Mr. Marcel Laurendeau (St. Norbert): Madam Speaker, do I have leave to make a nonpolitical statement?
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for St. Norbert have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]
Mr. Laurendeau: I rise today to pay tribute and give thanks for the heroic efforts of the citizens of Winnipeg and indeed of all Manitobans as they join together to help one another battle the effects and prepare for severe flood waters. Over the past two weeks in my St. Norbert constituency, individuals from across the city and across our province have come to aid in sandbagging and preparation work. Corporations have donated food and beverages, school children and church groups have come to lend a hand and residents have offered their vehicles and time for transportation. Neighbours provided for neighbours and strangers came to the aid of strangers.
These past few weeks Manitoba has worn its heart on its sleeve as we band together once again to help our fellow citizens. This is not the only time for citizens to join forces but also for governments to come together. The co-operation at the city and municipal levels has been tremendous, and I would like to give special notice of the work done by the officials and workers of the City of Winnipeg who continue to provide valuable information and assistance.
Many of our city and provincial employees have come through one onerous week following the recent blizzard and are now working long and difficult hours to prepare for the yet-rising river levels, and their efforts are to be commended.
While much assistance has already been given, the reports from our neighbours to the south show that a great deal is yet to be done. I once again appeal to the generosity of Manitobans and ask that they renew their efforts and continue to aid in this time of need. This is a challenging time for Manitobans; however, members of this Chamber have learned from experience that when help is needed, Manitobans offer their hands, their homes and their hearts to the efforts. I know that they will come again. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms. Diane McGifford (Osborne): Nonpolitical statement, Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Osborne have leave? [agreed]
Ms. McGifford: I rise today to recognize the Jewish high holiday of Passover which officially begins tonight, April 21, at sundown. Passover is at the heart of Judaism as it commemorates both the liberation and freedom of the Israelites from bondage and the return of Jews to Israel, the homeland, and, of course, the holiday is replete with the richness of metaphor which both movements imply. The celebration of Pesach or Passover takes place in spring, the time of reawakening and new life. The feast includes a glass of wine for each person at the table and a glass for the prophet Elijah, who is believed will bring peace to the world. The door is left open to welcome the hungry and the prophet of peace.
The feast includes the Seder plate of five symbolic foods partially for the growth of spring but dipped in salt water reminiscent of the tears of bondage. Maror, the bitter herb linked to the bitterness of slavery; a roasted egg symbolic of sacrifice; a lamb shank to symbolize the lamb roasted before the departure from Egypt; and charoseth, a mixture of walnuts, apples, sugar and red wine symbolizing the clay used to build Pharaoh's cities. The table includes matzo, the unleavened bread, which reminds the celebrants that the Israelis had to leave quickly before their bread could rise.
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The youngest child at the table asks the four questions designed to reveal the significance of the holiday. How is this night different from all other nights? Why do we eat only bitter herbs tonight? Why do we dip food tonight, and why do we only recline, not sit, tonight?
Passover highlights for Jews the joy and sweetness of freedom and the blessings of liberation. On Passover, Jews remember those still in bondage and pray for the freedom of all peoples. I ask all members of the House to join me in wishing Jews here and everywhere a happy and fulfilling Passover.
Mr. Gerry McAlpine (Sturgeon Creek): Madam Speaker, do I have leave for a nonpolitical statement?
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Sturgeon Creek have leave? [agreed]
Mr. McAlpine: This past Friday, April 18, I had the privilege of attending the first anniversary celebration of the Seniors Wellness Centre. The Seniors Wellness Centre has been working with seniors in the St. James-Assiniboia area to provide health information and programs for seniors to help keep them well and stay that way.
This three-year project was established in co-operation with the Deer Lodge Centre, Grace General Hospital, Manitoba Health and the St. James Assiniboia Seniors Centre. Some of the activities they have been involved in include: a community outreach study, conducting the medication information program, Knowledge is the Best Medicine, in the community, developing a false prevention program called Are You in Jeopardy?, presentations on seniors wellness to groups in the community, facilitating support groups for persons with Parkinson's disease, and Easy Breathers for those with chronic lung disease, providing workplace experience for health care students, counselling persons who visit the SWC and referring persons to appropriate resources, many more efforts to promote wellness in the community.
So, on behalf of all members, I wish to extend the Seniors Wellness Centre hearty congratulations on the accomplishments they have achieved, and I am sure that all will continue to ensure seniors remain a healthy and vital component of Winnipeg. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Ms. Marianne Cerilli (Radisson): Do I have leave to make a nonpolitical statement?
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Radisson have leave? [agreed]
Ms. Cerilli: I want to make a nonpolitical statement today regarding the flood situation in south Transcona and over the weekend the effort to protect as many homes as possible from having the water pass over their property line from the ditches and flood their homes, their basements, their garages and damage their property.
The flooding is costly. It has been heartbreaking. It has been exhausting, but it also has brought out the best in people. People have gotten to know their neighbours that are new in the area, and the community helps in situations like this like never before.
I want to give a few specific thank yous with regard to the sandbagging this weekend. First of all, the Transcona cubs and scouts who were out on the weekend to help, the many schools that are releasing students. As we speak, Transcona schools are releasing students to volunteer. There have also been a number of volunteers from all over the city bringing trucks to drive sandbags to people's homes and driving volunteers over the water so they can get in to lay the sandbags. Special thanks to the city volunteer co-ordinators, Terry and John, who have been great over the telephone in dispatching volunteers; Purolator Courier who released three trucks and drivers; Pourex who donated a front-end loader; the Esso station on Dugald Road; Copa Cambana Pizza on Regent Avenue who donated some pizza, and I do not know how they made 27 pizzas in an hour but they did; the south Transcona community club which donated some soft drinks, and Jean from the city who has been monitoring the sandbagging operation.
Of course, the residents of south Transcona should be commended for their perseverance, the many seniors in the area, many who are more than 70 years old who have had to put up with this for many years. There were volunteers working past 3:30 this morning, and I want to recognize their efforts and also let them know that I think all sides of the House are going to commit to do our damnedest to make sure that this is the last year that south Transcona has to put up with this. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Culture, Heritage and Citizenship): Madam Speaker, may I have leave to make a nonpolitical statement?
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable minister have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]
Mrs. Vodrey: Madam Speaker, I recently had the pleasure of attending the 11th Annual Volunteer Service Awards. As a Manitoban, I am so proud of all of our volunteers throughout the province. There is no work that is more rewarding, and we are also seeing a great commitment of volunteers at this time. There are also volunteers who volunteer all year long.
This year for the awards there were 110 nominations received for the Premier's Volunteer Service Award. This was a record high. As the MLA for Fort Garry, I am very proud to congratulate the Victoria General Hospital's Victoria Lifeline volunteers. The Victoria Lifeline volunteers received the Mayor's Volunteer Service Award for the giving of their time, energy and talents to improving the well-being of fellow citizens in the area of health.
Since 1988, the Victoria Lifeline has provided services to over 5,200 Manitobans. Victoria Lifeline is a personal response service that supports senior adults and individuals in our community, who are physically challenged, to continue to live independently in their own homes. The Lifeline provides the support to individuals which enables them, again, to remain in their homes. There are 30 Victoria Lifeline volunteers, and in the past year they have given over 3,700 hours of time and they have driven over 18,000 kilometres ensuring that subscribers of the program enjoy a good quality of service.
On behalf of all members of the House, Madam Speaker, I congratulate the dedication of the volunteers who so generously donate their time to such a great cause. Congratulations, Victoria Lifeline.
Ms. MaryAnn Mihychuk (St. James): Madam Speaker, I ask permission to make a nonpolitical statement.
Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for St. James have leave? [agreed]
Ms. Mihychuk: Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate the many Manitoba Hydro employees, over 110 Hydro employees who were sent down to Minnkota Power Corp. to help in restoration of power during the recent blizzard earlier this month.
Some of those individuals are still in Grand Forks, and I am sure that we will have an update as to the flood situation. In addition to the 110 employees, Hydro also sent 100 pieces of all-terrain type vehicles and were recognized by the North Dakota commission who compared them to a well-oiled army on maneuvers and is literally amazed at the organization of our workforce and constantly commented on it. To the workers of Manitoba Hydro, I understand that their efforts have set an example for the Americans, both employees of Minnkota Power and the residents of the area, for what the quality of Manitoba Hydro employees is all about. All Manitobans should take pride in the effective and generous nature of their efforts and of the commitment to excellence that Manitoba Hydro brings to any endeavour. I feel comfortable in saying that as employees of a publicly owned Crown corporation, they understand that they represent all Manitobans. This has got to contribute to the motivation and pride they take in their work. That pride is showing in the results once again.
From this House and all members, a great big thank you to Manitoba Hydro employees.