LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF
Thursday, November 26,
1992
The House met at 1:30 p.m.
At 1:30 p.m., all members and guests standing, the
Sergeant-at-Arms, carrying the Mace shoulder high and followed by the Speaker
and the Clerks of the Legislative Assembly, entered the Chamber and proceeded
along the west side. The Speaker took
post on the east side of the Chamber and the Clerks took post on the west side
of the Chamber and the Sergeant‑at‑Arms returned along the east
side of the Chamber to the main entrance where he stood and awaited the arrival
of His Honour the Administrator.
The
Premier, members of the Executive Council, military and civil aides, and
officers comprising the officer escort, met in the Lieutenant‑Governor's
reception room.
The
Premier, members of the Executive Council, military and civil aides and officer
escort accompanied His Honour from the reception room to the Chamber in the
following order:
The civil
aide on the right;
the
military aide on the left;
the officer
escort;
the members
of the Executive Council;
the
Premier; and then
the
Administrator.
At the main
entrance, the military and civil aides, the officer escort, members of the
Executive Council and the Premier halted and turned inward to allow the
Administrator to advance to the head of the officer escort, where His Honour
was met by the Mace.
Deputy Sergeant‑at‑Arms (Mr. Roy MacGillivray): His Honour the Administrator.
The Administrator
then, preceded by the Mace carried shoulder high, and followed on his left by
the military aide and on his right by the civil aide, proceeded along the west
side of the Chamber to the throne. The
Premier proceeded along the east side and stood on the floor on the east side of
the Chamber. The members of the Executive
Council took their places.
The
military aide took up his position on the right of the throne and the civil
aide took up his position on the west side of the Chamber.
The officer
escort was positioned to the left of the throne.
The
Administrator seated himself on the throne; the Mace made obeisance and retired
to the east side of the Chamber.
The civil
aide advanced from the position he had taken on the west side of the Chamber
and, after the usual obeisance on each step, handed the Administrator the
Speech from the Throne.
The civil
aide then retired, step by step, and took up his position on the west side of
the Chamber.
(The Administrator seated the House)
SPEECH FROM THE THRONE
Hon. Chief Justice Scott (Administrator of the
I welcome you to the Fourth Session of the Thirty‑fifth
Legislature of the
May I express the wish of His Honour that your goals and
aspirations and the needs of the people you represent be met through your
service as members of this Legislature.
The winds of change are sweeping the globe. Walls and boundaries that have traditionally
defined nations, international trade, national economies and individual
lifestyles are tumbling down. This
revolutionary process is affecting every continent and touching virtually every
nation and every community.
History teaches us that the most durable and enduring societies
are those best able to cope with change, adapt their way of life and take
advantage of new opportunities.
Canadians and their governments are facing an array of
new challenges which, at times, seem to present themselves in rapid fire and
random order. From coast to coast,
Canadians are confronting changed circumstances and new realities while their
local, regional, and provincial economies are reacting to increased competition
and new opportunities half the world away.
Meeting these challenges and capitalizing on new
opportunities requires a co‑ordinated and concentrated effort from all
sectors of our society. We must have the
courage to make difficult decisions as well as the wisdom and skill to ensure
the most positive results possible.
The decisions we make today will be pivotal in
determining what kind of world we will leave our children. My ministers believe these key decisions and
choices cannot be made lightly, nor should they be made in isolation.
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Manitobans want a strong economy capable of creating new
opportunities for themselves and their children, and supporting vital human
services upon which we all rely. The
decisions and choices we make together in the coming months and years will determine
our success in reaching that goal.
My government is committed to implementing its plan for
economic renewal, a plan that looks to the future and focuses on new ideas and
new ways of thinking rather than relying on past approaches and outdated
thinking. This innovative approach is
the key to a strong and prosperous
The foundation for my government's plan for economic
renewal is our ability to control taxes and create an internationally
competitive climate for investment and sustainable growth.
My ministers are encouraged by recent Conference Board of
Canada projections that place
My government will continue to choose its priorities
carefully, exercise moderation in public sector bargaining, and implement the
process of internal reform in government.
Two of my government's key economic development
departments, Rural Development, and Industry, Trade and Tourism have been
restructured to improve and focus the delivery of programs and services to
My government is committed to providing all
In addition, my ministers advise that they will bring
forward plans for the application of video lottery terminal revenues to promote
economic development and community support throughout
Excessive regulations and paperwork are a significant
burden for Manitobans competing for jobs and investment. My government is committed to continuing
reforms to the regulation‑making and review process by providing a
mechanism for individuals and businesses to help reduce the costs of
regulation. Specific approvals processes
will be reviewed with a view to streamlining and better co‑ordinating the
efforts of provincial regulatory bodies.
New Ways for a New Age
Manitobans' capacity to
be innovative will determine our ability to compete in the global economy.
A few weeks ago the newly established Economic Innovation
and Technology Council organized the Manitoba Economic Innovation Forum which
brought together close to 400 representatives of business, labour, the
education community, and government to examine mutual challenges and discuss
potential solutions. My ministers advise
that this unprecedented gathering of Manitobans will result in new and broader
partnerships, more innovative development, and a consensus approach to economic
challenges and opportunities.
To build on these efforts, my government has charged the
council with providing recommendations on further steps in support of
innovation‑based development, including initiatives to improve the co‑ordination
and effectiveness of expenditures by government and its agencies in this area.
Marketing
With a population of 1.1
million people,
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In an increasingly competitive environment for
international trade, it is vital that Manitobans work together to take
advantage of new opportunities. My
ministers advise me that the Manitoba Trading Corporation will be activated and
refocused with a new mandate to connect
My ministers advise that they continue to closely monitor
developments in the federal government's trade negotiations on two important
fronts, to ensure that the best interests of Manitobans are represented. My government has indicated to the federal
government that we cannot support the proposed North American Free Trade
Agreement unless it meets six conditions, and we are concluding our discussions
on the current proposals with Manitobans.
In the discussions towards a General Agreement on Tariffs
and Trade, our single most important objective is to achieve a positive
resolution to the agricultural subsidy war between the
Investing in Ourselves
In an increasingly
competitive world, closer management‑labour partnerships are needed to
build successful enterprises. My
ministers advise me that the newly created Crocus Fund will be funded by
employee contributions and through the sale of shares to the public.
My government will continue to push for changes to
federal tax legislation to encourage employees to participate in the ownership
of their businesses.
Strengthening the Rural
Economy
Building a stronger
rural economy is essential to economic renewal and sustained growth in
My government's strategy for rural economic renewal will
continue to be based on local business development, regional capital market
development, international marketing initiatives, investment in infrastructure,
and diversification of agriculture and resource‑based activities.
My ministers are also examining the feasibility of a new
initiative on rural gasification, to help strengthen rural economies by
providing a more diversified energy supply.
My ministers look forward to receiving the report of the
Northern Economic Development Commission in 1993. They are heartened by the positive reaction
of the international mining industry to the policy and taxation changes
introduced last session.
A Foundation for Growth
Since 1988, my ministers have made substantial
investments in infrastructure projects, including large capital outlays for
highways, roads, sewer and water infrastructure, airports, hospitals and
schools. This year, total capital
expenditures rose to an historic high of over $300 million.
My government will continue to place a high priority on
investment in infrastructure, and will introduce policies and programs to
ensure that
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Agriculture
My government will
intensify efforts to strengthen
My ministers advise that they will bring together the
strategic partners in the agricultural industry with a forum to identify future
directions in diversification, value‑added processing and exports.
Building on our
Strengths
With an eye to the
future, my ministers will continue to focus particular efforts on sectors of
emerging opportunities, where significant potential for growth and innovation
exist. Dynamic clusters of related businesses
within these areas, which have already produced significant results, will
continue to be challenged to work together to meet the growth opportunities of
the 1990s. These sectors include health
care industries, information and telecommunications, tourism, aerospace,
environmental industries and value‑added agriculture.
Health Care Industries
My government's
strategic focus on the health industry has produced significant results over
the past four years. The number of
health product manufacturers in this sector increased by 250 percent to more
than 60 companies employing over 1,000 Manitobans. Health industry developments have resulted in
investments such as the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control and the Animal
Virology Laboratory in
My government will continue its focus and build on the
important infrastructure that has been created.
In August of this year,
Information and
Telecommunications
Since 1988, my ministers
have taken several steps to strengthen the information and telecommunications
industry. The sale of Manitoba Data
Services to ISM
A strategy to capture opportunities in this growing
sector will be launched, supported by a Canada‑Manitoba agreement in
communications technology research and industry development. My ministers advise that special emphasis
will be placed on the development of technologies and services to support the
economic development and growth of rural and northern
Tourism
My government advises that we will further commit to the
enhancement of this site by contributing towards the relocation of the
My government advises that it has unveiled plans to
introduce Sunday shopping on a trial basis and will put forward legislation to
make
Federal-Provincial
Priorities
My ministers recognize
that their efforts to encourage economic recovery will be most effective if
they are co‑ordinated closely with those of other governments, both federal
and provincial, within a national economy which is competitive and growing.
All governments in
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The Premier has proposed that federal and provincial
First Ministers meet in the near future to review a wide range of priorities
for co‑operation, including the National Highways Program and
interprovincial trade barrier reductions.
For several years, all provinces have expressed concerns
about a persistent pattern of federal government offloading of costs and
responsibilities onto provincial and local governments. Federal offloading has affected virtually the
entire range of public services, including training, off‑reserve social
services, and agricultural support. The
negative effects of offloading have been compounded by very substantial
cutbacks in federal transfer payments under the equalization system and the
Established Programs Financing Arrangements for health care and higher education. These reductions will have an impact on all
Manitobans, and all of us must re-examine the way in which we deliver services
as a result.
My ministers will continue to oppose unilateral federal
reductions and, at the same time, will work to ensure fair and adequate federal
support for key economic priorities, such as the
Education and Training
My government realizes
that Education and Training are the keys that unlock a world of opportunity and
a future of economic growth and prosperity.
To this end, my government will chart a course to equip Manitobans with
the knowledge and skills they require to meet the challenges of a new century.
My government has listened to public demands for accurate
student achievement measures and will, therefore, be examining options to
improve standards and increase province-wide testing and evaluation in critical
areas, such as language arts, mathematics, and sciences.
Further, my government will examine options to offer
parents more flexibility in choosing the public school best suited to the needs
of their child.
My government will place greater emphasis on policies and
programs directed towards producing sound reading, mathematics and learning
skills.
My ministers are firmly committed to an increased role of
parents in education and will introduce related initiatives during this session
of the Legislature. My government will
establish a program to recognize "Excellence in Education" among
teachers who are the pivotal component in preparing our youth for the demands
of today's world.
My ministers are aware of the importance of the roles
that both teachers and parents play in the education system. I am advised that my government will host a
Manitoba Education Innovation Forum to provide leadership in the discussion of
implementing important educational reforms.
Mon gouvernement proposera une loi sur la mise en oeuvre
de la gestion des ecoles franco‑manitobaines conformement a l'article 23
de la Charte canadienne des droits et libertes et a la decision de la Cour supreme
du Canada.
[Translation]
Legislation to implement francophone schools governance in
accordance with Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and
the Supreme Court of
[English]
A previously announced
move to college governance is proceeding. The recently announced University
Review is underway and is expected to be completed in 1993. My ministers look forward to receiving the
recommendations of this review.
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The Workforce 2000 Program is in its second year of
operation, and private sector businesses throughout our province are receiving
new and expanded education and training supports. As a result of the extension of the
eligibility of the Payroll Tax Refund Program, Workforce 2000 is expected to
serve approximately 25,000 employees through more than 200 companies this year.
A new Canada/Manitoba Labour Force Development Agreement
will soon be signed and my ministers advise me that they look forward to
working with the federal government and other partners to create a made‑in‑Manitoba
approach to the structure of the training boards.
My ministers will pursue with the federal government the
creation of a tax‑advantaged savings plan to encourage Manitobans to invest
in upgrading their education. By
providing leadership and working closely with parents, students, and the
education community, my ministers are confident that our education system will
provide a solid foundation upon which to build our future progress.
Quality Health Care for
One of the fundamental
values that unites us as Manitobans and Canadians is a commitment to the health
and well‑being of all our citizens.
Manitobans want and need a dependable health care system that provides
quality care for themselves and their families.
My government realizes that every province and territory
in
In May of this year, my government presented a plan to
preserve our medicare system and provide Manitobans with quality care closer to
home. The "Quality Health for
Manitobans' Action Plan" is aimed at assuring the future of a dependable
and effective system for all Manitobans by striking a better balance among
prevention, community‑based and institutional services.
My government will continue to implement this plan by
shifting services away from higher cost institutions to more personal methods
of health care delivery.
My ministers agree that we must move towards more health
promotion, illness prevention, disability postponement and a refocused health
services system in which individuals and families have the opportunity to participate
in decisions affecting their health.
The health care needs of Manitobans and their families
will guide my government as they strive to provide the highest quality of care
possible in the most appropriate setting.
My ministers will ensure that Manitobans receive the important benefits
of continuing advances in medical science and technology. With that goal in mind, my government will
develop strategies to implement computerized health card technology with the
first phase focusing on Pharmacare.
Family Services
My government remains
committed to strengthening and supporting
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My ministers will continue to take action to protect and
care for children at risk in
My ministers will continue their efforts to ensure a high
quality of life for disabled Manitobans by launching a pilot project aimed at
helping disabled persons live more independently in the community. My government will also introduce legislation
to support and protect the rights of adult Manitobans living with a mental
disability.
Our province continues to be committed to combating elder
abuse. In the coming year, we will co‑ordinate resources and develop
multidisciplinary teams to respond to elder abuse concerns throughout the
province.
Protecting the
Environment and Conserving our Natural Resources
My government will
continue to place a high priority on the protection of
My ministers advise that the expected report of the
Advisory Committee on Environmental Liability will be the first step towards
legislation to ensure that environmental liability will be clearly and fairly
assigned and past problems will be cleaned up quickly and effectively.
My government continues to implement the necessary
measures to control and properly dispose of hazardous wastes. The Manitoba Hazardous Waste Management
Centre in the Rural Municipality of Montcalm is now proceeding. New initiatives to deal with biomedical
wastes will also be announced.
My government recognizes that the waste management burden
can fall unequally on smaller municipalities, and in response, will be putting
in place a program to assist these local governments to upgrade, relocate or
regionalize their solid waste management facilities to meet more exacting
provincial standards.
A particularly troublesome problem is contamination
caused by petroleum products leaking from underground storage tanks. My government intends to enact new
regulations which will impose substantially higher standards for new installations,
and which will require testing of existing facilities and cleanup of problem
sites.
My ministers will introduce a new Park Lands Act to
better meet the needs of today's park users and to reflect contemporary
management techniques. This act will play
a key role in meeting our commitments under the Endangered Spaces Program.
Our province is leading a national effort to produce and
implement a new humane trapping technology to ensure a future for the wild fur
industry which supports thousands of Manitobans and their families.
My government will continue to enter into co-management
programs with First Nations to assist in protecting wildlife populations in
My government will introduce an amendment to The
Provincial Fisheries Act which will expand the markets for commercial fish in
My ministers will also establish a fund to support
projects that will enhance the quality of our sport fishery.
Energy efficiency is integral to all government‑owned
and funded operations. My government is
introducing new policies to encourage the use of renewable and alternative
energy sources. Co‑generation
projects and programs promoting the use of natural gas in school buses are two
examples of potential energy cost savings.
My government plans to introduce a comprehensive new Oil
and Gas Act early in this session to encourage, promote and facilitate the
exploration and development of
A Strong and Prosperous
Future
My ministers believe
that challenge brings opportunity; diversity brings strength; and competition
brings progress and growth.
Shaping a strong and prosperous future for
My government's plan for economic renewal will focus on
new ideas and new ways of thinking to ensure a strong future for Manitobans and
their families. My ministers will
continue to bring forward new and innovative programs designed to turn today's
challenges into the opportunities of tomorrow.
A strong and prosperous
Mes ministres soumettront aux deliberations et a
l'approbation des membres de cette Assemblee legislative une vaste gamme de
projets de loi.
[Translation]
My ministers will lay before this Legislature a wide‑ranging
array of legislation for debate and approval.
[English]
Estimates for the
requirements for the public services of the province for the next fiscal year
and the public accounts for the last fiscal year will be placed before you for
your consideration.
Je vous laisse maintenant aux nombreuses taches que vous
allez etre appeles a accomplir fidelement.
Que la divine
I leave you now to the faithful performance of your many
duties and trust that in meeting them you may have the guidance of Divine
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The civil aide
advanced and, after obeisance, received the speech from the Administrator and
retired to the west side of the Chamber.
The Mace
then made obeisance before the Administrator and preceded him along the east
side of the Chamber to the main entrance, accompanied by the Premier, the aides
and the officer escort. All members and
guests stood.
(God Save the Queen was sung)
The Speaker
proceeded to the Chair after His Honour retired from the House.
The Premier
proceeded to his seat in the Chamber.
The
Sergeant‑at‑Arms proceeded to the Speaker who was standing before
the Chair. The Mace made obeisance and
returned to the table.
Mr. Speaker: O
Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come. We are assembled here before Thee to frame
such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O Merciful God, we pray Thee, that we
may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy Will, that we may seek it
with wisdom, know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly, for the Glory
and Honour of Thy Name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Bill 1–An Act respecting
the Administration of Oaths of Office
Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): I move, seconded by the honourable Minister
of Energy and Mines (Mr. Downey), that leave be given to introduce Bill 1, An
Act respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office; Loi sur la prestation des
serments d'entree en fonction, and that the same be now received and read a
first time.
Motion agreed to.
House Business
Mr. Speaker: I wish
to inform the House that in order to prevent mistakes, I have received a copy
of the Address of the honourable Administrator, which was read.
I am pleased to introduce to the House the six young
people who have been selected to serve as Pages at this session. They are, beginning at my right: Tina Sontag, from College Pierre‑Elliott‑Trudeau;
Jeffrey Peters, from Portage Collegiate Institute; Gaetane Manaigre, from Lorette
Collegiate Institute; Trevor Rudge, from Portage Collegiate Institute; Karen
Tymofichuk, from Fort Richmond Collegiate; and Matthew Jenkins, from Lord
Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School.
Mr. Filmon: I move,
seconded by the honourable Minister of the Environment (Mr. Cummings), that the
Votes and Proceedings of the House be printed, having first been perused by the
Speaker, and that the Speaker do appoint the printing thereof, and that no
person but such as the Speaker shall appoint do presume to print the same.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Filmon: I move,
seconded by the honourable Minister of Finance (Mr. Manness), that the speech
of the honourable Administrator be taken into consideration tomorrow.
Motion agreed to.
Mr. Filmon: Mr.
Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Leader of the Opposition (Mr.
Doer), that this House do now adjourn.
Mr. Speaker: Before
putting the motion to the House, may I inform all present that a receiving line
composed of the honourable Administrator, the Premier and Mrs. Filmon, and the
Speaker and Mrs. Rocan will form shortly in Room 200 at the north end of the
building and that refreshments will be served in Room 254 at the south end of
the building in five minutes time.
Motion agreed to, and the House adjourned and stands adjourned
until 10 a.m. tomorrow (Friday).