ORDERS OF THE DAY

Hon. Darren Praznik (Deputy Government House Leader): I am rising as deputy government House leader, Madam Speaker, and I would ask if you could please call on Orders of the Day for second reading Bills 5 and 6, in that order, please.

SECOND READINGS

Bill 5--The Education Administration Amendment Act

Hon. Linda McIntosh (Minister of Education and Training): I move, seconded by the Minister of Health (Mr. McCrae), that Bill 5, The Education Administration Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'administration scolaire, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House.

Motion presented.

Mrs. McIntosh: It is my pleasure, as Minister of Education and Training, to present The Education Administration Amendment Act to the House for second reading.

We have embarked on a process of education renewal and reform in Manitoba that is unprecedented in its history. It's intent is to take an already good system run on the dedication of professionals who are committed to the children in their care and make it even better, to make schools in fact, not only in aspiration, centres of excellence.

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Nearly a year ago, the government released its blueprint for educational change, Renewing Education: New Directions. The member opposite indicated she was interested that I had used "renew" the other day instead of "reform," saying that she was glad I had chosen a different word but, of course, renewing education has been part of the original heading since the very beginning, witness its being on the original documentation, Renewing Education: New Directions.

It outlines six new directions that will allow the system to evolve in response to changing conditions in our economy and in our society so that it can better meet the needs of the community.

Times change and the system must reflect this reality, because the status quo is no longer sufficient for a society that is moving toward a new millennium.

The proposed amendment that I am presenting today concerns changes to education legislation that will increase the duties and powers of both principals and teachers and give parents and other members of the community a stronger say in the school through advisory councils for school leadership.

The amendment before this Chamber today introduces changes in three areas:

(1) In the current legislation only teachers' duties are defined. Adding the duties of principals will allow ministers to make a clear distinction in the roles of these two key professionals in the education system.

(2) To provide a new vehicle for parental and community involvement. This bill makes an allowance for the creation of advisory councils for school leadership. These councils will have parent, community and business representation and will provide advice to school principals on the day-to-day operation of the school.

(3) So that teachers have the tools they need to maintain authority and control of the teaching environment, the new amendment gives them the ability to suspend disruptive students from the classroom. This measure re-establishes the teacher's control over the classroom and produces a better, safer environment for both teachers and students. Thus, it will help teachers meet their commitment to their students and the community.

Madam Speaker, The Education Administration Amendment Act that I am submitting to the House is an essential part of educational renewal in Manitoba and writes into law proposals first put forward in the department's Blueprint for Educational Change.

Indeed, the amendment provides enabling legislation for New Directions 3 and 4. The result, I believe, will be safer, more effective schools that truly reflect the needs and interests of the community. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (Swan River): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for Brandon East (Mr. Leonard Evans), that debate be adjourned.

Motion agreed to.

BILL 6--Public Schools Amendment Act

Hon. Linda McIntosh (Minister of Education and Training): I move, seconded by the Minister of Urban Affairs and Housing (Mr. Reimer), that Bill 6, The Public Schools Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur les écoles publiques, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House.

Motion presented.

Mrs. McIntosh: Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure as Minister of Education and Training to present The Public Schools Amendment Act to the House for second reading. My government has spearheaded a process of educational renewal in the province that will transform the Kindergarten to Senior-4 educational system.

One of the primary aims is to increase school effectiveness by improving the environmental for learning in the classroom.

The Public Schools Amendment Act, being presented for second reading today, will ensure that the environment for learning is safe, secure and nonthreatening. It will increase the authority of school principals to deal with persons whose actions or proximity threaten to compromise safety within the school or interfere with its safe and orderly management.

The amendment provides a legal basis for removing and prosecuting drug pushers, sexual predators, gang leaders, nonstudents, and other undesirables who pose a threat to the student or the school.

It gives principals the right to document an act of trespass and engage the assistance of a police officer, if warranted. We will be increasing monetary penalties that may be imposed at the court's discretion.

Madam Speaker, students in Manitoba deserve to learn in an atmosphere that is safe, orderly and free from violence. They recognize, as we do, that learning can only occur in such a place and that the pursuit of a quality education depends on it. With this Public Schools Amendment Act, we will give educators the tools they need to ensure a safe and secure place to learn within the school that is free of interference from external sources.

I respectfully submit The Public Schools Amendment Act to this House. Thank you.

Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (Swan River): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for Dauphin (Mr. Struthers), that the debate on this bill be adjourned.

Motion agreed to.

House Business

Hon. Jim Ernst (Government House Leader): I move, Madam Speaker, seconded by the Minister of Education (Mrs. McIntosh), that Madam Speaker do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a committee to consider of the Supply to be granted to Her Majesty today in the Chamber, Health; in Room 255, Education and Training; and in Room 254, Consumer and Corporate Affairs.

Motion agreed to, and the House resolved itself into a committee to consider of the Supply to be granted to Her Majesty, with the honourable member for La Verendrye (Mr. Sveinson) in the Chair for the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs; the honourable member for Sturgeon Creek (Mr. McAlpine) in the Chair for the Department of Education and Training; and the honourable member for St. Norbert (Mr. Laurendeau) in the Chair for the Department of Health.