VOL. XLV No. 35A - 1:30 p.m., MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1995

Monday, September 25, 1995

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA

Monday, September 25, 1995

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

PRAYERS

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

PRESENTING PETITIONS

Federal Immigration Policies

Mr. George Hickes (Point Douglas): I beg to present the petition of Belma T. Marcelino, Narciso M. Marcelino, Marilyn P. Marcelino and others requesting the Government of Canada cancel fee increases and instead institute policies that will encourage immigration to Manitoba.

Mr. Conrad Santos (Broadway): I beg to present the petition of Iluminada J. Ramos, Rosabella J. Tankeko, Rico J. Ramos and others requesting the Government of Canada cancel fee increases and instead institute policies that will encourage immigration to Manitoba.

READING AND RECEIVING PETITIONS

Federal Immigration Policies

Madam Speaker: I have reviewed the petition of the honourable member for St. James (Ms. Mihychuk), and it complies with the rules and practices of the House (by leave). Is it the will of the House to have the petition read?

Some Honourable Members: Dispense.

Madam Speaker: Dispense.

WHEREAS Manitoba has been immeasurably enriched socially, economically and culturally by immigrants and their families, and;

WHEREAS it was for this reason that successive provincial and federal governments have encouraged immigration to Manitoba, and;

WHEREAS since 1993, the current federal Liberal government has reversed these policies by instituting a series of changes making immigration more difficult; and

WHEREAS the 1994 changes in quotas for family reunification class of immigrants were unfair and punitive; and

WHEREAS the fee increases for immigrants instituted in the 1995 federal Liberal budget are neither fair nor justifiable and border on racism, and;

WHEREAS the new $975 fee being imposed on adult immigrants is more than many immigrants make in their home country in an entire year, and will make it even more difficult for people from these countries to immigrate to Canada;

WHEREFORE your petitioners humbly pray that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba may be pleased to request that the Government of Canada cancel these fee increases and instead institute policies that will encourage immigration to Manitoba.

TABLING OF REPORTS

Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister responsible for the Status of Women): I am pleased to table the Annual Report for Manitoba Women's Directorate 1993-94.

* (1335)

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill 203--The Winnipeg Jets Funding Agreement Termination Act

Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): I move, seconded by the member for The Pas (Mr. Lathlin), that leave be given to introduce Bill 203, The Winnipeg Jets Funding Agreement Termination Act; Loi sur la résiliation de l'accord de financement des Jets de Winnipeg, and that the same now be received and read a first time.

Motion agreed to.

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 today Mr. Luiz de Athayde, Consul-General of Brazil.

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

Seated with us in the public gallery, we have from the University of Winnipeg Collegiate twenty-five Grades 11 and 12 students under the direction of Mr. Wayne Christianson. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Wolseley (Ms. Friesen).

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