Winnipeg Arena
Provincial Funding
Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): My question is to the First Minister.
On June 24, 1994, less than a year ago in this Chamber, the Premier rose to table the Burns report. The Burns report concluded that $30 million of public money was not enough to support a new arena facility for the Winnipeg Jets. The Premier quoted at that time that the taxpayers will have to fund the total cost estimated to be $111 million for the new facility. The Premier went on to state in this House that he cannot, and I will quote, in all good conscience expect Manitobans to fund a $111-million facility.
I would ask the Premier why this was unacceptable to his conscience before the election and why now after the election it is acceptable to the conscience of the Premier, Madam Speaker.
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Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, the member opposite is very well aware of the method in which the MEC attempted to raise monies from the private sector to fund the purchase of a team, as well as a new facility for hockey in Manitoba. Their efforts which arrived at approximately, I believe, about $40,000 to $45,000 of fundraising were inadequate to be able to both fund the acquisition of a team and also contribute to the development of a facility.
A new proposal came forward led by Mr. Asper and others who joined on with the efforts of MEC and made a proposal that they would not only raise the funds to purchase the team but create an endowment fund that would take care of ongoing losses for the foreseeable future of the team. That significantly increased the target on their part to in excess of $100 million on the understanding that the private sector would provide a facility, the construction of a facility, called an entertainment complex for the ongoing use of the citizens of Manitoba that would recognize the major investment being made for the acquisition, operation and covering of losses for the team.
That proposal was one that we considered very carefully, and given the fact that it resulted in us not only getting $10 million back in direct revenues to the taxpayer from the construction of the facility but $6 million a year of tax revenues afterwards, we decided that this was a reasonable proposition, Madam Speaker.
Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, regrettably, the Premier did not answer the question.
The question was, on June 24 of 1994, why was it against the conscience of the Premier to go ahead with $111 million--this was before MEC was created--and the Premier did not answer the question, why is it acceptable to his so-called conscience after the election?
Madam Speaker, during the election campaign, on many occasions, the Premier stated that he would only place $10 million of taxpayers' money on the table. This is months after MEC was created. In fact, at the end of March, on a CBC debate which was covered by all the media outlets, the Premier said that he would cancel the operating loss agreement, and the only amount of taxpayers' money he would spend would be limited to $10 million.
Why did he say one thing before the election and proceed with more money well in advance of that after the election, Madam Speaker?
Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, I, in the response to the first question, did indicate to the Leader of the Opposition that, as a result of the private sector coming forth with a proposal to raise considerably more money than the original proposal that was there, on the understanding that the public sector would create a facility, an entertainment complex, that would be there for the use and enjoyment of generations of Manitobans to come, we made the decision, given that the tax revenues would be $10 million directly from the construction of the facility to the provincial government and $6 million a year from the operations of the team within that facility, that there was a direct benefit to the taxpayers of Manitoba and there was reason for us to entertain that thought and to go into that agreement, which we did.
We then proposed to the other two levels of government who subsequently have indicated their commitment to the construction of the complex.
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Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, the Burns report and the Mauro report dealt with the whole issue of taxpayers' so-called return all the way through, and the Premier said, it is unconscionable to proceed with $111 million dollars, last June, prior to the election. Then, during the election and at the end of March, he said, and I quote: Only $10 million.
At the Taxpayers Association debate, again covered by the media, the Premier then promised, again, only $10 million and cancellation of the operating loss agreement.
What democratic mandate has the Premier got from the people of Manitoba to maintain his word when he promised $10 million, and now, after the election, he is proceeding with amounts of money well beyond what he promised in the election?
How can he say one thing in the election, one thing prior to the election, and do something completely opposite which he condemned before the election? That is the essence of the question.
Mr. Filmon: One could ask why it is that the Leader of the Opposition, when it appeared as though the Jets were not going to be able to remain in Manitoba after the election, said: Why did the Premier not do something about it? He promised to save the Jets during the election campaign, and he has broken his promise. That is what he said.
He also said to other people, Madam Speaker, that if he were in office, he would have found a way to save the Jets. That is the kind of duplicity that we get from the Leader of the Opposition all the time. He gets away with it and he expects that other people are not going to notice the sorts of things that he says, but we have noticed and so has the public. That is why the public did not elect him as the Premier.
Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, the government has condemned to the conscience of the Premier $111 million. The Premier has not answered that question. Why was it acceptable to be against his conscience before the election, and now, to change his mind after the election, it is acceptable?
During the election, on three separate occasions, the Premier said his limit was $10 million. He said it in the CBC debate which was covered by all the media, the radio debate. He said it at the Taxpayers Association and four days before the election, he again said on the CJOB all-party debate, and I quote: The $10 million is all and the limit we are going to put on the table.
What democratic mandate did the Premier receive in the election campaign to go beyond $10 million, Madam Speaker?
Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has asked the same question a third time. I will respond, again, that the proposal that was put forward by Mr. Asper and the new group of people who got involved, involved them raising a considerable amount of money greater than their original proposal.
Instead of about $45 million, they were now coming up with $110 million which saw them have the ability not only to buy the team but create an endowment fund that would provide for ongoing losses that would assure the ongoing operations of the Jets here.
Business Plan Tabling Request
Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): The issue here is the word of the Premier.
On four occasions, he condemned what he is now agreeing to. Three times during the election campaign, the Premier promised only $10 million. How can Manitobans listen and believe the Premier on any subject if during the election campaign he says one thing and he does something different shortly thereafter? That is the issue.
Madam Speaker, can the Premier table today, because he condemned other parties in the past for asking for support for the Jets--in fact, he condemned the former member for Crescentwood for a $30-million proposal in 1990 without a business plan. Can the Premier table today the full business plan, all of the costs to the taxpayers, directly and indirectly, all the conditions, all the revenue considerations in terms of the rent that will be paid back to the public who are paying for a whole new arena?
Can he table that in the Chamber today in light of the fact that he has always said before that he will not proceed with any public money without a plan first?
Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, as I have indicated, the proposal is that the private sector will provide the funding for the purchase and acquisition of the control of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, as well as for the ongoing funding of any losses and the operational costs of that team, and the public sector will be constructing a new arena facility, an entertainment complex, that will be provided for the future use and enjoyment of all Manitobans.
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Agreement Tabling Request
Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): Madam Speaker, the Premier did not answer the question.
Given the fact that he has broken his word on four occasions in the last nine months, we want to see it in writing, and I think all Manitobans have a right to see it in writing, because they heard the Premier say time and time again, $10 million is our limit, $10 million is our limit, $10 million is our limit, before the election.
Quite honestly, Madam Speaker, that is why the people of Manitoba deserve to see it in writing.
Finally, Madam Speaker, the Premier has said before that he required an ironclad agreement, an ironclad agreement of 20 years--no weasel words, no escape clauses, no notwithstanding clauses--a 20-year agreement that the team would stay in the city of Winnipeg or the province of Manitoba prior to any money--any money, let alone the $37 million or $45 million being forwarded by our public to the building of this arena.
Can the Premier table today the ironclad agreement, the full agreement, because we found before with the operating loss agreement, Madam Speaker, what the Premier said was not what actually happened in the end.
Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, as the member knows full well, negotiations are ongoing among the private-sector partners. In fact, the acquisition of the team and all that detail continues ongoing, so we are not yet at a stage where we will negotiate that agreement, and we have not yet put any money forward or made any contractual obligations.
At this point, we are dealing with the matters in principle, and when the private sector gets their part of the agreement together, then we will be able to proceed with matters such as he has raised.
Winnipeg Arena
Provincial Funding
Mr. Tim Sale (Crescentwood): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance, who is apparently playing the point position on the arena deal.
We are asking that the minister acknowledge clearly and explicitly the nature and level of expenditures associated with the private-sector purchase of the Winnipeg Jets and with the so-called endowment fund to offset the ongoing massive losses of the Jets.
Specifically, Madam Speaker, what are the estimated tax expenditures his government and the federal government are preparing to make to subsidize the MEC owners and the private donors to the endowment, or, in other words, the losses sinking fund?
What is the size of those expenditures you are going to make?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, as the Premier (Mr. Filmon) just indicated, literally while we are meeting, discussions are ongoing between the private-sector group here in Manitoba and the current owners of the Jets in terms of finalizing an agreement that will lead to a Manitoba solution with a change in ownership here in Manitoba, which will lead ultimately then, if that is successful, to the development of a facility here in our province.
When those agreements are concluded, they will be brought forward. Everybody is working aggressively to conclude those as soon and as quickly as possible, and they will be outlined and disclosed at that time, Madam Speaker.
Donations--Tax Deductibility
Mr. Tim Sale (Crescentwood): To the same minister, Madam Speaker, can the minister confirm that he has sought and received a full and formal legal opinion which he can share with this House as to the tax status of the donations to the losses sinking fund by the thousands of Manitobans who were led to believe that their donations would be tax deductible? Have you such an opinion?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, the issue of tax deductibility on any donations is a matter to be dealt with between the private-sector group and Revenue Canada. When they have that kind of information provided, they will be forthcoming with that.
Madam Speaker, whether or not the kind of structure that is put in place qualifies for tax deductibility is a matter to be determined by Revenue Canada. That will be a matter to be discussed between the private sector and Revenue Canada, and we await the decisions of the federal government and Revenue Canada on that issue.
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Mr. Sale: Again to the Minister of Finance, Madam Speaker, does the minister then endorse the views of Mr. Asper who has stated that donations to offset the losses of the Winnipeg Jets are just like donations to the Christmas Cheer Board or to the Children's Hospital Research Foundation?
In other words, does the minister endorse the view that the Winnipeg Jets are now a charity?
Mr. Stefanson: Madam Speaker, I am not sure if the honourable member is looking for my opinion on comments made by Mr. Asper. Those are Mr. Asper's comments, and, obviously, we all judge those comments individually.
I have outlined for the member and the members opposite how the process works, where the determination lies in terms of whether or not the matter is tax deductible as a donation, and we will await the ruling of Revenue Canada.
Dauphin Recreation Centre
Funding
Mr. Stan Struthers (Dauphin): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Rural Development.
Many rural Manitobans have watched the flip-flops of this government over funding both a second arena and the Winnipeg Jets with a great deal of concern.
Can the minister tell rural Manitobans whether provincial commitments for important projects such as the Dauphin recreation centre will be affected by an extra $30 million or more that the Premier (Mr. Filmon) has now committed to the Winnipeg Jets project?
Hon. Leonard Derkach (Minister of Rural Development): Madam Speaker, I would just like to inform the new member for Dauphin that, indeed, it is this government that made a fairly substantial commitment to a new complex in the Dauphin area that would serve the Parkland Region.
In essence of looking at the balance in the province, I have to tell this House that, indeed, we do look at every region of the province and try to ensure that there are facilities that can be enjoyed by the citizens in all regions of this province.
It is for that reason that we made a very substantial commitment to the Dauphin area for a complex in the Dauphin community.
Mr. Struthers: I am aware that the headline in the Dauphin Herald is about $600,000 worth of money that you put into this fund, and I am sure you got as much out of the headline as possible.
Is this government prepared to top up support for the Dauphin recreation centre, so that the arena can be built to provide a necessary facility in Dauphin?
Mr. Derkach: Madam Speaker, the agreement that was reached with regard to the Dauphin complex was one that was done by three levels of government through the infrastructure program.
As a matter of fact, there has to be a commitment both locally and from the federal government. In that respect, we have, indeed, been very generous with the infrastructure program to the Dauphin community, because we recognize the need for that facility in the Dauphin area and also the fact that that arena, that facility, will serve more than just the community of Dauphin but, indeed, will serve that region of the Parkland area.
Mr. Struthers: Will this minister commit to assist the construction of the Dauphin arena as a priority?--as this is a very urgent issue in the community, the arena.
Mr. Derkach: Madam Speaker, we have made a commitment to that arena through the infrastructure program. Our commitment is a solid one through the infrastructure program.
Granville Lake, Manitoba
Negotiations
Mr. Oscar Lathlin (The Pas): Madam Speaker, as members of this Assembly may be aware, I represent a riding where aboriginal people comprise 50 percent of the electorate. Members are also aware that I represent all of those people in my riding without differentiating between aboriginal and nonaboriginal, because to do otherwise would be regarded as not doing my job or even being racist.
When will this Premier start representing all of the people of Manitoba, instead of saying to aboriginal people all the time, you are aboriginal, you are out of luck, you are a federal ward, and besides, you are creating havoc with my statistics on child poverty?
When will this Premier represent all of Manitoba, including--
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Madam Speaker: Order, please. The question has been put.
Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, we do represent all Manitobans. The Constitution assigns certain responsibilities for jurisdiction, responsibilities that are clearly delineated in the Constitution and responsibilities that, I might add, are referred to by the leadership of the aboriginal people.
When they say publicly that we, the province, are not involved in any of the discussions with respect to self-government because we have no jurisdiction over the aboriginal people of this province living on reserves and that they will only deal with the federal government on those matters, they have clearly spoken that they do not regard us as having any jurisdiction over those people.
They have said it publicly, and they have argued it to the point that the federal minister, Mr. Irwin, has not allowed this government to have any say or any part of the discussions with respect to aboriginal self-government of the Status aboriginals living in this province.
They have delineated it. His people, the aboriginal people and leadership, have said so publicly, Madam Speaker, and those are the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
Mr. Lathlin: You know, this government--
Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The Pas, please pose your supplementary question now.
Mr. Lathlin: What is the status of negotiations between Mathias Colomb First Nation and this government over the Granville Lake situation?
Has the First Minister (Mr. Filmon) met with anyone on this yet, or is this government going to continue to pretend that poverty is somebody else's responsibility?
Hon. Bonnie Mitchelson (Minister of Family Services): Madam Speaker, I thank my honourable friend for that question because it does give me the opportunity to stand and reiterate and talk about one of the questions that was asked by his colleague the critic for Family Services just before the last session ended.
I want to quote from the critic's question to me that does indicate clearly, I will quote, that both my colleague the Minister of Northern Affairs (Mr. Praznik) and myself had written to the federal minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. He says, I quote: Since these people are treaty and a federal responsibility, I would like to ask the minister if she has received a response from the federal government about this offloading to this community--and he was referring to South Indian Lake.
Madam Speaker, the situation around Granville Lake is exactly the same situation that surrounded South Indian Lake, and his party was on record supporting our government in fighting the federal government for not living up to their financial responsibilities to Status Indians. I would hope that he would be onside in our fight and our dialogue with the federal government to live up to their responsibility.
Mr. Lathlin: Madam Speaker, my question is directed to the First Minister again.
Will the Premier acknowledge that the people of Granville Lake are citizens of Manitoba and therefore deserve to be treated as such from this government?
Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, just as the member for The Pas' colleague the honourable member for Burrows (Mr. Martindale) indicated previously, the responsibility and the jurisdiction for Status aboriginals living in this province is with the federal government. They have always accepted that fiduciary and constitutional responsibility in the past, and I believe it is incumbent on all of us to ensure they continue to accept that responsibility.
That is the position the member for The Pas took when he was a chief. That is the position that is taken by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs today, and that is the position that I believe all of us should take as Manitobans to ensure that the federal government lives up to its constitutional and fiduciary responsibilities.
Child Poverty Rate
Reduction Strategy
Mr. Doug Martindale (Burrows): Madam Speaker, during the last several weeks, we have seen an unparalleled outpouring of passion by the citizens of Winnipeg and Manitoba towards keeping the Jets in this city.
What we also need is a similar outpouring of passion by this government towards alleviating the situation of the poor. Instead, what we have seen is only one increase in the minimum wage since 1990, cutbacks in social assistance rates, a lack of initiatives to create jobs for people on social assistance and no increase in social assistance rates in two years and five months.
I would like to ask what the Minister of Family Services and her government plan to do by way of concrete action to change this situation and to address the very serious rate of poverty in this province.
Hon. Bonnie Mitchelson (Minister of Family Services): Madam Speaker, I thank my honourable friend for that question. I think our government's record stands for itself in the initiatives that we have undertaken in order to try to alleviate child poverty and ensure those that are on social allowances have the opportunity--we have always said that the best social security is a job.
I think this government has a track record that has tried to encourage private-sector activity and job creation--not job creation by government, Madam Speaker, but having those that can create the long-term jobs and help our economy in the province of Manitoba be here and make that happen.
We have initiatives that are ongoing and underway with the federal government that are leading edge across Canada. We have the Taking Charge! initiative which will help single parents on social allowance develop their own individual plan of independence and move off of social allowance into the workforce.
We are working on Making Welfare Work projects with the City of Winnipeg. We have rural Making Welfare Work projects where the private sector has the opportunity to hire social assistance recipients with wage subsidy. We are trying to do our part.
Mr. Martindale: Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the minister what her government is going to do to reduce the disgraceful level of child poverty to which their policies have contributed--the worst record in Canada of any province.
What are they going to do to reduce the disgraceful level of child poverty, and when will they increase social assistance rates which would affect this problem directly?
Mrs. Mitchelson: Madam Speaker, I have to indicate that we in the Province of Manitoba have some of the most progressive tax incentives and initiatives for families living in poverty of all provinces across the country. We leave more money in the pockets of those poorer Manitobans than almost any other province across the country does.
If you look back to the budget--I guess it was a couple of years ago--that was presented in the province of Saskatchewan by the New Democratic Party, it does indicate that those living in Manitoba with an income of $25,000 or less have the best tax incentive regime across the country, and it moves to families with an income of $50,000 have the second-best tax regime, and those with incomes of $75,000 and more are the third best across the country.
Madam Speaker, we have tried to do our part again in Manitoba to ensure those that are living with lower incomes have an opportunity to do better than others across the country.
Social Assistance
Rate Standardization
Mr. Doug Martindale (Burrows): Madam Speaker, can the Minister of Family Services assure those people who are employable and are on municipal assistance, particularly the 89 percent of the caseload on the City of Winnipeg assistance, that when this government takes over city or municipal assistance, which in theory is a good idea, there will not be a reduction in rates, because the rates certainly will be standardized?
Will the minister bring the rates for food for infants to eighteen-year-olds up to the level of the city level currently, or will they reduce them and thereby contribute further to the problem of child poverty in Manitoba?
Hon. Bonnie Mitchelson (Minister of Family Services): Madam Speaker, I think I indicated, just at the end of the last session when a question very similar was asked by my honourable friend, that, indeed, we have taken a step towards ensuring that welfare in the city of Winnipeg will be a one-tiered system.
Everything is under negotiation right now. We are working and expecting or anticipating an interim report by the end of June that will give us some information on how we can go about making that a reality, but everything will be on the table for discussion and negotiation through that process.
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Northern Manitoba
Physician Resources
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Madam Speaker, my questions are for the honourable Minister of Health, and my first question is this. There is a crisis of doctor shortages in northern communities such as Leaf Rapids and Lynn Lake.
Why did the minister not consult with northern residents and hospital administrators prior to implementing his new regulations on foreign doctors?
Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, I thank the honourable member for this very important question.
As the members of the medical profession continue, as they have for many years, to find their way to the more populated areas of the province, this leaves us with difficulties encountered from time to time in rural and northern communities.
We are aware of the situation at Lynn Lake and at Leaf Rapids, and, indeed, I will be meeting with a delegation of people on Friday from Leaf Rapids. We are making every resource possible available to resolve those issues before they become critical.
Mr. Jennissen: A supplementary question, Madam Speaker: Why did the minister not urge the College of Physicians and Surgeons to grant an immediate extension to the Lynn Lake physician who will be leaving the province as a result of delays in government action on this situation?
Mr. McCrae: Madam Speaker, through our partnerships with organizations like the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Manitoba Medical Association and Manitoba Health, we work on a continual basis to ensure that physician resources are available for people wherever they happen to live in Manitoba.
I feel very strongly about this, Madam Speaker, as I know the honourable member does, too, on behalf of the people in his constituency. By working together with him, and with the other organizations we have referred to, we are determined to ensure that Manitobans, wherever they live, have access to physician resources.
Indeed the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation tells us that this is the kind of service Manitobans have been getting, wherever they happen to live, and our determination is to ensure that that state of affairs continues.
Mr. Jennissen: My final supplementary, Madam Speaker: Can this minister confirm when two new doctors will go to Leaf Rapids and assure the community as to how long these doctors will stay?
Mr. McCrae: It will be my hope, Madam Speaker, to try to answer those questions Friday when I meet with the delegation from Leaf Rapids, but if I do not have those answers by Friday, then it would be very shortly thereafter.
I have made it very clear to Manitoba Health and to the others with whom we work that I insist that these matters be dealt with as a No. 1 priority. They are very, very important to the people in those areas.
Motor Vehicle Recalls
Safety Belts
Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Consumer Affairs.
Yesterday, the federal government announced that as many as 900,000 motor vehicles are being recalled due to faulty seat belts. I would like to know, has the minister discussed this issue with the motor dealers in this province? Can he tell the House how many vehicles could be affected in this province?
Hon. Jim Ernst (Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs): Madam Speaker, no, I have not spoken of this matter with the Motor Dealers Association in this province, and I do not know how many are affected here.
Mr. Maloway: Madam Speaker, many of these cars have changed ownership more than once. I would like to know what action has been taken to ensure that current owners will be informed of the recall. What action has this minister taken?
Mr. Ernst: Madam Speaker, this recall was issued by the Government of Canada. Perhaps he should address that to the minister responsible in Ottawa.
Mr. Maloway: Madam Speaker, has the minister intervened with his federal counterparts? Has he asked his federal counterparts to change the law to give Canadians the same rights that Americans have in being able to force the auto manufacturers to correct the defects? Has he done his job and will he do his job?
Mr. Ernst: Madam Speaker, if memory serves me correctly, the issue in the U.S.A. is a voluntary recall by the auto manufacturers in that country, not an insistence or a law or an issue raised by a government there.
The federal government has acted in this case dealing with all of those cars. They have that responsibility and have taken that responsibility seriously.
Pan Am Games
Federal Funding
Ms. Marianne Cerilli (Radisson): Madam Speaker, part of the proposed financing for the new arena is a $5-million advance from the federal government's Pan Am Games fund.
I want to ask the Minister responsible for Sport (Mr. Ernst), what was the $5-million Pan Am Games money allocated for? Can he tell us what the total federal government commitment for facilities development for the Pan Am Games in Manitoba will be?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): Madam Speaker, after an analysis of the facility requirements by the Pan Am organizing committee and their administrative staff, they determined that there could be and would be benefits to a new facility for various sports as required, so that organization made a commitment of $5 million out of their total allocation.
The expectation is that the federal government has committed $37 million to the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, of which $7 million would be in kind, $30 million would be in cash. We as a provincial government have committed $23 million. The City of Winnipeg has made a commitment, and the expectation is that the community at large will probably end up contributing some $50 million to $60 million.
So it is from that total allocation of funds that the $5 million to a complex is being earmarked.
Ms. Cerilli: Can the minister tell us what percentage the $5 million from the Pan Am Games fund represents from the total amount of money coming to Winnipeg for facilities development for the Pan Am Games?
Mr. Stefanson: In terms of the total budget, it would be less than 5 percent in terms of the federal government commitment, if you are attributing it to that, although I think the Pan Am committee themselves are acknowledging that this is not money that is coming from any one level of government.
The levels of government have made a commitment to the Pan American Games here in Winnipeg in 1999. Based on their total funding, the committee is determining that they will use the facility. They will use it for various events, and it will save them an allocation of funds in many other areas, so they are committing the $5 million.
If the honourable member is asking how does that relate to the $30 million, you can calculate what that is as a percentage, but the Pan Am committee is saying that it is a portion of their entire budget which is in excess of $100 million.
Amateur Sport
Government Support
Ms. Marianne Cerilli (Radisson): My final question is for the Minister responsible for Sport or the Minister of Finance (Mr. Stefanson).
Can we have a commitment from this government that monies allocated for facilities development at the arena will not jeopardize the Manitoba development programs offered through the Sports Federation, that we are not going to have money coming to the Pan Am Games and the arena at the expense of amateur sport development in Manitoba?
Hon. Jim Ernst (Minister responsible for Sport): I can indicate to my honourable friend that this government has been second to none in terms of its commitment to amateur sport in this province.
We have, in fact, been exemplary in terms of our support for amateur sport development, sports of all kinds, up to and including national and international events, so that she need have no fear. Our continuing support for amateur support in this province will be ongoing.
Manitoba Telephone Service
Privatization
Mr. Steve Ashton (Thompson): Madam Speaker, the Manitoba Telephone System is an important public asset for all Manitobans, and many questions are being asked, given the ability of this government to
change from day to day. We have seen that on the Jets.
Questions are being asked about the future of the Manitoba Telephone System.
I would like to ask the Premier if he can indicate whether this government has any plans whatsoever to privatize part or all of the Manitoba Telephone System. In fact, will he assure Manitobans we will maintain public ownership of the Manitoba Telephone System within the province of Manitoba as a Crown corporation?
Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): I can indicate that we do not have any plans to do that. We continue always to operate on a pragmatic basis. We continue to always look at ways in which we can ensure that our economy will grow, that we will take advantage of new changes in technology, of all of the things that are important to us as an economy and as a society.
We are not driven ideologically or hidebound as are members opposite. We continue, obviously, to always keep an open mind on all opportunities that are presented to us, but we have no plans to do that. That is as much information as I can share with him.
Madam Speaker: Time for Oral Questions has expired.
To continue debate on the proposed motion of the honourable member for Riel (Mr. Newman) for an address to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, in answer to his speech at the opening of the session, standing in the name of the honourable Leader of the official opposition.
Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): I believe there is a nonpolitical statement across--
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NONPOLITICAL STATEMENT
100th Birthday, Jessie Pallister
Madam Speaker: I am sorry. With the House's indulgence, may I please revert to Nonpolitical Statements? Is there leave?
Some Honourable Members: Leave.
Madam Speaker: Leave has been granted.
Hon. Brian Pallister (Minister of Government Services): I appreciate the opportunity to inform members of the House of an important event that is taking place this Sunday, May 28, in the constituency of Portage la Prairie. This is truly a momentous occasion for many family and friends of one of my good constituents who resides at the Douglas Campbell Lodge there. It is her birthday, and not just any birthday. This is her 100th birthday.
It is someone whom I have had the great privilege of knowing and learning from. This great lady has taught me a lot about the history of our province, the history of our area, taught me a lot about the life that she has led and the life that many of our predecessors have led of toil, of family farm life. The hardship, the self-sacrifice that she has endured in her life has obviously partly contributed at least to her good health and her long life. She has taught me a lot about family and about closeness. I have benefited tremendously from this woman and from the wisdom of her age. I think we can all learn a lot from our elderly people.
It is particularly significant to me to tell you her name is Jessie Pallister and she is my grandmother. Happy birthday, grandmother.