VOL. XLV No. 38 - 1:30 p.m., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1995

Thursday, September 28, 1995

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA

Thursday, September 28, 1995

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

PRAYERS

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

READING AND RECEIVING PETITIONS

Federal Immigration Policies

Madam Speaker: I have reviewed the petition of the honourable member for Broadway (Mr. Santos). It complies with the rules and practices of the House. 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. Glen Findlay (Minister of Highways and Transportation): Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to table the Annual Report l994-95 of Highways and Transportation.

Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, it is my honour to present the Annual Report for Manitoba Health for the year 1994-95.

Hon. Albert Driedger (Minister of Natural Resources): There are two reports I would like to table. One is Venture Manitoba Tours Ltd., the Financial Statement from March 31, 1994, to March 31, 1995, together with the Auditor's Report; and the Annual Report of the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation 1994-95.

Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Finance): I am pleased to table the Quarterly Financial Report for the three months April to June, 1995.

Hon. Bonnie Mitchelson (Minister of Family Services): I am pleased to table the Annual Report for 1994-95 of Manitoba Family Services.

Introduction of Guests

Madam Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery, where we have with us this afternoon 14 English-language students from the University of Manitoba under the direction of Mr. Jim Badger and Ms. Cindy Reimer. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General (Mrs. Vodrey).

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

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