaker, as a result of this meeting, the
two groups had many of their questions answered. The two groups, especially the seniors group
did not understand the various means to obtaining provincial buildings and
especially schools. That was explained
by the local school board. The school
board told that group to go back with a proposal. Now that seniors group is going back to the
school division with their proposal which at the time they did not have ready.
Educational
Facilities
St. James
Seniors Group Usage
Mr. Paul Edwards (St.
James): Mr. Speaker, on the same matter for the
Minister of Education, will the minister indicate whether or not the schools
that were built by the school boards prior to them coming under the Public
Schools Finance Board will indeed remain in the hands of the school board; that
is, schools that were built and constructed by the school board prior to the school
finances board regime. Will they remain
entirely in the hands and at the discretion of the school board themselves?
Hon. Rosemary Vodrey
(Minister of Education and Training): Mr. Speaker,
we are in the process of developing a policy in relation to schools and the use
of schools and the devolving of schools. That policy is now being looked at by
MAST, the Manitoba Association of School Trustees, for their input in relation
to the policy. I expect to hear back
shortly regarding that.
Piney Area
Seniors
Group Co-ordinator
Mr. Conrad Santos
(Broadway): Mr. Speaker, as a young boy, my grandmother
advised me not to hesitate to spend my allowance when it came to food because
it is foolish to go hungry just to save some money.
Mr.
Speaker, the Piney area seniors co‑ordinating group has been working for the
last three years in order to build a program for a congregate meal for their
seniors. They have, for this purpose,
surveyed the area for the need. They
have prepared kitchen facilities, and they have mobilized community support for
this purpose.
Mr.
Speaker, why has the Minister responsible for Seniors neglected their funding
request for a co‑ordinator for the program?
Hon. Gerald Ducharme
(Minister responsible for Seniors): I feel like
the Maytag man. I have not had a
question for five weeks in regard to seniors.
I
will answer this particular gentleman across the way, the honourable gentleman,
that we have not ignored the seniors.
You will see that continually through when we file our budget today. We
are working with many groups throughout the city, especially seniors groups, on
all financial matters.
Mr. Santos: Will the honourable minister give to the Piney
area co‑ordinating group a final answer to their farthing request for a
co‑ordinator for their program?
Mr. Ducharme: Mr. Speaker, maybe the member from across the
way should look at my mandate of the Seniors budget he has asked me to
fund. To instruct the member across the
way, my job as Seniors minister is to work with many departments along the way to
make sure the seniors of this province are being well looked after, and I will
continue to make sure they are well looked after.
* (1355)
Seniors
Programs
Government
Commitment
Mr. Conrad Santos
(Broadway): I give the honourable minister a chance to
explain and reconcile this neglect for senior citizens. How does he reconcile this with their
government's so‑called commitment to senior citizens?
Hon. Gerald Ducharme
(Minister responsible for Seniors): Mr. Speaker,
when he sees the budget today, he will see how we have reconciled to the
seniors throughout this province, unlike anything they did when they were in
power for the 16 of 20 years.
Foreign
Domestic Workers' Program
Government
Position
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (
It
is in respect to the foreign domestic program, a program in which
I
would ask the minister what her government's position is on this new
criteria. Does the minister support it,
or does she oppose the new criteria, and will she‑‑
Mr. Speaker: Order, please.
The question has been put.
Hon. Bonnie Mitchelson
(Minister responsible for Multiculturalism):
Mr. Speaker, it was as a result of the information that has been
provided that there are going to be some changes by the federal government in
this area. I had a meeting with the
domestic workers in the
Mr. Lamoureux: Mr. Speaker, I can provide for the minister a copy
of a press release from the federal government that has the actual criteria.
The
question simply is: Does the minister
support the changing of the criteria, yes or no? The two specific points in particular, with
regard to the six‑month, full‑time training and the equivalent of
the Canadian Grade 12, does she support it or does she not?
Mrs. Mitchelson: Mr. Speaker, I can indicate that I support unequivocally
all Manitobans and all those who come to
Mr. Lamoureux: Mr. Speaker, will the minister make a
commitment to contact her federal counterpart and demand that the foreign domestic
program, as it was established, be fully reinstated so the domestics in the
province or potential domestics are not going to be abused?
Mrs. Mitchelson: Mr. Speaker, I can state unequivocally that this
government would not tolerate any member of
Oil Spill
Mr. Oscar Lathlin (The
Pas): Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the
Minister of Environment.
Last
night, Mr. Speaker, one of the turbines at the hydro dam in
I
want to ask the minister: Can he tell
the House and the people of
Hon. Glen Cummings
(Minister of Environment): Mr. Speaker, that is
certainly a legitimate question that the member raises.
I
want to tell you that it is my understanding that any spread of oil has been
confined to the powerhouse. If it should
go beyond that, there have been provisions made for booms to be put on the
surface of the water exiting from the powerhouse to make sure that we contain
any oil that would escape from there.
There
are Environment officials there, along with Manitoba Hydro. I would like to add that the information I
have received so far is that this oil is in fact nontoxic and biodegradable. That
should go a long way towards helping us make sure that there is no
environmental damage or that it is minimized, and provide some comfort to those
who are concerned about the quality of the water.
I
want to assure the member that this minister has also been told that one of the
first responsibilities following on his work regarding the environment will be
on the part of our director to make that he is in touch with the fishermen and
to the local community to make sure that they are fully informed.
Mr. Lathlin: Mr. Speaker, maybe also the minister can tell
the House what accommodations he has prepared.
I know he is saying that the booms are in place to contain the spreading
of the oil, but maybe he would like to advise this House as to what accommodations
he is taking to ensure that residents will have safe drinking water while his
department continues to work and test the water.
Mr. Cummings: Mr. Speaker, we want to make sure that every necessary
precaution is put in place. As I said a
moment ago, the environmental officer who is at the site, one of his first responsibilities
will be to work with the local community.
I think, obviously, giving them the assurance that the water quality is
protected will be one of his primary responsibilities.
* (1400)
Turbine
Inspections
Mr. Oscar Lathlin (The
Pas): Mr. Speaker, there were reports that more
than one of the turbines had been vibrating for a while before this incident.
Could
the minister‑‑will he be recommending to Manitoba Hydro that they
immediately order inspections of other turbines at the other sites?
Hon. James Downey
(Minister of Energy and Mines): Mr.
Speaker, I thank the member for the question.
I
have been informed by Manitoba Hydro that a full investigation will take place
of that unfortunate incident at
Program
for Older Worker Adjustment
Status
Report
Mr. Edward Connery (
Recently
the minister announced an assistance program for older laid‑off
workers. Will the minister tell this
Legislature and the people of
Hon. Darren Praznik
(Minister of Labour): Mr. Speaker, the Program
for Older Worker Adjustment, which is a Canada‑Manitoba program which has
affected laid‑off older workers recently in both the constituency of the
member for
Mr. Connery: Mr. Speaker, members opposite jeer when we
talk about senior‑‑
Mr. Speaker: Order, please.
Point of
Order
Mr. Steve Ashton
(Opposition House Leader): Mr. Speaker, opposition
members are often admonished, particularly by the member for
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. On the point of order raised, I had just
reminded the honourable member for
* * *
Mr. Connery: Mr. Speaker, will the minister tell us when
the program was brought in, and how many workers are affected in this latest
program?
Mr. Praznik: Mr. Speaker, the federal government made the
offer to various provinces in the latter part of the 1980s, and it was at the
coming to power of this administration that an agreement was struck and I
believe signed by my predecessor, the Honourable Gerrie Hammond.
In
the current round of announcements, there are three particular layoff
situations that were affected‑‑Burns Meats in
Mr. Connery: Mr. Speaker, there were concerns raised about whether
all workers could access the program.
Will the minister tell us if he has concerns about the program and if he
is anticipating changes to it?
Mr. Praznik: Mr. Speaker, it is with great irony‑‑if
we did not have this particular program in place, I am sure members opposite would
be asking us why we did not have it so, in fairness, it is a very legitimate
question.
Mr.
Speaker, this government, including the ministers who have negotiated and
signed this agreement had some concern that the program criteria were somewhat
narrow in terms of the significance of the layoff to the community. That will be one item that we will be
discussing when myself and national Ministers of Labour across the country meet
some time later on this spring.
CKND
Television Strike
Government
Advertising Policy
Mr. Steve Ashton
(Thompson): Mr. Speaker, for more than 160 days, CKND employees
have been on strike against their employer and media magnate Izzy Asper, on a
strike that is one of the longest strikes in the recent history of
My
question is to the Minister of Labour. I
would like to ask the Minister of Labour whether he has made representations to
his colleagues, to the Premier (Mr. Filmon), to ask that the government of
Hon. Darren Praznik
(Minister of Labour): Mr. Speaker, I am delighted
to answer this question because this is probably one of the few times that a
minister of this government has been able to get up and agree with a member of
the opposition.
This
government will not choose sides, and not choosing sides in the labour dispute
means that we do not change our course of action. If this government were to withdraw
advertising to that station, then we would be choosing a side. If also this government were to increase
advertising to the station, specifically to support the station, we would also
be choosing a side. Consequently, we are
remaining in a neutral position and not changing our course of action.
Mr. Ashton: The Minister of Labour is saying that what is
good for many local businesses in
How
can he believe that they are not taking sides by continuing to advertise?
Mr. Praznik: Mr. Speaker, unlike the individual businesses
or individuals in the province who are their own agents and can make their own
choice, government, whatever party be in power on this side of the House, has a
responsibility to all people in this province, something long forgotten by
members of the New Democratic Party when they have been on this side of the
bench. Consequently, we have assumed a neutral position in all labour disputes.
CKND
Television Strike
Government
Advertising Policy
Mr. Steve Ashton
(Thompson): My final question, Mr.
Speaker is to the Premier. I ask the
Premier: Why will he not ensure that advertising
continues, yes, on other stations, but why will the Premier not listen to the
pleas for fairness from the 70 employees at CKND and withdraw the advertising
only for the length of the strike, and ensure fairness for those employees and indeed
fairness in the labour process?
Hon. Gary Filmon
(Premier): Mr. Speaker, being in government carries with
it many special responsibilities to ensure that we act in a manner that is fair
and consistent at all times. In so doing,
we have to ensure that we do not create policies in the midst of a public
issue, such as a strike, that are designed to put pressure on one side or the
other, and in effect to change the fair, consistent manner in which government
should operate at all times.
What
the New Democratic Party and their critic are suggesting is that we do take
sides in a strike. That is not
supportable either by law, that is not supportable by the Constitution, that is
not supportable by people in the public at large, the taxpayers, who expect
that government will always be fair and consistent in the way in which it
operates and will not change policies in the midst of a strike in order to
favour one side or the other.
* (1410)
Cross-Cultural
Counselling Unit
Mr. George Hickes (Point
Douglas): My question is for the Minister of
Health. Nearly two weeks ago, this House
was told that Core Area Initiative funding for the Cross‑Cultural Counselling
Unit which delivers in 10 different languages at the Mount Carmel Clinic was
ending as of February 28.
I
would like to ask the minister if his department has reviewed
Hon. Donald Orchard
(Minister of Health): Yes, as I indicated to my
honourable friend when he posed those questions, we had been asked to come into
that discussion as a potential funder in early February. Given the planning process of budget
development creation, we with regret had to inform
Mr. Hickes: Mr. Speaker, my supplementary question is to
the same minister.
If
they are unable to fund this valuable program for ethnic minorities, would the
minister consider the bridge funding of $6,000 to at least give them a chance
to find alternative funding?
Mr. Orchard: Mr. Speaker, my honourable friend might also
recall that there is currently an evaluation of the program ongoing. That
evaluation is being funded by the federal government.
I
will make this case to my honourable friend, as I did in response to the request
last month, not predicting the outcome of that analysis in any way, shape or
form, but should that program be deemed of sufficient value to continue, I
would consider very seriously approaching the federal government, because as
part of immigration policy, I believe there could well be a joint role that we
could consider.
Fisheries
Industry
Rough Fish
Marketing
Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (
I
would like to ask the minister: What
communication has this government had with the Freshwater Marketing Board in
terms of projected sales? What steps is
this government taking to find new markets for the sale of this product, which
is as I say affecting the people on the lake very badly?
Hon. Harry Enns
(Minister of Natural Resources): Mr.
Speaker, I am delighted to respond to the question. I might say I will respond to the question
more fully as she accompanies me into her constituency later on this afternoon
where we will be talking about resource issues in the
I
am surprised at the question. The
question of utilization of rough fish, as we call them‑‑mullets,
carp and other species‑‑is one that has quite frankly been of issue
and concern to many Ministers of Natural Resources before me, and one that is of
constant concern to me.
The
fact of the matter is, with all due respect to President Dunn of the Freshwater
Fish Marketing Board, they have done an exemplary job in the marketing of rough
fish this year, in excess of millions of pounds. I believe the actual figures are between 10
million and 12 million pounds of rough fish this year.
Mr. Speaker: Order, please.
Ms. Wowchuk: I assure the minister that I was not doubting
the work of the Freshwater Marketing‑‑
Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Question, please.
Trap Net
Policy
Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (
Hon. Harry Enns
(Minister of Natural Resources): Mr.
Speaker, allow me to respond to the honourable member in this fashion. Occasionally,
even governments do things right, and I speak of the fisheries of
On
the question of individual use, mechanics of using a trap net, I am told that
is a management tool to get rid of some particular species at a particular
time. If she is suggesting that we
refine that or fine tune that, I am always open to those suggestions, Mr.
Speaker.
Ms. Wowchuk: Mr. Speaker, I hope that the government will continue
to fulfill their promises of increasing the stocks in
Can
the government also tell us if they are going to take seriously the economic
proposals to develop other industries along
Mr. Speaker: Order, please.
Mr. Enns: I have boundless enthusiasm and confidence
that my colleague the Minister responsible for Economic Rural Development in
rural
School
Divisions
Funding
Formula
Mrs. Sharon Carstairs
(Leader of the Second Opposition): Mr. Speaker,
we have just received a press release from the St. James‑Assiniboia
School Division. In this press release,
they indicate that according to their projections, when the Minister of
Education's new formula has finally come to fruition, they will receive
$33,318,000 from the
Mr.
Speaker, can the Minister of Education tell us if she still believes her
formula is equitable?
Hon. Rosemary Vodrey
(Minister of Education and Training): Mr. Speaker,
I do have faith in the funding formula, as do most school divisions in the
Mrs. Carstairs: Mr. Speaker, perhaps the minister can explain why
that same taxpayer that the Premier (Mr. Filmon) likes to talk about used to
have to pick up through his local support levy some 24.7 percent of the cost of
education and at the end of her new formula in this school division will have
to pick up 37.52 percent.
Can
she tell us how fair that is to the same taxpayer?
Mrs. Vodrey: Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the
honourable member what this government has done in terms of funding education
in this school year. It has increased
support to school divisions by 3 percent.
We have reduced the ESL by one mill on residential property. We have provided assistance for phase‑in
funding, and as I said yesterday, I fully expect the divisions will be very
responsible in their application.
Mrs. Carstairs: Mr. Speaker, can the minister tell this House if
it is fair for the province to have decreased its contribution to the support
of school children in St. James‑Assiniboia by the end of their formula by
13.5 percent?
Mrs. Vodrey: Mr. Speaker, I would like just to review some figures
for the honourable member, that the general revenue support K‑12
education has in fact remained constant in the last 10 years, 53.8 percent in
1982, 53.7 percent in 1991. The support
coming to school divisions, a special levy in ESL is also fairly constant, 45.5
percent in '82, 44.5 percent in '91.
* (1420)
Palliative
Care Unit
Mr. Leonard Evans
(Brandon East): Mr. Speaker, the community of
Will
the minister be prepared to provide additional funds for
Hon. Donald Orchard
(Minister of Health): Mr. Speaker, I am certainly
pleased that my honourable friend now is taking an interest in
Point of
Order
Mr. Leonard Evans
(Brandon East): The minister is making statements that are
totally false and should be removed from the record‑‑
Mr. Speaker: Order, please.
The honourable member for Brandon East does not have a point of
order. It is clearly a dispute over the
facts.
* * *
Mr. Speaker: Time for Oral Questions has expired.
Introduction
of Guests
Mr. Speaker: I would like to draw the attention of honourable
members to the loge on my right where we have with us this afternoon Mr. Arnold
Brown, the former member for
On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome
you here this afternoon.
House
Business
Hon. Darren Praznik
(Deputy Government House Leader): Mr.
Speaker, I believe leave of the House‑‑given that today the budget
will be brought down very shortly, if we could take a very short recess and
reconvene at 2:30.
Mr. Speaker: Is it the will of the House to recess up
until 2:30 p.m.? That is agreed. The
buzzer will sound for one minute at 2:30 p.m.
* * *
The House
took recess at 2:20 p.m.
* (1420)
After
Recess
The House
resumed at 2:31 p.m.
Hon. Clayton Manness
(Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded
by the Minister of Justice (Mr. McCrae), that this House approve in general the
budgetary policy of the government.
Motion presented.
BUDGET
ADDRESS
Hon. Clayton Manness
(Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, I am
honoured to present our government's fifth budget to the Legislative Assembly
and to the people of
The budget is aimed at helping speed
Reasons for Manitobans to be hopeful are
beginning to emerge. Inflation rates have eased significantly. Interest rates are 6.5 percentage points
lower than their 1990 peak; the dollar has dropped toward more sustainable
levels; some commodity prices are rising and there are signs of recovery
amongst our trading partners.
The Conference Board of Canada forecasts that
Slowly but surely, a renewed sense of optimism
is building in
In order to build on the gains we have made to
date, we must continue to work at restructuring our economy. Business must continue to strive to be as
competitive as possible. We must apply
new ideas to create goods and services that will be in demand, not just at
home, but internationally as well.
Government, too, must employ perseverance,
innovation and substantial effort to provide services in an efficient and cost‑effective
manner. We must continue to find new and
better ways of delivering important human services within the limits of the
taxpayers' ability to pay.
The determination and commitment of Manitobans
to share the burden of the recession has put our province in a strong position
as recovery begins. We have battled
through bankruptcies, layoffs, high unemployment rates and a significant
decline in retail sales.
By continuing to work together, we can take
advantage of our many natural strengths to add momentum to the recovery and
help rebuild confidence. In the final
analysis, our recovery will only be as strong as Manitobans make it. I am confident the recovery is in good,
strong, hard‑working hands.
PATH TO
RENEWAL
Manitobans want a strong province with
economic opportunities that create jobs for themselves and their children. They also want key health care, education and
family services maintained.
It has long been recognized that the best
social program is having a meaningful job.
In order to build a strong economy capable of creating jobs and
supporting vital services, we must continue to keep taxes down and the deficit
under control. The key to lower taxes
and reduced debt lies in controlling government spending.
Since 1988, our government has worked hard at
that task. Yes, the job required us to
make difficult decisions and to choose our priorities carefully. We realized then that government spending
sprees mean big deficits, which translate into higher taxes and fewer jobs.
By prioritizing government spending, we were
actually able to cut taxes in our first budget.
Since then, we have continued our battle against high taxes and are
proud of the fact that not once in those four years did we raise personal or
corporate income taxes or the provincial sales tax. Mr. Speaker, that is a record unmatched by
any province in
Unlike other jurisdictions, our government
remains committed to maintaining capital investment to improve long‑term
competitiveness while bolstering immediate economic recovery.
We have worked hard to create a positive
climate in which
Together, we must forge a strong partnership
among government, business and labour to capitalize on every new opportunity to
create jobs and build a strong economy.
As a government, we must also maintain and improve the competitive advantage
we have worked together to gain for our province. There can be no return to high spending and
high taxes. Consumers, businesses and workers in all sectors expect us to keep
taxes down. This budget confirms that
our government listened to Manitobans and understands the message.
POSITIONING
FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
But we can ensure that
A
RESPONSIBLE BUDGETING FRAMEWORK
A responsible budgeting framework is
fundamental to responsible fiscal planning.
Last year our government took several steps to improve the province's
financial management. We recognize that
government is not exempt from structural change.
As a first step, we instituted an internal
reform process. Last year's budget
actually reduced year‑over‑year spending in about one‑half of
all departments of government. By
securing reductions in administration and management costs, we are able to
ensure that more of the budget can be spent on serving Manitobans. The sale of Manitoba Data Services has
strengthened strategic economic development opportunities in the province and
reduced data processing unit costs in government. This year the government is establishing the
Fleet Vehicle Branch of Government Services as a special operating agency. Overall, there are more than 1,100 fewer
positions in government today than two years ago.
Second, we instituted a revised Estimates
process. The new process puts decisions
about the overall tax burden facing Manitobans first and foremost. Making responsible spending decisions within
the limits of what taxpayers can afford is essential to ensure the continued
delivery of vital public services for Manitobans.
Third, we maintained a course of fair but
affordable public sector wage negotiations.
Last year the overall target of 3 percent growth in public sector wages
required a freeze on provincial Civil Service salaries in order to pay for
larger increases to others, in particular to nurses. Regrettably, many public entities, including
the City of
* (1440)
By keeping the deficit under control over the
past four years, we are now able to realize some benefit from current lower
interest rates. Our administration also set funds aside for difficult times by establishing
the Fiscal Stabilization Fund. The
Fiscal Stabilization Fund and reduction in public debt costs afford us a
measure of breathing room this year to help maintain priority programs without
increasing the annual deficit or raising taxes.
Internal reform, the new approach to the
Estimates process and public sector wage moderation, all provide a framework to
reduce the deficit as the economy improves.
This framework will enable us to make the responsible choices necessary
to protect vital public programs and deliver them more efficiently on a basis
affordable to the taxpayer.
MAJOR
TAXES FROZEN FOR A FIFTH YEAR
Manitobans cannot and should not be burdened
with more taxes. Therefore, there will be no increase in personal income
taxes. Since 1988, Manitobans' personal
income taxes have been reduced by over $60 million annually. There will be no increase in provincial taxes
on businesses. We will continue working
to help
Freezing major taxes for a fifth consecutive
year protects the significant improvements in
While we kept a lid on taxes and provided some
targeted reductions, other provinces imposed increases. Although
Our capacity to maintain these competitive
gains and important targeted incentives periodically comes under threat from
tax avoidance practices. We are,
therefore, moving to tighten up tax enforcement rules to prevent the use of
artificial business practices; anti‑avoidance legislation will be
introduced.
We are working hard to achieve tax fairness
and leave as many hard‑earned dollars as possible in the taxpayers'
pockets to stimulate demand and investment right here in
STRENGTHENING
OUR ECONOMY
Mr. Speaker, economic success today, tomorrow
and in the future hinges on our ability to compete with the best in the
world. Manitobans have proven they can
do just that. Our agricultural products,
including grains, oilseeds, red meats, poultry, potatoes and honey, often
command a premium in international markets because of superior quality. Many of our manufacturers are very successful
in export markets: If you buy a silk
blouse in Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, or a lottery ticket in Spain, or
French fries in Tokyo, or ride a bus in San Francisco, chances are it was
produced right here in Manitoba.
The Unisys Canada computer plant in
Further evidence that Manitobans are ready and
able to compete is found in the recent Statistics Canada survey of investment
intentions. Private investment in
ECONOMIC RENEWAL INITIATIVES
To thrive in this new, more competitive
environment, we cannot be satisfied with past accomplishments. We must continually strive to be the
best. As a government, we must champion
better co‑ordination and partnership among government, labour and the
private sector. We are taking several
steps to sharpen the economic development focus within government. We are proposing some targeted incentives to
help accelerate business activity and strengthen economic renewal and job
creation in our province. This forward‑looking
economic renewal package is intended to give investment in
REFOCUSING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
The new Economic Development Board of Cabinet,
chaired by the Premier (Mr. Filmon), provides the leadership necessary to co‑ordinate
government‑wide efforts for sustainable economic growth. The restructured Industry, Trade and Tourism
department will emphasize strategic initiatives under a more project‑oriented
approach. Working with individual firms
and groups of companies, the department will serve as a catalyst to create new
development opportunities.
The overall budget for economic and resource
development is set at $604 million, up 6.3 percent.
PARTNERSHIPS
FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
The new $20‑million Manitoba Industrial
Recruitment Initiative Program gives focus to our efforts to stimulate
expansion of
The Crocus Investment Fund, established
earlier this year, assists employees to assume an ownership role where they
work. The Vision Capital Fund provides
venture capital investment to help Manitobans with good ideas turn them into
reality. The strengthened Manitoba
Industrial Opportunities Program is encouraging companies to build on the
advantages of investing in
Our ongoing commitment to the development of
successful economic initiatives in rural
MANUFACTURING
Mr. Speaker, we are introducing a temporary 10
percent income tax credit for investment in new manufacturing and processing in
TECHNOLOGY
The Manitoba Economic Innovation and
Technology Council will help foster industrial innovation and technological
commercialization by developing partnerships among government, business, labour
and the research community. The Economic
Innovation and Technology Fund, financed by a portion of the proceeds from the
sale of Manitoba Data Services, focuses new resources in this important area.
To complement the efforts of the council and
to further strengthen this vital activity in our province, a new
EXPORT-ORIENTED
SERVICE INDUSTRIES
Manitoba's central time zone, skilled labour
force and good quality of life make the province a natural candidate for
central office processing operations, especially in financial, shipping and communication
services. That is why United Parcel
Service is establishing
To foster more activity in this growing area,
I am pleased to announce a sales tax exemption for "800" numbers, and
extension of the payroll training tax credit to include training programs
delivered in export‑oriented service industries.
* (1450)
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is a key to development and
growth in our province. Jobs throughout the province depend on our ability to
get products to market quickly and efficiently.
We are acting to improve
Investment in our highways network will be
fully maintained in this budget. This
investment in our vital transportation links will provide important jobs this
year, with a longer‑term payback in greater efficiency.
At the recent First Ministers' meetings on the
economy, our Premier called on the federal government to increase its
investment in asset‑creating capital projects to stimulate employment and
economic activity across the country. He
referred specifically to a National Highways Program. Such a program would strengthen domestic and international
trade links, improve highway safety and increase employment.
In my previous budgets, action was taken to
help the trucking industry. Our on‑road
diesel fuel taxes are currently amongst the lowest in the country.
The rail industry is another important
mainstay of our transportation sector.
It is labouring under extremely high fuel taxes. Along with streamlining
our method of collecting this tax, the railway locomotive fuel tax will be cut
by one cent to 12.6 cents per litre, effective July 1, 1992.
The
MINING
Mr. Speaker, we recognize the important
contribution of mining to the economic activity of our province, including
direct and service jobs and export earnings.
We are determined to secure its future.
The Manitoba Mineral Exploration Incentive Program, announced last year,
is now operational. Further action will
be taken in this budget. Exploration incentives allowed under the mining tax
will be strengthened. The corporation
capital tax on exploration costs will be eliminated. As an added step to help revitalize
exploration and development of new mines in
AGRICULTURE
Recent years have been very difficult for many
farmers. Last year
There is some encouraging news for the future,
including renewed hope for a balanced resolution at the GATT talks. As well, for the first time in several years,
there are some solid signs of improving conditions, especially for grain and
oilseeds farmers. World supply is down
and prices are rising. The price of
wheat on the spot market has climbed approximately 50 percent since last
spring. Thanks to good crops in
CROSS-BORDER
SHOPPING
Cross‑border shopping is providing added
competition for consumers' dollars with over $300 million leaving
Federal collection of provincial taxes at
border crossing points is essential to create a more level playing field for
My officials are also working with federal
officials to streamline sales tax rebates to foreign tourists. We are hopeful that it will be possible to
use a single administration for rebates of provincial as well as federal taxes
later this year. This will help
ENVIRONMENT
The government's emphasis on protecting the
environment will be strengthened. New
funding will be provided for environmental assessments and implementation of
the Ozone Depleting Substances Act. Work
is advancing on means of reducing harmful waste, including possible extension
of environmental protection taxes to disposable diapers and tires. The government will ensure that all the
revenue yielded through such environmental taxes is fully invested in planned
measures to protect the environment. The
Minister of Environment (Mr. Cummings) will be introducing the province's
action plan later in this session.
The Manitoba Hazardous Waste Corporation is
proceeding with the next steps toward the approval and development of a world‑class
facility for the safe disposal of hazardous wastes in our province. This initiative will require a large capital
investment and create jobs in the R.M. of Montcalm and surrounding district.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT
Mr. Speaker, capital investment in permanent
assets can and does play an important part in job creation. In 1992‑93, the combined budgetary and
nonbudgetary capital related programs of the government, the Crown corporations
and other agencies will exceed $1.1 billion.
The investment will provide work opportunities for Manitobans and
enhance needed infrastructure to support future growth. The nonbudgetary capital related programs
totals $812 million for the coming year, whereas the budgetary capital total is
$306 million, including $38 million for education and training, $57 million for
health, and $113 million for highway and road construction and upgrading.
PRIORITY
SOCIAL PROGRAMS
This budget allocates $3.5 billion for
priority social programs, including increases of: $101 million or 5.7 percent for Health, Mr. Speaker,
I emphasize increase at three times the present rate of inflation; secondly, a
$51‑million increase or 8.7 percent for Family Services, four times the
rate of inflation; and increases totalling $52 million or 5.5 percent for
Education and Training, three times the rate of inflation.
Health
Reform of
These reforms must be designed to better
reflect patient needs and preferences while ensuring services are delivered in
the most cost‑effective manner possible.
Services can be strengthened and costs contained by shifting toward
services provided in the community where people live and work.
To support this strategic plan, major funding
increases have been provided for both home care and personal care homes. In addition, the Manitoba Health Services
Improvement Fund has been established to provide incentives to health care
institutions which demonstrate improved quality and efficient services. Increases to the Health Services Development Fund
provide further support for proposals which demonstrate potential for
significant health care reform. Budgets
for health promotion, protection and disease prevention have also been
increased, including funding targeted for substance abuse prevention.
* (1500)
Family Services
The Department of Family Services is
proceeding with several new and expanded initiatives. An office of the children's advocate will be established
to ensure that children in care are protected and well treated. Daycare operating grants are increased. The wife abuse shelter system and related
services are enhanced. A $40‑million
increase in the social assistance budget is focused on meeting the recession‑induced
needs of Manitobans and on improving supplementary benefits for the disabled by
$8 million.
Additional resources have also been provided
in support of the justice system, especially for the
Education and Training
Significant increases have been provided in
the Education and Training budget.
Funding support for schools, including the new School Finance Program,
is up 6.8 percent. Grants to the
universities are up 3 percent. The
introduction of $2.5 million of new training programs at the province's
community colleges, and the additional resources provided for the Workforce
2000 program, reflect a renewed focus on equipping students with skills more
relevant to the marketplace.
Youth Employment
In the coming months, many young Manitobans
will enter the job market for the first time.
For a young person, getting a job and getting needed experience are
challenging at the best of times. When
prospects are limited, however, the challenge can be discouraging and
daunting. In recognition of that fact,
the CareerStart Program will be maintained.
In addition, the province will complement its regular summer student employment
program with a new Partners with Youth program to assist young Manitobans to create
their own work opportunities‑‑to earn, to learn and to contribute
their energy and new ideas to their communities. Projects under the Partners with Youth
program will be cosponsored by businesses, local governments and nonprofit
organizations. Details of the new program
will be announced in the near future by the Ministers of Family Services; Rural
Development; Industry, Trade and Tourism; and Culture, Heritage and
Citizenship.
Mr. Speaker, in summary this government
believes these increases, totalling $204 million, for priority social programs
are necessary and appropriate at this time.
However, increases of this magnitude are simply not sustainable on a
longer‑term basis. Greater
efficiencies will have to be found, otherwise the costs of these services will
outstrip the ability of
SUMMARY OF
THE FISCAL PLAN
Economic conditions necessitated greater
spending, especially in agriculture and social assistance. Reduced revenue growth made the task of
maintaining government services more difficult.
This budget provides increased government support where it is most
needed. This is accomplished within a
responsible fiscal network.
Mr. Speaker, last year I stated: "The government's fiscal plan continues
our commitment to fiscal responsibility, despite the difficult circumstances of
the Canadian recession. The lack of
fiscal responsibility at both federal and provincial levels during, and especially
after the last recession, resulted in an unprecedented legacy of debt and
deficits and interest burdens which still plague governments in
We continue to believe we must be fiscally
responsible.
Budgetary expenditure will be $5.45
billion. An overall 4 percent growth in
budgetary expenditure is a responsible level at this time, considering both
need and our collective ability to pay.
Budgetary revenue will be $5.12 billion, after
a $201 million draw on the Fiscal Stabilization Fund. Without the cash resources available in the
Fiscal Stabilization Fund, revenue would be quite modest and the budgetary
deficit for '92‑93 would be at an unacceptable level.
The deficit will be held to $330 million.
FISCAL
STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE
This budget is designed to bring us through
the recession without the massive growth in deficits and debt which occurred in
This will not be an easy task. It is made more difficult by the burden of
interest on past debt, federal offloading and unilateral federal decisions on
transfers.
In 1980‑81, interest on the province's
general purpose debt totalled $79 million.
Today interest costs are $521 million.
In 1980‑81 public debt costs consumed 1.5 points of
Federal offloading has added to provincial
expenditure, making spending control more difficult. The province is absorbing more than $100
million annually in offloaded costs in agriculture under GRIP and NISA, in RCMP
cost‑sharing, unemployment insurance and other areas. Unilateral changes
to federal financing for health and higher education since 1981 have impacted
payments to
Imagine the flexibility we would have if we
did not have to spend most of the sales tax Manitobans pay just to carry the
interest on past debt. Imagine the
flexibility which would come with $250 million more annually in federal
transfers and $100 million less in offloading.
But wishing cannot make it happen. No matter how much we might wish, the reality
is that federal support will continue to be constrained, and we will have to
continue paying interest on our inherited debt.
Manitobans do not want and cannot afford
higher taxes. They want to protect vital
public services. Deficits are not the
answer. They add to future costs,
squeezing out services and adding to tax burdens.
A return to stronger economic growth, low
inflation and lower interest rates will help, but the problems of debt and
deficits will not be solved through economic growth alone.
As the economy recovers, the real test of our
administration will be how vigilantly we control spending, not only for
internal operations but also in provincial Crown corporations and agencies.
For 1993‑94, current forecasts suggest
revenue growth of under 2 percent. To
hold the deficit at this year's level requires that overall growth in spending
be limited to 1.5 percent.
Over the longer term, revenue tends to grow
with economic growth, likely in the 5.5 percent range. In these circumstances, spending growth must
be held to approximately 2 percent annually in order to reduce the deficit.
There are major rewards in following this
course. The most important public
programs can be maintained. Tax
competitiveness can be assured.
Investment and job opportunities can be realized, and we can move ahead
toward a balanced budget and debt reduction.
This will demand a discipline which has not
been widely practised in recent times.
Again, expenditure growth must be held significantly below revenue
growth; otherwise, the deficit will rise inexorably. We must not allow this to happen.
As I said earlier, Manitobans demand that
their governments live within their means and provide services that taxpayers
can afford. That requires balancing the
budget and stopping the growth in debt.
Success in achieving our fiscal targets will help assure
Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the good start we
have made. I am convinced
Thank you very much.
* (1510)
Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of
the Opposition): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the member
for
Motion agreed to.
* * *
Hon. Clayton Manness
(Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, I move,
seconded by the Minister of Environment (Mr. Cummings), that this House, at its
next sitting, will resolve itself into a committee to consider of the Supply to
be granted to Her Majesty.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Manness: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister
of Northern Affairs (Mr. Downey), that this House, at its next sitting, will
resolve itself into a committee to consider of Ways and Means for raising of
the Supply to be granted to Her Majesty.
Motion agreed to.
Messages
Hon. Clayton Manness
(Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, I have
two messages from His Honour the Lieutenant‑Governor.
Mr. Speaker: Order, please.
All members will please rise.
The Lieutenant‑Governor transmits, to
the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, Estimates of sums required for the
services of the province for capital expenditures and recommends these
Estimates to the Legislative Assembly, dated March 11, 1992.
Also, the Lieutenant‑Governor transmits,
to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, Estimates of sums required for the
services of the province for the fiscal year ending the 31st of March 1993, and
recommends these Estimates to the Legislative Assembly, dated March 11, 1992.
Please be seated.
Mr. Manness: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister
of Culture, Heritage and Citizenship (Mrs. Mitchelson), that the said messages together
with the Estimates accompanying the same be referred to a Committee of Supply.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Manness: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister
of Highways and Transportation (Mr. Driedger), that this House do now adjourn.
Motion
agreed to, and the House adjourned and stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m.
tomorrow (Thursday).