DEBATES and Legislative Assembly of Manitoba - Province of Manitoba
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Third Session – Forty-Second Legislature
of the
Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
DEBATES
and
PROCEEDINGS
Official Report
(Hansard)
Published under the
authority of
The Honourable Myrna Driedger
Speaker
Vol. LXXV No. 51 - 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 19, 2021
ISSN 0542-5492MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Forty-Second Legislature
Member Constituency Political Affiliation
ADAMS, Danielle Thompson NDP
ALTOMARE, Nello Transcona NDP
ASAGWARA, Uzoma Union Station NDP
BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP
BUSHIE, Ian Keewatinook NDP
CLARKE, Eileen, Hon. Agassiz PC
COX, Cathy, Hon. Kildonan-River East PC
CULLEN, Cliff, Hon. Spruce Woods PC
DRIEDGER, Myrna, Hon. Roblin PC
EICHLER, Ralph, Hon. Lakeside PC
EWASKO, Wayne, Hon. Lac du Bonnet PC
FIELDING, Scott, Hon. Kirkfield Park PC
FONTAINE, Nahanni St. Johns NDP
FRIESEN, Cameron, Hon. Morden-Winkler PC
GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib.
GOERTZEN, Kelvin, Hon. Steinbach PC
GORDON, Audrey, Hon. Southdale PC
GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC
GUILLEMARD, Sarah, Hon. Fort Richmond PC
HELWER, Reg, Hon. Brandon West PC
ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC
JOHNSON, Derek, Hon. Interlake-Gimli PC
JOHNSTON, Scott Assiniboia PC
KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP
LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC
LAGIMODIERE, Alan Selkirk PC
LAMONT, Dougald St. Boniface Lib.
LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib.
LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP
LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP
MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP
MARCELINO, Malaya Notre Dame NDP
MARTIN, Shannon McPhillips PC
MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC
MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC
MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC
MOSES, Jamie St. Vital NDP
NAYLOR, Lisa Wolseley NDP
NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC
PALLISTER, Brian, Hon. Fort Whyte PC
PEDERSEN, Blaine, Hon. Midland PC
PIWNIUK, Doyle Turtle Mountain PC
REYES, Jon Waverley PC
SALA, Adrien St. James NDP
SANDHU, Mintu The Maples NDP
SCHULER, Ron, Hon. Springfield-Ritchot PC
SMITH, Andrew Lagimodière PC
SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP
SMOOK, Dennis La Vérendrye PC
SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC
STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC
TEITSMA, James Radisson PC
WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP
WHARTON, Jeff, Hon. Red River North PC
WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP
WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC
WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC2483
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Monday, April 19, 2021
The House met at 1:30 p.m. credits to ensure that all property owners are paying
25 per cent less in residential and farmlands.
Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): It is my duty to
inform the House that the Speaker is unavoidably Lastly, the bill will provide zero per cent rent
absent. Therefore, in accordance with the statutes, I guidelines in 2022-23 while residential rents could
would ask the Deputy Speaker to please take the be adjusted. Provincial cheques will be–to property
Chair. owners can be released once the bill receives royal
assent.
Mr. Deputy Speaker (Doyle Piwniuk): O Eternal
and Almighty God, from Whom all power and Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to Mr. Deputy Speaker: I just want to–when I was
frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and introducing that, when I–reporting the bill here, it's
prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we actually, on Bill 71, The Education Property Tax
pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in Reduction Act, and property tax installation assistance
accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with act and the income tax amendment act. So I just
wisdom, know it with certainty and accomplish it wanted to state that when I spoke–introduced the
perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and minister.
for the welfare of all our people. Amen.
So now we'll go–is it all–is will to the House to
Please be seated. Good afternoon, everyone. accept the bill of–Bill 71 as first reading? [Agreed]
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS Bill 226–The Red Tape Reduction Day Act
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Now we'll go on to the next
Mr. Deputy Speaker: We'll go on to introduction of
bill, Bill 226.
bills.
Mr. Shannon Martin (McPhillips): Mr. Speaker,
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS I move, seconded by the honourable member for
Bill 71–The Education Brandon East (Mr. Isleifson), that Bill 226, The Red
Property Tax Reduction Act Tape Reduction Day Act, be now read a first time.
(Property Tax and Insulation Assistance Act Motion presented.
and Income Tax Act Amended )
Mr. Martin: Mr. Speaker, this legislation will
Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): I move, designate the third Tuesday of September as the red
seconded by the Minister of Families (Ms. Squires), tape reduction act. I look forward to having the
that Bill 71, The Education Property Tax Reduction support of all my colleagues on this bill.
Act (Property Tax and Insulation Assistance Act and
Income Tax Act Amended), now be read a first time. Thank you.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Is it in order that Bill 226 be
Motion presented. now read for the first time? All agree?
Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the
Mr. Fielding: I'm pleased to introduce Bill 71, The
motion? [Agreed]
Education Property Tax Reduction Act. The will–
bill will provide $248 million from rebates, education Bill 223–The Spirit Bear Day Act
property taxes and the community revitalization levies
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Now we'll go on to the next
to over 658,000 property owners. Rebates will be
bill, Bill 223, The Spirit Bear Day Act, now be read
25 per cent for residential and farm properties and
for the first time.
10 per cent for other properties in 2021, and higher
rebates will be able to be set in regulation in future Mrs. Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I move,
years. seconded by the member from Keewatinook, that
Bill 223, The Spirit Bear Day Act, be read a first time.
The bill also provides corresponding reductions
in various existing education property tax-related Motion presented.2484 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2021
Mrs. Smith: I'm honoured to rise today and introduce Matters under Consideration
to this House for the second time, Bill 223, the spirit
day act. May 10th, 2016 is an important day in the • Bill (No. 33) – The Advanced Education
history of Jordan's Principle. It is a day that Canadian Administration Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la
Human Rights Tribunal issued its first non-com- Loi sur l'administration de l'enseignement
pliance order against the Canadian government. postsecondaire
May 10th is also recognized as spirit day–Spirit • Bill (No. 34) – The University College of the
Bear's birthday, a bear that has become symbolic of North Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la Loi sur
Jordan's Principle. Formally recognizing May 10th le Collège universitaire du Nord
as spirit day will help create awareness of Jordan Committee Membership
prince–Jordan's Principle and the challenges faced by
First Nations children when accessing government As per the Sessional Order passed by the House on
services. October 7, 2020 and further amended on December 3,
2020, Rule 83(2) was waived for the April 13, 2021
I brought forward this bill once before in 2019. and April 15, 2021 meetings, reducing the member-
Bill 223 is supported by the family whose story ship to six Members (4 Government and 2 Official
inspired Jordan's Principle as well as many First Opposition).
Nations. Spirit Bear Day is already celebrated on May
10th by schools across this province. Committee Membership for the April 13, 2021
meeting:
I hope Bill 223 will receive the unanimous
support of the Assembly in recognition of this • Mr. ALTOMARE
important day. • Hon. Mr. EWASKO
Miigwech, Deputy Speaker. • Mr. MOSES
• Hon. Mr. PEDERSEN
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Is it the will of the House to • Mr. PIWNIUK
adopt the motion? [Agreed]
• Mr. REYES
Now we'll go on to committee reports.
Your Committee elected Mr. REYES as the
COMMITTEE REPORTS Chairperson at the April 13, 2021 meeting.
Standing Committee on Social Your Committee elected Mr. PIWNIUK as the
and Economic Development Vice-Chairperson at the April 13, 2021 meeting.
Sixth Report
Committee Membership for the April 15, 2021
Mr. Jon Reyes (Chairperson): I wish to present the meeting:
sixth report of the Standing Committee on Social and
Economic Development. • Mr. ALTOMARE
• Hon. Mr. EWASKO
Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Your Standing • Mr. MOSES
Committee on Economic and Social Development– • Hon. Mr. PEDERSEN
Some Honourable Members: Dispense. • Mr. PIWNIUK
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Dispense. • Mr. REYES
Your Standing Committee on Social and Economic Your Committee elected Mr. REYES as the
Development presents the following as its Sixth Chairperson at the April 15, 2021 meeting.
Report. Your Committee elected Mr. PIWNIUK as the
Vice-Chairperson at the April 15, 2021 meeting.
Meetings
Your Committee met on the following occasions in the Non-Committee Members Speaking on Record
Legislative Building: Non-Committee Members speaking on the record at
the April 13, 2021 meeting:
• April 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
• April 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. • Mr. KINEWApril 19, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2485
Non-Committee Members speaking on the record at Whitney Hodgins, Manitoba League of Persons with
the April 15, 2021 meeting: Disabilities
Dane Monkman, Private Citizen
• Hon. Mr. GERRARD
Hannah Mihychuk Marshall, Private Citizen
Public Presentations Andrew Kohan, Private Citizen
Your Committee heard the following 40 presentations Joe Curnow, Private Citizen
on Bill (No. 33) – The Advanced Education Elizabeth Shearer, Private Citizen
Administration Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la Loi Zach Fleisher, Private Citizen
sur l'administration de l'enseignement post- Jelynn Dela Cruz, Private Citizen
secondaire: Kevin Rebeck, Manitoba Federation of Labour
April 13, 2021 meeting Written Submissions
Patrick Noel, Private Citizen Your Committee received the following nine
Jacqueline Pelland, Private Citizen written submissions on Bill (No. 33) – The
Marianne Hladun, Public Service Alliance of Canada Advanced Education Administration Amendment Act
Sophia Adeleye, Brandon University Students Union / Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'administration de
Tanjit Nagra, Private Citizen l'enseignement postsecondaire:
Brianne Goertzen, Private Citizen R.J. Leland, University of Manitoba
Adam Pawlak, Private Citizen Joanne Parsons, Private Citizen
Savannah Szocs, University of Manitoba Students Rob Schmidt, Private Citizen
Union
Eveline Milliken, Private Citizen
Brendan Scott, Private Citizen
Katinka Stecina, Private Citizen
Kristin Smith, Manitoba Alliance of Post-Secondary
Michelle Faubert, Private Citizen
Students
Othniel Harris, Canada Sierra Leone Friendship
Jonathon Henderson, University of Winnipeg Student
Society Inc
Association, VP of External Affairs
Michael Shaw, Private Citizen Tim Podolsky, Private Citizen
Orvie Dingwall, Private Citizen Tendai Dogo, Private Citizen
Peter Miller, Private Citizen Bills Considered and Reported
Julius Chester, Private Citizen
• Bill (No. 33) – The Advanced Education
Riley Shannon, Private Citizen
Administration Amendment Act / Loi modifiant
Kiratveer Hayer, Private Citizen
la Loi sur l'administration de l'enseignement
Joshua Dasman, University of Winnipeg Students'
postsecondaire
Union
Robert Chernomas, Private Citizen Your Committee agreed to report this Bill with the
Jennifer Adair, Private Citizen following amendment:
Scott Forbes, Manitoba Organization Faculty THAT Clause 2(b) of the Bill be amended in the
Association proposed definition "student fee" by adding ", but
Peter Ives, Private Citizen does not include a fee set by or payable in respect of
Scott Grills, Private Citizen the student union or student association of a
Brenden Gali, Canadian Federation of Students – university or college" at the end.
Manitoba
Jonathan Northam, Private Citizen • Bill (No. 34) – The University College of the
Alannah McKay, Canadian Federation of Students North Amendment Act / Loi modifiant la Loi sur
(National) le Collège universitaire du Nord
Matt McLean, Canadian Union of Public Employees Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without
April 15, 2021 meeting amendment.
Shawna Peloquin, Private Citizen Mr. Reyes: I move, seconded by the honourable
Jim Clark, Private Citizen member for Riding Mountain (Mr. Nesbitt), that the
Mike Moroz, Private Citizen report of the committee be received.
Mark Gabbert, Private Citizen Motion agreed to.2486 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2021
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Now we'll go on to the Your Committee elected Ms. MORLEY-LECOMTE as the
honourable member for Radisson (Mr. Teitsma). Vice-Chairperson at the April 15, 2021 meeting.
[interjection] Or, the honourable member for
Committee Membership for the April 16, 2021
Lagimodière.
meeting:
Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs
• Ms. ADAMS
Seventh Report
• Ms. MORLEY-LECOMTE (Vice-Chairperson)
Mr. Andrew Smith (Chairperson): Deputy Speaker, • Mr. SANDHU
I wish to present the seventh report of the Standing • Hon. Mr. SCHULER
Committee on Legislative Affairs. • Mr. SMITH (Lagimodière)
Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Legislative • Hon. Ms. SQUIRES
Affairs– Your Committee elected Mr. SMITH (Lagimodière) as
Some Honourable Members: Dispense. the Chairperson at the April 16, 2021 meeting.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Dispense. Non-Committee Members Speaking on Record
Non-Committee Members speaking on the record at
Your Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs the April 15, 2021 meeting:
presents the following as its Seventh Report.
• Ms. LAMOUREUX
Meetings
Non-Committee Members speaking on the record at
Your Committee met on the following occasions in the the April 16, 2021 meeting:
Legislative Building: • Ms. LAMOUREUX
• April 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Public Presentations
• April 16, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Your Committee heard the following 31 presentations
on Bill (No. 47) – The Early Learning and Child Care
Matters under Consideration
Act / Loi sur l'apprentissage et la garde des jeunes
• Bill (No. 47) – The Early Learning and Child enfants:
Care Act / Loi sur l'apprentissage et la garde des April 15, 2021 meeting
jeunes enfants
Laura Burla, Private citizen
Committee Membership Jodie Kehl, Manitoba Child Care Association
Susan Prentice, Canadian Centre for Policy
As per the Sessional Order passed by the House on Alternatives
October 7, 2020 and further amended on December 3, Megan Turner, Making Roots Montessori Centre
2020, Rule 83(2) was waived for the April 15, 2021 Anna Weier, Private citizen
and April 16, 2021 meetings, reducing the Cindy Curry, Private citizen
membership to six Members (4 Government and Brianne Goertzen, Private citizen
2 Official Opposition). Brenda Still, Private citizen
Lynn Martin, Private citizen
Committee Membership for the April 15, 2021 Heather Ashdown, Private citizen
meeting: Colleen Lussier, Private citizen
Melanie Fraser, Munroe Early Childhood Education
• Ms. ADAMS Centre Inc.
• Ms. MORLEY-LECOMTE Kisa MacIsaac, Private citizen
• Mr. SALA Stephania Kostiuk, Ryerson School Age Centre Inc.
• Hon. Mr. SCHULER Darren Stebeleski, Private citizen
• Hon. Ms. SQUIRES Kevin Rebeck, Manitoba Federation of Labour
• Mr. TEITSMA Sue Sydorchuk, RRC Childcare Centre
Mike Urichuk, Private citizen
Your Committee elected Mr. TEITSMA as the Renee Cable, Private citizen
Chairperson at the April 15, 2021 meeting. Jessica Perry, Private citizenApril 19, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2487
Jill O'Donohue, Private citizen It is pleasure of the House to accept the committee
Ross Martin, Private citizen report–adopt the motion for the committee report?
Orvie Dingwall, Private citizen [Agreed]
Madeleine Dwier, Canadian Union of Public
Employees Now we'll go on to tabling of reports? No tabling
Pat Furman, Inspired By Wonder of reports. Ministerial reports–statements?
Claudia Colocho, Private citizen
MEMBERS' STATEMENTS
April 16, 2021 meeting
Lindsay Platt
Jim Pringle, Private citizen
Rosemary Miguez, Private citizen Ms. Janice Morley-Lecomte (Seine River): Lindsay
Scott Forbes, Private citizen Platt has always dreamed of being a chef. At the age
Rebecca LaRiviere, Childcare is Essential of eight, she would cook and have her parents judge
Anna Levin, Private citizen her culinary delights. This love for cooking grew
Written Submissions and Lindsay moved to BC where she attended and
graduated from culinary college. Lindsay cooked with
Your Committee received the following nine written many great chefs and honed her love of French
submissions on Bill (No. 47) – The Early Learning cuisine.
and Child Care Act / Loi sur l'apprentissage et la
garde des jeunes enfants: Eventually, Lindsay moved back to Manitoba and
opened Modern Plate cafe with her sister Amber.
Corinna Valdez, Private citizen
Lindsay is the executive chef at Modern Plate cafe
Phyllis Doyle, Private citizen
which is located at the St. Norbert Arts Centre.
Janel Wotton, Private citizen She brings local ingredients to the table to create fun,
Hannah Gifford, Private citizen fresh and inspiring dishes. Lindsay's culinary talents
Samantha Henry, Private citizen combine family traditions with her French cuisine
Larissa Childs, Private citizen flair.
Melinda Walden, Vice Chair, RRC Early Childhood
Centre Inc. Lindsay stated: St. Norbert's arts centre offers
Keesy Rodewald, Child Care Parent Advisory the perfect venue to bring community together in a
Committee beautiful and relaxing space while escaping the
Jana Currie, Executive Director, Laura Secord craziness of everyday life. St. Norbert Arts Centre has
Community Child Care Inc. provided an opportunity for Lindsay to showcase her
culinary talents. Lindsay visits the many local farms,
Bills Considered and Reported
market gardens and seasonal markets to purchase the
• Bill (No. 47) – The Early Learning and Child food that goes into her dishes. The location of the cafe
Care Act / Loi sur l'apprentissage et la garde des combined with the ambience of the area saw an
jeunes enfants increase in visitors who were introduced to her cafe.
Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without Lindsay said her pop-up cafe on Sundays was
amendment. greeted with eagerness and she would sell out every
* (13:40) Sunday she was open. Visitors return to purchase her
homemade delights. Asked what the most sought-after
Mr. Smith: I move, seconded by the honourable dish is, she replied, there are many. Beef croquettes,
member for Brandon East (Mr. Isleifson), that the homemade corned beef and charred carrot poutine are
report of the committee be received. a few of the favorites people return for. Lindsay stated
Mr. Deputy Speaker: It has been moved by the she plans to continue to offer takeout, picnic lunches,
honourable member for Lagimodière (Mr. Smith), specialty baskets, canned goods and catering for all
second by the honourable member for Brandon East, venues.
that the report of the committee be received.
I encourage everyone to visit Modern Plate cafe
So now we'll go on to tabling of reports. or her website at modernplatecatering.ca. It is truly a
[interjection] Oh, sorry. hidden gem within the St. Norbert community.2488 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2021
Mariko Bercier Brier or the more than 950 volunteers who helped
make the 2010 Mastercard Memorial Cup such a
Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas-Kameesak): Today,
success. In all aspects, volunteers are the backbone of
I would like to acknowledge a young hockey player-
Manitoba, and while we thank them every day, we
turned-business. Mariko Bercier was born and raised
show our gratitude in extra celebrations during
in Mosakahiken and Opaskwayak Cree Nation and is
National Volunteer Week, which runs this year from
a proud Swampy Cree member.
April the 18th to the 24th.
Mariko was accepted into the Murray college of
Notre Dame boarding school to take part in their Mr. Deputy Speaker, I want to draw to your
hockey development program. This program is one of attention the daily volunteerism in Prairie Mountain
the country's leading hockey development programs Health, which is graced by an enrolment of approxi-
and is a step forward for Mariko to accomplish his mately 1,100 volunteers, supporting long-term care,
dream of becoming an NHL goalie. acute care, community programs across the region.
Even more volunteers participate on boards, foun-
However, his–this school is also very expensive, dations, 'excelleries' and Meals on Wheels programs,
which led Mariko and his family to come up with an all of whom work effortlessly in the aid of delivering
innovative way to pay for his schooling. He created an health services across our region.
apparel line called the M30 Goalie clothing brand,
whose name and logo pays homage to how he got Mr. Deputy Speaker, under the supervision of
to where he is today. The M represents his name, the Barb Ross, the manager for the Brandon Regional
No. 30 represents his hometown hockey team, The Health Centre volunteer resources program, she
Pas Huskies, and the word goalie is for the people who reports an enrolment of 420 volunteers just for the
have supported his dream of becoming an NHL goal- health centre program. These volunteer placements
tender. The feather in the logo is also a reminder for include wayfinding, patient visiting, chemotherapy,
how hard his ancestors fought to be able to give him lab and the role of secondary recovery surgery assist-
the chance to be where he is today. Together, all of ant.
these aspects come together as part of a brand that
highlights Mariko's passion for hockey, love for his As well, Mr. Deputy Speaker, volunteers work
family and his Indigenous community. in placements in the fracture clinic, emergency,
diagnostic imaging waiting rooms and guiding patient
The brand aims to promote active and healthy flow. Many other volunteer placements assist staff in
lifestyles while empowering, educating, encouraging ways to allow them to better serve their clients.
Indigenous youth in First Nations communities and
inspiring others to pursue their goals like Mariko has. The present state of emergency has altered the
Outside of its clothing, M30 Goalie promotes these volunteer program, seeing the majority of placements
values by honouring Indigenous athletes weekly, suspended across the PMH programs.
promoting sports camps and by donating goaltender
equipment to communities, schools and individuals in While we say thank you to our volunteers year-
northern Manitoba. round, it is during this National Volunteer Week
across Canada that I ask my colleagues to join me
To follow and support more of Mariko and the in recognizing the outstanding efforts of all these
M30 campaign, like them on Facebook, M-30-zero- volunteers.
N-D, and Instagram on m30goalie.
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
I'll leave you with a quote from Mariko, which
guides his life and brand: Stay away from the bad Menstrual Product Availability
stuff, work hard and train hard, and never give up.
Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Period poverty is
Prairie Mountain Health Volunteers a real issue for many Manitobans, and while this
Mr. Len Isleifson (Brandon East): I rise virtually Conservative government refuses to take the issue
today in celebration of the thousands of people around seriously, community has stepped up.
our province who volunteer to make our communities
Eight-year-old Paisley started a campaign called
and their communities a better place to live and visit.
Dream Big to collect menstrual and personal hygiene
We should all celebrate the over 500 volunteers products, hair brushes and undergarments for folks
who provided their time for the 2019 Tim Hortons that are in need.April 19, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2489
Paisley's project not only helps Manitobans When our current government assumed power
but also deconstructs the stigma and shame young in 2016, we quickly shed the idea that we have
people feel when they start their moon time. Paisley 100,000 chances to get it right next time; we under-
personally feels more empowered and comfortable stood that, as the second leading cause of biodiversity
talking about these issues. loss, mitigating the spread of invasive species
required swift action to conserve our ecosystems.
She's collecting donations at three locations,
I was proud to sponsor a private member's bill that
including my own constituency office, and gifts
established an Invasive Species Awareness Week, the
everyone who donates with a beautiful handmade
first province in Canada to enshrine this in legislation.
bracelet with the slogan Dream Big. Her campaign has
already been a huge success, and she doesn't plan on Ever since, our government has clearly prioritized
stopping any time soon. the awareness and control of invasive species in our
Jennifer Berthelette, Brianne O'Neill and Terry province. For example, when zebra mussels were
Duddridge, three Winnipeg realtors, successfully found in a moss ball product last month, our govern-
fundraised over $2,300 towards a Costco trip to buy ment's aquatic invasive species unit quickly informed
menstrual products and spent two weeks collecting the public in order to stop the accidental spread of this
them. All donations went to the west central woman's species. Further, the unit dealt with the contamination
resource–or west central woman's centre and issue through co-ordination and collaboration with all
Resource Assistance for Youth. Terry brought the levels of government and local retailers.
ideal to–idea to Jennifer and Brianne, who agreed they This year, invasive species 'awarena' week–
wanted to learn more, give back to the community and awareness week starts today, April 19th. Our govern-
use their privilege for good. ment will once again be reminding Manitobans
Local businesses are also stepping up. Madame how invasive species affect our environment, as well
Premier, a woman-owned clothing brand, has com- as advertising information on invasive species found
mitted that when their Winnipeg store opens, within the province. Some examples of invasive
menstrual products will be available free to anyone species include zebra mussels, emerald ash borers,
who needs them. And of course, Councillor Vivian Dutch elm disease, fungi; and some less-known
Santos is leading the movement towards free species include common tansy and the St. John's wort.
menstrual products in all civic buildings.
To conclude, I would just like to remind all
And so, where the Premier (Mr. Pallister) and his Manitobans to spread the word and not the species.
crew are offering USBs and lots of excuses, our
community is offering hope and equity to those Thank you.
Manitobans facing period poverty. ORAL QUESTIONS
There's still time for this caucus, this PC caucus, Mr. Deputy Speaker: Time for oral questions.
to get on the right side of history and provide
free menstrual products in all Manitoban schools. COVID-19 Public Health Orders
Manitobans certainly hope that they do. Release of Modelling Data Used
Miigwech. Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official
Invasive Species Awareness Week Opposition): Mr. Deputy Speaker, I appreciate the
opportunity to speak today.
Mr. Alan Lagimodiere (Selkirk): Mr. Deputy
Speaker, seven years ago, in 2014, I had the mis- So, all Manitobans are very concerned with the
fortune of finding a zebra mussel on my dock floating ongoing pandemic, and, of course, Dr. Roussin tells
in the Red River. When I reported the presence of this us today, again, that the third wave is here. Now, of
invasive species to the government at the time, course, I knock on wood and hope that the heights of
I was met with indifference and told that this was the third wave don't reach the levels at which we saw
impossible. When I finally convinced the department the second wave here in Manitoba.
to come investigate, they found five zebra mussels in
However, one of the things that we've learned
total. This impossibility–zebra mussels in the Red
time and time again when it comes to the pandemic is
River–was, in fact, a reality.
that the public release of information and the public
* (13:50) release of data really helps to drive that public buy-in2490 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2021
for any sort of public health orders that are being Given the fact that we are now in this third wave
implemented. and we need to do what we can to ensure that people
stay home when they're sick, will the Premier commit
We know that the Premier and Dr. Roussin a short
to working towards an enhanced paid sick leave
time ago announced new restrictions that will be
program?
taking effect tonight, but we'd still like to see that
public release of the modelling data that is being used Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Manitoba and BC
to inform that process. partnered to promote the establishment of a paid sick
So I'd like to begin by asking the Premier: Will he leave program and built the support of premiers of all
commit to releasing publicly the modelling data that political stripes coast to coast to coast, and the federal
is going to inform those public health decisions? government undertook that they would do so.
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): First of all, to you, I can only say the delays on that have been frus-
Deputy Speaker, I want to wish you well in your new trating, I think, to all of us in this House, with the
responsibilities, and also through you, on behalf of all possible exception of a couple of members. I can also
of us, I'm sure, wish our Speaker a good healing after say that I hope sincerely that, this afternoon, the
her, I understand, a procedure on a part of her body federal budget does address this important issue. It's
I shouldn't mention. been an oversight for a long time, and it's an important
issue to address.
That being said, accurate data is important, and
I know that the vaccine team, as well as the health And I would also just say accurate data is
officials, have been endeavouring to collate and important. I would encourage the opposition to–when
categorize data throughout this process that has they cite my education tax rebate, to do so accurately.
assisted them in making some very good judgments They missed it by several thousand dollars. My actual
and recommendations to our government. And we rebate, I should share with the House, I have some-
thank them very much for their diligent work. And where here, is $1,318, which is actually $13 less than
I expect that work to continue. the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable Leader of the
Official Opposition, on a second question. Official Opposition, on a final question. [interjection]
COVID-19 Spread Prevention Order. Order–on a final supplementary question.
Paid Sick Leave Program COVID-19 Financial Assistance
Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Small-Business Supports
Opposition): In the data that we have seen to date,
we have seen that certain economic sectors are Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official
overrepresented in the COVID case counts. For Opposition): Well, now we know why the public
example, we've seen in the manufacturing industry health restrictions had to wait until today and couldn't
and also in some food services industry that there are be announced last week, do we.
more cases than might be predicted from just the Again, the government is hard at work in arming
overall contours of the pandemic. the Premier with these bizarre priorities that he
At the same time, we know that the ability for chooses to bring up each and every day in the House.
people to afford to be able to stay home when they're We'll continue bringing forward the real priorities of
sick or to be able to go to a vaccine without having Manitobans who are struggling through the pandemic.
to worry about that appointment affecting their pay-
We know that small-business owners in particular
cheque are very important parts of the public health
have been hard hit by the pandemic, and, as the
response.
government announces new restrictions today, there
Sadly, while there has been a federal paid sick should be that parallel response to help those small-
leave program announced, it has not been sufficient to business owners get through this time, which surely
reach throughout the economy and be accessible to all will be very difficult. And yet we're still waiting on
workers. What workers are telling us is in fact needed news for a renewed program to help these small-
is a paid sick leave program that is available without business owners. We've been speaking to them
application and that is accessible within their work- throughout the pandemic, and even today folks are
place. reaching out and raising their voices, saying thereApril 19, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2491
needs to be that additional support for small-business rates. What they want is predictability. What they get
owners. with this group, however, is risk–risk to their bottom
line. And that makes those units less competitive
So will the Premier announce today that, instead
within their neighbouring jurisdictions.
of looking up opposition research for the rest of the
week, he'll actually get back down to business and What they're asking for is quite simple. It's the
help small-business owners who are struggling right same thing we've been asking for all along: Will the
across Manitoba. Premier and the Cabinet finally abandon Bill 35?
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): After years of Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): If the NDP was at
being subjected to the pillage of the previous NDP all concerned about Manitoba Hydro or Manitobans,
government, small businesses have been afforded the they didn't show it while they were in government.
strongest supports in this time of the pandemic in They totally disrespected the members of the Hydro
Manitoba of any– board, the executives at Hydro, totally disrespected
Some Honourable Members: Oh, oh. the Public Utilities Board–[interjection]
Mr. Pallister: –in Canada. Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order.
And because of this pandemic and, frankly, with Mr. Pallister: –totally disrespected the whole
a sincere desire to give Manitobans a break, I don't process, threw away $10 billion, Madam Speaker–
think that describing 660,000 Manitobans getting a $10 billion, all on an effort to make Hydro more
rebate is–as bizarre as accurate, at all. It isn't me that appealing for Americans, more affordable for
put the story on the front page of the free D-P, it's the Americans while Manitobans would pay for it. A
NDP. legacy of debt–tripling the debt of Manitoba Hydro.
So I will share with the member, while he's doing * (14:00)
the class warfare, he might want to have a little fight The member can ask all the questions he wants
with the member from Fort Garry, because his rebate about Hydro. While they pillaged Manitoba Hydro as
is actually $4 less than the Opposition Leader's, but a government, and while he would do the same,
still quite a bit more than mine. Madam Speaker, given the–Mr. Speaker, doing the–
Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable Leader of the given the opportunity, our government will continue
Official Opposition, on a different question. to stand up for Manitoba Hydro on behalf of all
Manitoban citizens, who are the owners of Manitoba
Ratepayer Protection Legislation Hydro.
Request to Withdraw Bill 35
Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable Leader of the
Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Official Opposition, on a supplemental question.
Opposition): You know–[interjection]
Manitoba Hydro Rates
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. General Rate Application Request
Mr. Kinew: –Mr. Deputy Speaker, it's quite striking
Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official
that the Premier has time for this but not time to fix
Opposition): Mr. Deputy Speaker, the only people
the damage that he's causing at Manitoba Hydro right
who favour the Premier's approach are the people
now.
sitting around him in the Chamber right now, because
Now, in addition to the Hydro strike that is going when you look at who objects to the approach, it's
on still to this day and that is costing that Crown virtually unanimous.
corporation millions of dollars, we also know that this
The people of Manitoba object to having their
government is putting at risk a huge amount of capital
rates increased through a pandemic. We know that the
and a huge amount of jobs that have been invested
Consumers' Association and many other stakeholders
here in our province.
that the Public Utilities Board has consulted also
Now, we've learned recently that the Industrial object to the Premier's approach. And, of course, very
Power Users Group at Manitoba Hydro is very, very importantly, as we learned over the weekend, the
concerned because they object to the Premier trying to Industrial Power Users Group–again, the people who
usurp the authority of the Public Utilities Board and employ thousands of Manitobans in Brandon, in
use his pen at the Cabinet table, instead, to set their Selkirk, in Winkler, in many other places around the2492 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2021
province–they do very clearly object to this Premier's account there because we all know that it's absolutely
failing, heavy-handed approach to Manitoba Hydro. wrong.
What they want is low rates and predictability. At the same time, the people at the companies that
What they're getting are rate increases happening are involved with the Manitoba Industrial Power
behind closed doors and risks to their businesses. That Users Group are raising very serious concerns. If we
is a risk to jobs. That is a risk to the future of our most go down the avenue that they're laying out, that the
important Crown corporation. Premier is paving with his rate increases behind
closed doors, we are going to potentially put jobs at
Will the Premier finally admit that he's wrong risk. We're going to put millions of dollars in revenue
and direct Manitoba Hydro to hold a general rate to Manitoba Hydro at risk.
application hearing today?
And why are we doing this? Is it because it's
Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): Well, Madam– necessary to raise rates during a pandemic? No.
Mr. Chair–Mr. Speaker, what is truly risky is the Are we doing so because this is what the Public
NDP approach to Manitoba Hydro, which was to Utilities Board has ordered at a public hearing? No.
Americanize it. We're doing it simply to satisfy the Premier's political
agenda.
What is truly risky is to triple Manitoba Hydro's
debt. What is truly absurd is to ignore the Public Will he abandon whatever terrible advice the
Utilities Board through that process. What is truly clerk of the Executive Council is giving him, and
risky is to go 600 kilometres out of the way all the way finally call a general rate application today?
around the province, wasting billions of dollars on a
line to nowhere that isn't as good at transmitting hydro Mr. Pallister: The member has just provided
as the one that Hydro experts said they should've built. undeniably powerful evidence of the truth of the
[interjection] words of Ed Schreyer when he said the NDP couldn't
run Hydro. He's just provided us that evidence today.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order.
When the NDP were in charge of Hydro,
Mr. Pallister: The NDP, when they had the chance to Mr. Speaker, they tripled the debt of Hydro without
run Hydro, tried to run it into the ground. That was asking Manitobans for approval–tripled the debt of
what they did, Mr. Speaker. Hydro. And they did it by leaving out the major topics
that were supposed to be paid for by Manitobans for
And so when the member speaks of risk, he years to come and will be paid for by decades of
knows whereof he speaks because what he is speaking Manitoba generations.
about is a reckless record. And, Mr. Speaker, that's not
something that we can fail to clean up. And so we will. They left that all out. They ignored the Public
Utilities Board. They ignored the people of Manitoba.
And so our interim rate increase is actually They built a bipole line halfway around the province
significantly less than the previous six years of the with no permission, and they left it out. They left it out
NDP. And I should mention about that the NDP raised of the PUB process–all of this in the interests not of
Hydro rates while they were in government–and laugh transparency but in the interests of putting Hydro in
about it–taking money off the tables of Manitoba their dark little encampment.
families and small businesses, by 40 per cent and now
he complains about less than three. I don't think so. I Well, we're going to bring it into the light instead.
think that's risky and I think that's reckless, too. Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member for
Union Station, on a question.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable Leader of the
Official Opposition, on a final supplemental question. COVID-19 Pandemic Plan
Release of Modelling Data
Mr. Kinew: Mr. Deputy Speaker, you know, the one
thing the Premier got right there is that he is increasing MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station):
rates on Manitobans. Let's remind the members Mr. Deputy Speaker, COVID-19–[interjection]
opposite that they're increasing rates at the Cabinet
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order.
table without a public hearing, that they're doing so
during a pandemic, they're doing so in the middle of a MLA Asagwara: –grows exponentially. That has
recession. Nobody stands up to defend the Premier's been the case since the beginning of this globalApril 19, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2493
pandemic, but we haven't seen the Province's updated media availability. That's where the information was
modelling. Last year, the Province didn't release announced to the public.
fulsome data until after the wave had already crested.
We do this daily, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And so
Now, in order to successfully get our cases low that's certainly not indicative of a government that's
and limit the impact of another wave, we need public hiding anything.
buy-in. And to get that, Manitobans need full
transparency from this government. In fact, we are very transparent with Manitobans.
We want to ensure that they have the necessary tools
Will the Pallister government release the model- they need to ensure that they are able to get the
ling data so that Manitobans can see the potential vaccine when they want it.
impact of the third wave and how it aligns with this
government's approach? Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member for
Union Station, on a final supplementary question.
Hon. Heather Stefanson (Minister of Health and
Seniors Care): Certainly, the No. 1 priority for our MLA Asagwara: Mr. Deputy Speaker, the model-
government is protecting Manitobans first, Madam– ling, it's been withheld. The–[interjection]
or, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order.
That's why we're expediting vaccine 'deliverary'.
That's why we're expanding vaccine eligibility. That's MLA Asagwara: –pandemic response plan has been
why we're expanding asymptomatic rapid testing. hidden from view. This isn't transparency.
Over 25 per cent of Manitobans have now received
the vaccination. Test positivity rates have more than doubled in
the last two weeks. Variants of concern are only
We recognize there's still more work to do and raising more concerns. Modelling that supports public
we're committed to working with Manitobans to health decisions are not being released to the public.
ensure that each and every Manitoban who wants to And, likewise, pandemic planning documents are
get the vaccine will get it, Madam Speaker– being withheld in their entirety.
Mr. Deputy Speaker. [interjection]
Now, this hurts public trust–public trust that is
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. sorely needed.
The honourable member for Union Station, on a I ask the minister: Will she release the modelling
supplementary question. [interjection] Order. and the pandemic plan, and will she do so today?
MLA Asagwara: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I'll table a
Mrs. Stefanson: Almost every day, the Chief
freedom of information request sent to the Winnipeg
Provincial Public Health Officer or someone is out
Regional Health Authority. It asks for a copy of the
answering these types of questions in front of the
Province's regional pandemic plan.
media. That's how transparent our government is.
Here's the response: The pandemic plan is Mr. Deputy Speaker.
considered wholly of advice to the Pallister govern-
ment. * (14:10)
Why would this be withheld? Either this govern- So we will continue to put the protection of
ment is ignoring the advice of public health profes- Manitobans first, Madam–or, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
sionals or they're withholding information that should That's why we're expediting our vaccine delivery.
be given to the public. That's why we're expanding our vaccine eligibility.
And that's why we're expanding asymptomatic rapid
I ask the minister: Is she withholding this infor- testing.
mation because she wants Manitobans left in the dark?
Or is it because she hasn't taken the action as recom- And, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we want to ensure that
mended by the pandemic planning documents? each and every Manitoban has access to the vaccine
that they need, want and deserve.
Mrs. Stefanson: Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Chief
Provincial Public Health Officer was out earlier today Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member for
in the media with the Premier (Mr. Pallister) for a St. James, on a question.2494 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2021
Manitoba Hydro Rates Mr. Fielding: The person–or, the party that has some
Request to Withdraw Bill 35 real answering to do to Manitobans is the NDP, for
their reckless approach to Manitoba Hydro that's cost
Mr. Adrien Sala (St. James): Last week, the
over $10 billion to ratepayers because of the mistakes
Manitoba Industrial Power Users Group, which
that they made by ignoring the public utilities process.
represents many large industrial companies across
Manitoba, wrote a letter to the Public Utilities Board That's something that we'll–a mistake we will not
stating that political interference in the setting of make. And that's why we're reforming the PUB, to
Manitoba Hydro rates has already forced them to make it more enhanced, to make it more accountable
reconsider capital investments that could lead to to Manitobans and ensure that rates are done on a–
cutbacks in production. [interjection]
Not only are Manitobans going to lose money Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order.
on their electricity bills because this government
continues to raise the rates, but now we're looking at Mr. Fielding: –multi-year basis to save ratepayers
potential job losses and big hits to our economy if tens of millions of dollars, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
large companies choose to leave because of this
Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member for
government's interference.
St. James, on a final supplementary question.
Will the minister finally admit his approach has
Mr. Sala: In their submission, the Manitoba Industrial
been heavy-handed, and will this government finally
Power Users Group said that a lack of transparency in
stop interfering in Manitoba Hydro rate setting?
the rate-setting process means that their members are,
Hon. Scott Fielding (Minister of Finance): Our quote, presently operating with an unprecedented lack
legislation will strengthen the Public Utilities Board, of confidence. End quote.
it will not weaken the Public Utilities Board.
Manitoba Hydro hasn't appeared before the PUB
The real reasons why rates are going up is because in more than two years, and there hasn't been a
of the dangerous approach that the NDP government financial forecast since 2016. And we know that the
took with over $10 billion of expenses to Manitoba true financial state of Hydro is being hidden by the
Hydro. That is the sole reason why rates are going up Pallister government.
for ratepayers, for Manitobans.
Will the minister listen to some of the biggest
Our legislation will strengthen it. It will provide employers in Manitoba, repeal Bill 35 and call for a
predictability–[interjection] PUB hearing today?
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier): I encourage the
Mr. Fielding: –to businesses as well as ratepayers member to familiarize himself with the bill a
here in Manitoba. [interjection] little better than was evident with those comments.
I encourage him to also familiarize himself with
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. the process and use across other provinces with
The honourable member for St. James, on a respect to their–[interjection]–with respect to their
supplementary question. Public Utilities–[interjection]
Mr. Sala: Whether or not the members opposite like Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order.
it, they must answer to Manitoban ratepayers. And
ratepayers, both residential and industrial, are con- Mr. Pallister: –Board.
cerned about continued government interference. As the NDP leader has another question, I invite
This government has raised hydro rates uni- him to rise; the first two sets weren't that impressive.
laterally without PUB approval, and now they've What I can say to the member–[interjection]
introduced Bill 35, which would further undermine
the PUB's authority and give this minister and this Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order.
Premier the ability to set rate increases by Cabinet
Mr. Pallister: –if they're interested in learning about
directive.
this, as opposed to just rhetoric–is that virtually every
Will the minister do the right thing for other jurisdiction in Canada and most around the
Manitobans and repeal Bill 35 today? world have multi-year rate sets.April 19, 2021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2495
What we do here in Manitoba is archaic. Under Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. Order.
the NDP, it forced rates up because it–we wasted
millions of dollars on rate hearings that occurred The honourable member for Notre Dame, on a
every other year, when everyone else was saving that supplementary question.
money and making sure rates were lower. Ms. Marcelino: Mr. Deputy Speaker, at committee
This is the reason, in part, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we heard from a child-care centre who had to
that under the NDP the rates rose by 40 per cent. This close with no help from this provincial government.
is the reason that the NDP rates averaged over Presenters explained that their child-care centres had
16 per cent more–[interjection] to cut their nutrition programs and others explained
that they have not been able to give a cost-of-living
Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable First increase to their employees in five years.
Minister's time is up.
We heard from early-childhood educators who
The honourable member for St. Vital need two jobs to make their ends meet due to poverty
(Mr. Moses). [interjection] wages, and this is unacceptable, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The honourable member for Notre Dame. Quality child care makes all the difference in the
lives of our children and parents, and this sector
Child-Care Services
should be adequately supported.
Investment Request
Will the minister do the right thing today and end
Ms. Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Mr. Deputy
her operating funding freezes for our child-care
Speaker, while the federal government is proposing
centres?
accessible, affordable child care across the country,
the Pallister government is going in the opposite Ms. Squires: Our government recognizes that we
direction and has run up the child-care wait-list to need to build a strong child-care sector. That is why
19,000 children. PC plans call for more expensive for- we are creating 541 additional spaces this year. We've
profit child care. created nearly 4,000 spaces since we formed govern-
ment, plus we're investing in the inclusion support
This is not what Manitobans want or need. What
program.
Manitobans want and need is quality, affordable child
care that is accessible and close to home. And I would also like to remind the NDP that they
voted against a provision to provide financial as-
Will the minister acknowledge the ever-growing
sistance to eligible parents for the inclusion support
child-care wait-list and commit to child-care spaces
program. Mr. Deputy Speaker, who would vote
where they are needed across Manitoba?
against provisions in legislation that would provide
Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): Our supports for children with disabilities in our child-care
government recognizes the need for a strong, stable sector? Will the NDP apologize for voting down that
child-care sector. That's why this budget invests provision?
historic numbers of dollars–$185 million–which is
Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member for
$25 million more than the NDP ever invested in child
Notre Dame, on a final supplementary question.
care, into building the sector.
Ms. Marcelino: Mr. Deputy Speaker, during last
Mr. Deputy Speaker, we witnessed a very un-
week's committee meetings we heard from child-care
fortunate and deplorable incident at committee last
centres who had to close due to financial pressures
week, when the NDP voted against provisions that
would enshrine the inclusion support programs in even before the pandemic. These folks said they
reached out to this government for help and heard
legislation.
nothing in reply.
So I'd like to give the NDP an opportunity right
now to–[interjection] Now, with Bill 47, this minister is focused on
turning child care into a profit centre with no com-
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. mitment to an increase in wages for child-care
professionals.
Ms. Squires: –apologize to all the families that
depend on the inclusion support programs for voting Will this minister repeal Bill 47 and work with
against those provisions. [interjection] parents and child-care professionals–[interjection]2496 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA April 19, 2021
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. We no longer use hotels and we have less than a third
of that in emergency placement services.
Ms. Marcelino: –to develop an accessible and
affordable, quality child-care system for all Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member for
Manitobans? [interjection] The Pas-Kameesak, on a supplementary question.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. Ms. Lathlin: CFS workers are saying they cannot
meet the needs of all of the young people that they're
Ms. Squires: Our government included a definition responsible for. The Pallister government mouths
of early learning in the new act, which is something platitudes about the Phoenix Sinclair report, but some
that remained silent in the former NDP act. They children haven't had an in-person visit with their case
never, during 17 years in office, bothered to update worker in months and some children are sitting in
the act to include the provisions for inclusion support emergency placements because of a shortage of foster
to families with children with disabilities in child care. parents.
This act brings that into legislation. It enshrines it in
legislation. Will the minister protect Manitoban children and
increase operating funding for CFS authorities so that
And what did the NDP do? They voted against staff can manage their workloads and focus on our
those provisions. Will they apologize to all the children's needs?
Manitoba families who depend on the inclusion
Ms. Squires: Our government acknowledges that
support program for voting against it? [interjection]
there are far too many children in care, and that is one
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. of the reasons why we're making historic investments
in preventive–preventative measures.
* (14:20)
I was honoured on Friday to attend and make an
Funding for Child and Family Services announcement with the minister of wellness, recovery
Caseload Reduction and Staffing and mental health, along with two key stakeholders
that are going to help us invest in services, whether
Ms. Amanda Lathlin (The Pas-Kameesak): Misty–
it be a Super Dads program, respite for families,
Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Phoenix Sinclair report
whether it be an Indigenous doula program.
recommended that the provincial government fund
Child and Family Services so that agencies could meet We're making investments in the front end so we
the caseload ratio of 20 cases per worker for all family can have fewer children in care, unlike the NDP who
services workers. However, under this government, had 432 children in emergency placement services in
Child and Family Services workers report having 2014. We believe that that is an unacceptably high
caseloads as high as 30 cases. number, and that is why we've reduced that number
by almost one–two thirds.
Block funding is adding a real financial strain.
Caseloads will only increase. Mr. Deputy Speaker: The honourable member for
The Pas-Kameesak, on a final supplementary ques-
Will the minister put forward the funding needed tion.
to bring these caseloads down? Will she do so today?
Ms. Lathlin: Mr. Deputy Speaker, it's been six years
Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): Our since the Phoenix Sinclair has–was released and,
government appreciates and acknowledges that there unfortunately, five years today since this govern-
are far too many children in care. There was far too ment took power. Despite commitments from various
many children in care under the previous NDP Families ministers, key recommendations in this
government. That is why, since we formed govern- report–this report that is about the lives and well-
ment, we have reduced that number by 8 per cent. being of our vulnerable children–have still not been
That is why we ended the practice of birth alerts. And implemented.
that is why we are reducing the number of children in
emergency placement. Will the minister allow CFS authorities to hire
more staff and keep Manitoba children safe?
And I'd like to update the House that, in 2014,
Ekosi.
when the NDP government were putting children in
hotels, they had a record number of 432 children in Ms. Squires: We're working with all of our partners
hotels. We have reduced that number significantly. to reduce the number of children coming into care. WeYou can also read
