ORAL QUESTION PERIOD
Health Sciences Centre
Psychiatric Services
Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Premier, the First Minister.
During the election campaign, the Premier had a number of ads out in the public promising to maintain health care services for Manitobans when they need it. Unfortunately, after the election campaign, Madam Speaker, we have heard about a number of cuts, including cuts that we have raised in this House of some $19 million for the Health Sciences Centre.
I would like to ask the Premier, what is the impact of that $19-million cut on the psychiatric services for adults and children served by the Health Sciences Centre?
Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, I will take that question as notice on behalf of the Minister of Health (Mr. McCrae).
Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, I would like to table for the Premier's education a document from front-line nurses and doctors working at the Health Sciences Centre.
Those documents indicate, Madam Speaker, that even a minimum cut of 5 percent would result in the loss of psychiatric nurses and other staff who are working on outpatients and are working in day hospital situations. In fact, it would be a reduction in services to some 30 percent of the psychiatric adults and children working with those programs.
I would like to ask the Premier how a reduction of this nature in services to Manitoba fits with the so-called community-based mental health services and the so-called commitment that he made during the election to make sure that Manitobans had health care services when they need them.
Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, I am sure that the member opposite need not be reminded, I am sure he is aware that Manitoba spends a greater proportion of its budget on health care than any other province in Canada, some 33.4 percent, some $1.8 billion.
This government does not engage in activities that diminish the health care system for Manitobans. This government engages in commitments that maintain and enhance the health care system for Manitobans.
Mr. Doer: Madam Speaker, I am disappointed at the lack of an answer from the Premier on something so important as children and adult psychiatric services here in this province.
Madam Speaker, the memo goes on to say, contrary to government statements--
An Honourable Member: Is this Question Period, Madam Speaker?
Mr. Doer: Are you the new Speaker?
Madam Speaker: Order, please. I am sure the honourable member has a question.
Mr. Doer: Yes, I do.
I would like to ask the Premier, is it government policy, consistent with the promise on community-based mental health, to have cuts that will result in the premature discharge of patients in the context of sparse community supports that will result in the worsening risks of rehospitalization or relapse and readmission in light of the fact that they are currently experiencing already a shortage of beds because there are not enough services available in the community?
Is that the policy of this Premier and this government in mental health services to children and adults who require it?
Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, I am sure that the Leader of the Opposition will want to hear the response of the Minister of Health (Mr. McCrae) on that matter, so I will be happy to take that question as notice on his behalf.
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Health Sciences Centre
Psychiatric Services
Mr. Dave Chomiak (Kildonan): My question is also to the First Minister.
Is the First Minister prepared to say today, given the rhetoric that he indicated in his previous answer, that he will not permit the cutting of the seven nurses who provide the services to the more than 400 mental health patients on an outpatient basis? He will not allow that cut to take place as a result of his $19-million cutback. Will he make that statement today, Madam Speaker?
Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, if the members of the opposition were paying any attention at all, they know that the entire country, every single province, is engaged in the reform of our health care system, a reform that takes different forms in different provinces.
In Saskatchewan, 52 rural hospitals have been closed under a New Democratic administration, Madam Speaker. Many, many changes have taken place throughout the health care system in Canada, and all provinces are working together. The ministers of Health are meeting at this very minute to do what can be possible to do given massive transfer cut payments; $220 million a year from the federal government will be cut in transfers to Manitoba, and we have to cope with those kinds of strains and stresses.
Despite those stresses and strains, despite that pressure, this government has maintained its commitment to health care better than any other province in Canada, with 33.4 percent of all the money spent by the provincial government going to health care, Madam Speaker. That is a commitment unmatched by any province in Canada.
Mr. Chomiak: Madam Speaker, can the Premier explain how a cutback to outpatient and community-based services, something the government was supposed to be committed to, that affects almost 400 mental health patients and eliminates programs, how a cut of that magnitude will assist in their so-called health reform in light of a 28 percent reduction in psychiatric beds already by this government in its cutback in health services?
Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, I will take the specifics of that as notice on behalf of the Minister of Health (Mr. McCrae).
Mr. Chomiak: Madam Speaker, can the minister also, when he talks to the Minister of Health about answers to these questions that the Premier does not have, can he instruct his minister that they will not tolerate a cutback in these outpatient mental health services to children and to adults, in light of the fact that a memo by these experts says that resources in Manitoba at present are sparse?
Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, I will take that question, as well, as notice on behalf of the Minister of Health.
Maintenance Enforcement Act
Proclamation
Mr. Gord Mackintosh (St. Johns): My question is to the Minister of Justice.
After seven years of this government ignoring the need for stronger maintenance enforcement to deal with the financial abuse and poverty of women and children in Manitoba, we were pleased that the government finally promised changes both before and during the election, limited as they were.
The minister in this House then fast-tracked the related bill for passage before the summer with a committee even sitting until 3:30 in the morning, so that changes could immediately go to work for the women and children without further delay.
My question to the minister is, now at least six months after the legislation was passed in this House and two and a half months after the bill was passed and rushed through, would the minister now tell Manitobans why this bill has not even been proclaimed, and when will it be proclaimed?
Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to speak about The Maintenance Enforcement Act which this government brought forward. I can tell the member that when the Canadian bar was having its annual meeting here in Winnipeg, it was considered by family law lawyers across this country as the showpiece in maintenance enforcement.
As the member refers to fast-tracking, yes, this government believed that the issues at stake were extremely important, so, Madam Speaker, a number of parts of the bills were active upon Royal Assent which took place at the end of June, very important measures such as the ability to report defaulting payers to the credit bureau. That was a major step forward.
As the member knew, and was discussed fully in the process of the passage of that bill, there were parts of the bill which would be proclaimed because they required systems changes in the departments in order for them to take effect.
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Mr. Mackintosh: Would the minister just 'fess up and confirm that the bill will not be proclaimed until next year, that it was just a PR exercise, all that haste, and that the government had in no way the readiness to put this bill into force?
Mrs. Vodrey: Madam Speaker, again, sections of the bill came into effect on Royal Assent such as reporting to the credit bureau. That, in case it has escaped the notice of members opposite, has really a great effect on those people who are, for instance, self-employed and should certainly encourage and provide a penalty for those who do not pay.
However, the member opposite knows very well that in issues such as the suspension or revocation of drivers' licences or registration, it did require systems changes to occur within departments, and that is in the process of occurring and certainly will be accomplished as quickly as possible.
Make no mistake, this government is absolutely committed, has brought forward the strongest legislation in this country, and it has been well recognized across this country.
Mr. Mackintosh: My question then is a final supplementary to the First Minister.
Would he now fulfill his election promise and direct the Minister of Labour (Mr. Toews) and the Minister responsible for the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation to straighten out the bureaucratic tangle, the rat's nest in their areas and get the work done to ensure speedy proclamation of the maintenance enforcement bill, work that should have been taking place as the bill was going through this House, and once it was drafted--
Madam Speaker: Order, please. The question has been put.
Hon. Glen Cummings (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act): Madam Speaker, that work is ongoing and will be. As was discussed in the committee, the details of the time frame, as was discussed at the time the bill went through, that is underway and will be completed on schedule.
Farm Loan Program
Implementation
Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (Swan River): Madam Speaker, during the election, this government promised a $10-million loan program to help farmers deal with life after the death of the Crow benefit, and they promised that application forms would be ready by this summer. Well, summer has gone, this crop year is finished and there is no program.
Can the Minister of Agriculture tell this House when farmers can expect this government to live up to their election promise of a farm loan program?
Hon. Harry Enns (Minister of Agriculture): Madam Speaker, when my Premier (Mr. Filmon) made that commitment to the farmers of Manitoba, in the community of Dauphin I believe, he made it very clear that this was a program that would be developed by the Manitoba Agricultural Credit Corporation, essentially using the loan authority of government to free up private capital from the banks and the credit unions.
I have the document before me. It is the value-added program that was dealt with just this morning, as a matter of fact, in Treasury Board that is going to provide additional support for farmers to get into various livestock endeavours, expanding their cattle herds, expanding their hog production opportunities and, specifically, in light of the buoyancy in our potato industry, help our farmers develop into that specialty crop, which certainly would fit the post-WGTA description of necessary diversification of agriculture in Manitoba.
Ms. Wowchuk: Since the announcement that was made in Dauphin stated very clearly that the applications--and I am quoting from a newspaper article here--would be received this summer, can the minister tell us when the applications will be available and when farmers will be able to access the funds that were promised through this loans program? How soon is that going to happen?
Mr. Enns: Madam Speaker, I expect it to be any time. [interjection] Well, let us be very clear. This is clearly a case of a promise being made and a promise being kept to the farmers of Manitoba.
Understandably, there has to be a considerable amount of consultation with the various commodity groups involved, and as I said in my earlier answer, particularly to get the co-operation of the private lending institutions to fully support the program, to make that $10 million into a $100-million program, into a $200-million program, and that is what is taking place.
But, to answer her question, the applications will be available, and, in fact, are available to her within the next 10 days.
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Ms. Wowchuk: I am pleased that those application forms will be ready, but I want to ask the minister, since they made a promise that there would be help available for farmers in this crop year, this summer, what is this government prepared to do for farmers for whom this program will be too late, farmers who are suffering during this crop year and are expecting to have some support from government and are expecting them to keep their election promise. What are they prepared to do for those farmers?
Mr. Enns: Madam Speaker, although the writer of the Free Press report for whom I have a great deal of respect by and large got his story right, he got the headline of the article wrong. In that same story, you will note that Manitoba's premier agricultural organization, the Keystone Agricultural Producers organization, feels that the program is being delivered precisely as promised and is coming on track as promised for the fall.
This was not a program designed that would help in assisting in this current crop production. After all, the Crow benefit only came up August 1. It is in anticipation of the decisions that farmers will have to make between now, the next planting season and the planting season to come, whether or not they wish to diversify into potatoes or into other special crops, or, those who can, wish to engage in various other forms of livestock production, including some of the nontraditional livestock, Madam Speaker.
Photo Radar
Government Support
Mr. Gary Kowalski (The Maples): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Highways.
Without hesitation, this government has dipped into the pockets of Manitobans using VLTs and other sources of gambling revenue in order to meet their fiscal agenda. Yet when the City of Winnipeg and the police respond to MPIC's request to consider photo radar, this government is reluctant to support what its own Crown corporation is asking for.
Does this government only support measures and actions that support its fiscal priorities and decline to support measures such as photo radar that could save lives in Manitoba?
Hon. Glen Findlay (Minister of Highways and Transportation): I thank the member for that question.
Clearly, there is a perception that photo radar automatically saves lives and slows people down. Yes, it might, but there are a number of other factors to consider because accidents are not only caused by speed. They are caused by alcohol and a number of other factors, some of the other factors we must consider to be sure that we improve safety on the road, which is our No. 1 objective and I am sure the members' opposite also, improved safety on the road.
At the same time, if you put machines out there to monitor traffic instead of an officer, that machine will not detect a drunk driver, will not detect an erratic driver, whereas an officer will. So in the broad context of safety, sometimes you definitely want to have officers there.
The second issue is, if you are going to send the notice of speeding to the registered owner and somebody else is driving the vehicle, where is the fairness in that? If you are going to issue demerits if you are caught by a live officer but not demerits if you are picked up by photo radar, again there is an unfairness there.
So, Madam Speaker, there are a number of issues in addition to just putting photo radar out there. Our No. 1 issue is safety on the roads in the broad context. We are not going to put in photo radar just for the city to collect more money. We want to put photo radar in and a number of other measures to improve safety on the road, and that is simply the principle we are working with, and we are continuing to consult and to try to find the evidence, so we can put it in place for the right reasons.
Mr. Kowalski: My supplementary question is to the Minister of Highways.
Does he not believe in the Winnipeg Police Services' expertise and trust it in recommending photo radar for the city of Winnipeg?
Mr. Findlay: Madam Speaker, unfortunately, the member did not listen to the other issues in terms of public concerns that must be addressed.
There is another issue yet called constitutionality. Should you be charging somebody whom you cannot prove was driving that vehicle? That is an issue, Madam Speaker. In the interests of protecting the public, we want to be absolutely sure that constitutionally you can send a bill to an owner of a vehicle, but you cannot prove that that person was the driver.
Not everybody out there drives their own vehicles. There are rented vehicles; there are company vehicles; there are government vehicles that are driven by other people, Madam Speaker. So in the broad context, we want to improve safety, as I told the member already, and he must recognize that in fairness to the public, all these issues must be considered and addressed at the same time.
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Mr. Kowalski: How many more Manitoba lives have to be lost before this government reviews the material that was passed on by Mayor Susan Thompson and the Winnipeg Police Services recommending photo radar?
Mr. Findlay: Well, Madam Speaker, I could ask the member the same question. He is recommending we put machines out there instead of police officers. Machines cannot detect drunk drivers. Drunk drivers cause trouble. They cause accidents. They cause deaths.
Our objective is to reduce the number of accidents, the number of fatalities, the number of injuries, which I am sure he shares with us.
Please recognize that there is the broader question, not just putting the machine out there to collect money. We will put the machine there to protect public safety, in the interests of fairness and we will act.
Winnipeg Airport Authority
Negotiations
Mr. Tim Sale (Crescentwood): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
In June, I spoke with the chair of the Winnipeg Airport Authority who indicated then that the negotiations they were having with the federal government were going very badly. Madam Speaker, the manager indicated that the major problem was the new Liberal federal government's insistence on an unfair requirement that this unprofitable airport suddenly become profitable the day it is taken over by a Winnipeg Airport Authority.
Madam Speaker, could the minister indicate what specific steps he has taken since June to raise this matter, to investigate this matter and to begin to understand what we might do to get these negotiations back on track?
Hon. James Downey (Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism): Madam Speaker, I am equally concerned about the treatment which Manitoba and Winnipeg International Airport are receiving from the new federal Liberal government.
We have had meetings over the past several months. I will get an update from the department as to specific negotiations and discussions that have taken place at the departmental level and report back to the member.
Mr. Sale: Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the minister, though, has he personally spoken with Minister Young, who will not even return John Harvard's calls? Has he spoken with Minister Young and protested the unrealistic demands personally to his counterpart on the federal level?
Mr. Downey: No, Madam Speaker.
Mr. Sale: Madam Speaker, then, specifically, how does the minister propose to get this vital Manitoba economic resource and the negotiations surrounding its future back on track, so that the potential of Gateway, the airport and many of our industries which contribute over $500 million to our economy annually will be fully realized? What specifically are you proposing to do, Mr. Minister?
Hon. Glen Findlay (Minister of Highways and Transportation): Madam Speaker, the Council of Ministers of Transportation, the 10 provinces and the federal minister are meeting at the end of next month. I hope the members opposite will approve my fare to attend the meeting.
Madam Speaker, two weeks ago, I requested that this issue be on the agenda because we felt that there was a building problem, particularly at Winnipeg and also at other airports across the country, about the new requirements, particularly the lease formula that the federal bureaucrats seem to be imposing on the process, which we considered unfair.
I will definitely be the lead minister at that meeting, bringing the issue to the attention of other provinces so we get Mr. Young to respond.
Lynn Lake Airport
Subsidy Reduction
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Madam Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Highways and Transportation.
The negotiations over transfer to local authorities of airports is not just a problem in Winnipeg. At Lynn Lake where three out of five staff already have been laid off, the federal government cut amounts of 75 percent of their revenue.
Since this airport is critical for the region, given the terrible conditions of Highway 391, what role is the province playing in assisting these negotiations with small communities that are being pressured by federal MPs like John Harvard, who put out a press release announcing that Lynn Lake signed an agreement prior to even talking to the community?
Hon. Glen Findlay (Minister of Highways and Transportation): Madam Speaker, I cannot speak on behalf of John Harvard. Maybe other Liberals in the House might like to.
We certainly recognize that there is a difficulty being created for many northern airports because of federal policy change, which is going to reduce the amount of subsidy to those airports by 20 percent a year. We know that the communities are in discussion with the federal government, and my staff are assisting as much as possible to assist those communities in trying to rationalize a methodology by which they can maintain their airports.
Certainly, the federal government is on a nonchanging course to reduce the subsidies by 20 percent a year, something that we as a province cannot pick up. We will work hard with the communities as they negotiate with the federal government to be sure that as many airports as possible are maintained in the North, preferably all, but it is a very difficult time line that the federal government has put on all those communities in the North; in five years, a 20-percent-a-year reduction--very significant.
Firefighting System
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Could the minister tell the House whether the province is proceeding to put a foam firefighting system at the Lynn Lake airport?
Hon. Glen Findlay (Minister of Highways and Transportation): Madam Speaker, I will take that question as notice and respond tomorrow.
Government Support
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Given that over 120 medivacs were flown out of Lynn Lake last year alone and the importance of the airport for tourism and firefighting in the region is obvious, has this government taken a stand on the issue? If it has, can the minister table a single letter or report issued by the province in support of the airport?
Hon. Glen Findlay (Minister of Highways and Transportation): Madam Speaker, we have written letters in respect to supporting Lynn Lake, and I am sure the member is aware of those letters. I will table them or bring them to him tomorrow.
We advocate that it be called an isolated airport and that it be considered like that, the same as Churchill. So far, the federal government has not responded, but we have not given up the battle.
I have met with the deputy minister, and we continue the process of trying to get it into a position to be called an isolated airport, so that the federal support is maintained at that airport. It is very critical that that happen. I feel there is a 50-50 chance the federal government will change their position.
Water Supply--Selkirk
Government Strategy
Mr. Gregory Dewar (Selkirk): Madam Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Natural Resources.
On December 14 of last year, the minister took as notice my questions regarding a study which put in doubt the capacity of the aquifer under both sides of the Red River between Winnipeg and Lockport. Since that time, the Selkirk & District Planning Board has proposed an additional 3,000 residential building lots in that area.
My question is to the minister. Is the minister confident that this aquifer will be able to sustain a strain of 3,000 more additional residential wells?
Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): Madam Speaker, I am not sure, and I will take the specifics of the question as notice.
Mr. Dewar: He has had three months after that question, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker: Order, please. The honourable member for Selkirk, with a subsequent question.
Mr. Dewar: Madam Speaker, my next question is to the same minister.
Will this minister urge his cabinet colleagues to place the control of residential wells under provincial jurisdiction, as has been advised by the Selkirk & District Planning Board, to deal with this issue in the long term?
Mr. Driedger: Madam Speaker, to the member for Selkirk, I am prepared to get the details of what is happening out there and make that information available to him as well as to the other members across.
Mr. Dewar: Madam Speaker, my final question is to the Minister of Environment.
Has the Environment department done an impact study on the effects of 3,000 new septic fields in that area, the effects of these septic fields on the fecal coliform count in the Red River?
Hon. Glen Cummings (Minister of Environment): I hear a comment from across the way that that would be scary. The fact is that local planning development will be scrutinized, and we are in the process of developing more stringent guidelines for private waste disposal fields. It has been a problem in that area for a considerable length of time.
We have, in fact, had a recent study that shows that the installation is to a large degree one of the problems associated with that type of field, and we are working quite closely with the local municipalities to make sure that they adequately address the problem, so we do not have an environmental problem down the road.
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Gambling
Social Costs
Mr. Steve Ashton (Thompson): Madam Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Lotteries.
I would first of all like to thank him for his statement after Question Period that he will be releasing the KPMG study that we had requested yesterday.
I would like to ask the minister some further questions related to this document which takes 38 pages out of 70 to attempt to defend some of the concerns expressed by Manitobans over lotteries, and, in particular, makes the claim citing a number of American studies, including a U.S. Senate study, that suggests that crime goes down when gambling is put in place.
I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Lotteries whether he or his seatmate the Minister of Justice (Mrs. Vodrey) have contacted the private company, the loss-prevention group, the treatment group Restorative Resolutions, the Winnipeg police or Judge Ian Dubienski, who have all within the last number of months pointed to the direct link between the increased level of gambling in this province and crime.
Has this minister talked to the people who know what is going on, Madam Speaker?
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act): Well, Madam Speaker, I have to admit I continue to be somewhat bewildered by the questions from the member for Thompson because on the one hand he has been a part of a group that has called continually for more information, more comparisons, to open dialogue and discussions on issues around gaming and gambling in Manitoba.
The Lotteries Corporation, as obviously an entity directly involved in the entire issue, has attempted from their perspective to make as much information as possible available on a series of issues from criminal activities to a whole range of other issues from economic impact in Manitoba and so on, to continue to add to that dialogue and to provide more information.
As he knows, we will be before a committee, as agreed, on September 28. I will have representatives there from the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation in attendance at that particular committee meeting, Madam Speaker, and I look forward to discussing in great detail the background reports that have been utilized and prepared for this document.
As he acknowledged, we have indicated we will be releasing the KPMG study on the economic impact of gaming here in Manitoba and so on, and I look forward to that discussion at committee, Madam Speaker.
Mr. Ashton: Madam Speaker, well, if the Minister responsible for Lotteries has not contacted any of these individuals I cited, I would like to ask the Minister of Justice, has the Minister of Justice made any inquiries to Judge Ian Dubienski, the Winnipeg police and the other organizations I cited that have stated very clearly that there is a direct link between the increased level of gambling and crime in this province?
Has the Minister of Justice taken action on this important issue?
Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, the member refers to a comment by one of the judges which I believe was explained more fully and did not arrive at the same conclusion in very short order following that discussion.
So he continues to put forward information, Madam Speaker, which I believe the court has made further statements on.
Mr. Ashton: Well, as a final supplementary, if I cannot get answers on those two questions, I would like to ask the Minister of Lotteries whether this government agrees with the statement in this document, this report, that states and quotes a study and the citation that suggests that the degree of problem gambling is related to a personality disorder and does not relate to the availability of gambling.
Is it this government's position that people who have a problem with gambling in this province have it because of a personality disorder, as is stated in this report, Madam Speaker?--something that I think is offensive to many Manitobans who are having great difficulty with their families right now because of problems with addiction to gambling.
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act): Madam Speaker, again, I think the overriding comment under the section on crime and criminal activities is that there is no empirical evidence existing to demonstrate that gaming results in an increased criminal activity according to leading social impact experts. What the member for Thompson is referring to are quotes and comments from various reports and studies that have been done.
I think all of that information is helpful not only for the dialogue here in this House but for the discussion that the public of Manitoba wants to be a part of in terms of gaming activities. Any information, any research, any work that can be done obviously adds to all of our knowledge, our understanding and ultimate decisions that we have to make.
We currently have a moratorium in place here in Manitoba in terms of gaming expansion. We have the Desjardins committee doing a major review, consulting with Manitobans on both the social and the economic impacts of gaming in Manitoba. We will be receiving their report no later than the end of this calendar year, Madam Speaker, and it will form a very important part of future policy direction here in Manitoba.
Highway Construction/Upgrading
Wabowden-Setting Lake
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): My questions are for the Minister of Highways and Transportation.
A short while ago, the Department of Highways cold-packed nine kilometres of road from Wabowden to Setting Lake. Something obviously went wrong because the paving was done during a rainstorm.
Will the minister confirm that over a thousand vehicles, perhaps even 1,500 vehicles, were negatively affected and that the province will end up paying the bill for tires, deductibles and paint jobs?
Hon. Glen Findlay (Minister of Highways and Transportation): Madam Speaker, that sounds like a very serious situation. I will investigate it and report back to the member as quickly as possible.
Mr. Jennissen: Could the minister give us an estimate as to how much this boondoggle may cost the province?
Mr. Findlay: Madam Speaker, I have already indicated to the member I will get the details and report back.
Mr. Jennissen: A final supplementary, when the minister does have that information, will he let us know how much this bungling will affect the MPIC rates over the next year for northern Manitoba?
Mr. Findlay: We will report all that information to the member.
Flooding--Transcona
Cost-Shared Agreement
Ms. Marianne Cerilli (Radisson): Madam Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Urban Affairs.
People in south Transcona are happy that we had a hot, dry summer because they still have no solution or funding in place to deal with the flooding problem in that part of Winnipeg. I am pleased to see that the minister has agreed that the government will cost-share a solution for the flooding problem in south Transcona with the City of Winnipeg, but I have a few questions about the procedure because it seems that this process is slow.
I want to ask the minister if he can clarify for me in the House today and the residents of south Transcona the procedure for securing funds on this type of a cost-shared infrastructure project with the City of Winnipeg and what he and his department need so that we can move forward to a solution on this matter.
Hon. Jack Reimer (Minister of Urban Affairs): Madam Speaker, the member is aware of the correspondence that has gone back and forth between herself, the City of Winnipeg, the mayor and the council regarding the flooding in the south Transcona area.
One of the things that was brought to the attention of the member and myself through City Council was the fact that part of the funding arrangement of any type of improvement in that area would require some sort of residential participation in the cost structuring and the cost of whatever type of renovation or direction that was going to take place.
The emphasis that was put forth by the City of Winnipeg and the council through the letter from the mayor to the member, with a copy to myself, was that unless there was a participation by the residents in the area of some sort of cost-sharing, no project would go forth at this time.
Ms. Cerilli: There are other issues I want to have clarified from that. First of all, in speaking of the provincial government's proportion of the funding for this type of project, what are the requirements that the department needs to ensure that the province will cost-share this type of infrastructure project?
Mr. Reimer: It would be hard to speculate as to what type of arrangement would be put forth because there has been no proposal that has come forth from the city on the type of cost-sharing arrangement or what total amount of monies are allocated, so it would be premature to put any type of allocation or direction of fundings toward the project when there has not even been a proposal come forth or a willingness by the participants to participate in the funding, by the residents in that particular area.
Ms. Cerilli: I thank the minister for that answer.
Further then, I want to clarify, since this government no longer has a flood protection fund in any of the departments in the government at this time--I think there is a small one in the Department of Natural Resources--I want the government to clarify the fund in the provincial government where monies flow from for this type of project in south Transcona.
Mr. Reimer: Well, I would think with any type of disaster or disaster assistance, there are a lot of departments that would be involved with any type of co-ordination, whether it would be through the EMO department or through Natural Resources.
If there is a flood or a catastrophe, the departments and the government would look at the proposals at that time.
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Gambling
Social Costs
Mr. Steve Ashton (Thompson): Madam Speaker, I have a further question again and this time for either the Minister responsible for Lotteries or the Minister of Justice (Mrs. Vodrey), since there seems to be a great deal of confusion on that side about the fact that the Lotteries commission is attempting to cite a study that indicates that crime goes down with the availability of gambling.
I will repeat this again in my preamble, everyone ranging from groups dealing with employee theft to groups dealing with providing counselling to problem gamblers to the Winnipeg Police and Judge Ian Dubienski, whom now the Minister of Justice is trying to suggest misquoted himself, and this was in a sentence to an individual who had been involved in a crime--I would like to ask either of the ministers whether they have talked to anyone in the law enforcement community or anyone else of the many people who are saying there is an increased problem with crime in this province because of the dramatic increase in gambling that has taken place under this government.
Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister charged with the administration of The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act): Madam Speaker, the only confusion in this room today is on that side of the House in terms of arranging enough questions to get through Question Period with meaningful questions without coming back to repetitive questions that we have already heard.
We have already discussed this issue. We will have representatives of the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation at the committee hearing on September 28. They have done various research. They have quoted research that is being done on issues about the link between criminal activity and gaming not only in Manitoba but across Canada.
That, obviously, is an issue that they are dealing with, that they have some concerns about, as well, and as I say, we will get into a further discussion when our committee meets.
Madam Speaker: Order, please. Time for Oral Questions has expired.
Speaker's Rulings
Madam Speaker: I have two rulings for the House.
On June 20, 1995, I took under advisement a point of order raised by the honourable member for Thompson (Mr. Ashton), the House leader for the official opposition. At that time I indicated that I would review Hansard to check the context in which a word complained of was spoken and that I would return to the House with a ruling if necessary.
I have indeed read Hansard. The word in question, "dishonest," was spoken by the Premier (Mr. Filmon) during Question Period. He said in reference to the Leader of the official opposition, "he should not be so dishonest as to put that on the record." There are numerous rulings by Manitoba Speakers where the use of the word "dishonest" when directed at a specific member has been ruled unparliamentary. Indeed, the context in which the word was used by the Premier on June 20 fits into this pattern, and I am calling upon the honourable First Minister to withdraw unequivocally the word.
Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): I unequivocally withdraw the word, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker: I thank the honourable First Minister.
* * *
Madam Speaker: I have a second ruling for the House.
On June 27, 1995, during Question Period, a point of order was raised by the honourable member for Thompson (Mr. Ashton), the House leader for the official opposition, about words spoken by the First Minister, which I took under advisement. I indicated at that time that I would review Hansard to check whether the words in question were directed specifically at the honourable member for Crescentwood (Mr. Sale).
The words in question, "as a member of Thin Ice and as a member of Choices, and as a member of all these loony left-wing organizations" were spoken by the Premier (Mr. Filmon). I have carefully reviewed the context in which the words were spoken, and the Premier did not direct the words in question specifically at the member. Therefore, there is no point of order.
However, I would like to take this opportunity to say to the House that it is very important that we take care in how we address each other. I would like to paraphrase a recent ruling from Speaker Parent of the House of Commons: This is a place of strong emotions and when tempers flare, honourable members can get carried away.
I strongly urge all members to respect the conventions and traditions of this House and to conduct ourselves with the civility becoming representatives of the people of Manitoba.
Committee Changes
Mr. Edward Helwer (Gimli): Do I have leave to make some committee changes?
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Gimli have leave to make committee changes? [agreed]
Mr. Helwer: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for La Verendrye (Mr. Sveinson), that the composition of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts be amended as follows: the member for River Heights (Mr. Radcliffe) for the member for Niakwa (Mr. Reimer); the member for Gimli (Mr. Helwer) for the member for La Verendrye (Mr. Sveinson). [agreed]
NONPOLITICAL STATEMENTS
Peguis Central School
Exemplary School Recognition
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Interlake have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]
Mr. Clif Evans (Interlake): Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and commend teachers, staff and students at Peguis Central School and Peguis First Nation as being one of only two schools in Manitoba that are being recognized as exemplary schools in a study undertaken by the Canadian Education Association.
The 1993-94 study involved 260 schools across Canada with only 21 being selected and honoured in a publication on secondary schools in Manitoba and Canada. The report is the National Report of the Exemplary Schools Project.
One of the qualities, Madam Speaker, that the report highlights is a greater link between the school's social and educational goals throughout the system. Peguis School staff have indicated that the report points out the school's degree of community participation and parental involvement in the day-to-day operations of Peguis Central School.
This year, Madam Speaker, the school comprises 55 staff and over 700 students.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Principal Doreen McPherson and all those involved in the Peguis Central School for this honour and for a job well done and success in the future. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Red Sucker Lake
New School Opening
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Rupertsland have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? Leave? [agreed]
Mr. Eric Robinson (Rupertsland): Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the community of Red Sucker Lake.
Last Thursday, September 14, the honourable member for Flin Flon (Mr. Jennissen) and I had the opportunity of being invited to the community to witness the grand opening of a school which is going to be open to students from kindergarten to Grade 12.
It took many years of hard work on the part of the community to achieve this very positive realization, in the ongoing work of the community with respect to education. In years gone by, Madam Speaker, children had to be sent elsewhere for their education. Now, the band was able to work out arrangements and partnership arrangements with other businesses in order for them to obtain the building to make the new school possible.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the teachers, the principal, Saul Harper and others. Most particularly, we want to wish the children of the community the very best of luck as they embark upon their future. We hope for them a very positive experience in education.
Also, congratulations to the hard work and dedication expressed by Chief Fred Harper and councillors and elders of the Red Sucker Lake community. Thank you.
* (1430)
Tadoule Lake
New School Opening
Mr. Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon): Madam Speaker, I seek leave from this Assembly to make a nonpolitical statement.
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Flin Flon have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? Leave. [agreed]
Mr. Jennissen: Along with my honourable colleague the member for Rupertsland (Mr. Robinson), I was privileged this Friday past in participating at the official opening of the Peter Yassie Memorial School in Tadoule Lake.
This impressive new school at Tadoule Lake is also a new symbol of hope for the Sayisi Dene First Nation. It is truly heartening and inspiring to witness the Sayisi Dene First Nation rebuilding itself with a creative combination of modern educational approaches and facilities with sound Dene traditions and values.
I congratulate Chief Ernie Bussidor and council, the education steering committee members, the Sayisi Dene education authority, the elders and any other participants who helped the dream become a reality.
Kildonan East Collegiate
Exemplary School Recognition
Ms. Marianne Cerilli (Radisson): I, too, am seeking leave for a nonpolitical statement.
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Radisson have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? Leave? [agreed]
Ms. Cerilli: Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate and commend Kildonan East Collegiate which is one of two schools in Manitoba being recognized as an exemplary school in a study by the Canadian Education Association.
This was the largest, most detailed study ever done in Canada of successful practices in secondary schools and the dominant issues facing secondary schools. It was done in 1993 and '94 and consisted of 260 school applications from across Canada. Of those, 21 schools were selected to be honoured in a publication, Secondary Schools in Canada: The National Report of the Exemplary Schools Project.
It is significant that we have had two very different schools from Manitoba recognized in this study. One of those schools is in the constituency for the honourable member for Concordia, our Leader, Gary Doer. A number of students from a variety of constituencies, including Radisson, attend that school.
Some of the qualities that the report highlights are greater links between school social and education issues and strengthening a commitment in schools for equality for all students.
Kildonan East is recognized, in its vocational and academic areas, in its work to blur the lines, if you will, between academic and vocational programs. It has a unique program in math and science of an applied math and science program where it has mathematics labs which have practical applications for both math and science in hands-on projects.
It has a unique program in the area of transition from school to work called the career bridge program which helps prepare students in a prework program. There is a life skills program that helps connect students who can help students who need assistance with those students who can provide extra assistance. There is a natural helpers program in the school, a peer tutoring program, a unique program that has trained staff as mediators for student conflicts. They have a unique open-area program in the social studies department that facilitates discussion of ideas and has had in the past a program called Hyde Park. They have a unique student exchange program with China in their Asia-Pacific projects, and it has links with the business community.
They also had highlighted in the news coverage of their honour in this program their physical education program, and they are recognized for the forward thinking with their parent council which is well established at the high school level.
I want to congratulate all the staff and the students, the parents from the school, as well as the school's community partners. I wish them well not only in the work that they have done in the years for this study in '93-94 but prior to that and continuing on this year and into the future. Thank you.
Legion Week
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Transcona have leave for a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]
Mr. Daryl Reid (Transcona): Madam Speaker, I thank the members of the House for leave.
I want to draw to the attention of members of the House that this week is Legion Week here in Manitoba and also in Northwestern Ontario. Legion Week has been occurring since 1985 and has included several events and activities as are sponsored by the various legions throughout our province, Madam Speaker.
The events include activities for seniors such as special bingos, picnics, excursions, dinners and housing programs, while for youth the legion will sponsor activities including dinners and barbecues, honours and awards for sponsored cadets as well as activities for scouts, guides, hockey and baseball teams and recognizing scholarship and bursary awards as well. So Legion Week involves many activities.
Also, while I am on my feet, Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity this Sunday past to attend the rededication ceremony of the Transcona Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 7. The Royal Canadian Legion branch reopened its doors after a devastating fire approximately a year ago which had destroyed the clubrooms. Much hard work and perseverance was required by the Branch 7 executive and building committee members to have a reconstruction of a modern, new facility.
I am told that the Branch 7 ladies auxiliary played a very large role in the interior design and decoration and I would like to extend my congratulations and I am sure congratulations of all members of the House to the Branch 7 members on their rededication ceremonies. Thank you.