LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Mr. Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.
Good morning, everyone. Please be seated.
Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Official Opposition House Leader): Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I think we're prepared to proceed with Bill 208, The Drivers and Vehicles Amendment Act (Support Our Troops Licence Plates).
Mr. Speaker: Is there will of the House to proceed directly to Bill 208? [Agreed]
Bill 208–The
Drivers and Vehicles Amendment Act
(Support Our Troops Licence Plates)
Mr. Speaker: We'll now call Bill 208, The Drivers and Vehicles Amendment Act (Support Our Troops Licence Plates), standing in the name of the honourable member for Brandon East, who has two minutes remaining.
Mr. Drew Caldwell (Brandon East): You know, Mr. Speaker, it's always great to begin a day with such collegial and non-partisan conduct in the House, and I hope that that will translate into many, many, many years of the same as we move forward.
And, Mr. Speaker, I'm concluding my remarks that I began in December on this particular resolution. Again, I would like to support and thank the member for Lakeside (Mr. Eichler) for bringing forward the–this discussion to the House. I think I referenced myself that my family has a military background and my–in fact, my family was far greater off and supported very, very strongly by the DVA, the disabled veterans administration in Manitoba and really helped us survive as a family in my childhood. And even to this day my mother still depends on support from DVA.
So, Mr. Speaker, I–again, I'd like to thank the member and I look forward to further discussion this morning. Thank you.
Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise and put a few words on the record with respect to Bill 208, The Drivers and Vehicles Amendment Act (Support Our Troops Licence Plates). And I want to thank the member for Lakeside for bringing this forward for debate here in the Manitoba Legislature today.
And I know that this bill has been before the Legislature another time previous to this, so I hope that members opposite have now had a time–the time to read the bill, to make their decision, and hopefully we can stand united in this Manitoba Legislature this morning and pass this bill through to committee. I think it is very important and will send a very important message to our troops and to our veterans who have worked so hard and to represent our way of life, and have sacrificed their own lives so that we could be here and live in a free and democratic society that we do.
And so, again, I'm hoping that members opposite have had a chance now–maybe they didn't before and that's why they didn't pass this piece of legislation before, but I'm hoping that now they've had a chance. It's been several months now since this was brought forward in the Manitoba Legislature, so I'm hoping that they have had a chance to read it and that they will see fit to pass this through today.
I just want to say a few things. First of all, I think this is a great way to celebrate our troops, by offering–it's a small way in which we can honour our veterans and our Canadian Armed Forces, by offering, through Manitoba Public Insurance, these commemorative licence plates that show our support for the armed–the Canadian Armed Forces, Mr. Speaker.
As I understand, the licence plates will emblazon a yellow ribbon with maple leaves and the capital letters on it will say, support our troops. And I think we've seen this with other licence plates celebrating the Jets and the Goldeyes and the Blue Bombers and so on, and the Humane Society and others, and I think that this is definitely a way that–it's the least we can do to support our Canadian Armed Forces.
There are so many ways that we can celebrate, and of course this doesn't take away from the existing veterans' licence plates as well, but this will offer the broader public the opportunity to show their support for our troops. Whereas the veterans' licence plates are just for the veterans themselves, this offers us all an opportunity to participate in supporting our troops.
Speaking of our troops, I know last week there was a decision made that our troops came home from Afghanistan, and I had the opportunity to look at the–they've, of course, been away since about 2001, and these troops have been away from their families who have sacrificed a lot over the last number of years that they have been away, and have been, again, supporting our way of life and ensuring that our democratic way of life is supported in other areas of the world. And I just want to thank all of those troops who participated there–and all of the families who sacrificed their time with their loved ones–who represented us over in Afghanistan.
Had the opportunity to see the–some of the media reports and the families reuniting, which is quite moving, I have to say. It does bring a tear to your eye to see families that come back together, and after they've been away for such a long time, Mr. Speaker. And I think it's–it was very moving, I found, to see those families reuniting and, in some cases, seeing and meeting some of their children for the first time and being reunited with their children, and it's quite something. And what these–what people who enter into the Canadian Armed Forces do for our way of life and sacrificing their own lives to save all of us and to allow us to live in this free and democratic society, so I want to thank them for that.
My own father was a–he was in the Naval Reserve, and he didn't have the opportunity to represent overseas or to be in a war, but–and he–but he did put forward his name, and he was very much supportive of the navy, and so I remember going and visiting him, he was in a nursing home in St. Norbert–and visiting him in the nursing home, and he had some of his–I think it was Royal Roads that he went to, and he had on his desk an old yearbook of some of his–of–from Royal Roads, and he was looking through it at the time and remembering–I think back then, he might–my father suffered from dementia and Alzheimer's, and so he had a memory from a long time ago, but not so much the current memory. And so he was reminiscing of his time in the naval reserve and it was–we had a great conversation. It was one of those lucid moments that he had which were few and far between at that time, Mr. Speaker, and it was great to be able to share with him what was obviously a very important time in his life. And so that's a great memory that I have.
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My grandfather, Arthur Holden, also–he was in the army in the Second World War, and he was stationed in Holland at the time and he spent four years overseas. And I can recall going through–when my mother and father had passed away, I was going through some old boxes and I came across my grandfather's medals from the Second World War and his papers, and it was quite moving, you know, just to see and to read from his papers some of his memoirs of what he went through when he was stationed over in Holland, Mr. Speaker–and just to look at some of the medals.
And I have to say, frankly, I don't know what some of the medals are for, and I'm going to have to find someone–and I know that there's lots of people around who will help me to decipher what these medals were for and what they were given for and for my grandfather. So I look forward to, at some point, going and meeting with someone and learning a little bit more about the sacrifice that my own grandfather made.
And I know there's many family members of all of us here in the Manitoba Legislature who have sacrificed their lives for our country and for our democratic society that we are so fortunate to have the opportunity to live in today. Just being here and being able to debate things in the Manitoba Legislature I think is just–the only way we're able to do that is because of the people that sacrificed their lives, whether for the Canadian Armed Forces or for the naval reserve or the military, what have you; these are all people that have sacrificed their own lives to ensure that we have the opportunity to live in a free and democratic society that we do today.
And so, Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that I'm looking forward to all of us standing united in this Manitoba Legislature this morning. We know that doesn't always happen very often, but I think that this is what I would deem to be a bit of a no-brainer, that we need to support this. It's perhaps a small token of what we could do to show our appreciation for those who have sacrificed their lives on our behalf.
So, again, I encourage all members to support this, to pass this through into committee so that we can pass this into law, and we can see what kind of support we will have going forward as a province for our troops.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Dave Gaudreau (St. Norbert): I want to thank the member for Lakeside (Mr. Eichler) for bringing this motion forward. And I also want to take this moment to welcome home all the troops from Afghanistan. I–this is the first time I've had a chance to speak since they've been home now, and I really think it's fantastic that we are recognizing them in this way and that the member for Lakeside brought this bill forward. I also want to thank the member for Tuxedo (Mrs. Stefanson) for her words, I agree with her that there's, you know, not too many times where we can all work together in the Legislature. Sometimes we butt heads but I think this is one of those moments where we're all on board with the same–on the same page with doing something wonderful for our troops.
You know, the sacrifice that they make for our freedom is really unbelievable when you think about it. And I have many family members actually that were in the Armed Forces, and I just want to, you know, thank them personally. I know that my cousin and her husband, they were based in Gander for a while, and then he was actually based in Germany for a while and then before retiring from the air force, and now he works–he–for Air Canada in Manitoba, based in Manitoba, so he's back home with some family. But, you know, they give up a lot to–with the Armed Forces to move around and remove their kids and their family around and it's something, you know, the sacrifice made is unbelievable for people in the Armed Forces.
I have a really good friend who's actually an aircraft technician for the Snowbirds, and the same thing–he's from Ontario, and he's now based in Moose Jaw.
And, you know, I don't get to see him very often because his life is very hectic with the touring that they do. And, you know, when he does come through, he'll come by, and, you know, have dinner with us and do his laundry on his way through, and then he's off. Because, you know, they're–they tour across the country quite a bit. And it's really amazing what they give up in their lives to serve for the Armed Forces. So I think that it's really important that we recognize these people.
And I also want to recognize, you know, the 158 soldiers that didn't make it back from Afghanistan, and seven of them being from Manitoba. I think it's really important that we–the ultimate sacrifice that we recognize that those people gave up for us and for our freedom to be able to be here today, speaking in the Legislature and being able to do what we do and not being, you know, suppressed or oppressed by, you know, other parts of the world that do not have the way we do here, where we can actually speak our minds and disagree sometimes. But, you know, we have the ability to disagree and not have drastic consequences to it, like it is in other worlds–or other parts of the world.
You know, I think that it's important that we recognize that, you know, we're going to support the troops. And MPI currently has, I think it's eight different licence plates for different groups, and I think that we're all on the same page, that we'd like to do something for them and create a series of licence plates. I know that they just did–one of my favourite topics is obviously motorcycles, and they just did a–introduced one for the veterans for motorcycles. They have their own plate now. And, you know, we're going to work with the opposition and work with everybody here to make sure that we get them something to recognize them.
You know, I want to talk a little bit about–the member for Portage la Prairie (Mr. Wishart) and I, we had a great conference in Newfoundland that we went to, actually, with the Speaker. And you know, we took a tour. We had a couple hours one afternoon and we jumped in a–on a tour from Newfoundland. And the gentleman who took us on this tour was, you know, probably a fourth-generation Newfoundlander. He seemed to know everything about Newfoundland. But he took us to the corner of St. John harbour, where there's a huge cannon–or two huge cannons that were used to protect the harbour. They actually never fired a shot, but we got some great pictures of us with this massive cannon.
But the gentleman who gave the tour had some amazing stories to tell us. And a lot of them were about Manitoba and how Manitobans, actually, were the ones who protected the harbour. They were the Navy, and he said a lot of them had come and they'd never even seen the ocean before. And they were the ones who were recruited during the war. They had–you know, they were brought out there and they were the ones protecting the harbour. And he said that they have a real high regard for Manitobans there because of their activity in that–protecting the harbour.
And he told us a story, and I'm hoping that he was on the up and up on this story, but I found it amazing, and it stuck with me, is that the U-boats used to surface and recharge their batteries at the edge of the harbour. They had to be above the water to charge their batteries. And they wouldn't actually fire at them because as long as they were above the harbour and they weren't submerged, they weren't firing on our own fleet. And–but when–once they–when they would start to submerge or they would–or if they were above the water and they would chase the fleet, they could actually travel at the same as the fleet. Now, once they submerged, they were actually a lot slower than the fleet. So what these Manitobans would do is strap a telephone pole to these longer boats that they would have, and they would charge the U-boats, trying to get them to submerge, because as long as they were under the water, they couldn't catch the fleet because they travelled three knots slower than the fleet. I thought that was just an amazing story, that, you know, they would chase down these U-boats to try to get them to submerge. And they would end up saving the fleet because the fleet could actually outrun them–you know, and this is Manitobans.
And this is the kind of bravery–I mean, I can't imagine trying to chase down a U-boat in a little, you know, small, open boat, you know, on the ocean, with a telephone pole strapped to it, trying to get them to submerge. And, you know, and also having the courage to do anything like that, I mean, it's–I look at the Armed Forces and what they have to go through and the sacrifices they make, and they have my deepest respect. And I think that, you know, having a plate for them is the very least that we can do, Mr. Speaker. I mean, the amount of–the amount that they've given up of their live to protect us is just–it's unbelievable.
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You know, we actually have 4,000 troops here based in Manitoba right now and, you know, I think that it's really important that we recognize that our province is actually one of the provinces that is working really hard with them to do special things and recognize them. You know, we've made it easier for them to get their driver's licences and, actually, the–last week we discussed a motion from the member from the opposite that we're going to work with them even more to try to create a national driver's licence, and the minister responsible is going to contact the federal ministers and see if we can make that happen. So, you know, it's something that I think that we all recognize as very important that our Armed Forces are really valuable to not only Manitobans, but all of Canada and the world. I mean, we're national peacekeepers.
You know, MPI has done a lot of things with the military, recognizing their class 1s and their air brakes, and, you know, I'm sure that through the member's opposite motion we're going to work with them even more as things go on.
As–you know, we were talking about that the way they have to be very mobile and move around the country. I think that this having a plate to recognize them does them an honour, to show that they, you know, these people have–they give up their lives not only if they–even if they don't ever see war or go overseas. But they are giving up their lives even travelling around the country to different bases and locations, having to relocate their family. It's a tough thing. I can't imagine. I've been born and raised in Winnipeg and never had to live outside. I mean, you know, you like to travel, but it's a lot different having to move away from home and being based somewhere else and, you know, your family is somewhere else. I think it's an ultimate sacrifice for them to go and do this for all of our freedom and for the sake of our freedom.
St. Norbert has actually a tremendous history, too, with the war. In World War I St. Norbert would have been a very small hamlet of the province, and it–15 members are on a cenotaph there. Fifteen members of the St. Norbert Metis community died and gave up their lives in World War I to–for our freedoms. And, you know, at that time that would have been a huge segment of the male population in St. Norbert when you're looking at the numbers that were there.
So I just want to commend the members opposite for bringing this motion forward and thank the member for the Midland, and we just–I want to say that I'm–really much support our troops and that I hope that we can work together on future resolutions and–[interjection] Oh, sorry, the member for Lakeside (Mr. Eichler). I want to correct the record, the member for Lakeside, thank him for bringing it forward. And I want to–hope that we can move this forward and work on other resolutions together, so thank you very much.
Mr. Cliff Graydon (Emerson): It gives me pleasure, great pleasure to stand today and speak to this bill brought forward by our colleague and the member for Lakeside (Mr. Eichler). And I certainly appreciate the comments made by the previous speaker, the member for St. Norbert (Mr. Gaudreau), on supporting this bill.
It's a very important bill, and it's one of the things that we can do that we can recognize the importance of–and the contributions that our fellow Manitobans and fellow Canadians, but more especially our fellow Manitobans have made to make it possible for us to stand in this Legislature without having to look over our shoulders, without having fear for our lives whenever we do congregate in for whatever reasons.
Understanding that the personal sacrifices that each and every person that signs up in the military, what they–the sacrifices they make when they sign up is something that we don't really appreciate. We appreciate it if we having a flood or there's a disaster in our country and they're there to help. They come and they do their duty and they do it without complaining and so on and so forth.
When they go to other countries, when they go outside of our country–and whether that's on a peacekeeping mission or if that's on a military mission–they put their lives at risk. Peacekeeping is just as important as the military missions that they go on, but they're trying give everyone in different parts of the world the same opportunities that we have. When–and when they are there, there are things that happen. Whether it is peacekeeping or whether it is a military mission, there are things that happen. And so I'll endeavour to read a letter from the Faces of Freedom and how that became part of Manitoba. It's going to be tough reading, so you bear with me.
It says, close your eyes for a moment and imagine walking down a dusty country road with a couple of your close friends. As your workday winds down, you enjoy casual conversation, talking about the day's events, about getting home, about enjoying a hot meal, about how you miss your wife and kids, and suddenly a blinding flash and you find yourself lying on your back, your hands and face covered in blood, your ears ringing. You're completely disoriented, and as the dust settles, you sit up and you start to get your bearings–IED followed immediately by, where are my buddies? Relieved, you see one nearby, though, in need of medical help, is still alive and will probably make it. Your other buddy, well, let's just say you'll never forget the sight. Your physical healing, your emotional recovery begins at that moment.
Most people cannot possibly comprehend what our soldiers experience protecting our freedom. They only know what they read in the newspapers or what they watch on television. The public feels it's a–for its veterans and they wish they could do something to help, but really have no idea what to do.
Mr. Speaker, many of those veterans come home wounded, with amputations, limitations. And so, in 2008, a retired US Army colonel, Michael Steele, and his close friend, Chris Heald, from Manitoba, Canada, came up with an idea of hosting a waterfowl hunt for injured soldiers. And the premise of the event was to have injured soldiers from Canada and the United States share a week-long waterfowl hunt.
We all know from our own experiences of hunting and spending time outdoors with family and friends can change your outlook on life. In 2011, Chris and Mike hosted the inaugural Canada-US Faces of Freedom hunt at Delta waterfowl marsh–or Delta's waterfowl research station near Minnedosa. The two wounded Canadian veterans shared a memorable and fun-filled week with two of their American comrades.
By all accounts, the event was an overwhelming success. In late 2'12, two wounded soldiers from Canada, 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was invited to North Carolina to hunt with two Marines from the 2nd Marine Division. During the week there were many good times and memories, non-stop joking, laughing, heartfelt hospitality of the local residents.
In April 2013, Chris formally incorporated Faces of Freedom of Canada to ensure the vision of supporting our wounded veterans became a lasting legacy. Bringing wounded veterans together to share the joy of the outdoors provides an opportunity for friendship and healing.
And as short a time as two weeks ago, or a week ago this past Sunday, the Faces of Freedom and the Manitoba wildlife association joined together and hosted a fishing day on the Red River with 80-some volunteers, veterans, amputees, and their families, their kids, were all there fishing. Those are the types of things that our veterans appreciate. They don't have to be amputees to be there, but they are there, because their friends are there. They want to see them enjoying life and help them participate and help them heal both physically and emotionally.
And as a non-profit organization, the Faces of Freedom relies heavily on private and corporate donations and fundraising events. Mr. Speaker, it would be my wish to see that some money, if there is any generated from these plates, would go to organizations such as this; not specifically, but to the same type of thing to facilitate these types of events where our veterans become integrated back into our society.
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And when I say that, people will say, well, they came back from the war; they came back from active duty. Why would they not be in our society? Some of the sacrifices that we don't understand is that a soldier, when he comes back, has no skills; he has no skills that fit into society. They have a terrible time finding a job. They have memories that we can't imagine. They have nightmares that we can't imagine. They need help to integrate back into our society and we can do a lot of things; one of them things is this licence plate. It's not going to–it doesn't replace the veterans' licence plate at all, but it does show that we appreciate all of the veterans that have gone overseas or they have never–they didn't have to leave Canada but they put themselves forward. And they've been there in Canada when we needed them; they've been there in Afghanistan when we needed them; and thankfully most of them have come home. We're happy to see that, but they've been all over the world helping other people to appreciate and to enjoy what we enjoy here.
So with this few–those few words, Mr. Speaker, what I would like to do is urge every member in this House to support this motion. Thank you.
Mr. Tom Nevakshonoff (Interlake): Well, good morning, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to rise today to voice my support for this motion and to commend the member of Lakeside for bringing it forward.
We are very fortunate, as Canadians, as Manitobans, to live in a free country, a country that is democratic, that has the rule of law, a country where we can live in safety and in the absence of fear when we go to our homes. That is something that is not widespread across the world, to be honest with you. The world is still in a state of chaos in many countries and us who live in a country such as Canada are truly blessed, so I'd like to just begin my remarks on that note.
The two most important speeches that I give over the course of the year in my opinion are (1) the speech on Remembrance Day to our veterans to thank them for the role that they played and for those who sacrificed in the defence of freedom and the rule of law.
And the second most important speech in my opinion is to the graduating class, because it's incumbent upon us as politicians, as the leaders of the day, to make sure that we pass this message on to the next generation so that we don't become complacent and think that freedom is just something that can be taken for granted, that is a given, that is the natural state, because the world, as I said earlier, is still a great challenge to us, and we have to be ever vigilant to make sure that each and every one of us does our part to see that the next generation can live in freedom as much as we can.
I note that this year is the hundredth anniversary of the First World War and that war was referred to as the Great War to end war. What a noble thought that was a hundred years ago that we could have one last final big battle and everything would be decided and we could put war behind us forever after that. Certainly a noble objective, sadly never came to pass because, obviously, we very quickly entered into the Second World War after that and subsequent battles since. So that noble objective to end war for all time is still elusive, and we're still dependent on the armed forces in our country and other countries around the world to continue that battle.
I know I made a member's statement just a few days ago to commemorate a good friend of mine, Roy Hedges, who had just passed away. He was the typical solider, to me. He had served in three armed forces over the course of his life: United States, Great Britain–where he was originally from–and, of course, for Canada as well, and had fought in the Battle of Britain, which was in my members' statement as well.
But I do just want to dwell on that a little bit. The Battle of Britain was a major turning point in the history of the Second World War. The Nazi German forces had pretty much decimated our troops on the continent, and the challenge was to get over and finally defeat Great Britain. And, of course, Great Britain had a wonderful navy, and so it came down to an air war.
The western forces were outnumbered by the Luftwaffe, but it was a brilliant campaign, a lot of civilian involvement in terms of tracking planes coming in and so forth, and, ultimately, we did prevail. And the Luftwaffe, the armed forces of the Nazi army, was decimated in that battle and never really recovered. That stopped them on the western front, and, of course, we know what happened then. They went eastward, and the battle against the Soviet Union was long and hard. Over 20 million Russians lost their lives in that battle, and, ultimately, Hitler was defeated.
But, in regard to the Battle of Britain, Churchill's quote, I think, quote says it all when he said that never was so much owed by so many to so few. I think truer words were never spoken, and all of us who are civilians, living today, enjoying a free society should always bear that in mind, that, you know, people that go out to defend our freedoms, that should never be forgotten.
I know some mention was made of peacekeeping, very important as well. I do want to mention the civil role that the military plays as well, in terms of such things as search and rescue but also in floodfighting, something that we as Manitobans face on a regular basis, a form of battle in itself when Mother Nature rises up against us. And, you know, we look back to the great flood of 1950, this was the biggest peacetime operation in Canadian history, the role that the Armed Forces played in fighting that particular flood. The flood of 1997, of course, I think 8,500 soldiers, one tenth of the Canadian military from across our country, came together to battle that particular flood.
And, last but not least, I would mention the most recent flood, the flood of the millennium, the flood of 2011. The military played a major role in that particular fight and it's something that was near and dear to me given the impact on Lake Manitoba and the suffering that my people in the Interlake constituency went through. But we have to realize how close we were to an even greater disaster in 2011 when the Assiniboine River was approaching its peak, which was 54,000 cubic feet of water per second coming down the Assiniboine River, Mr. Speaker.
To put that in perspective, that's equivalent to one third the flow of the water going over Niagara Falls, and if anybody has–obviously, many of us have seen Niagara Falls, that puts it into context how much water was coming down there.
All of our infrastructure was stressed to the max. The dikes along the Assiniboine River east of Portage la Prairie, I think, were approaching 25,000 cubic feet per second. The Portage Diversion was rated for, I believe, 25,000, had hit 34,000 cubic feet per second. Both of these systems of dikes along the Assiniboine and the Portage Diversion were on the state of bursting. And, you know, a gradual flood is one thing but when you have a critical infrastructure such as dikes suddenly bursting, now you're faced with a flash flood scenario, now you're in a scenario where dozens, if not hundreds, of lives could be lost. And the military came in at that particular time and played a very critical role in shoring up those dikes, all kinds of equipment, dropping sandbags with helicopters and so forth. It was a monumental effort and ultimately was successful in staving off that particular disaster; just one of many examples of the other types of roles that our Armed Forces serve.
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So, just in conclusion–I only have one minute left, I know others want to speak–I, too, would like to just close in acknowledging our troops that just returned from Afghanistan and pay particular tribute to the 158 Canadians who lost their lives in that battle and pay a personal tribute to a friend of mine, Corporal Doug Meier, who is my neighbour in Poplarfield who served one term in Afghanistan and is enlisting once again in the military as well. Those are the–just some of the individual efforts I think that we should all look at. We should look at is a whole but also recognize the role that individual soldiers play–those are our friends, our brothers, our sisters and our neighbours.
So, on that note, again, I close in acknowledging the member opposite for bringing this forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Cliff Cullen (Spruce Woods): Mr. Speaker, indeed, a pleasure to arise this morning to speak to Bill 208, The Drivers and Vehicles Amendment Act.
Mr. Speaker, I know we've seen quite a move from the government here, as of late, in terms of the different types of commemorative plates, recognizing various organizations around our province. And it certainly appears from the debate this morning that there is a consensus to move forward with this particular legislation, which would signal support for our military members and their military families. So I hope that the minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance will take this under advisement and move forward with this initiative under Bill 208.
Clearly, we've seen commemorative plates for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Winnipeg Jets, the Brandon Wheat Kings, Winnipeg Goldeyes, a Humane Society plate just recently released. So, certainly, I think Manitobans are embracing this type of recognition, in terms of these commemorative plates. And I think, Mr. Speaker, Manitobans would embrace this particular initiative, too.
I know since the Patricia Pats moved out to the Shilo base a number of years ago, there certainly has been an uptake in terms of recognition by the general public, in terms of the role that the military plays, not only here in Manitoba and here in Canada, but certainly across the world. And I believe the public are looking for a way to show their support for the military personnel and their families and I think this would be one easy way for people to show their support. And I think people, certainly in my region, would recognize that and would show their support and be interested in purchasing these commemorative plates.
Mr. Speaker, certainly the–our region–I think about southwestern Manitoba–have certainly played an important role in terms of Manitoba and Canadian history, in terms of the military. As we approach the hundred year anniversary of World War I, certainly the region played an important part prior, just as World War I started.
Mr. Speaker prior to Canadian Forces Base Shilo being established, there was a training base called Camp Hughes in the area, which was actually located just slightly west of the present day Canadian Forces Base Shilo. And Camp Hughes was, at the time, the third largest city in Manitoba because there is that great number of military people were out there trained for service prior to them going out and across to Europe to actually engage in combat in World War I.
Mr. Speaker, that particular area there is actually a heritage area now, a provincial heritage area, because it still shows and there's still resemblance of the training facility there. You could actually the trenches still in the soil. And there's certainly an active group that invites Manitobans out there on a annual basis to have a look at the site, and they'll actually provide tours of the site. And they go through the actual training part of what actually occurred there in terms of the training and getting these troops ready for combat in World War I. So, certainly, it played a significant role in terms of training troops for World War I. And it really was the precursor for the formation of Canadian Forces Base Shilo, which we know now is certainly a very important base for our military.
And, of course, growing up right beside Canadian Forces Base Shilo, I had the–I always had the experience of listening to the training exercises that go on there and, certainly, just in the last week there's, again, another major training exercise going on there. And it's, I think, a time for us–and–that live close by to recognize the training that is going on there, and certainly the military that are involved there and certainly the military families.
And, Mr. Speaker, we're encouraged, too, by the work, the good work the military do, certainly, in recognizing the last troop that's just arrived back from Afghanistan and the good work they were doing over there. So I think this is another good way for us to show our support for their work that they were doing on our behalf in various countries around the world.
Another thing I think I wanted to mention, too, was–and we talked a little bit of it this morning–about the floods and–I think about the 2011 flood on the Souris and Assiniboine rivers. I know the military came to the aid in Souris, in the community of Souris, and sometimes the communities don't always recognize the important work that the military do. But when they show up in your community to help support the fight against the flood, I think it's something that the community recognized. And this, I think, this–the commemorative plates would be another way that those types of communities could recognize the good work the military did on their behalf, Mr. Speaker, and, certainly, I think that's very important.
Unfortunately, we haven't got the dikes, the permanent dikes rectified–that whole situation rectified in the community of Souris. One hope that that would have been done, but here we are three years later, and a chance of another flood on the Souris River and we don't have the permanent dikes established as yet. So hoping we don't have to call in the military again this year for their assistance. Hoping we can discuss that with the government and move forward to some kind of a resolution in terms of permanent diking in the community of Souris.
Mr. Speaker, I know we do have a lot of other types of plates, and hopefully the minister will take the advice of the members this morning, move forward with this particular legislation that was brought forward by the member for Lakeside (Mr. Eichler), and I do appreciate him bringing forward this particular legislation. And it's just another way for Manitobans to show their support for our troops. Certainly, it's not intended to replace existing veteran plates. They will continue to exist as well.
So with that, I just want to thank you for my time, and, certainly, I support the legislation being proposed by the member for Lakeside. Thank you.
Mr. Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): I am the son of two soldiers. During the Second World War my dad was 21, my mom was 16, and they were not married then. But they joined the guerilla movement during the Japanese occupation, and they fought hard.
So when I was born in 1946, right after the war, and when I was growing up my dad and mom used to just tell me the stories about their lives in the mountains and in the hills and the plains. And it was a story of supreme patriotism, defending the Philippines against those who invaded it, which happened to be the Japanese. And there were horror stories about people getting skinned alive, to torture them, to give them–or to ask for information. And such terror and such horrific stories were told and retold.
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So when we first came here to Canada in 1980, 34 years ago, my first impulse was to register with the Armed Forces because I was a product myself of the reserve officers training course. I know how to use a gun and a bayonet, and I know how to survive in the jungle without food or water. We had training, and it served me, served me right when I became a cop.
So when we first arrived here, the first thing that I wanted to learn was where do you register, and I found Minto, with Princess Pats headquarters. It's the armoury on–that's St. Matthews and Dominion.
And I enrolled my kids for cadet training to give them the discipline and the love of country that usually only the military could foster, promote, encourage and drill into your head. And they did. One went to Kingston when he was 14, the other one went to CFB Shilo and the other one stayed at Minto. Unfortunately they did not graduate, they did not finish the course, and I was really upset.
But the background of the military in my family has always been there, we have always been supporters of the military. And during the 2011 floods, my wife and I and my family, we brought noodles–what else–and spring rolls to St. Laurent where there were sandbagging operations by the military. And we also brought some drinks, water. And it's part of what we need to do every time that we think and feel the freedom that we have and the liberties that we take for granted.
The military has always been there for us during war times and peace times, and I thank them. I am supporting this measure.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker: Is there any further debate on the bill?
The House ready for the question?
Some Honourable Members: Question.
Mr. Speaker: Question before the House is second reading of Bill 208, The Drivers and Vehicles Amendment Act (Support Our Troops Licence Plates).
Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? [Agreed]
House Business
Hon. Andrew Swan (Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, on House business, pursuant to rule 31(8), I am announcing that the private member's resolution to be considered on the next sitting, Tuesday, will be one put forward by the honourable member for Brandon East (Mr. Caldwell). The title of the resolution is Veteran Services.
Mr. Speaker: It has been announced that, pursuant to rule 31(8), that the private member's resolution to be considered on next Tuesday's sitting will be the resolution bought forward by the honourable member for Brandon East, and the title of the resolution is Veteran Services.
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Mr. Speaker: The honourable Government House Leader, on House business.
Mr. Swan: Yes, on further House business, Mr. Speaker, could you canvass the house to see if there's leave to move directly into private members' resolutions?
Mr. Speaker: Is there leave of the House to call it 11 a.m. and proceed directly to private members' resolutions? [Agreed]
Res. 6–Juno Awards
Mr. Speaker: All right, the hour being 11 a.m., we'll move to private member's resolution, and the resolution before us this morning is sponsored by the honourable member for Wolseley, and the title of the resolution is Juno Awards.
Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): I move, seconded by the honourable member for Tyndall Park (Mr. Marcelino), that
WHEREAS 2014 is the Year of Music in Manitoba; and
WHEREAS Manitobans benefit from a rich musical heritage that showcases the province's creative cultural impact in Canada; and
WHEREAS Manitoba musicians contribute to the vitality of the local economy by helping to provide good jobs to nearly 4,000 music entrepreneurs and 400 music companies, with an annual GDP impact of $71 million; and
WHEREAS the 43rd annual Juno Awards, to be held in Winnipeg this March, highlight the talent of Manitoba's new and established artists and market the province to the rest of Canada and provide opportunities for local businesses; and
WHEREAS the 13 Manitoba artists nominated for Junos this year represent the diversity of talent in Manitoba's music industry, including Aboriginal, folk, pop/rock, orchestral, country, electronic and Francophone talent; and
WHEREAS the provincial government is working with the music industry to support the 2014 Juno Awards and promote the province's dynamic arts and culture sector.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba recognize the cultural and economic impact of the music industry in Manitoba; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba congratulate all performers, nominees and organizers of the 2014 Juno Awards.
Mr. Speaker: It's been moved by the honourable member for Wolseley, seconded by the honourable member for Tyndall Park,
WHEREAS 2014–
An Honourable Member: Dispense.
Mr. Speaker: Dispense? Dispense.
The resolution is in order.
Mr. Altemeyer: I want to start by offering my congratulations to our province on landing the Juno Awards for 2014. I can only imagine the amount of work that must've had to be done at the staff level within our government, but also working with very important community representatives and music industry partners to make this happen.
Our province and our capital city are certainly in a much better and different direction from what was the case not too many years ago. We even had a recent announcement of a certain football game that's going to be returning to Winnipeg, a little Grey Cup competition. So, you know, the Bombers have a couple of years to reverse the record of last year, and we'll all be there to cheer them on in that regard too. But this is just yet another wonderful feather in our cap and well deserved.
I'm sure there's lots of members from both sides of the House who would like to speak to this motion so I'll try not to use my full allotment of time, Mr. Speaker. But there are certainly some key points that I would–that I'd like to leave with members and celebrate the relationship between music and my own home constituency of Wolseley.
Our province, of course, as a whole, has a very rich performing arts heritage right from historical times right through to the present. Our reputation of having world-class music excellence is widely known with many award-winning artists, of course, representing many different genres of music proud to call Manitoba home. Our booming music scene is part of the cultural power of our province. It's clear we've got a thriving industry and an unprecedented, and not many people know this, but an unprecedented number of Manitobans who are actually nominated for Juno Awards this year. Very impressive accomplishment.
I'm pleased to read into the record the–these very impressive nominees, and you'll notice the diversity again of the style of music that Manitobans are renown for.
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Nominees include: Royal Canoe for alternative album of the year; Marie-Claude McDonald for the children's album of the year; Desiree Dorion for Aboriginal album of the year; Erin Propp and Larry Roy for vocal jazz album of the year; KEN mode for metal/hardcore music album of the year–for those long road trips that we all have to take now and again in this job–Little Miss Higgins and the Winnipeg Five for roots and traditional album of the year; the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra with Isabel Bayrakdarian for classical album of the year, vocal or choral performance; Mahogany Frog for instrumental album of the year; and Matt Epp, co‑nomination with Serena Ryder, for songwriter of the year. I think we also should also get an award for having the most original band names in the country.
Here's some of the expats of Manitoba who've also been nominated this year, include: Earl MacDonald for the contemporary jazz album of the year; and James Ehnes for classical album of the year in two categories, solo or chamber ensemble and large ensemble or soloist with a large ensemble accompaniment.
I really want to thank–like, commend, all of these amazing artists and thank all of the people who support them in all the different ways that we do so they can work their magic on the stage.
Now, in terms of Wolseley's connection to music, that probably goes without saying, but I do want to hit on just a few highlights even from popular bands, many of whom have band members who reside in my constituency. Some of these names–and this is just a smattering–but some of these names will sound familiar to members of the Chamber who manage to get out for a night every once and a while: Red Moon Road, The Wailin' Jennys, Papa Mambo, The Duhks–all of these groups have very deep roots in my constituency. Many organizers of the Folk Festival, of course, live in Wolseley. Most of the volunteers, I think, live in Wolseley and, in fact, not too many years ago, Mr. Speaker, I was struck when my own children just had all these birthday parties that they had to go to in April. And I was thinking, what is going on with April, and then I started doing just some basic math. You know, April, you count back nine months–that's July, that's the Folk Festival, and that's Wolseley. So I think we can also thank our booming music industry for helping Manitoba's amazing population growth as well. You know, it's remarkable what can happen when we get together to celebrate.
Music can also play a very restorative role and a very important role in people's lives, and I want to commend a couple of local organizations. Folk Festival founder Mitch Podolak has started this amazing organization called Home Routes, which co-ordinates house concerts all across North America. He's keeping an entire genre of music alive with his amazing work. So I want to give a shout out to his remarkable efforts. And I also want to commend just one of the local organizations in West Broadway at the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre. They have a program called the Young Maestro Organization where local youth can come into a recording studio and express themselves and create their own music, and it is truly magical to watch that happen.
There is, of course, also the Artists in the Schools Program, which our government very proudly supports and which many of us, I'm sure, have seen witnessed in various school events that we've had the pleasure of taking in.
The economic impacts of all of this activity is often overlooked, but they also deserve to be highlighted as stated in the resolution itself. This year our government's supporting nearly 4,000 music entrepreneurs and 400 different music companies whose combined activity add up to $71 million in our economy and support over 4,363 jobs. The Juno Awards themselves are expected to contribute $10 million to the Manitoba economy and create the equivalent of 80 full-time jobs, and this is just one part of what we have, I think, very cleverly branded and created in our government as the Year of Music. Mr. Speaker, 2014 is, in fact, a year-long celebration that's shining a very nice spotlight on the Juno Week, but also the Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards in September, and I want to commend the honourable Minister for Aboriginal and Northern Affairs (Mr. Robinson) for founding this fantastic event that happens every year.
Then, after September, we have the BreakOut West music festival and the Western Canadian Music Awards in October. So, a very important year for music in Manitoba, and I was–there's a very innovative aspect to all of this.
I was pleased to join our Premier (Mr. Selinger) and many dignitaries from the music community for a very innovative launch of a new app that everyone can download onto their mobile phones or their tablets. It's called Manitoba Live and it will keep track for you of all of the different concerts. I see one of my colleagues is pointing to it on her phone right now. Congratulations, well done. You can keep track of all the concerts that are coming up, all of your favourite bands, all the events you want to go to with that.
And, Mr. Speaker, the last thing I just want to conclude with is I hope this resolution passes. I don't know that the Juno Awards are a particularly partisan event. Music is something that all stripes and all walks of life celebrate. But, you know, I have been surprised in the past. The members opposite were, of course, the ones who in 1999 proposed that all art and music be cancelled in the schools and that the, you know, the televisions in the classroom scenario. But I certainly hope that, you know, they may have evolved from that position and we can all celebrate the amazing musical talent that we have here in Manitoba and support the Junos and all of our nominees that have been involved in this great effort.
Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Ron Schuler (St. Paul): Mr. Speaker, this is a very exciting week as the Juno Awards are here in Winnipeg. Amazingly talented artists from across Canada are coming to the beautiful capital of our province. All Manitobans join together in welcoming the performers from across the country as they enjoy the hospitality and welcoming spirit of Manitobans. We know that Manitoba is home to incredibly talented artists. We can see clear proof of this in the fact that 13 Manitoba artists have been nominated for Junos this year. We're proud of all of those who were nominated and they make us proud.
Mr. Speaker, we know how much music enriches all of our lives. Musical artists give us voice to the joys, the sorrows, the hopes, the fears and many other emotions of our world, the greatest of which is love. Though we hear the finished product, we also know that an incredible amount of time and struggle goes into producing music of all genres. The dedication and commitment of the artists and performers is amazing. The Juno Awards are a time to celebrate and showcase those who put in the time and effort to give us the music that shapes our lives.
Mr. Speaker, Manitoba is an incredible diverse province and that diversity shines through the Juno Award nominees from our province. The nominees represent many cultures and backgrounds and add to the deep cultural diversity that we are so grateful for here in Manitoba. Manitoba musicians make such incredible contributions all across our province. The music industry creates many opportunities for Manitobans and we all support this industry and are committed to helping it grow and aim even higher.
Manitoba is, indeed, lucky to have such incredible talent and we take this opportunity to recognize that talent and show our strong support. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the artists of today, let us also think of the artists of tomorrow. In our schools and universities, there are children and young people with amazing talent and unlimited potential. As we look to the future, it is important that we create the opportunity for these young people to succeed and achieve their dreams. And we will proudly support them every step of the way. We encourage all Manitobans to take part in Juno Week and support our local artists and our Canadian artists as we can be sure it would mean a lot to all of them to see their fellow Manitobans providing support to this great event.
In conclusion, let me just say that we join with all members of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly and, indeed, with all Manitobans in congratulating all performers, nominees and organizers of the 2014 Juno Awards. We are pleased to welcome them to our beautiful city of Winnipeg and our great province of Manitoba.
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Hon. Ron Lemieux (Minister of Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection): It's indeed a pleasure, but also pride–I stand with pride today to be able to make a few comments as minister responsible for Tourism, Culture, Heritage. And this, indeed, the Junos, indeed, is a way that we can all celebrate, quite frankly, but firstly what I'd like to do, is I'd like to thank some of the people responsible for organizing.
And I know that the support that Manitoba Film and Music have given a lot of local artists, indeed, many of the artists that are nominated for a Juno, they should be really congratulated.
And I know the two co-chairs, Carole Vivier and Kenny Boyce, who have just put endless amount of time, and there's a perfect–actually, a perfect partnership between the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. Carole Vivier is head of Manitoba Film and Music, but also Kenny Boyce is in charge–for the City of Winnipeg, in charge of special events and concerts and so on. So with the City and the Province working closely together, they really have put together a great team.
Also, Sarah Stasiuk and Jason Smith have also worked tireless hours, working behind the scenes to make sure the Junos will be a success.
Let me just say, first of all, that today at noon on the staircase we're going to have different performers taking place and We Speak Music performance series starts today. And I would encourage all members to go and see these young people and the performers that are going to be here today at lunch hour, and it's a way to kind of kick off Juno Week.
But, indeed, in Manitoba, it's the Year of Music. The Premier (Mr. Selinger) made this announcement a short while back, and my colleague from Wolseley mentioned about the app which has been introduced, and many are taking advantage of that, showing–showcasing what bands are playing in what particular establishment or bar or hotel, which is innovative in Canada but also in North America with regard to this particular app being specialized to music and our Year of Music.
I just want to say that the important piece that often is not mentioned is that the economic impact related to the industry in Manitoba is just under $100 million, which is substantial, but also the amount of money that the Junos will be bringing into the city for hoteliers, restaurants and other businesses, it's approximately 10 to 12 million dollars. I've been advised that that's the kind of monies that will be brought into our capital city and into Manitoba.
And growing up in a town called Dauphin, Mr. Speaker, I was blessed with the–Canada's National Ukrainian Festival as a young person growing up in that community. I believe next year is their 50th anniversary. But also it's the 25th anniversary of CountryFest in Dauphin, which many here have attended, and many have attended the–Canada's National Ukrainian Festival, as well, in Dauphin.
And it was a real pleasure to grow up in a community where music was certainly not only cherished but was respected, and many different artists of many different genres were really appreciated.
And today, I and many in this Legislature are always in awe of the talent these musicians have and the kind of talent that they're able to express through their music, and it's really awe-inspiring for many of us. And I know we have a few on this side and across the way that are musically talented, and I know that even though we have a great appreciation for music, many of us don't have that talent to be able to play an instrument or be able to sing, but that doesn't preclude us from celebrating this particular week and being proud of our nominees. Just the fact that they're nominees, they are winners to us. The fact that they are nominated for a Juno is really–for many of them, makes a huge difference in their career.
The Premier hosted a luncheon for our nominees, and at–sitting at the table with Desiree Dorion she–we asked, well, what difference does it really make to you to be nominated, aside from it's a great honour and you're highlighted as a talented artist? But she said, the reality of it is that where I used to get a call to do a gig maybe once a week or once every two weeks, now I'm getting an opportunity to play in–three times a week or four times a week, I'm getting calls to be able to perform in different establishments.
So, on the financial side for them, it's a huge plus just to be nominated, never mind winning an–a Juno. But we wish them all luck, and they are truly winners as far as we're concerned, and we wish them a great deal of luck, as I pointed out, and so did the two previous members speaking before me.
The Year of Music that was announced by the Premier a while ago, truly is a celebration, a year‑long celebration, that we want to spotlight music and the culture and heritage related to our music. We have many artists that many of us are very familiar with, whether it's Neil Young or Guess Who or Bachman-Turner Overdrive. And Randy Bachman is going to be recognized in these Junos.
But just to speak about Randy Bachman a little bit, at the Burton Cummings Theatre, on Sunday, this coming Sunday, you have the artist–and this is probably the jewel of the Junos, where it brings together a lot of Canadian singer-songwriters–where they actually sit on the stage and they explain how they came up with the words, how they came up with the lyrics, how they came up with the music itself, related to a number of different songs. Could be Takin' Care of Business, or it can be different music that these artists will explain how they actually put this together and giving the history behind some of their music. And it's really an insight into the artists, the struggles that they have trying to be–trying to improve and to be excellent at their particular trade. And it's something that I would encourage everyone here to attend, not only that event, but many other events that are going on throughout the week.
Whether we believe it or not, the–many of the artists do know us; whether you're a New Democrat, a Conservative, a Liberal, those artists know who we are. And this was expressed to me the other day by a number of these nominees that are up for a Juno. And they really appreciate seeing our faces. Whether you're from Lac du Bonnet, whether you're from Russell, whether you're from Dauphin or Thompson or Plum Coulee, whatever area of the province you represent, those artists truly appreciate seeing us there. Because they know the support the Province has given not only the Junos but the Year of Music, and also the industry, through Manitoba Film & Music. But also, there's an appreciation, when they see their elected officials there, honouring them, in many ways, just by our attendance; it's really important.
So I would really ask each and every one of us to make some time, whatever event it might be, to show your support. And, of course, I know there's some–still some tickets available for the actual Juno Awards, I understand as of this morning, on Sunday night. And I know that, as Manitobans, we would want to ensure that that's–that particular forum is packed and filled. It's televised Canada-wide. It's great for tourism for the province of Manitoba, but also to highlight the fact that Manitoba really honours our musicians. But also we have a rich history and culture with regard to music. And truly, Winnipeg is the music capital of Canada. We have to show it. We have to embrace it. And we have to make sure that our artists know that we're supportive of them.
Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg will feature the Year of Music as one of the key reasons to visit Manitoba and to visit Winnipeg throughout this year. I know we've had a new launch on our tourism brand, and it's been truly successful all across the country. But one of the items that we do highlight is music. And music is truly important, not only to us as a province and as a people but also the kind of money that that brings into our province is also very, very important to us.
I just want to say that part and parcel and–of the Junos is the modernizing and modernization of our liquor laws we've had. Sixty years it's taken to make some of these changes. And what's happening throughout this week, we've allowed some liberalization of some of that legislation, where the bars and hotels and restaurants are able to take advantage of the changes that are going to take place April 1st. But we have allowed, as we did with the gold medal game during the Olympics, to allow hotels to stay open a different amount of hours to take advantage of the amount of people that are coming to Winnipeg.
So I'd just like to conclude by saying I know that everyone–everyone–no matter what political stripe in this Chamber, truly embraces the fact that the Junos are special. We embrace and celebrate the fact that we've had and have a number of nominees for a Juno, and I know that each and every one of us wish them well. And I know we also want to say thank you to all the organizers and all the volunteers and all the corporations that are sponsoring the Junos this week. It's truly a great event. And so let's celebrate and raise a glass and join with them in celebrating the Junos overall.
Thank you.
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Mrs. Bonnie Mitchelson (River East): And it gives me great pleasure to rise today and speak to this resolution congratulating Manitoba and our community for receiving the honour of hosting the Junos this year. And, Mr. Speaker, I think it's one of those resolutions that all of us in the House can take pride in standing up to support.
And I just want to speak a bit about the history of the music industry in the province. And in the early '90s, I had the honour of representing our Province as the minister of Culture, Heritage and Recreation, and in those days, we were nearing the end of the five-year negotiated agreement with the federal government, the cultural industries development agreement. And when the five years were up, we were notified by the federal government, in fact, that that agreement would not continue or be renewed.
And, Mr. Speaker, contrary to what some government members today might say, our premier of the day, Gary Filmon, had a vision for Manitoba, and he showed leadership. We couldn't completely backfill the amount of money that the federal government was taking out of our cultural industries, but we managed to keep that organization alive and growing. And Gary Filmon knew at the day–and he was a strong supporter of me. It gave me that opportunity to speak and to advocate for our cultural industries in the province. But he knew–and I don't know whether the number has changed today, but for every dollar that government invested in our cultural industries, there was a $7 return to Manitoba's economy, so it was a very valuable industry for government to continue to support. And, as a result of that vision and that leadership, we have the vibrant cultural industries that we have today.
And I know that the minister, when he was speaking today, did speak about Carole Vivier, and Carole Vivier was one of the instrumental people back in the early '90s that still remains today and has been really the anchor that has kept our cultural industries growing and thriving in our province. So, I want to say congratulations to her, because it is those people out there in the trenches that are working and delivering and seeing the amazing talent that we have in Manitoba that really bodes well for our province.
So, I'm glad that we have the opportunity to host the Junos this year and to continue the proud tradition that Manitoba has of being the music capital of the country. We truly are, Mr. Speaker, and we should be very proud of that.
I'm only hopeful–I want to say congratulations to all of those who have been nominated this year, and I would echo the sentiments of everyone that has spoken to say that they truly are winners. And it really will enhance their ability to develop and grow in their careers and their opportunities in Manitoba.
But, Mr. Speaker, I just want to wish the Juno Awards well–all of those that will be participating and contributing. I hope many Manitobans get behind the celebrations and the activities that are going to be happening during Juno Week. And I also hope that the weather co-operates a little bit, so we can showcase our province as the very wonderful place and the warm place that it is and that it can be and that it will provide to all of those that do come to experience the Junos and the excitement that will happen here.
I want to say congratulations to all of those that were the organizers, are involved, and all of those that will be performing and be the recipients of the very prestigious Juno Awards coming up, Mr. Speaker.
And thanks for the opportunity. I'm glad that we have this kind of opportunity to speak about how great our province of Manitoba is.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Gord Mackintosh (Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship): Well, Mr. Speaker, as a former rock and roller, and you can tell just by looking at me–
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh.
Mr. Mackintosh: I had more applause there than my last concert, Mr. Speaker. But I certainly recognize the role of music in one's personal life. I think it kept me out of trouble. No, maybe it didn't, but it caused me to be focused after school every day, and I think it also taught me a lot of lessons about working with groups, working with other individuals. I think there's a lot of life skills that go with that. But there's a lot of satisfaction, and I think that no one knows better in this room than our own Deputy Clerk here, Rick Yarish, who, of course, has been just having a great time and I think enriching many evenings for Manitobans with his work.
I want to just first of all talk about Manitoba as a hotbed for music and then I want to talk about St. Johns as one of the epicentres of rock and roll music in Manitoba's history. First of all, congratulations to all of the Manitoba nominees, and it reminds us that the glory days are still with us. They're not only back in the days of Neil Young and The Guess Who and BTO, which I will talk about, but we continue to be a leading edge hotbed of popular music and of all genres. I also just want to commend the tremendous efforts and leadership of Carole Vivier and Sam Baardman, who are also from St. Johns, I will add.
First of all, let's just spend a moment reflecting on the tremendous and ongoing importance and contribution to the world of music of Neil Young. You know, many people say, well, Neil Young's not from Winnipeg or Manitoba, he's from Toronto or he's from LA. Well, I think the best way to determine where Neil Young is from is by asking Neil Young, and you will see reflected in his music through all the years and in his interviews the importance of his formative years here in Winnipeg. And I think we have to do more to celebrate, by the way, that this is Neil Young's hometown. He is as active and as creative today as he has ever been, and he really has pushed the boundaries in terms of his own roots. He was very much a folk singer when he began, at least after The Squires, but it is great to see the experimentation and the leadership that he has shown.
We continue to find out about Manitoba artists through John Einarson in particular. I think there's another Manitoban who should be celebrated much more. He is a great Manitoba book writer, a great author and a great historian, and he has–he recently drew to my attention another former resident of St. Johns, Bob Nolan, who went on to great fame south of the border. But he is the writer of the famous songs Tumbling Tumbleweeds and Cool Water. I don't think people know that. It's–again, we have to do better to promote our music history.
But the reason I really wanted to get up today was because there's a very special induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and that's for Bachman-Turner Overdrive. This has been, I think, long awaited and I would argue, long overdue.
You know, it all began with The Guess Who, of course. And The Guess Who, of the four members that were in the band in 1970 when I think they were most widely known largely because of American Woman, but three of the four of those members of the band were in St. Johns, so I have a particular pride, and for people that come to visit me and family, I always point out, if they're interested, where members of The Guess Who lived.
I was quite surprised, when we bought our home on Cathedral Avenue, that just down the alley, on Bannerman, less than a block away, was Burton Cumming's grandmother's home, and that is where Canadian music changed. In that home, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings got together and they wrote These Eyes. There should be a plaque outside that home, I think, and perhaps we should pay attention to that at some point. But I always remember meeting the young woman that lived there when I was in the nomination contest back in 1993, and she had recently discovered a Burton Cummings Red Cross card underneath the quarter round, and that was a buzz. We kind of got a kick out of that.
I got to know Burton Cummings. He had a home until just a few years ago on Lansdowne, right next to his former home after leaving Bannerman. And we kept up at different functions, whether it was at Luxton School, where he attended, or other events, and I can't believe that this little old guy from Fort Frances that used to run after and peek through the windows and the doors at the arena when the guess–the big blue Guess Who bus was in town, would actually meet these chaps, and so that was–I always thought that was kind of cool.
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But The Guess Who is one of the great bands of all time, and my favourite–one of my favourite songs is Palmyra. I'd recommend it to other members. It's not widely known. It actually was recorded just at the time of their breakup in 1970 after the big hit American Woman. But I never get tired of These Eyes or Undun. I think those are classics, and I also would commend A Wednesday in Your Garden, which is another favourite of mine from some of the early years.
And then, of course, Randy Bachman was so important to the sound and the creativity. People used to say they were our Lennon and McCartney, and so I got to know him over time as well. I had a real concern that The Guess Who was never recognized for their accomplishments in Winnipeg, so we developed a partnership with St. Johns High school and Marymound and Pollock's Hardware and we put a mural up on Main Street to celebrate all the album covers of The Guess Who. Much to my shock and horror, just a few months ago the mural was sandblasted by the new owner of the building. It was actually formerly my constituency office. So there was some intervention there and Michael Read that was the designer of that, and he met with the owner and I think the owner understood the importance of that mural to the community. There was a real sense of ownership that was tested there, and he's agreed to get that repainted in the spring.
But, as well, we–Burton has been recognized across Winnipeg and–but Randy has not, and so I went to work with John Einarson and the board of the Seven Oaks school board, and so today there is at West Kildonan Collegiate the Randy Bachman Commons. At least he is recognized at a school that he once attended. Of course, Randy left and formed Brave Belt. I remember the story that John Einarson tells where, when Randy hit the big time in 1970 with American Woman, what do you do when you live in north Winnipeg, you live in the North End, West Kildonan? Well, you move to Scotia. That's where you go. That was the big time. He moved to Scotia and he could still just go two blocks to the Salisbury House. So that was what he decided was the proper investment.
He then formed Brave Belt and there were two albums there that aren't very well known, but there's some great songs. One is in a Rock and Roll Band, I recommend it to others. The photo on the album, by the way, was taken at Seven Oaks museum. But this all led, in a very sort of organic way, to Bachman‑Turner Overdrive. I think they may be recognized too often as a Vancouver band, but the genesis was all in Winnipeg, and bringing Fred Turner on gave it this whole unique sound, this tremendous voice, and I think it's very important that Fred also be recognized at the Junos, as he will be.
We know that popular music is not only an export industry. It enriches our community and, in fact, I think it has given a cool factor to Winnipeg over the years. But also it's a reminder, in the case, for example, of The Guess Who and Bachman‑Turner Overdrive, a reminder to north Winnipeggers and I think all Manitoba youth to follow your dreams. And that, you know, if people from here can be as great as anywhere, and that is always important to recall, especially when it comes to youth, it really is, in other words, an inspiration. That's what our musical heritage is.
I certainly look forward to, I think, more efforts in the future though to recognize the great Manitoba musical heritage, and I think we should all look for new partnerships to nail that down.
Thank you very much.
Mr. Doyle Piwniuk (Arthur-Virden): Mr. Speaker, it's a very exciting week this week. We're going to be hosting the Juno Awards here in Winnipeg, and I'm looking forward to having–to be actually attending it. It's my–my wife got it for my birthday, my–for–tickets for the Junos, and I'm looking forward to it and I'm taking my whole family. And–
An Honourable Member: Happy birthday.
Mr. Piwniuk: Thank you.
And what I'm looking forward to is–with music, it's very important in our family. We actually–my father was actually in a country band and I remember listening to him many–for many days with his guitar and with his bandmates. A lot of them–some of them were some of my relatives and good friends in the community. And I remember as a kid I used to watch Yorkton Profile on TK–CK–I forget what the TV station was because it was so long ago. And I would listen to him in the country band and it was very entertaining, and that's the grassroots of our entertainment industry here in Manitoba.
We have a lot of talented people in–just in our–my own riding of Arthur-Virden. We have Grayson Ross, who's a fiddler, Scotty Cornelius up in Roblin who my mom and her best friend is grandmother of the–Scotty. They go all over the place to–throughout the–all of the different concerts and concert series that they have in Manitoba.
And, also, all the festivals that we have. We've–my parents always dragged us to all of the festivals. I didn't appreciate it until now that the–it's so important to be part of that culture. And that's where a lot of these artists started. And we need to make sure that we get–we encourage it, we support it and we actually are there to witness the starts of a lot of these careers.
Another thing that we have in Virden, Manitoba, is we actually have a nice concerts hall; it's the auditorium. And we have a very good music program just in our high school and junior high. And my kids are on–in band and they enjoy playing music. And I encourage it because that's something I never was able to do–was encouraged to do, even though my dad was in a band.
And, I think, Winnipeg is going to be a very good place to host it. I guess with all the history that we have with the Guess Who and Chantal Kreviazuk and all the other artists that we produced here in this–a few other different artists over the years. And I remember listening to music in the 1980s, and I remember with Anne Murray and Gordon Lightfoot on the radio, I remember my dad used to listen to it all the time, and now I didn't appreciate those–the talent that we had that are Canadians that were–won these awards, not only in the Junos but also internationally they won.
And until now, when I actually have–now with the Apple devices and you actually are–download these music, and some of those artists today that are Canadian are amazing, and I appreciate them more now than ever before.
And, again, throughout the '90s and 2000s, we have had a lot of talented artists not only from Manitoba but throughout Canada who became very international, like Céline Dion and many other ones, and different parts, like the country music to rock and roll to jazz. So, we have a lot of different artists and I really appreciate the time that we can actually celebrate here in Winnipeg on Sunday, March 30th and, like I said, I really appreciate the talent that we have.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Clarence Pettersen (Flin Flon): It gives me great privilege to stand here and talk about the Junos, the opportunities it can have for all Manitobans, and the opportunities that it has given Manitobans in the past. I'd like to say, on record, that there is a Flin Flon connection. My–I have a couple sister-in-laws that were at the Junos. One, Susan Lethbridge, who sang with Graham Shaw and the Sincere Serenaders, actually won as best new group, and I think it was in the '80s or whatever and that. And that was very a proud moment for Flin Flon. Then her sister, Jennifer Hanson, along with, I think, Larry Roy, which I see is here again for jazz, was nominated for awards. So there is a Flin Flon connection.
I also want to straighten out–there's always this argument, where is Neil Young from. Well, there is a Flin Flon connection, yes. The connection is he does have an aunt in Flin Flon, and I think along with his dad, Scott, had came up to Flin Flon for a visit. So, there is a connection there.
Lately, Flin Flon, as you know, in the past has been known as a hockey area, but lately we've been putting a lot of our effort to culture, to the arts, and we were actually trying to get Neil Young to come to Flin Flon to sing. But we just wanted Neil Young, but he wanted to bring his whole entourage, which would have filled every hotel in Flin Flon, so we–it was way beyond what we could do. But Neil Young is obviously a person that we have to recognize not just in Manitoba, not just in Canada, but in the world. He is still relevant. And I think that's what it says about anything in music, if you're still relevant like Paul McCartney or whatever, that means that you've made your mark. And when you mention Randy Bachman or whatever, these people are still relevant in the music scene. They're great.
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Do we have–and I ask, are both sides of the House, do we have musical people in here, in the Chamber? And I–yes, we've mentioned, yes, but I also wanted to mention my good friend from Le Pas who is–who's not only a good singer and player of instruments, but also you got to remember it was a time in the fall when the minister from Emerson gave us a few notes with his voice, and there was a hush throughout the crowd and tears–tears of joy, I think, seeing that the minister–[interjection] There was tears, yes, there was tears–tears of something. And everybody has a heart for music. I wished he was here, because I–after he sang, I went over, gladly shook his hand and was saying that I was one of the people that was hollering, give him leave to finish the whole song, but I think there was members on his own side that said, no, that's enough. I don't know, but there is controversy there.
But music is the heartbeat and soul of everybody, and when you go back in history, over time, music is always been there for not only relaxation, but also the music when you go to war. And the–I know my father-in-law used to listen to many songs that were sang by The Andrews Sisters and that during–or, not during, it was after the war. But he said music was so important to the soldiers at the time to forget about what they had to live through at times in war, and he said that when you listen to music, it was something that you could forget and dream about getting back to your family and that.
And I think the Junos is–epitomizes that, in that it realizes that it is important. Our music programs in the schools–I know former ministers have talked about that is so important, give that–I guess you could say, that opportunity to students to branch out. Not everybody is going to be a hockey player, not everybody is going to be a mathematician, but let's give them opportunities to see that's there.
And music is an opportunity that we have to maybe encourage even more. And when we see the opportunities of people that are being nominated from Manitoba in the Junos, it gives us all great pleasure to see that we, in Manitoba, are being recognized for some of our musical attributes.
I'd just like to say, further, that the Junos is a time for everybody to get together and get out and cheer on Manitobans, and also hear and see the opportunities that the rest of Canada have given us. We have some great music out there, and it's a matter of just listening and giving it a chance, because the talent, whether it's in Winnipeg or Flin Flon, Le Pas or Beausejour even, it will come to the top, because if you're good, you're good.
So thanks a lot for giving me this opportunity, and, you know, let's take care of business. Thank you.
Mr. Dennis Smook (La Verendrye): It's a great week to be in Winnipeg as we welcome the 43rd Juno Awards to our province. It's exciting as we join together in welcoming the best in Canadian talent to Winnipeg. Manitobans know how to party, and this week will give us the opportunity to show performers from across the country the hospitality and welcoming spirits of Manitobans.
Mr. Speaker, we know that Manitoba is home to incredibly talented artists. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those because I can't carry a tune to save my soul. I enjoy music and I love music and I think it's great that we have such talent in Manitoba. This year, 13 Manitobans of incredible talent have been nominated for Junos. They all deserve to be congratulated. I believe it would be safe to say that every member in this Chamber is proud of what these nominees have added to the musical industry in Manitoba. Manitoba is incredibly diverse province that is rich in culture, and this shines through in the Juno Award nominees from our province.
Music plays an important part in everyone's life. Everyone listens to some kind of music or song, and music enriches all of our lives. Mr. Speaker, when we listen to music, we usually listen to the finished product, and that's what we get to hear. I would like to thank all the artists for all the hard work they have done to get to this point. The dedication and commitment of these artists and performers is amazing. I know several musicians. I know that the road to success is not an easy one.
The Juno Awards is a time to celebrate and showcase those who have put the time and effort to give us the music that is so important to our lives. Events like the Junos are important to celebrate the artists of today but equally important to our artists of tomorrow. The Junos help our young performers to set their goals and dreams for tomorrow. Like any other event, Junos would not be possible if it was not for the Juno host committee and the hundreds of volunteers. I would like to thank them all for their hard work to show off this province to Canadian musicians and Canadian music fans alike.
I would like to encourage all Manitobans to take part in Juno Week and to support all the performers from across this province and this country and show them how important their efforts are to us.
In closing, I would like to join with all Manitobans in congratulating all performers, nominees and organizers of the 2014 Juno Awards. I also look forward to the performers performing here at the Legislature. I believe it's possibly today that they are performing at lunch time, and I'm looking forward to that.
Hon. Dave Chomiak (Acting Government House Leader): On House business, Mr. Speaker, I'm asking leave of the House as in so far as this last session started at 10:55, and as I have the impression that this item is going to pass, and there's still members who want to speak, I wonder if we might not see the clock until 12 noon, if we have unanimous consent on that.
Mr. Speaker: Is there leave of the House to allow the debate to continue until 12 noon? [Agreed]
Hon. Steve Ashton (Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation): I certainly appreciate the opportunity to speak on this, and I had the opportunity to attend the Juno Awards last time they were held in Winnipeg, and it was interesting. If there was–it was great–if there's one regret I had out of that was the fact that Neil Young was unable to attend because of illness at that time, that great icon.
But I want to add a bit of a personal dimension about the power of music, particularly power of Canadian music, particularly the power and impact of Manitoba music. I had the opportunity many years ago to go on exchange, and people may know that through that exchange, I actually met my wife, Hari. We were actually in Slovenia in what was then Yugoslavia, and it's always interesting when you get into explaining where you're from. And, of course, being from Manitoba, I started kind of on the–you know, where do I start? And I thought, well, on the musical side.
So actually, it was interesting because my wife's favourite song was These Eyes. So I must say I made the connection, The Guess Who being from Winnipeg. And, well, all these years later, Hari, of course, she actually planned to come to Canada to study anyway. We got married. She's a proud Manitoban, and I kind of wonder, actually, if that may have had something to do with our romance over the years, that natural affinity she had with Manitoba.
And, of course, I'm a big fan of The Guess Who, but I think everybody knows to my mind that when it comes to music, I don't think there's a better band anywhere than BTO. And I'm very excited they're being recognized at the Junos. I mean, their songs are priceless. You know, I have to say, when I first came to Winnipeg as a student, studying at the University of Manitoba, the first thing I wanted to do, the first concert I went to, was a BTO concert. And I thought it was worth absolutely all the anticipation; it was incredible.
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And their music really still resonates. It's a whole subsequent generation now that knows, you know, Takin' Care of Business, and, of course, my own personal theme song, which I love. And I always say, by the way, that, you know, I quote that famous Manitoban, Randy Bachman, when he talks about You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, because you want anything that sums up the spirit of Manitoba, it really is that song and BTO.
And I want to say, by the way, that there's something unique about this province when it comes to music. You know, I appreciated the comments, particularly the Minister of Conservation's comments earlier, when he talked about–I mean, here we are in this frozen prairie, you know, where our social life, in many cases, you know, revolves around many unique aspects. I mean the social–I mean I still have that problem when I visit people elsewhere in Canada. I forget sometimes that the social is really a unique Manitoba–maybe Saskatchewan to some degree–but it's a unique Manitoba concept. People just go–they look at you and say, a social? Where, you know, two, three hundred people get together to, you know, dance the night away, enjoy good food, good company.
And you know what's unique about what we've seen is the great idea–not the other elements, by the way–the community centres in Winnipeg were very much the hub of the music scene in the '50s and '60s and '70s. It hasn't stopped. There's a lot of good musical talent coming out of this province even to this point and day, some of which even touches in this Chamber. And I hope members are going to be voting for the member for Gimli's (Mr. Bjornson) son who's in a YTV reality show based on his talent. So we have members in this House who have a direct connection.
But the bottom line, when we host the Junos, Mr. Speaker, I think it's an opportunity for us to showcase just how much–you know, we are in the heart of this country, in many ways, heart of this continent–and very much what we are about, as a province, is that unique way in which we take who we are and what we are, and we express it musically.
So, as we host the Junos over the next few days, I wanted to put on the record that, indeed, Mr. Speaker, this is a great opportunity for us to share this great province.
And I think I said it once before, but I'll say it again. As we go over the next few days, I want people to remember it–remember Randy Bachman's words, because, you know what, what we see when we host events like this, is what a great province this is. We got great people, we got a great future, and as Randy Bachman said–when I look at the future of this province–You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker: Any further debate on the resolution?
Some Honourable Members: Question.
Mr. Speaker: The House is ready for the question.
Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the resolution? [Agreed]
Mr. Chomiak: I wonder if the record might show that the vote was unanimous on this matter.
Mr. Speaker: Is it the agreement of the House that the record reflect that this resolution was passed unanimously? [Agreed]
Mr. Chomiak: Yes, on House business. I wonder if–is the unanimous consent to call it noon?
Mr. Speaker: Is there leave of the House to call it 12 noon? [Agreed]
The hour being 12 noon, this House is recessed and stands recessed until 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.