ORAL QUESTION PERIOD

Winnipeg Arena

Investor Representatives

Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): My question is to the First Minister.

On May 24, in the House, in answers to questions we posed about why the Premier exceeded and broke his election promise of $10 million that he repeatedly made during the last election campaign as the absolute limit for the new arena project, the Premier stated in this House that he was now dealing with a new group of private-sector purchasers led by Mr. Izzy Asper. Today, Madam Speaker, councillors have indicated that Mr. Asper is not involved in the negotiations.

I would like to ask the Premier, who is in charge of the private sector group that the Premier is allegedly dealing with in terms of the Jets?

Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, like any group of investors, there are representatives of the various parties at the table and there are representatives of the interests of major investors at the table, and those who are putting up the major portions of the money are there themselves and in some cases represented by legal counsel, in other cases by accountants. Certainly, Mr. Asper is represented at the table, if not by himself, by others who are there to look after his interests.

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Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, that is quite a different answer than the Premier gave in the Chamber here just awhile ago when he said this group is being led by Mr. Asper.

I was asking the Premier and he did not answer the question of who is in charge. We are bequeathing $111 million to a new facility. We are bequeathing revenue streams in terms of concessions, parking and all kinds of other public investments directly and indirectly in a massive public project that far exceeded the Premier's promise in the election campaign. Whom are we dealing with? Who is in charge of the group we are dealing with, and does the Premier have confidence in the people he is dealing with in terms of bequeathing that much of taxpayers' money to this unnamed group?

Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, I hesitate to explain this once again to the Leader of the Opposition because he does not seem to understand it or choose to understand it. We are, as the public sector, committed to construct an entertainment complex to the value of $111 million split amongst the three levels of government on the understanding that the private sector will commit to raising $111 million to purchase the control of the NHL franchise for Winnipeg as well as provide a fund that will cover the losses, the imputed and potential losses for the foreseeable future.

There are various different people involved who have made commitments to invest in the team, and they are represented by legal counsel and in some cases accountants who are ensuring that their interests are protected. There will be a corporation that will be structured eventually from these negotiations, which are the negotiations for the sale of the franchise from the existing ownership led by Mr. Shenkarow to the new ownership which is more widespread and does include various names that he has referred to and others that have been referred to.

Those negotiations are ongoing, and should they reach an agreement for the purchase and control of the team and make their commitment in writing to us to raise the $111 million, then we as a public sector are committed to construct a facility that will be an entertainment complex to facilitate hockey and various other entertainment in Winnipeg.

Public Equity

Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): Madam Speaker, last week the Premier indicated that Mr. Benson and Mr. Bessey were involved on our behalf in these so-called negotiations. He also stated in Hansard in his Estimates that our share would be 9 percent of the new share structure. The Minister of Finance (Mr. Stefanson) indicated yesterday in questions asked by the member for Crescentwood (Mr. Sale) it would be 18 percent.

I would like to ask the Premier, in this $111 million of so-called money being raised by the private sector, does that include the public equity that has been paid for by the taxpayers either at the 9 percent rate or the 18 percent rate?

Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, in fairness to the Leader of the Opposition, I did say to him that day in Estimates, that he quotes me later on in Hansard, that I did not have all of the facts available and I asked him not to hold me to the detail because I did not--[interjection] Does the member for Wellington (Ms. Barrett) have a question? If so, she could ask her Leader whether she--

Madam Speaker: Order, please.

Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, I am attempting to answer the question but being heckled from members opposite. [interjection] Now the member for The Pas (Mr. Lathlin) is trying to get into it, Madam--

Madam Speaker: Order, please. The honourable First Minister, to quickly complete his response.

Mr. Filmon: I assure him that our equity remains preserved in the new arrangement. Obviously, the amount of public money is not part of the $111 million. That is over and above.

Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the official opposition, for a second question.

Mr. Filmon: Yes, two questions, new question.

Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, I am glad the Premier says we are entitled to a question. I thought you were in the Chair, and I am very sorry that the Premier--

Madam Speaker: Order, please. The Speaker was clearly seeking clarification as to whether the Leader of the official opposition was wishing to elect his option in having two full questions.

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Auto Theft

Increase

Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): Madam Speaker, I have a new question to the Premier.

I was extremely disappointed in the answers of the government yesterday dealing with a very, very unfortunate situation here in the province of Manitoba and the city of Winnipeg. We have had a 225 percent increase in the last two years of car thefts in the city of Winnipeg. We have had a 21 percent increase in the statistics that were just released or made available by the City of Winnipeg police force yesterday for 1994. We have had an increase of thousands of cases, according to the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation, in the last three years while this government has been in office.

I would like to ask the Premier (Mr. Filmon), why is it increasing?

Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to take another opportunity to explain the statistics which were from a leaked document yesterday by the opposition. The statistics which were revealed yesterday were to the end of 1994.

This government has taken very strong action, particularly in the area of auto theft. We have made amendments to The Highway Traffic Act. Those amendments were proclaimed January 1, 1995, so the actions that this government has taken, the very strong actions on a number of fronts, are not reflected in the early statistics the member raised.

Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, every year we hear the same answer from this minister and this government that next year it will be better, next year it will be better.

I would like to ask the Premier, why have car thefts gone up in '91-92 from 2,400 across the province to 8,600 in the '94 MPIC year? It is one an hour in the city of Winnipeg. How many victims do we have of this car theft, and can the government explain why only 851 cases were resolved in 1993 and only 620 cases--[interjection] The Premier (Mr. Filmon) can answer the question--were solved in 1994? In other words, we have more cars being stolen and fewer car thefts being solved by the police and the City of Winnipeg, something the Premier, of course, promised to do something about.

Mrs. Vodrey: Madam Speaker, this government has taken the whole issue of auto theft and auto vandalism very seriously.

We have instituted a number of actions which I am very happy to remind the opposition about; first of all, the changes to The Highway Traffic Act, proclaimed January 1, 1995, Madam Speaker, which we believe will deal with the behaviour; secondly, assist--and let me make it clear to the member of the opposition.

It is not one single action which will deal with our crime statistics. It does require a very comprehensive set of actions, which is why, also, Madam Speaker, this government has money on the table for 40 new police officers, $2 million to the City of Winnipeg, and why we also have made a commitment to the people of Manitoba that we will be looking at ways to deal with restitution where there has been a property crime. [applause]

Mr. Doer: I am surprised that members opposite could be clapping when we have a situation where we have fewer cases solved and more car thefts taking place. I do not think that is a matter to clap for in a political way.

Crime Rate

Reduction Strategy

Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): I would like to ask the Premier (Mr. Filmon), when will this government come up with a comprehensive strategy to prevent crime, to have community responsibility to prevent crime, to have more recreational opportunities for our kids, more opportunities to go to some place besides 7-Elevens, to keep north end Ys open, to keep Kildonan drop-in centres, to get positive programs for kids to prevent crime, along with meaningful accountability when crimes are committed?

When are we going to get a comprehensive approach across our province, Madam Speaker?

Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, again, I would say that every time this government has brought forward an initiative to deal both with prevention--the preventative initiative, No Need to Argue, was just totally dismissed by the opposition.

This government has put into place preventative action, Madam Speaker. This government has money on the table for more police officers. This government has moved legislatively to increase the consequences.

It was raised the other day, a program operating out of the north end Y, which is operated through our youth probation. Money is on the table to continue that program, and we will continue to look for a facility, if by chance the board of the north end Y cannot resolve their difficulties.

So, Madam Speaker, this government, in a very comprehensive way, both from the preventative end, through the process of specialized courts, through policing and also in the Corrections end and legislatively has acted, and we really have seen no support from the other side.

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Winnipeg Police Services

Additional Officers

Mr. Gord Mackintosh (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, yesterday, the '94 crime statistics for Winnipeg also showed robberies up 17 percent and weapons offences up 30 percent--violent offences.

Several years too late, and only during the recent election, the government promised 40 more police officers for Winnipeg at a cost of $2 million, by the way, a promise made four days after the NDP committed $2 million for community policing.

My question to the Minister of Justice: Would the minister explain why the offer of policing was not made before we ended up with, for example, 37,000 break-and-enter victims in the last three years, and has the minister decided the details of the election promise?

Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, the budget line for the 40 new police officers was contained in the budget passed in this House, so the member is completely wrong that this government made the promise lately.

The promise was made through the budget that was passed in this House, voted against, Madam Speaker, by that side of the House--voted against by that side of the House.

Mr. Mackintosh: Madam Speaker, would the minister now change what we understand is the nature of the offer to the city and use the $2 million wisely and as a carrot by offering to cost-share with the city more officers which could secure not just 40 but up to 80 additional officers?

Mrs. Vodrey: Madam Speaker, the member again invites this government to break a promise, to change a promise, or the member on the other side chooses to raise the taxes of the people of the city of Winnipeg.

This government recognized a concern. We understood that it was important to have more police officers on the street, both for prevention and also to deal with the solving of criminal acts which have occurred, so this government did not wait for somebody else to match the offer. We moved directly in response to the interests of public safety for this province. It is always open, Madam Speaker, to the city or to anyone else to match the offer.

Mr. Mackintosh: For the smart use of this provincial money, would the minister also specifically earmark the funding, not just for traditional police officers or traditional policing, but for community-based policing so the officers will be on the streets and in the neighbourhoods?

Mrs. Vodrey: This government, in announcing the $2 million to the City of Winnipeg police said to the Winnipeg police we were particularly concerned about auto theft and youth crime. However, we recognize that it is the chief of police who will be deploying the officers on the street, and it will be up to our chief of police for the city of Winnipeg to determine the work of those officers.

Sexual Assaults

Bail Eligibility

Ms. Diane McGifford (Osborne): My questions are also for the Minister of Justice.

On Saturday, June 23, a 26-year-old Winnipeg man was charged with sexually assaulting a nine-year-old boy who was a neighbour of the man. After being charged with sexual assault, forcible confinement, anal intercourse, sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching, the man was released on bail.

My first question is, did the Crown oppose bail?

Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): As the members know, and I have told members of this House previously, where cases are before the court the Attorney General is unable to speak about that specific case. That still stands today. I am unable to speak about a case before the court.

Ms. McGifford: My second question: Has the minister instructed her department to appeal the judge's bail decision in this case?

Mrs. Vodrey: The answer remains the same. The member is right, in a general sense of course, that it is the court that determines whether or not bail will be granted. Regarding a specific case, this specific case, I am unable to speak about that case.

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Ms. McGifford: Perhaps this question can be answered. To ensure public safety, has the minister instructed staff to oppose bail in similar cases?

Mrs. Vodrey: In a general sense and as it applies to all cases, we look at the facts of the case and included in those facts we would also always be looking at issues of public safety and previous record and evidence and so on, but in the matter of this particular case, I am unable to make any comment.

Personal Care Homes

Additional Beds

Mr. Dave Chomiak (Kildonan): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Premier.

During the election campaign, the Premier promised more personal care home beds and more community-based care to the citizens of Manitoba. But of course that was during the election campaign, and we see something different now.

My question to the Premier: Can the Premier explain why this year there are fewer personal care home beds being budgeted for the province than there were last year?

Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, what I can tell the member opposite is that contrary to what was done under the New Democrats throughout the 1960s when there--[interjection] Throughout the 1980s, I should say. I thank the Leader of the Opposition for correcting me. Of course, it was the 1980s when the government of which he was a part did not add to the personal care beds in this province.

Contrary to that policy, we have added 700 personal care beds since we took office and have 500 more either committed or under construction, Madam Speaker.

Mr. Chomiak: The Premier did not answer the question.

Will the Premier explain why at the same time that they are cutting hospital beds and promise more community-based care, this government has 173 fewer personal care home beds this year than it did last year? Can the Premier explain that?

Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, what the honourable member says is very, very highly suspect, and I look forward, perhaps later this afternoon during the examination of the Estimates of the Department of Health, to put the record straight on that.

As the Premier (Mr. Filmon) has pointed out, we have undergone a massive increase in the number of personal care spaces in our province in the last few years, and we intend to continue in that direction, creating better living circumstances for seniors and others and creating many, many health care jobs.

Mr. Chomiak: I direct the Premier and the Minister of Health to look at their own Supplementary Estimates book that indicates these very numbers, from the minister's own book that he handed out to this Legislature.

My question, again, to the Minister of Health and the Premier (Mr. Filmon), who promised 400 additional beds this year, why are there 173 fewer personal care home beds in this province this year than there was last year, despite their election promises? What has changed since the election and now, Madam Speaker?

Mr. McCrae: I will be interested later in the Estimates review process, Madam Speaker, to get a clearer understanding of the type of mathematics the honourable member is using.

Winnipeg Arena

Contract

Mr. Tim Sale (Crescentwood): The Minister of Finance has indicated that the public sector is going to build the entertainment complex, arena, for a total of $111 million and a fixed-price construction cost of $75 million, using the Dominion Hunt consortium.

He indicated that the contract provided for any cost overruns to be paid for by the private sector, yet, last night, the minister stated that he had not read or even seen the contract. He was uncertain whether Mr. Bessey or Mr. Benson had read or seen the contract.

In the light of this revelation, Madam Speaker, how can the minister assure this House or the public about anything in regard to the contract?

Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Again, the member for Crescentwood intertwines two separate issues. As he knows full well, the discussions have been taking place with the private sector group that if a new facility is going to be built they would build it for an all-inclusive price of no more than $111 million. If there were any costs over and above the $111 million, they would be the responsibility of the new private sector investors.

That group which is part of the MEC group that has been working on this project for the last eight or nine months, as part of their work they went out for requests for proposals back in the fall, received three requests for proposals, did their analysis and have concluded that the best price and the best project is one with Dominion Hunt. They have not entered into a legal binding agreement with that entity yet. They have come to agreement at this point in time, but they are awaiting concluding the binding agreement pending all of the discussions being finalized. Similarly, we are waiting to conclude an agreement with them pending all discussions being finalized, Madam Speaker.

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Luxury Boxes

Mr. Tim Sale (Crescentwood): Can the minister tell the House if the contract, as he understands it, provides for the public sector to pay for the construction of the luxury boxes?

Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): As I understand it, the facility will include the construction of approximately 40 luxury boxes, but the internal amenities within each individual luxury box will be the responsibility of individuals who acquire those boxes for their use. That is a common approach in facilities of this nature right across North America. My understanding again is that is the approach. If somebody wants to put in a particular type of carpet, a particular type of wood panelling, those would be costs that those people will incur themselves in terms of, effectively like a leasehold improvement in their luxury box.

Contract

Mr. Tim Sale (Crescentwood): Madam Speaker, the minister has indicated the contract exists. Will the minister immediately undertake to read the draft fixed-price agreement as has been supplied by Dominion Hunt to MEC under which assurances have been made to this House so that he can speak from some level of certainty instead of supposition to the House on the subject?

Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): I wish the member for Crescentwood would take his own advice and do some research and speak with some certainty on this entire issue instead of rumours, innuendoes, lack of information.

As I have indicated, if we get to the stage where a new arena, a new entertainment complex will be built in Winnipeg, we will enter into an agreement with the private sector investors. They will then enter into an agreement with Dominion Hunt for the construction of the facility.

All agreements will be reviewed before any signing on the part of government, on the part of the new private sector investors, as part of that due diligence process at that time. At this stage they have requests for proposal submissions from groups. Dominion Hunt has submitted a request for proposal which is deemed to be the best, and it is based on a $75-million fixed price.

Civil Servants

Reduced Workweek Legislation

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): My question is for the Minister responsible for The Civil Service Act.

The government has issued its final offer to the membership of the Manitoba Government Employees Union. The offer freezes pay until the end of March of next year and requires employees of the government to take 10 days unpaid leave this year.

My question to the minister is: Is it the intention of this government to enforce this offer through legislation if in fact as requested from this government the membership at large does not accept it?

Hon. Vic Toews (Minister of Labour): Madam Speaker, as the member is aware, this offer is out to the members of the MGEU and that is the appropriate way of dealing with this issue at this time.

Mr. Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, does the minister not feel that there is a significant number of civil servants that are out there that believe this government will introduce legislation if they do not vote in favour of this? Is there anything he is prepared to say or do to make a commitment?

Madam Speaker: Order, please. I would remind the honourable member for Inkster that his question is out of order. He is seeking an opinion. Does the honourable member for Inkster wish to rephrase his question?

Mr. Lamoureux: Yes, Madam Speaker. Can the minister tell us if the government intends to pursue a similar course of action with respect to future negotiations with our nurses and with our teachers?

Mr. Toews: Madam Speaker, no, I cannot tell him that because that is not what we are going to be doing. We have indicated very clearly what we are doing in respect of the civil service and that is exactly what we are doing.

Mr. Lamoureux: I am glad to hear they are not going to be introducing legislation--

Madam Speaker: Order, please. Question, please.

Mr. Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, my question is: Can the minister tell us whether the government will refrain from making any layoffs for the duration of this agreement if it is accepted by the MGEU?

Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.

Madam Speaker: Order, please. I believe we have only one Minister of Labour. The honourable Minister of Labour, to respond to the question.

Mr. Toews: Madam Speaker, I am not prepared to speculate in that manner.

Workforce 2000

Information Release

Ms. Jean Friesen (Wolseley): Madam Speaker, on December 19, 1994, I wrote to the Minister of Education asking for the annual update of the Workforce 2000 program, but to my surprise, I received nothing. On May 12 I repeated this request to the new minister but have not yet, almost a month later, received any information.

I want to ask the Minister of Education, since this program is one of the few initiatives in training of this government, why is the minister, why is this government so reluctant to release any public information on it?

Hon. Linda McIntosh (Minister of Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I am not at all reluctant to discuss our excellent programs that we have such as Workforce 2000, and if there is a letter in my office requesting information on it, I will be only too pleased to respond. I will search that letter out when I return to my office, see what it asks and be pleased to respond to the member.

In the meantime, I am delighted to report that Workforce 2000 is working well, helping Manitobans in industry, helping Manitobans with training, and adding strength to our province.

Ms. Friesen: Madam Speaker, the minister will find that a letter was hand-delivered to her office on May 12 of this year.

Centra Gas

Ms. Jean Friesen (Wolseley): Would the minister tell the House today, in the absence of such public information on Workforce 2000, whether Centra Gas is receiving from Workforce 2000 a refund of the Health and Education levy at the same level as last year of approximately $135,000.

Hon. Linda McIntosh (Minister of Education and Training): I will check that amount and that particular rebate and get that information for the member.

I am pleased to indicate, however, that where we have incentives that we can put in place to help the workforce retrain and upgrade the qualifications of its staff so that they can advance in their workforce abilities, we are pleased to do that where we are able to.

I will get the specific detail on the Centra Gas situation and give that information to her.

Training Grants

Monitoring Process

Ms. Jean Friesen (Wolseley): Madam Speaker, my final supplementary is for the Minister of Labour.

I would like the minister to tell the House whether it is the policy of his government to monitor public training grants to companies where there is a strike or a lockout to ensure that such grants are not used to train replacement workers.

Hon. Vic Toews (Minister of Labour): Madam Speaker, I will take notice of that question.

Keewatin Community College

Staffing Reduction

Mr. Oscar Lathlin (The Pas): My questions are directed to the Minister of Education.

Yesterday, the Minister of Northern Affairs (Mr. Praznik), who is also responsible for aboriginal affairs, could not tell us how cutting more than 10 positions at KCC would do anything to establish and develop KCC as the co-ordinator of post-secondary education in the North, as his government promised before the election, Madam Speaker.

I would like to ask the Minister of Education whether she has any idea as to what these cuts mean to KCC and to aboriginal people.

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Hon. Linda McIntosh (Minister of Education and Training): Madam Speaker, if I might, in answering the question from the member for The Pas, also respond to the other two questions that were given yesterday when I was away at the North End Women's Resource Centre--if I could give that information, those three responses to those questions taken as notice.

I should first of all indicate to the member that Keewatin Community College did experience federal transfer cuts, as he knows, and that the college in its ability to govern, because it does have self-governance now, decided that rather than cut programming, they would take a look at administrative cuts, which is something that the opposition has frequently said should be the way in which those kinds of transfer cuts are dealt with in any arena, and I presume that they would apply that to this same arena, as well.

The staff, in downsizing, of course, absolutely did in no way eliminate the aboriginal learning centre. They did not. They have reallocated people. They are bringing in an elder support counselling program, which if the member does not know about, he should learn about because bringing in elders from the community, community representation, to provide counselling on a flexible time pattern for students at KCC is something that I thought he would support, and I am surprised that he does not support it, given his protestations from his seat that this is not a good way to proceed. I believe an elder program is a very good way to proceed.

In terms of the other two questions, Madam Speaker--I just see the other two questions. One was they wanted to know what was done in terms of helping with northern education versus southern education. I point out to the member something that I think they already know--if they want to ask more questions in Estimates today, I will be pleased to answer those--that we put more dollars per capita into northern post-secondary education than we do to other parts of the province to address the very issues that he claims to be concerned about.

I also indicate, Madam Speaker, that in terms of the question the Premier (Mr. Filmon) took as notice from the member, how will the public institutions there remain accountable to Manitobans, there are three basic ways, many more than that, but three basic ways, so as not to take up too much time.

Of course, they have their college boards, self-governance, accountable to the people. They also present an annual report to government which is basically financial. In addition, they make an annual academic report, Madam Speaker.

I appreciate my time is up, so I will sit down now.

Mr. Lathlin: Madam Speaker, I do not know what to make of that response.

Let me try a second question to the Minister of Education, and that is, is she aware that many of the positions being cut, such as the aboriginal centre and the demotion of the chair of trades to a co-ordinator, are key to the development of aboriginal people, who, incidentally, occupy the lowest rung of the socioeconomic ladder and also who comprise 50 percent of the student body at KCC? We need help, Madam Speaker.

Mrs. McIntosh: Madam Speaker, the member should be aware that I am aware of the efforts being made by Keewatin Community College to satisfy the needs of all northern students in the area, in the region, in which they service, particularly aboriginal students, and the very good efforts that they are putting in place to ensure aboriginal representation throughout the faculty, keeping in place the aboriginal learning centre, bringing in elder counselling services, redeploying some of the staff who were with the aboriginal centre into other areas of the college, recruiting aboriginal staff and people well versed in educational matters.

With self-governance, we have a college which is of the North, from the North, for the North, working to satisfy the needs of the students in the North. I would think--and I am surprised that this does not make him happy, since it is the type of thing we promised we would do in terms of making a northern centre for--

Madam Speaker: Order, please.

Mr. Lathlin: My last question is, how can this minister and her government justify cutting and eliminating some of those programs at KCC in the face of the reports from Roblin, the Northern Economic Development Commission and others? How can she justify cutting those programs?

Mrs. McIntosh: I would suggest perhaps, Madam Speaker, that before the member asks such a question that could be embarrassing to him ultimately, that he either read the report for the first time or reread it carefully to see what it actually says, because Roblin says a number of things about colleges and one that he said is one that we have already acted upon, as the member knows, that Keewatin Community College is designated to be a co-ordinator for northern and post-secondary education.

We are currently, we being the province of Manitoba through the board of governors who are independent, searching for a new president. Once that president has been located through the process of a self-governing decision then that centre will indeed become the co-ordinating centre for the North. He also knows that colleges are self-governing, that they make the decisions not government--

Madam Speaker: Order, please.

Point of Order

Mr. Steve Ashton (Opposition House Leader): On a point of order, Madam Speaker, we have been very patient, but Beauchesne Citation 417 states very clearly that answers to questions should be as brief as possible, deal with the matter raised and should not provoke debate.

I think we would appreciate it if the minister could respond to the very real questions asked by the member for The Pas about the future of KCC.

Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Education, on the same point of order.

Mrs. McIntosh: On the same point of order, Madam Speaker, you may notice that I responded to three questions taken as notice yesterday and point by point to each point raised by the member for The Pas. If he does not want a detailed answer, he should not ask a detailed question.

Madam Speaker: On the point of order by the honourable member for Thompson, I would remind members on both sides of the House that, indeed, brevity both in questions and answers is of great importance in Beauchesne 410.(7).

Indeed, we have adopted a few new rules in terms of guidelines and I did give the honourable Minister of Education some latitude in responding to questions taken as notice. However, the other responses were well within the time limits.

Parkland Region

Distance Education Co-ordinator

Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education as well.

For 10 years the Distance Education co-ordinator of Parkland Assiniboine Community College has given students the opportunity to access post-secondary education without having to leave the region. The position of co-ordinator will soon be terminated. This will have a negative impact on Distance Education for the whole Parkland area.

Will the minister step in to provide funding so that the co-ordination of Distance Ed programs will continue?

Hon. Linda McIntosh (Minister of Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I will be brief and just simply indicate that Distance Education is a priority of this government, of this department and of this minister. There is no way we will knowingly or willingly allow any initiatives in Distance Education to be in any way jeopardized or delayed.

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Mr. Struthers: I appreciate the support and I will be expecting the funding to flow soon.

Will the minister, given her party's election stance that distance from the source of education will not be an obstacle, explain how she plans to deal with the technological expansion of Distance Ed without a co-ordinator on staff?

Mrs. McIntosh: The member makes assumptions. Inherent in his statement are assumptions which he bases upon I know not what. I do indicate that we are having Estimates of expenditures right now. We leave this Chamber and go into them in four or five minutes. I invite him to come and perhaps he could ask those questions. We can delve into them in as much detail as he would like where time permits and protocol allows.

Mr. Struthers: Can the minister provide information as to how her government will offset the loss of yet another salaried position from the community of Dauphin?

Mrs. McIntosh: Madam Speaker, with respect, I did not hear the first portion of the member's question. I wonder if he would be good enough to repeat for me.

Mr. Struthers: Can the minister provide information as to how her government will offset the loss of yet another salaried position from the community of Dauphin?

Mrs. McIntosh: I say, my, my, I think we are into Estimates already, Madam Speaker.

Again, I would encourage any members who wish to participate in the Estimates process to do so in the committee room at the proper time and place scheduled for that event.

Madam Speaker: Order, please. Time for Oral Questions has expired.

NONPOLITICAL STATEMENTS

Philippine Heritage Week

Mr. Conrad Santos (Broadway): Madam Speaker, respectfully, I request leave to make a nonpolitical statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Broadway have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Mr. Santos: Madam Speaker, the honourable Premier (Mr. Filmon) of the province of Manitoba has officially proclaimed June 11 to June 18, 1995, as the Philippine Heritage Week. It is written, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies, and what you sow is not the body that shall be, but mere grain. Just as the seedling needs to crack the tough seed covering in order to germinate, so must a people liberate themselves from the bonds of slavery and oppression and achieve freedom and independence as a nation before the people can fully develop their own unique cultural heritage.

Therefore, it is appropriate that on this Friday, June 9, 1995, starting at 6 p.m. there will be a dinner and dance at the Airliner Inn, 1740 Ellice Avenue, corner of Century Street, to commemorate the 97th Celebration of Philippine Independence, which serves as a fitting precursor of the Philippine Heritage Week from June 11 to June 18, 1995.

On Sunday, June 11, 1995, at eight o'clock in the morning at the City Hall quadrangle at 510 Main Street, there will be an opening flag-raising ceremony attended by many different organizational groups displaying their respective banners, and at approximately 1:30 p.m., there will be some festivities at the Filipino seniors group hall at 49 Euclid Street.

On Monday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m., at the Philippine Centre located at 88 Juno Street, corner of McDermot Avenue, there will be interfaith religious services of the Philippine community.

On Wednesday, June 14, starting at 6:30 p.m., there will be a cultural presentation at Wellington School located at 690 Beverley Street, sponsored by the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Incorporated.

On Thursday, June 15, 1995, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a Filcasa celebration at the Filcasa Housing Co-op at 442 William Avenue, corner of Gertie Street.

On Saturday, June 17, 1995, at 7 p.m., there will be a Pistahan Rondalla Ensemble musical presentation at the Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre at 340 Provencher Boulevard under the auspices of the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Incorporated.

Finally, on Sunday, June 18, all hours of the day at Assiniboine Park, there will be a Philippine community picnic of the various organizations and groups. Everybody is invited. Thank you.

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): Madam Speaker, if I may have leave to make a nonpolitical statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the member for Inkster have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Mr. Lamoureux: Madam Speaker, I, too, on behalf of the Liberal caucus, would like to join in with the member for Broadway and the comments that he has made with respect to the 97th celebration coming up between the 11th and the 18th of June, and to acknowledge and support what the Premier (Mr. Filmon) has done in terms of the proclamation for that particular week.

I am sure if members do decide, or do have some time to attend the many different events that are being hosted throughout that week from the Filipino community, as the member for Broadway has pointed out the calendar of events, they will find they are very enjoyable.

What you will see on numerous occasions is different forms of displays of culture and heritage from the Filipino community, and I have always, personally, found it to be very rewarding and always new to be able to participate in some degree in a number of the different events through the week.

I, too, as, I am sure, the member for Broadway, will be at the Independence Ball coming up this Friday--it is actually, as I believe he pointed out, at the Airliner--and look forward to seeing other members of the Chamber attend if they can. Suffice to say, I am sure, it would be very much appreciated from the community and all of us would benefit by having more people attending it. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Harold Gilleshammer (Minister of Culture, Heritage and Citizenship): Madam Speaker, do I have leave to make a few comments?

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable minister have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Mr. Gilleshammer: Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join colleagues from opposition parties to let members of the Chamber know of the celebrations within the Filipino community coming up within the next week.

Manitoba is home, of course, to many multicultural groups, and certainly, there are some 40,000 Filipino people living within the province of Manitoba who take an active part in the many groups that are organized within the province.

I, too, would encourage colleagues and the general public to avail themselves of the opportunity to join with the Filipino community in their celebration. Thank you.

Back 40 Folk Festival - Morden, Manitoba

Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): A nonpolitical statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Pembina have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Mr. Dyck: Madam Speaker, on Sunday, June 4, I was privileged to attend the Back 40 Folk Festival in Morden, Manitoba.

For the sixth consecutive year, local and Manitoba artists came together to display their talents to provide very high quality entertainment and to educate the listening public in the roots of traditional music. I want to say that festivals like this give solid evidence of the great pool of talent and energy which resides in our local communities.

The Pembina constituency has not only been at the forefront of innovation and creativity in Manitoba agriculture and industry, it has also contributed greatly to the artistic life of this province. Not only were there musical artists present but also crafts people, children's entertainers and others interested in providing an excellent time for the whole family.

At this time, I would like to pay tribute to the organizers, volunteers and performers of the Back 40 Folk Festival and invite all of you to sample some excellent music next year, the first weekend in June in Morden, Manitoba.

Alzheimer Manitoba Memory Walk

Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): Also, on June 4 in Winkler, I was able to participate in the opening exercises of the third annual Memory Walk for Alzheimer Manitoba, the south-central region. Last year the Manitoba Memory Walk raised over $60,000 and their goal is for $93,000.

Alzheimer disease is a frightening and frustrating disorder for those who find themselves struck by this degenerative brain disease. It is also a disease that has a tremendous effect on families. Family members suffer from what can amount to the loss of a loved one in the latter stages of this disease. Whether it is the husband or wife who can no longer remember their spouse or children or the frustration that accompanies the inability to perform routine functions in life, it is a disease that robs its victims and their families of basic enjoyment of life. As we know, this is a disease that seems to know no barriers. It can strike any of us. That is why it is so important to rally our friends and neighbours to fight this disease.

Elmer Letterman said, and I quote: There is only one thing better than making a new friend; that is keeping an old one.

Let us make sure we do not lose any more old friends. Thank you.

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