VOL. XLVII No. 9 - 1:30 p.m., THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1997

Thursday, March 13, 1997

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA

Thursday, March 13, 1997

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

PRAYERS

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

PRESENTING PETITIONS

Mobile Screening Unit for Mammograms

Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (Swan River): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Geri Gosselin, Trish Sherrer, Floyd Cameron and others requesting that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba request the Minister of Health (Mr. Praznik) to consider immediately establishing a mobile screening unit for mammograms to help women across the province detect breast cancer at the earliest possible opportunity.

READING AND RECEIVING PETITIONS

Mobile Screening Unit for Mammograms

Madam Speaker: I have reviewed the petition of the honourable member for Swan River (Ms. Wowchuk). It complies with the rules and practices of the House. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read?

An Honourable Member: No.

Madam Speaker: Dispense.

WHEREAS medical authorities have stated that breast cancer in Manitoba has reached almost epidemic proportions; and

WHEREAS yearly mammograms are recommended for women over 50, and perhaps younger if a woman feels she is at risk; and

WHEREAS while improved surgical procedures and better post-operative care do improve a woman's chances if she is diagnosed, early detection plays a vital role; and

WHEREAS Manitoba currently has only three centres where mammograms can be performed, those being Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson; and

WHEREAS a trip to and from these centres for a mammogram can cost a woman upwards of $500 which is a prohibitive cost for some women; and

WHEREAS a number of other provinces have dealt with this problem by establishing mobile screening units; and

WHEREAS the provincial government has promised to take action on this serious issue.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba may be pleased to request the Minister of Health (Mr. Praznik) to consider immediately establishing a mobile screening unit for mammograms to help women across the province detect breast cancer at the earliest possible opportunity.

TABLING OF REPORTS

Hon. Harold Gilleshammer (Minister charged with the administration of The Civil Service Superannuation Act): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to table the Actuarial Report for the Public Service Group Insurance Fund.

Hon. Vic Toews (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Madam Speaker, I would be honoured to table the Annual Report, 1995-96, of the Seizure and Impoundment Registry.

* (1335)

Introduction of Guests

Madam Speaker: Prior to Oral Questions, I would like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the visitors' gallery where we have this afternoon twelve Grade 12 students from the Oxford House School under the direction of Ms. Shauna McKay. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for Rupertsland (Mr. Robinson); and twenty-four Grades 4 and 5 students from Ralph Brown School under the direction of Mrs. Sandy Barr. This school is located in the constituency of the honourable member for St. Johns (Mr. Mackintosh).

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