Fourth Session – Forty-First Legislature

of the

Legislative Assembly of Manitoba

DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS

Official Report (Hansard)

Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker

Vol. LXXII No. 50 - 1:30 p.m., Monday, May 13, 2019

ISSN 0542-5492 MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-First Legislature

Member Constituency Political Affiliation

ALLUM, James Fort Garry-Riverview NDP ALTEMEYER, Rob Wolseley NDP BINDLE, Kelly Thompson PC CLARKE, Eileen, Hon. Agassiz PC COX, Cathy, Hon. River East PC CULLEN, Cliff, Hon. Spruce Woods PC CURRY, Nic Kildonan PC DRIEDGER, Myrna, Hon. Charleswood PC EICHLER, Ralph, Hon. Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne Lac du Bonnet PC FIELDING, Scott, Hon. Kirkfield Park PC FLETCHER, Steven, Hon. Assiniboia Man. FONTAINE, Nahanni St. Johns NDP FRIESEN, Cameron, Hon. Morden-Winkler PC GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib. GOERTZEN, Kelvin, Hon. Steinbach PC GRAYDON, Clifford Emerson Ind. GUILLEMARD, Sarah Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek Interlake PC JOHNSTON, Scott St. James PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP KLASSEN, Judy Kewatinook Lib. LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan Selkirk PC LAMONT, Dougald St. Boniface Lib. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Burrows Lib. LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Flor Logan NDP MARCELINO, Ted Tyndall Park NDP MARTIN, Shannon Morris PC MAYER, Colleen, Hon. St. Vital PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PALLISTER, Brian, Hon. Fort Whyte PC PEDERSEN, Blaine, Hon. Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle Arthur-Virden PC REYES, Jon St. Norbert PC SARAN, Mohinder The Maples Ind. SCHULER, Ron, Hon. St. Paul PC SMITH, Andrew Southdale PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Verendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC SWAN, Andrew Minto NDP TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WHARTON, Jeff, Hon. Gimli PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC YAKIMOSKI, Blair Transcona PC 1799

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Monday, May 13, 2019

The House met at 1:30 p.m. on May 25th and 26th. Manitobans are encouraged to visit the Assembly Chamber on those days to see the Madam Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, maces firsthand. from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as In addition to the original mace, the star-blanket may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our mace cushion and the beautiful beaded mace runner– province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that gifted to the Assembly by the Assembly of Manitoba we may desire only that which is in accordance with Chiefs in 2010–are also on display today to help Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know celebrate Manitoba Day, and to honour Manitoba's it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the indigenous heritage. glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of These artifacts also serve as a reminder that all our people. Amen. this Assembly Chamber and Legislative Building Please be seated. are on Treaty One territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinabe and the homeland of the Metis ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS people. Speaker's Statement I am pleased that we were able to include our Madam Speaker: I have a statement for the original mace in the celebration of Manitoba Day, House. Yesterday, May 12th, 2019, marked the and I hope this tradition continues. 149th anniversary of Manitoba joining Confederation Introduction of bills? as a province. In honour of this historic occasion, in today's Speaker's parade our Sergeant-at-Arms COMMITTEE REPORTS carried our original Manitoba mace. Standing Committee on Justice Carved from the hub of a Red River cart wheel Second Report by a soldier with the Wolseley Expedition in 1870, Mr. Doyle Piwniuk (Chairperson): Madam this mace made its first formal appearance on Speaker, I wish to present the second reading of the March 15, 1871, at the first session of the first Standing Committee on Justice. Manitoba Legislature, held in the home of A.G.B. Bannatyne in Winnipeg. Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Your Standing Committee on Justice presents– Included in the designs carved into our original mace are the rose, thistle, harp and fleur-de-lis. The Some Honourable Members: Dispense. Bannatyne home was destroyed by fire in April– Madam Speaker: Dispense. pardon me, in December 1873, but thankfully, the mace survived. Your Standing Committee on JUSTICE presents the following as its Second Report. This mace was retired in 1884 after 13 years of service when our current mace was first used. The Meetings original mace has a permanent home on display in Your Committee met on May 9, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Speaker's Office. I brought it out of retirement in Room 255 of the Legislative Building. 2017, after it had been retired for 133 years. It came out of retirement for the third time, today, for this Matters under Consideration celebration. • Bill (No. 5) – The Mental Health Amendment This important historical artifact was used in and Personal Health Information Amendment today's Speaker's parade to pay tribute to the rich Act / Loi modifiant la Loi sur la santé mentale et history of our province. la Loi sur les renseignements médicaux personnels The original mace, as well as the Assembly's current mace, will be on display in the Chamber in • Bill (No. 6) – The Statutes Correction and Minor their respective cases during the Doors Open event Amendments Act, 2018 / Loi corrective de 2018 1800 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019

• Bill (No. 8) – The Referendum Act / Loi sur les Susan Dawes, Provincial Judges Association of référendums Manitoba • Bill (No. 9) – The Family Law Modernization Mark Toews, Manitoba Bar Association Act / Loi sur la modernisation du droit de la Written Submissions famille • Bill (No. 20) – The Courts Modernization Your Committee received the following written Act (Various Acts Amended) / Loi modifiant submission on Bill (No. 5) – The Mental Health diverses lois en matière de modernisation des Amendment and Personal Health Information tribunaux Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la Loi sur la santé mentale et la Loi sur les renseignements médicaux Committee Membership personnels: • HON. MR. CULLEN Anna Ziomek, The College of Physicians and • MS. FONTAINE Surgeons of Manitoba • HON. MR. FRIESEN • MR. ISLEIFSON (VICE-CHAIRPERSON) Bills Considered and Reported • MR. JOHNSTON (ST. JAMES) • Bill (No. 5) – The Mental Health Amendment • MS. LAMOUREUX and Personal Health Information Amendment • MS. LATHLIN Act / Loi modifiant la Loi sur la santé mentale et • MS. MORLEY-LECOMTE la Loi sur les renseignements médicaux • MR. PIWNIUK (CHAIRPERSON) personnels • MRS. SMITH (POINT DOUGLAS) • MR. TEITSMA Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment. Public Presentations • Bill (No. 6) – The Statutes Correction and Minor Your Committee heard the following four Amendments Act, 2018 / Loi corrective de 2018 presentations on Bill (No. 5) – The Mental Health Amendment and Personal Health Information Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la Loi sur la santé amendment. mentale et la Loi sur les renseignements médicaux • Bill (No. 8) – The Referendum Act / Loi sur les personnels: référendums Keith Kovacs, Private Citizen Bonnie Bricker, Private Citizen Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without Kristen Valeri, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg amendment. Cassidy Allison, Private Citizen • Bill (No. 9) – The Family Law Modernization Your Committee heard the following six Act / Loi sur la modernisation du droit de la presentations on Bill (No. 9) – The Family Law famille Modernization Act / Loi sur la modernisation du Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without droit de la famille: amendment. Ronald Bewski, Family Mediation Manitoba • Bill (No. 20) – The Courts Modernization Act Jason Bekiaris, Private Citizen (Various Acts Amended) / Loi modifiant diverses Robynne Kazina, Manitoba Bar Association (Family lois en matière de modernisation des tribunaux Law Section) Lawrence Pinsky, FAMLI Mediation and Arbitration Your Committee agreed to report this Bill with the Allan Fineblit, Private Citizen following amendment: Christine Ens, Mediation Services THAT Clause 42 of the Bill be replaced with the Your Committee heard the following two following: presentations on Bill (No. 20) – The Courts Modernization Act (Various Acts Amended) / Loi Coming into force modifiant diverses lois en matière de modernisation 42 This Act comes into force on a day to be fixed by des tribunaux: proclamation. May 13, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1801

Mr. Piwniuk: Madam Speaker, I move, seconded or debated by Winnipeg City Council–for a rink at by the honourable member for Seine River the St. James Civic Centre named in Ab McDonald's (Ms. Morley-Lecomte), that the report of the honour, a fitting recognition as Ab was an active committee be received. citizen both on and off the ice and a champion in the community. Motion agreed to. Madam Speaker, I ask for leave for the members TABLING OF REPORTS of the McDonald family who are here to be added to Madam Speaker: I'm pleased to table the annual Hansard, Madam Speaker. report of the Legislative Assembly Management Commission for the year ending March 31st, 2019. Thank you. Copies of the report have been placed on members' desks. Madam Speaker: Is there leave to include those names in Hansard? [Agreed] Ministerial statements? Cindy East, Kristina Gottfried, Kurt Gottfried, MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Rachel Gottfried, Ryan Gottfried, Lori Koke, Ab McDonald Pat McDonald. Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): Today I Sinclair Park Community Centre wish to recognize the legacy of Ab McDonald, a long-time resident of Winnipeg west where he made Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Sinclair Park his home with his family from 1967 to 2018. Community Center has been a hub of connecting St. Johns families and communities since 2012. Ab, short for Alvin Brian, may be best known Sinclair Park offers a variety of programming, for some of his remarkable hockey career, resulting including soccer, Canada Day celebrations, Breakfast in four Stanley Cups, where he played on the with Santa, movie nights, open gym, summer day Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston camp and dance programs but to name a few. Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues. He was the first captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins Madam Speaker, both the member for Point as well as the inaugural captain of the Winnipeg Douglas (Mrs. Smith) and myself have hosted two Jets. joint community barbecues at Sinclair Park, bringing Ab was also a great leader in the community and out well over 1,000 people each year. Last year, the a community champion. He often lent his name to member for–or last weekend, the member for Point important fundraising causes like–things like the Douglas and myself hosted a women's cabaret Special Olympics, which was close to his heart. fundraiser highlighting local artists. His family, some of who are in the crowd Aliyah Pacheco, Emily Fars and Charli McKay, here today, started the Ab McDonald Foundation three dance performers from Sinclair Park, left our in his honour, an organization that supports health, guests in absolute awe with their contortionist wellness and recreation, empowering youth and performance. adults in the community to achieve. All the girls practise, perform and travel together The foundation recently awarded its first to competitions, including upcoming international grant this past January to the Weston Memorial competitions with each–with dreams of performing Community Centre, carrying out Ab's legacy, where on Broadway and Cirque du Soleil. everything started for him, for his love of support and the community. The Sinclair Park dance program has literally changed the course of these young girls' lives in Ab's legacy, through the Ab McDonald unimaginable ways and is a testament to the Foundation, will continue to support the community importance of investing in community and estab- he loves, and I want to recognize Ab and his role in lishing measures to tangibly support Manitoba youth, helping create a vibrant community. and this is just one small example of the transfor- Ab's legacy doesn't end there. A motion has mative work at Sinclair Park under the phenomenal recently been passed by the Winnipeg City Council– leadership of its president, Tracy Ball. 1802 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019

* (13:40) community leadership on this subject. Their vision is one day to see a community that no longer requires Tracy best illustrates love of community through the services of a food bank. her tireless work. You can't help but fall in love with Tracy as she daily demonstrates her commitment to The president, manager, treasurer and member youth, families and community she serves at Sinclair responsible for communications of the Accueil Park. It truly is an honour to know and work with Kateri Centre Board join us in the gallery today. Tracy. Please help me in applauding their endless efforts in fighting the fight against hunger. So today I acknowledge all of the girls in the Sinclair Park community dance program, and Madam Speaker: The honourable member for miigwech to Tracy, Sinclair Park board members, Dawson Trail. staff and the countless volunteers who make all these events at Sinclair Park Community Centre possible Mr. Lagassé: Madam Speaker, I ask to have the and accessible. names of the board members entered in Hansard. Madam Speaker: Is there leave to include those I ask my colleagues to help me in acknowl- names in Hansard? [Agreed] edging and welcoming them. Accueil Kateri Centre Board: Aurèle Boisvert, Accueil Kateri Centre Armande Leclair, J. Guy Levesque, Suzanne Ritchot. Mr. Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker: Further members' statements? I rise today to honour a group of Dawson Trail heroes who volunteer their time and effort each week Lac du Bonnet Constituency for the endless battle against hunger, a worldwide Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Madam issue that unfortunately still exists this–in this day Speaker, with the recent changes to the Manitoba and age. electoral boundaries, I would like to pay tribute Madam Speaker, Accueil Kateri Centre is a to the Lac du Bonnet constituency, old and new, that charitable organization that provides food bank I have been very fortunate to represent as the services for local families in need. They serve the member of the Legislative Assembly since 2011. rural municipality and town of Ste. Anne and provide When we think of tourism in Manitoba, we think up to five meals' worth of food to each registered of the Lac du Bonnet constituency. Whether you are client every second week. Founded in 2015, the following the Trans-Canada or the La Vérendrye kind-hearted volunteers of Accueil Kateri Centre trails through Powerview-Pine Falls, Sagkeeng, came together with the mutual objective of over- RM of Alexander, Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa and coming hunger in the area. They reached out to local Victoria Beach, or taking the historic No. 1 through businesses, organizations who are willing to lend a Beausejour, the RM of Brokenhead and Whitemouth, helping hand in partnership. you will be able to explore many of our rural communities, each of which has something special Next, they set up multiple non-perishable food to offer. donation bins at local landmarks throughout the town of Ste. Anne and Richer. They have continued to The Lac du Bonnet constituency offers an provide food for–to those in need ever since. abundance of Manitoba's history and is home to many museums that celebrate and honour the Not only does Accueil Kateri Centre accept non- artifacts of both the indigenous and settlers of the perishable food donations, but also financial area. The discovery of gold in the Bissett region back donations, which help in keeping a consistent in 1911 sparked an era of prospecting in the delivery of food to those in need. Financial donations Wanipigow River watershed and in the area we now can be made for one year, six months, two months, know as Nopiming. one month, two weeks worth of meals. Commonly known as cottage country, the Madam Speaker, Accueil Kateri Centre's work Lac du Bonnet constituency comes alive in the doesn't end there. They are continuously working to spring as many Manitobans and visitors from outside promote food-related self-sufficiency, providing the province head to their cabins or favourite May 13, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1803 campsites, allowing the businesses in surrounding ORAL QUESTIONS communities to benefit from the economic growth. Concordia and Seven Oaks Hospitals Many of the communities in the Lac du Bonnet Request to Retain ER Services constituency host annual events throughout the year that have almost become a tradition for many Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): The Manitobans and visitors alike: the Canada Day Premier and his ministers are reaching for any fireworks show in Lac du Bonnet, the Canadian excuse that their plan is failed–any excuse for–that Power Toboggan championships in Beausejour, the their plan is not failing. Fire & Water Music Festival in Lac du Bonnet, The use of consultations and talk of delays is the Summer Winds music festival in Victoria Beach, nothing more than an admission of failure by this the double B rodeo and agricultural festival in government. All Manitobans can see the cold, Beausejour, the 4P Festival in Powerview-Pinefalls hard fact that their plan is failing: ER wait times and the Boreal Shores Art Tour featuring artists of has–have continued to rise since the beginning of their studios or group locations throughout the their plan; mandatory overtime is way up; front-line beautiful boreal forest–just to name a few, Madam workers are working in straight chaos. Speaker. The real solution to their failing plan would be Diverse in culture, environment and recreation, not to close Concordia or seventy–Seven Oaks ER. the Lac du Bonnet constituency has something to offer during any season, and I am extremely Will the Premier get up today and tell us that honoured to represent what is considered by most Concordia and Seven Oaks ERs will not be closing? as the most beautiful region in this wonderful province, Madam Speaker. Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): We inherited a mess from the NDP. We're committed to cleaning it Thank you. up. Madam Speaker: Are there any further members' But Ab MacDonald was a fine man, an absolute statements? gentleman, a father and blessed with a wonderful Does the member for The Maples (Mr. Saran) wife, and he wasn't as modest as everybody says. I have a statement today? got to go to a hockey game with Ab thanks to George Sigurdson, and we were sitting there watching The honourable member for Assiniboia? and they brought out the crew to clean up the ice Hon. Steven Fletcher (Assiniboia): Well– mid-period, and I said, Ab, did they do that when you played in the NHL? And he said, they Madam Speaker: I would indicate that the member never had to in our defensive end. So he wasn't is not on the list. He's not on the rotation, but I'm as humble as people say, but he was truly a fine wondering if there was a switch. [interjection] No? Canadian, a fine gentleman and a wonderful friend to Then, we–the rotation indicates that should be many in our province. the member for The Maples, and if he's not standing And I'm honoured that I have this chance–and I to speak then that spot is gone for the day. will address the substance of my colleague's question Introduction of Guests in the second answer, but I–honoured to have the chance to say a few words to his family today. Madam Speaker: Prior to oral questions, we have some special guests in the gallery that I would like to Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point introduce to you. Douglas, on a supplementary question. Seated in the Speaker's Gallery we have with us Mrs. Smith: The minister's saying his plan is failing today from Japan: the Ambassador, His Excellency due to an aging population, nothing more, but that's Kimihiro Ishikane; his spouse, Kaoru Ishikane; not what this minister and Premier are claiming. Counsellor Shunichi Inoue; and Consul for Public The Department of Health's own population Relations, Kohei Sakamoto; and the Honourary report, which I table here today, does not show a Consul for Japan, Ken Zaifman. dramatic increase in a aging population or elderly On behalf of all members here, we welcome all either in the WRHA or the rest of Manitoba. What it of you to the Manitoba Legislature. does show is the same steady increase year after year 1804 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019 since this government has taken government: a trend Now they say the population's not aging. Well, if upward. this population isn't aging in this province, Madam Speaker, it's the only jurisdiction in Canada and most * (13:50) of the western world where the population isn't So instead of hiding behind excuses, will the aging. Premier stand up today, admit his plan is failing and Madam Speaker, we need health care for our keep Seven Oaks and Concordia ERs open? people. They weren't getting health care under the Mr. Pallister: Well, Madam Speaker, again, NDP. They broke the system. We're fixing it up. Concordia and other Winnipeg hospitals had the Seven Oaks Hospital ER longest wait times in Canada and the previous Request to Retain Service government knew there was a problem–[interjection] Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Well, Madam Madam Speaker: Order. Speaker, St. Johns constituents are confused and concerned about the future of the Seven Oaks ER. Mr. Pallister: –they knew there was a problem, but They want to be assured that access to critical care they didn't want to take advice, Madam Speaker. will be close to home when they need it most, but Even when they asked for a report to be done, they they’re not getting any assurance from the Premier or threw it under a desk some place and just didn't pay his minister. Instead, they receive incoherent any attention to it, and that's typical NDP for you: responses. when the heavy lifting starts, they run away. The government's own news conference on We saw a challenge. We see a problem. We see Friday has left the people of St. Johns with more a problem worth solving. We're going to solve the questions than answers and concerned about the fate problem they created, Madam Speaker. of their Seven Oaks ER. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Will the Premier stand up today and commit to Douglas, on a final supplementary. keeping Seven Oaks ER open? Mrs. Smith: It's that Premier that continues to throw Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Appreciate any reports on the floor that Manitobans have worked on question from any NDP member on listening, that are telling him that his plan is going in the Madam Speaker, because that is the party that wrong direction. staged an historic rebellion against itself because it wouldn't even listen to each other. Its own members The minister said 'norse'–nurses endorsed his were so confused, and their policy statements so plan; that is false. The minister said the percentage of incoherent–[interjection] elderly people was dramatically increasing in Manitoba; that is false. The minister said everything Madam Speaker: Order. is fine and peachy; that, clearly, is false. Mr. Pallister: –that they couldn't explain them to How can anyone trust the forthcoming report if one another. They didn’t have a clue what they were the minister isn't even giving Manitobans the doing because they wouldn’t communicate with each facts? Manitobans know that they cannot trust this other. government. Madam Speaker, they rejected–[interjection] Will the minister stand up today and commit to Madam Speaker: Order. keeping Seven Oaks and Concordia ERs open? Mr. Pallister: –the previous leader, Greg Selinger, Mr. Pallister: I love it when the NDP ask questions on the basis that he wasn't listening, but they weren't about trust, Madam Speaker. And they shouldn't listening to each other either. come into a debate unarmed, but that's exactly what they're doing now. Nobody trusted them when they We took a report that the NDP themselves were in government. They had no reason to trust commissioned and we're acting on the advice that them. I mean, they went around the province and they ignored, Madam Speaker. We're proving that promised everybody, right at their door, that they we're a government that listens to the experts. We are wouldn't raise their taxes, and then they jacked their listening to front-line workers, too, and we're acting taxes up. on the advice we receive. [interjection] May 13, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1805

Madam Speaker: Order. our health-care system, but the Premier has refused to listen. And now when they finally sat down with Mr. Pallister: We'll continue to act on that advice, nurses, they misconstrue statements that were made because Manitobans deserve a government that and tell the public the only thing that's hindering listens, and they have one now. their plan is an aging population, which is clearly Madam Speaker: The honourable member for false, Madam Speaker. St. Johns, on a supplementary question. How are Manitobans supposed to have Ms. Fontaine: Well, speaking of listening, nurses confidence in their health-care system when the are not fine with what this Premier has done to our Premier and his minister clearly do not? ERs and our system here. Nurses are not fine working 16 hours a day and recorded mandatory Will the Premier stand up today, apologize to overtime. Nurses are not fine with overcrowded Manitobans for the chaos that he's created and emergency rooms and lack of patient care, but we commit to keeping the Seven Oaks ER open? know how little this Premier and minister regard Manitoba nurses. Mr. Pallister: Again with the chaos, Madam Speaker. We've all seen it first-hand what they think they really do, but the reality check for this minister is There were three former Health ministers who that being a nurse is not a day at the spa, especially rebelled against the previous government because in the sheer chaos this minister has brought forward. they knew that the system was falling apart. Nurses were telling us and they're–I'm sure they're telling the Will the minister stop the chaos, value nurses' members opposite as well, that they want to work in opinions and actually listen to what they're saying a system that works for patients. But they haven't and keep the Seven Oaks ER open? been, Madam Speaker, for a long time under the Mr. Pallister: Finally, a question the NDP has some NDP. Previous NDP Health ministers knew that. expertise on–chaos, Madam Speaker–because they They threw up their hands and quit because they had the longest waits in Canada for people in our couldn't get it done. city, sitting for seven and a half hours on average in Madam Speaker, our Health Minister and our Concordia not getting health care. Record numbers previous minister are getting it done. This team is of patients actually leaving without getting any care getting it done because health is our top priority. at all is not success. It's dead last. It's 10th out of 10, That's why we're investing more than $400 million Madam Speaker. That's what the NDP's telling us we more, this year's budget alone, than the NDP ever put should retreat to: dead last. It's not good enough for into health. But more importantly, we're getting Manitobans, not even close. better results for the people of Manitoba. We've already reduced the wait times– What they broke, Madam Speaker, we are [interjection] fixing. Madam Speaker: Order. Concordia Hospital ER Mr. Pallister: –significantly, Madam Speaker. Request to Retain Service We've saved Manitobans–just already in our term versus the last NDP couple of years–a half century of Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, last sitting in waiting rooms waiting, not getting care, week hundreds stood in front of the Concordia ER and the member–the best the members can come up with one clear demand: save our ER. For two years with over there is we should go back to that? they've been told over and over again that the facility was closing. For two years residents have begged the Not a chance in the world, Madam Speaker. Pallister government to reconsider. Manitobans deserve better than that. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Now, at the eleventh hour, they claim they're St. Johns, on a final supplementary. doing a management review, but they're not listening to the–what the staff, the front-line staff Ms. Fontaine: From the very beginning families, and the residents have to say, and now they're patients and front-line workers have been telling the even misrepresenting what nurses have told the Premier to stop his rushed plans to close ERs and cut government clearly. 1806 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019

Why does this minister continue to promote a Let me tell that member this: Our government plan to close Concordia ER, a plan that he knows is takes an evidence–[interjection]–well, if they'd wait, not working? we can give the answer. Our government takes an evidence-based–[interjection] Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living): Madam Speaker, the Madam Speaker: Order. member for Concordia is just wrong. Mr. Friesen: –approach to its decision-making. He complains that we're not listening, but at the [interjection] same time he knows that when Dr. Peachey was in this jurisdiction only a week ago, he consulted with a Madam Speaker: Order. broad array of system leaders and front-line workers. Mr. Friesen: I know the members don't want to hear For weeks he listened to the key people who were what we have to say, but what we have to say is this: both running the system–[interjection] that we're listening to Manitobans, that the changes Madam Speaker: Careful–order. that we are bringing to the health-care system are necessary after years of neglect by the NDP, years in Mr. Friesen: –change and those who worked in the which Manitoba got the worst results in Canada. system. And the member complains right now and chirps and says it's not true, but he knows it to be That group says that their only solution is go true. back. I assure the opposition, Manitobans do not want to go back. They are inviting a stronger, more Madam Speaker, they broke the system. We are robust, more sustainable health-care system that gets fixing the system. We are relying on 'exterpretise.' better health care sooner, and that is what we're We will do this the–[interjection] bringing. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Mr. Friesen: –right way and we will do it for The honourable member for Concordia, on a the benefit of Manitobans, who have waited long final supplementary. enough. Mr. Wiebe: Madam Speaker, the Premier is doing a Madam Speaker: The honourable member for management review because, of course, he knows Concordia, on a supplementary question. that what he's doing is causing lasting harm to our Mr. Wiebe: Madam Speaker, last week Pallister health-care system and he knows it's not popular. government said they were caught off guard by the He's looking for any excuse now to put these issues fact that people were getting older in the city of out of sight for an early election. Winnipeg and that would further strain the health- But Manitobans aren't fooled. The Premier care system. It's nonsensical; it's a frightening has said over and over again he wants to close admission, in fact, by this government. emergency rooms not just in Winnipeg, but, actually, If the Premier (Mr. Pallister) and the minister across the entire province just to save a buck. can't anticipate an aging population, they shouldn't Well we, of course, have a different approach, be making sweeping changes to–[interjection] Madam Speaker, and that is to invest in health care Madam Speaker: Order. and to ensure health care access to all–[interjection] Mr. Wiebe: –undermine the care of tens of Madam Speaker: Order. thousands of Winnipeg residents. They shouldn't be Mr. Wiebe: –Manitobans. closing emergency rooms and services and certainly not in one of the most fastest growing areas of the Why is the Premier closing emergency rooms in city. Manitoba? * (14:00) Mr. Friesen: Well, Madam Speaker, finally a rare point of agreement. They did have a very different Why won't this Premier and minister back down approach by the NDP. The approach can be and cancel their plan to close the Concordia ER? summarized as follows: the most expensive system Mr. Friesen: Well, Madam Speaker, not his finest in Canada, the worst results in Canada, the longest– effort. [interjection] May 13, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1807

Madam Speaker: Order. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Elmwood, on a supplementary question. Mr. Friesen: –length of stay in Canada, the most waiting for suspicion, diagnosis and treatment in Mr. Maloway: Clearly, the residents of northeast Canada. Winnipeg don't agree with this Premier on this point. Manitobans have waited a long time for a Last week, Madam Speaker, the Premier government that will do the right thing to sustain our admitted that he can't accurately anticipate the aging health-care system. All they can do is yell across the of our population. That's a shocking admission aisle, but they know–they know–that a stronger because the Premier's making decisions that will health-care system is not just possible, but within impact the care of tens of thousands of people for sight. decades to come. The Premier has his ears closed to what We will continue to stand up for all Manitobans. northeast Winnipeg needs and he's only listening to Concordia Hospital ER consultants. He needs to listen to northeast Winnipeg Request to Retain Service and Transcona residents. They've been telling him. They've been telling him for two years: don't close Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): My question is to the Concordia emergency room. the Premier. Why won't he listen? The Concordia emergency room is set to close Mr. Pallister: Well, both the member and I know on June 6th, in just a matter of weeks from now. that the system was failing the people of northeast There's been utter chaos with staff–[interjection] Winnipeg. He knew it so well, Madam Speaker. He Madam Speaker: Order. knew that the NDP system was failing his people. My evidence would be, I suppose, that he took NDP Mr. Maloway: –departures from that hospital. right off his election signs last time. So he was embarrassed, and he had every right to be, that he Our constituents are saying, loud and clear, don't was part of a government that failed so miserably to close this emergency room. The Premier isn't provide services to the people–[interjection] listening. He's even misrepresenting what nurses have had to say. Madam Speaker: Order. Question is: Why has this Premier caused such Mr. Pallister: –of northeast Winnipeg. And I know damage to our health system? it's a sensitive issue for him and his colleagues, but it's true, Madam Speaker, that Concordia was ranked Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, there you go as the longest waits in Canada. We're changing that. again, Madam Speaker. Nobody in the NDP wants to They seem content with it; we're not. do any of the lifting when it comes to improving the system. They just want us to go back in time to when Madam Speaker: The honourable member for we were dead last. That's not good enough for Elmwood, on a final supplementary. Manitobans. Mr. Maloway: Clearly, the Premier's tone-deaf on this whole issue. The Premier's caused chaos in our So, you know, Madam Speaker, the Concordia hospitals. Concordia's slated to close in just a few facility served as a waiting room more than it did a weeks. There's been a mass of departures there from treatment centre much of the time, and the member the hospital over the last year. knows that and he knows the longest waits in Canada were in Concordia. So I'm surprised he'd stand in his Premier's done lasting damage to our health care place and tell us that the people of Concordia deserve with less care by the bedside. to be not served by a system that failed so miserably and that was dead last in Canada. We don't agree. Manitobans, northeast Winnipeg and Transcona residents, are telling the Premier: don't close the They sat back and did nothing, Madam Speaker, Concordia emergency room. out of fear, cowardice or just simply ignorance–I'm Why won't this Premier listen to the people? not sure which, maybe all three–but we'll go and we'll act on the advice of experts and that's what Mr. Pallister: Well, actually, our prebudget we're doing now. consultation process is just one of many, many 1808 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019 examples where you listen to thousands of front-line The question is why Dr. Peachey is being hired workers and take their perspectives very seriously. at all. This government ignored much of his advice. We've got the Idea Fund now, tens of millions of dollars in projects going forward, coming from front- Are they just spending more public money so line workers. they can justify postponing a politically inconvenient ER closure in the middle of an election? But the member and his colleagues have some explaining to do when it comes to trust. I mean, they Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): That applause walked around the city in 2011 election, they wasn't deserved, Madam Speaker. knocked, they looked people right in the eye–looked No, actually what we're doing is what we've people right in the eye–and they said that they continued to dedicate ourselves to doing, which is to would not raise their taxes, and then they did, fix a broken system and make it work better for the Madam Speaker. They knew they were going to. people of Manitoba. [interjection] Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Madam Speaker: Order. Second Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Pallister: Now they talk about trust, Madam Health-Care Services Speaker. Even if they could be trusted to take us Funding Levels back in time, they–[interjection] Mr. Dougald Lamont (Leader of the Second Madam Speaker: Order. Opposition): It's also critical to correct the inac- Mr. Pallister: Madam Speaker, even if they could curate statements the Premier and his minister's been be trusted to take us back in time, their guarantee to making hundreds of times in and out of this the people of northeast Winnipeg that they're Chamber. Health transfers are going up 3 per cent. going to have the longest waits in Canada–good This government only increased health-care spending luck running on that one. once, and that was three years ago. They broke the system. We're going to fix the This Premier promised to cut at the top, but not system. We'll make it work better. That's what only are there people on the front line who are Manitobans deserve. [interjection] burned out, broken and discouraged, this government is creating an entirely new level of bureaucracy: Madam Speaker: Order. shared services. Health-Care Service Reform * (14:10) Peachey Report Recommendations The Premier wants an election. Manitobans Mr. Dougald Lamont (Leader of the Second deserve the truth. Opposition): It's incredible to me that the Premier repeats day after day complaints about the failures Will the Premier just admit that the health of the NDP while boasting of implementing an system will never see an increase under his watch? NDP plan to fix health care. It just shows how little Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): It's $414 million difference there really is between these parties. higher this year 'never was under the NDP, Madam The Premier's decision to hire back Dr. David Speaker. Peachey raises a lot of questions, as do Dr. Peachey's Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the recent statements. He–Dr. Peachey claimed that Second Opposition, on a final supplementary. nurses told him changes were great when nurses' union said they'd never been worse. He implied Health-Care Service Reform Manitoba has had a sudden spike in the number of Peachey Report Recommendations old people who live here. Mr. Dougald Lamont (Leader of the Second Now I don't want to blame Dr. Peachey, because Opposition): There's a term for what the Premier everything he's saying fits in perfectly with this and his ministers have been doing to Manitobans; it's government's strategy of gutting health care while gaslighting. So when doctors, nurses, health-care gaslighting Manitobans and telling them everything workers, patients, the WRHA, CIHI, the wait times is fine. task force all tell this government things aren't May 13, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1809 working, the answer is to deny it and, what's more, to Manitobans and restore birth delivery services in Flin blame the people who are raising it. Flon? I feel a lot of sympathy for Dr. Peachey because Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Health, this government seems to be making him the fall guy Seniors and Active Living): Madam Speaker, I for their own failures since they bulldozed ahead would hope that the member would know that with reckless changes over the objections of many that's inaccurate. She knows that the decision to experts. curtail low-acuity obstetric services at Flin Flon was Given the Premier's track record of firing anyone a medical determination, one made by a medical who stands up to him, if Dr. Peachey recommends expert in obstetrics and then by a nurse expert. that Concordia's–[interjection] That member is saying that we should ignore the Madam Speaker: Order. experts. Mr. Lamont: –ER stays open, why should we have We listen to the experts not just in terms of the any faith the Premier will listen? transformation of our health-care system, which is necessary, but also when it comes to the safety of Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, because, patients and babies. unlike his allies in Ottawa, we defend the rule of law, transparency and fairness, and we'll continue to do Madam Speaker: The honourable member for that, Madam Speaker. The Pas, on a supplementary question. Leader of the Second Opposition wants taxes to Northern Patient Transport Service be higher; he wants bigger subsidies for special Request to Restore Funding interests; he wants higher business taxes. He thinks the previous NDP government didn't have a big Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): The high-priced enough bureaucracy and didn't spend enough. He'd consultants hired by this government told us reinstate the vote tax. He wants us to borrow more something that we already know: that timely access money on the futures of our children, and, Madam to health care is a serious problem in the North. Speaker, this is the mandate he hopes to be elected Northern Manitobans have to–often need medevacs on, and that explains, I think, in part, why he doesn't to Winnipeg because they don't have access to health have anybody with him today. [interjection] care they need where they live. An Honourable Member: Point of order, Madam Instead of improving health-care access, this Speaker. government's response has been to make deep cuts to Madam Speaker: Order, please. Order. the Northern Patient Transportation Program while pursuing a privatization plan for Lifeflight. I'll just point out to members that points of order are not allowed during oral questions. Will this government back off their privatization plan and restore funding for the Northern Patient Birthing Services in Flin Flon Transportation Program? Request to Restore Services Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): We know that this Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Health, government is about cuts and the bottom line. While Seniors and Active Living): Madam Speaker, I find this government are do a poor job to crisis manage it interesting and puzzling that an NDP member the closure of Seven Oaks and Concordia emergency would make a criticism of a closure of an obstetrics rooms, mothers and families in Flin Flon and the ward in northern Manitoba. surrounding area have to travel over an hour to give What do the following communities have in birth in The Pas. common: Hunter Memorial Hospital in Teulon; Pine It also means that front-line workers at Falls General Hospital; Lakeshore District Health St. Anthony's hospital are forced to deal with Centre in Ashern; Ste. Rose centre; Norway House the extra workload created by this government's Hospital; Churchill Health Centre? All of those were refusal to restore birth delivery services in Flin Flon. obstetrics hospitals closed by the NDP. When is this government going to stop Madam Speaker: The honourable member for listening to high-priced consultants, listen to northern The Pas, on a final supplementary. 1810 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019

Northern Health Clinics Hon. Jeff Wharton (Minister of Municipal Construction Request Relations): I'd like to thank the member for that great question from Seine River. Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): When this government came into power they immediately Madam Speaker, a strong, sustainable non-profit cancelled the billions of dollars worth of much- sector benefits all Manitobans and that's exactly needed health-care investments, including clinics in what our government is committed to do. Last week The Pas and Thompson. With that money this at a community development forum with more government has spent on high-priced consultants, than 150 representatives from non-profits all over that would have built The Pas 'pramary' health-care Manitoba, we were pleased to announce that our clinic at $5.3 million, the Northern Consultation government is working on a new strategy to build Clinic in Thompson at $9 million, and they would've capacity and promote sustainability right across had–still had enough money left over to run the Manitoba in the non-profit sector. Concordia emergency room for a entire year. Madam Speaker, our goal is to deliver positive Will this government commit to no more high- outcomes and increase charitable–[interjection] priced consultants and direct those savings to Madam Speaker: Order. building clinics in The Pas and Thompson? Mr. Wharton: –right across–charitable giving right Ekosi. across Manitoba, Madam Speaker. Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Health, Unlike the NDP's top-down approach where they Seniors and Active Living): That member knows failed non-profits, we'll get it right. that it was not that long ago, only a few weeks, in fact, that the Premier (Mr. Pallister), myself and Cultural Sector Improvements other members of our party were–and the govern- Government Position ment were happy to be in Flin Flon to open the new Mr. Dougald Lamont (Leader of the Second emergency department there, a $27-million opening Opposition): I want to raise this issue of serious of an emergency department there that will serve not double standards that this government shows. only that community, but the outlying areas. Trudy Schroeder, the executive director of the I only regret that I do not have time in this Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, received the Order response to talk about all the ways our government is of Manitoba yesterday, but she's also been sharply making good health-care investments right across critical of this government and previous NDP northern Manitoba. governments in their neglect of cultural infras- Non-Profit Organizations tructure. New Strategy Announcement I know that calling for repairs to cultural infrastructure may seem hard to justify when Ms. Janice Morley-Lecomte (Seine River): Non- this government is cutting EIA, life-saving drugs profit and charitable organizations play a vital role in and freezing health, education and infrastructure our communities. Their services improve the quality spending, but let's consider what this government of life for Manitobans, especially those in our does talk about spending money on. community who are most vulnerable. The Premier offered $1.7 billion to Jeff Bezos, Our government understands the importance of a the richest man in the world. The Blue Bombers strong not-profit sector that is well equipped to meet got a $200-million bailout and the Premier is the needs of those they serve. ordering MPI to give money to brokers. Recently, the Minister of Municipal Relations Manitoba's cultural sector is a huge driver of announced the development of a new strategy for tourism, innovation and exports, and art work is Manitoba's not-profit sector. work, Madam Speaker. Can the minister please share–[interjection] Can the Premier explain why Jeff Bezos, Madam Speaker: Order. Bombers and brokers all get bailouts, or are cultural industries one of those sectors he doesn't consider to Ms. Morley-Lecomte: –the details with the House? be a real job? May 13, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1811

Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): I appreciate any Community Places Program question from the previously unemployed member Project Approval Concerns about jobs, Madam Speaker, given that this is the first job he's ever had in his life. Mr. Dougald Lamont (Leader of the Second Opposition): Well, that was a very creative response The fact is the member stood up and said for his from the Premier, Madam Speaker. first priority once he was elected–[interjection]–not– The issue of double standards is a serious one, he didn't stand up for vulnerable–[interjection] however, because it's clear this government does more than just reward its friends; they go out of their Madam Speaker: Order. way to punish their opponents. When I asked the Premier last week about the Community Places Mr. Pallister: –children in our province. He didn't Program, he seemed to think that the reason there stand up for people needing health care. He said he were more projects in PC ridings is the allocation of wanted a bigger office. seats. And, Madam Speaker, the member wants But let's be clear about this breakdown of Manitobans to pay higher carbon taxes just because spending under this program: four seats in rural Justin Trudeau says it's a good idea. He mouths the Manitoba alone received more funding than all the words here as well. He says that Manitobans should ridings in Winnipeg put together, Madam Speaker. pay a higher PST because the NDP thought it was a good idea, so he thinks it's a great idea too. He wants And when we look at the average spending per a subsidy for his party so they can advertise more. constituency, which I table, in Liberal constituencies it was about $16,900; in NDP constituencies it was These are the things the member stands for while about $33,500; while in PC constituencies it was we support major cultural projects in this province, over $79,600. significant cultural projects, sports projects, heritage Can the Premier explain whether he or anyone in projects around the province. his government directed this choice? [interjection] While we're supporting the sustainability of our Madam Speaker: Order. Order. cultural, historic industries in our province, Madam Speaker, the member stands there and supports Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): I appreciate the himself and higher taxes. That's it with him. member's reference in his preamble to punishing adversaries, Madam Speaker. No one has done that * (14:20) better than the Trudeau government in Ottawa he clings to so closely. Madam Speaker: There is a significant amount of heckling going on during this oral questions and it is It actually caused Jody Wilson-Raybould to be coming from all sides of the House. And while one kicked out of their caucus, not because she said side may be unhappy about the heckling, they will anything that was inappropriate or untrue, but rather turn around and heckle, and this is going–this is because she told the truth and she stood up for the working from both sides. rule of law, much the way the NDP has expelled Steve Ashton from being a candidate not because he The intent here is to be able to ask questions and misled anyone but because he told the truth about the answer them, and I am having some difficulty record of one of his colleagues. Now, Madam hearing all of them and I know that you want me to Speaker, this is not how you stand for rule of law. be able to hear them in case there are any rules We're standing up for the culture projects the broken. So I would encourage everybody here, this is member referenced in his preamble. We're the Legislative Chamber, it's a democratic Chamber, supporting them. We're supporting the people, and and I would ask everybody please to allow people to we praise the people who work so hard to advance stand in here and be heard. these projects in our province. We're with them, Madam Speaker. The honourable member–the honourable Leader of the Second Opposition, on a supplementary Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the question. Second Opposition, on a final supplementary. 1812 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019

Mr. Lamont: As I recall, the Premier had to dispel Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. or turf the member for Assiniboia (Mr. Fletcher) for not being a team player. Mr. Lindsey: So let's talk for a minute about that which they're not honouring. [interjection] Again, this relates to the double standards, and when I raised it, members opposite thanked me. Madam Speaker: Order. They thanked me for talking about the projects in Mr. Lindsey: You know, 30,000 men, women– their constituencies, and it's truly sad they would take [interjection] any pride in what they have done. Madam Speaker: Order. I tabled a document that showed a spreadsheet of Community Places Program projects that link Mr. Lindsey: –and children put down their tools projects to the MLAs and constituency they 100 years ago to stand up for their rights in this lived in. Now, it's a list of projects that were either province. recommended or denied. So what I'm asking the Premier today is: Will he And what's interesting, Madam Speaker, is commit to erecting a permanent commemoration for that while 85 per cent of the final projects were in the strike of 1919? PC constituencies, there were 38 changes to the Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, I will recommendations. More than two thirds recom- commit to continuing to stand with workers for their mended projects in Liberal and NDP areas that were right to have a secret ballot on all union ratification spiked. There were projects recommended in Fort votes, Madam Speaker. Rouge and River Heights and Kewatinook, but when all was said and done, someone turned them down. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Flin Flon, on a supplementary question. Was there political interference in the choice of these projects? [interjection] Mr. Lindsey: We want more than just empty words from members opposite or the Premier when it Madam Speaker: Order. comes to honouring working people in this province. Mr. Pallister: I'd really appreciate a question about We want them to actually commit to something SNC-Lavalin from the Liberal leader, Madam physical, something that says that they actually Speaker, because political influence on matters that support workers and workers' rights. are an issue of rule of law is wrong and should not be So will this government commit today to a undertaken. permanent fixture of some kind to commemorate I would also remind the member that we have the strike of 1919 or will we just get more empty, supported on this side of the House significant meaningless words from this Premier? Manitoba projects not limited to but including Mr. Pallister: Well, I see that the member's grumpy military memorials, Inuit art, the aviation museum, as usual, Madam Speaker, and he has a right to be, Diversity Gardens, and our recently announced because when he talks about empty gestures, he's Heritage Trust funds will be available across the talking about things like his effort to go to the doors province for projects locally initiated that we'll be and tell the people in Flin Flon that they should pay partnering in. more to get to work, that they should pay higher Madam Speaker, in terms of support of the carbon taxes, that they shouldn’t work in a mine culture and heritage and the sports fraternities and because, according to the NDP, you're supposed sororities and various groups across the province, we leave that in the–[interjection] are going to stand with those organizations. We're proud of the work they do and we'll continue to stand Madam Speaker: Order. with them. Mr. Pallister: –ground, Madam Speaker. He has got Winnipeg Strike of 1919 to go to the doors and convince people he's telling Commemorative Display the truth, which is difficult for any NDP member to do, especially on the issue of taxes. So he'll go to the Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I thank the Premier door and he probably won't tell the people in for listing off all those wonderful things that his Flin Flon he wants them to pay higher PST, but he government is contributing to and honouring. really does. May 13, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1813

So when it comes to issues like significant issues in fact, it's very disrespectful to the whole democratic that matter to working families and working people, process that we're supposed to be standing and Madam Speaker, we're on their side and the member representing, so I would ask for everybody's and his colleagues are against them. co-operation, please. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The honourable First Minister to conclude his Flin Flon, on a final supplementary. statement. Mr. Lindsey: I guess we understand why their high- Mr. Pallister: When they had the chance to stand up paid consultants use baffle gab. and protect women in their own caucus and their own staff they wouldn't do it. When they had the What I want for this Premier is to stand up and chance to protect a union leader who was being recognize workers died in 1919 for doing nothing harassed–[interjection] more than participating in a peaceful demonstration to stand up for their rights. Madam Speaker: Order. If nothing else, will this Premier commit to a Mr. Pallister: –they wouldn't do it. They just like permanent commemoration of Mike Sokolinski the symbolism, Madam Speaker, but they don't enjoy [phonetic] and Mike Sherbanzowich [phonetic] doing the actual work. today? We'll stand up and protect women in this Mr. Pallister: Where was the member and his province. That's what we're about and that's what colleagues when women were getting harassed and we're going to continue to do. We're standing up for sexually attacked in their own caucus? Where was a safer workplace. It's something the NDP failed to the member? [interjection] do for 17 years. Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Order. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has Mr. Pallister: Where were any of his colleagues? expired. They were silent; swept it under the table and said * (14:30) nothing about it. Point of Order Where were they when a union leader in the city of Winnipeg with the–[interjection] Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Second Opposition, on a point of order. Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Dougald Lamont (Leader of the Second Mr. Pallister: –Winnipeg labour congress needed Opposition): During my exchange with the First some help and support when she was being attacked? Minister, he referred to the fact that some members Where were they? They were nowhere to be found, of my caucus are not here today. [interjection] He Madam Speaker–[interjection]–all symbolism and certainly–he implied it. So I simply want to– everything short of actual help. [interjection] [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Madam Speaker: Order, please. Mr. Pallister: Members weren't able to help. They Mr. Lamont: I just want to make a point, Madam didn't even stand up for their own–[interjection] Speaker. Madam Speaker: Order. Order. Order. Not only that, but the First Minister continually I have just stood a few minutes ago and was directing his remarks not through the Chair, but indicated to people I cannot hear when people are directly across to other members. answering questions or presenting questions, asking But I did just want to put on the record why my questions and answering them. I'm having difficulty, members are–two of my members are absent, and this just went way over the top of that. I will ask whether that's possible or not. They're not– for everybody, please, to show some respect in here. [interjection] We've got guests in the gallery. We've got Madam Speaker: Is the member finished with his hundreds of people that watch this online. I would point of order? ask so that they can all hear properly. Yelling across isn't going to get us any further with this debate and, Mr. Lamont: No. 1814 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019

The reason the–I'm going to say it anyway. The consequences for physical and mental health and has reason the member for River Heights (Mr. Gerrard) been linked to increases in traffic accidents and is not here is because he's at a funeral for George workplace injuries. Myer. He was diagnosed with cancer in September. Nothing happened for months. He spent 48 hours (2) According to Manitoba Public Insurance in an ER over Christmas. news release, collision data collected in 2014 showed that there was a 20 per cent increase in collisions on That's where Jon Gerrard is today. Manitoba roadways following the spring daylight savings time change when compared to all other Madam Speaker: The honourable First Minister, on Mondays in 2014. the same point of order. Mr. Pallister: Yes. Quite frankly, Madam Speaker, (3) Daylight savings time is associated with a I didn't refer to the absence of members. I referred decrease in productivity the day after the clocks are to the absence of recognition of the member's turned forward with no corresponding increase in comments. I was careful to do so. productivity when the clocks are turned back. So, in respect of his preamble, I understand he's (4) There is no conclusive evidence that daylight emotional about the reasons for the absences he savings time is effective in reducing energy referred to just now, but that has very little to do with consumption. any comments made by me or any other member of We petition the Legislative Assembly of the House. Manitoba as follows: Madam Speaker: Did the member for Assiniboia want to speak to that point of order? I see his–he's To urge the provincial government to amend indicated to me that he does. The Official Time Act to abolish daylight savings time in Manitoba effective November 4, 2019, The honourable member for Assiniboia, on that resulting in Manitoba remaining on Central Standard same point of order. Time throughout the year and in perpetuity. Hon. Steven Fletcher (Assiniboia): Madam This petition has been signed by Bréanne Speaker, the reference to the physical attendance of Déquier, Ryan Gowronsky and Shawn Graydon and members is not appropriate. That's well established. many, many more fine Manitobans. However, I will notice today and every day as we look across the Chamber, the Premier (Mr. Pallister) Madam Speaker: In accordance with our stands alone. There's no one over there with him, rule 133(6), when petitions are read they are deemed either. to be received by the House. Madam Speaker: I would indicate that the– Early Learning and Child-Care Programs [interjection] Order. Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry-Riverview): I wish The member did not have a point of order. The– to present the following petition to the Legislative what I certainly heard is the Premier did not directly Assembly. say that Liberal MLAs were not there. There were some other comments made, but he did not reference The background to this petition is as follows: the absence of those members, and therefore it is not (1) Early learning and child-care programs in a point of order. Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and PETITIONS support a system that is in jeopardy. Daylight Saving Time (2) Licensed, not-for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating Mr. Cliff Graydon (Emerson): I wish to present the funding in over three years, while the cost of living following petition to the Legislative Assembly. has continued to increase annually. And the background to this petition is as (3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, follows: positive impact on children's development, is a (1) The loss of sleep associated with the fundamental need for Manitoba families and beginning of daylight savings time has serious contributes to a strong economy. May 13, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1815

(4) The financial viability of these programs is in quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility skilled and adequately renumerated. of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating (6) Accessible, affordable and quality early expenses continue to increase. learning and child-care programs must be available (5) The workforce shortage of trained early to all children and families in Manitoba. childhood educators has continued to increase; We petition the Legislative Assembly of quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is Manitoba as follows: skilled and adequately remunerated. To urge the provincial government to increase (6) Accessible, affordable and quality early funding for licensed, not-for-profit child-care learning and child-care programs must be available programs in recognition of the importance of early to all children and families in Manitoba. learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also We petition the Legislative Assembly of improve quality and stability in the workforce. Manitoba as follows: Madam Speaker, this petition has been signed by To urge the provincial government to increase Tamara Ross, Domolingo [phonetic] Prosner, funding for licensed, not-for-profit child-care Yvonne Kipling, and many other Manitobans. programs in recognition of the importance of early * (14:40) learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And Madam Speaker, this petition is signed by Luzminda [phonetic] Nabas, Jean Nabas, June–Jude The background to this petition is as follows: Nabas, and many other Manitobans. (1) Early learning and child-care programs in Mr. Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I wish to present the Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and following petition to the Legislative Assembly of support a system that is in jeopardy. Manitoba. (2) Licensed, not-for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating The background to this petition is as follows: funding in over three years, while the cost of living (1) Early learning and child-care programs in has continued to increase annually. Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and (3) High-quality licensed care has a lasting, support a system that is in jeopardy. positive impact on children's development, is a (2) Licensed, not-for-profit early learning and fundamental need for Manitoba families and child-care programs have received no new operating contributes to a strong economy. funding in over three years, while the cost of living (4) The financial viability of these programs is in has continued to increase annually. jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility (3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating positive impact on children's development, is a expenses continue to increase. fundamental need–maybe I better I do that one (5) The workforce shortage of trained early again–sorry. childhood educators has continued to increase; (3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is positive impact on children's development, is a skilled and adequately 'renumerdated'. fundamental need for Manitoba families and (6) Accessible, affordable and quality early contributes to a strong economy. learning and child-care programs must be available to all children and families in Manitoba. (4) The financial viability of these programs is in jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility We petition the Legislative Assembly as of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating follows: expenses continue to increase. To urge the provincial government to (5) The workforce shortage of trained early increase funding for licensed, not-for-profit childhood educators has continued to increase; child-care programs in recognition of the importance 1816 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019 of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which (1) Early learning and child-care programs in will also improve quality and stability in the Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and workforce. support a system that is in jeopardy. Madam Speaker, this petition has been signed by (2) Licensed, not-for-profit early learning and many, many Manitobans. child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living Mr. Rob Altemeyer (Wolseley): I wish to present has continued to increase annually. the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. (3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, The background to the petition is as follows: positive impact on children's development, is a (1) Early learning and child-care programs in fundamental need for Manitoba families and Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and contributes to a strong economy. support a system that is in jeopardy. (4) The financial viability of these programs is in (2) Licensed, not-for-profit early learning and jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility child-care programs have received no new operating of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living expenses continue to increase. has continued to increase annually. (5) The workforce shortage of trained early High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, childhood educators has continued to increase; positive impact on children's development, is a quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is fundamental need for Manitoba families and skilled and adequately remunerated. contributes to a strong economy. (6) Accessible, affordable and quality early (4) The financial viability of these programs is in learning and child-care programs must be available jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility to all children and families in Manitoba. of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating We petition the Legislative Assembly of expenses continue to increase. Manitoba as follows: (5) The workforce shortage of trained early To urge the provincial government to increase childhood educators has continued to increase; funding for licensed, not-for-profit child-care quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is programs in recognition of the importance of early skilled and adequately remunerated; and learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also (6) Accessible, affordable and quality early improve quality and stability in the workforce. learning and child-care programs must be available Signed by many Manitobans. to all children and families in Manitoba. Thank you. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: Mr. Ted Marcelino (Tyndall Park): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative To urge the provincial government to Assembly. increase funding for licensed, not-for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance And the background to this petition is as of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which follows: will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. (1) Early learning and child-care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and And, Madam Speaker, this petition is signed by support a system that is in jeopardy. Melanie Glaser, Amanda Lewis, Noelle Palsson and many, many other fine Manitobans. (2) Licensed, not-for-profit early learning and child-care programs have received no new operating Ms. Flor Marcelino (Logan): I wish to present the funding in over three years, while the cost of living following petition to the Legislative Assembly of has continued to increase annually. Manitoba. (3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, The background to this petition is as follows: positive impact on children's development, is a May 13, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1817 fundamental need for Manitoba families and quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is contributes to a strong economy. skilled and adequately remunerated. (4) The financial viability of these programs is in (6) Accessible, affordable and quality early jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility learning and child-care programs must be available of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating to all children and families in Manitoba. expenses continue to increase. We petition the Legislative Assembly of (5) The workforce shortage of trained early Manitoba as follows: childhood educators has continued to increase; To urge the provincial government to quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is increase funding for licensed, not-for-profit skilled and adequately remunerated. child-care programs in recognition of the importance (6) Accessible, affordable and quality early of early learning and child care in Manitoba, which learning and child-care programs must be available will also improve quality and stability in the to all children and families in Manitoba. workforce. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Signed by Barbara Turner, Nian Conti and Manitoba as follows: Torrie Vicklund and many more Manitobans. To urge the provincial government to increase Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I wish to funding for licensed, not-for-profit child-care present the following petition to the Legislative programs in recognition of the importance of early Assembly of Manitoba. learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also The background to this petition is as follows: improve quality and stability in the workforce. (1) Early learning and child-care programs in * (14:50) Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and Signed by Angela Hanischuk, Paramjit Brae, support a system that is in jeopardy. Laura Chupinha and many more. (2) Licensed, not-for-profit early learning and Thank you. child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I wish to has continued to increase annually. present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. (3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting impact on children's development, is a fundamental The background to this petition is as follows: need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy. (1) Early learning and child-care programs in Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and (4) The financial viability of these programs is in support a system that is in jeopardy. jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating costs (2) Licensed, not-for-profit early learning and continue to increase. child-care programs have received no new operating funding in over three years, while the cost of living (5) The workplace–workforce shortage of has continued to increase annually. trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; quality child care is dependent on a (3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, workforce that is skilled and adequately positive impact on children's development, is a renumerated. fundamental need for Manitoba families and contributes to a strong economy. (6) Accessible, affordable and quality early learning and child-care programs must be available (4) The financial viability of these programs is in to all children and families in Manitoba. jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating We petition the Legislative Assembly of expenses continue to increase. Manitoba as follows: (5) The workforce shortage of trained early To urge the provincial government to increase childhood educators has continued to increase; funding for licensed, not-for-profit child-care 1818 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019 programs in recognition of the importance of early And the background to this petition is as learning and child care in Manitoba, which also–or follows: which will also improve quality and stability in the workforce. (1) The provincial government's program of cuts and restructuring in health care have had serious And this is signed by James [phonetic] Willsey, negative consequences, reduced both access to and Nicolle Smith and Jane Link and many other quality of care for patients, increased wait times, Manitobans. exasperated the nursing shortage and significantly increased workload and the reliance on overtime Mr. Andrew Swan (Minto): I wish to present the from nurses and other health-care professionals. following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to the petition is as follows: (2) Further cuts and consolidation are opposed by a majority of Manitobans, and will only further (1) Early learning and child-care programs in reduce access to health-care services. Manitoba require increased funding to stabilize and support a system that is in jeopardy. (3) The provincial government has rushed through these cuts and changes and failed to (2) Licensed, not-for-profit early learning and adequately consult nurses and health-care child-care programs have received no new operating professionals who provide front-line patient care. funding in over three years, while the cost of living has continued to increase annually. * (15:00) (3) High-quality licensed child care has a lasting, (4) Ongoing cuts and changes appear to be more positive impact on children's development, is a about saving money rather than improving health fundamental need for Manitoba families and care. contributes to a strong economy. We petition the Legislative Assembly of (4) The financial viability of these programs is in Manitoba as follows: jeopardy if they cannot meet the fiscal responsibility of achieving a balanced budget, as all operating (1) To urge the provincial government to reverse expenses continue to increase. cuts and closures that negatively impact patients' ability to access timely, quality health care. (5) The workforce shortage of trained early childhood educators has continued to increase; (2) To urge the provincial government to make quality child care is dependent on a workforce that is real investments in Manitoba's public health-care skilled and adequately remunerated. system that will improve this timeliness and quality of care for patients by increasing the number of beds (6) Accessible, affordable and quality early across the system and recruiting and retaining an learning and child-care programs must be available adequate number of nurses and other health to all children and families in Manitoba. professionals to meet Manitoba's needs. We petition the Legislative Assembly of And this petition is signed by Michael Barkman, Manitoba as follows: Curtis Reynolds and J.S. Seinhieber and many other To urge the provincial government to increase Manitobans. funding for licensed, not-for-profit child-care programs in recognition of the importance of early Madam Speaker: Grievances? learning and child care in Manitoba, which will also ORDERS OF THE DAY improve quality and stability in the workforce. GOVERNMENT BUSINESS And, Madam Speaker, this petition is signed by Meranda Storin, Calla Vandenberghe Burton, Tonya Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Van Mackelberg and many other Manitobans. Leader): Could you please call for second reading debate, Bill 22, The Business Registration, Quality Health Care Supervision and Ownership Transparency Act Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): I wish to present the (Various Acts Amended). And, following its hasty following petition to the Legislative Assembly of passage, could you then call for debate Bill 24, The Manitoba. Minor Amendments and Corrections Act, 2019. May 13, 2019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 1819

Madam Speaker: It has been announced that Conflict of Interest Act and actually misled the House will resume debate on second reading of Manitobans over the nature of his personal financial Bill 22 this afternoon, to be followed by second holdings, as well as his financial interests in Costa reading of Bill 24. Rica.

DEBATE ON SECOND READINGS For years this Premier has provided incomplete Bill 22–The Business Registration, Supervision conflict-of-interest filings hiding–and who knows and Ownership Transparency Act how much more he's hiding–his Costa Rica assets as (Various Acts Amended) required by law. And, actually, in fact, Manitobans only learned the truth through a Costa Rican Madam Speaker: Resuming debate on Bill 22, The newspaper which revealed undeclared assets to Business Registration, Supervision and Ownership holding companies in Costa Rica which contained Transparency Act (Various Acts Amended), standing three properties, including a residence in the coastal in the name of the honourable member for Point area of Tamarindo and the Pacific coast of Costa Douglas, who has three minutes remaining. Rica.

Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): Well, I'm The Premier only disclosed his Costa Rica assets going to put some more words on the record about after he got caught. He got caught. And then, only Bill 22, but I'd like to be sitting in this House then, did he tell us that, oh, he hasn't paid his taxes actually asking the Minister of Health questions and, in fact, he actually tried to blame it on his wife about–in Estimates. But, you know, here we are and say, I have no dealings in paying any of that; talking about The Business Registration, Supervision that's my wife's department. So– and Ownership Transparency Act. Mr. Doyle Piwniuk, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member's time is up. Well, let's talk about this government's transparency. This bill partly focuses on ownership Mr. James Allum (Fort Garry-Riverview): transparency, which is ironic and hypocritical [interjection] Well, thank you, yes, it's a heck of a considering that the members of this Pallister way to spend your birthday, talking about The government continue to be evasive and actually Business Registration, Supervision and Ownership avoid transparency. Manitobans actually expect their Transparency Act. It's right up there with the minor political leaders to follow the law and to be open and amendments act–[interjection]–yes, which one–the transparent about their fiscal dealings. Interim Supply 2020 bill that really is just beyond ludicrous. But, you know, nothing surprises me Well, let's talk about the Premier (Mr. Pallister). about this government anymore. Let's talk about his transparency. The Premier actually threatened to sue the Winnipeg Free Press They continue to filibuster their own budget by for publishing a story that said he hadn't paid his having us debate some of the most inane and taxes–his taxes in Costa Rica, taxes that actually inconsequential legislation ever put before a went to support people that needed housing, people House probably in Canadian history, Mr. Deputy that couldn't afford housing. Hmm, I see a trend here Speaker. [interjection] Well, and the member for with this Premier. He likes to pick on people that are Minto (Mr. Swan) says, well, what should we be poor, that need housing. They continue to sell off doing? And every member of this House knows, as Manitoba housing that actually supports people who certainly he well knows, is that we should be in need safe and affordable housing. But does this Estimates today. We should have been in Estimates government care? No, because they're worried about all last week and we should have been in Estimates money over people, and their austerity shows it time the week before that so that there is a proper after time. accounting of government finances and so that the So $8,000 he had to pay in back taxes. And, you opposition on behalf of the people of Manitoba that know, in fact, the Premier said, oh, I don't owe any we represent–and, in fact, on behalf of all people of money. No, there's no money there. And he didn't Manitoba–have a chance to ask ministers in even want to tell Manitobans that he actually had a Estimates very direct, very specific, very detailed place in Costa Rica. The Premier disregarded The questions about the budget and its implications for Legislative Assembly and Executive Council the people of Manitoba. 1820 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 13, 2019

But we're not doing that, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Now, this may well be consequential to the co- Instead, we're spending time working with the operatives movement in Manitoba. We're not sure government almost seemingly to filibuster its own exactly because there's been no explanation in the agenda. But, as I said last week on a bill of utter minister when he gave up–got up to give his lame inconsequence–it's almost–you almost forget which introduction of the bill, really didn't give any useless bill it was–but, as I said last week, the people explanation as to why this particular change was of Manitoba elect us, 57 of us, to come to this happening or occurring or the need for it, who might Legislature to debate the issues that are of have–he might have consulted with in coming up consequence to them and their families. with this particular amendment to The Cooperatives Act. And yet we have a government that fails to respond to the colossal needs in our communities, the Lots of questions were left unanswered even as needs of families that live in our communities. And I we asked, and I'm sure it was my friend from Flin don't even mean the constituencies. I mean our Flon, maybe my friend from Minto, maybe my friend neighbourhoods, our communities, the very place from Concordia who got up and asked questions on that we all live and thrive together. this bill to the minister at the time, but, of course, no answers were forthcoming, which lead us to believe And so we are instead, today–the name of this that the minister really doesn’t understand his own bill is called The Business Registration, Supervision legislation, which is problem enough. and Ownership Transparency Act, and if it sounds as But, when the legislation is presented to the dull as it reads, well, that's because it is, Mr. Deputy House over and over and over again instead of us Speaker. The bill deals with extraprovincial being in Estimates where we actually ought to be, registrations of business. Registrars may enter then it raises a number of questions about the into agreements with other Canadian jurisdictions government's agenda, the government's intention to respecting the extraprovincial registration of corpo- address the real issues facing Manitobans and the rations, partnerships and co-operatives. government's intention to attempt to try to distract Cabinet may make regulations about these Manitobans from the impact of their austerity registrations. This part of the bill also deals with agenda. extraprovincial limited partnerships that can now be And then, finally, the act touches on ownership registered in Manitoba. And then it deals with transparency, and isn't it always so interesting how extraprovincial limited liability partnerships that the government is always so interested in businesses have an attorney for service no longer require a and what's happening with them while working registered office in Manitoba. people in Manitoba are left day by day to–are hung out to dry by this government on the vast array of And, Madam Speaker–or Mr. Deputy Speaker, issues? forgive me–while I'm sure somewhere in Manitoba, this is of consequence, this is not really a substantial But–so the government's real priority, appar- matter that we need to be discussing in this ently, is, instead, trying to speak clearly about Legislature today when there are so, so many needs ownership transparency in the business community, in our communities. and so The Corporations Act and The Cooperatives Act are harmonized with recent changes to federal The bill also addresses the supervision of co- legislation respecting ownership transparency. operatives, and so it amends The Cooperatives Act to authorize the minister to designate a superintendent The act–this part of the act also addresses of co-operatives. Those functions of the registrar of corporations must maintain a register of co-operatives that relate to the supervision over individuals who, separately or collectively,