Wednesday, May 24, 1995

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA

Wednesday, May 24, 1995

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

PRAYERS

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

National Forest Week

Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, I have a ministerial statement.

Madam Speaker, National Forest Week took place between May 7 and May 13 of 1995. Members of the Manitoba Legislature, today each MLA has received a tree from the Manitoba Forestry Association in celebration of National Forest Week as has been the tradition for many years.

Manitoba has been celebrating National Forest Week for almost 50 years, and in honour of this special occasion the Manitoba Forestry Association is distributing 20,000 trees to Manitobans. Each MLA has received a tree to plant in his or her constituency to mark this special week.

We also recognize the importance of a forest to all Manitobans.

This government is committed to ensure the sustainable development of our forest and land resources, and the Department of Natural Resources manages and allocates forest resources for the best long-term social and economic benefits to Manitobans.

In Manitoba, we plant more than 11 million trees annually and use natural regeneration to ensure that future forests meet environmental as well as industrial needs.

We all recognize the importance of forests for wildlife habitat and recreation, and we are here to ensure that future generations can also enjoy and appreciate our forests. We have maintained our support for National Forest Week and Manitoba Forestry Association educational materials and continue to work in partnership with this organization to demonstrate co-operative sustainable forest management.

Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate and thank the Manitoba Forestry Association for its efforts and encourage all Manitobans to plant a tree. Thank you.

* (1335)

Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): Madam Speaker, I wish, too, to express our support for any co-operative sustainable forest development that this government is willing to undertake. I look forward to the day when it does actually get serious about this problem. I offer any kind of support from this side of the House when I see that happening. Thank you.

Introduction of Guests

Madam Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the Speaker's Gallery, where we have with us this afternoon His Holy Highness Sant Roshan Singh of Maqsudpur, Punjab, India.

On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you this afternoon.

Also in the gallery, we have with us this afternoon from Laureate Academy ten Grades 10 to 12 students under the direction of Mr. Bill Rambo. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for St. James (Ms. Mihychuk).

We have seated in the public gallery from River West Park School forty Grade 9 students under the direction of Mr. Gary Perrett. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs (Mr. Ernst).

Also, we have with us from the Ralph Brown School thirty Grades 5 and 6 students under the direction of Mrs. Cora Duffy. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for St. Johns (Mr. Mackintosh).

On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome you this afternoon.