Ms. Marianne Cerilli (Radisson): Madam Speaker, do I have leave to make a nonpolitical statement?

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Radisson have leave for a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Ms. Cerilli: Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Transcona seniors centre which this past weekend, on June 7, celebrated their 30th anniversary of providing a community centre and resource for seniors in Transcona on Whittier Avenue. It is a beautiful facility that they have there. They have now over 500 members, many of whom are long-time residents of Transcona, many of whom are new residents of Transcona, all who enjoy many activities put on by the centre, which is entirely run by seniors. They had the tea this weekend, which is an annual event. They have games, bridge, line dancing. They have birthday parties for the members each month, many sales and also act as a resource centre.

They have over 109 honorary members of the Transcona seniors centre and to be an honorary member you must be more than 80 years old and have been a member for seven years, so this speaks to the long history and to the activity of the Transcona seniors centre. I must say that I often refer seniors that I meet through casework or in visiting seniors in my constituency, and it is very good to see on visits there when I meet residents who now are active with the Transcona seniors centre, who have met new friends, who participate in activities, and I do not think we should underestimate the value of these types of seniors centres to our community. We know that when seniors are active and their social well-being is improved, they have better health and that they have a much better quality of life. I want to congratulate the Transcona seniors centre for contributing to these valuable services to the community and to the quality of life for seniors and wish them well on their 30th anniversary and wish them 30 more years of good community service for the residents of Transcona and indeed other areas in the city of Winnipeg.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): Could I have leave to make a nonpolitical statement?

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Pembina have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Mr. Dyck: Madam Speaker, each year the YM-YWCA hosts the Women of Distinction Awards dinner to recognize the contributions and achievements of women. These women are from all walks of life. They are volunteers, professional women and businesswomen. Women have always made a valuable contribution to the lives of their families, to our economy, in fact to all facets of our society. Manitoba and Winnipeg have many women of distinction. The winners of this year's awards were: Elain Ali, president of the Women's Television Network; Heather Bishop, singer and songwriter; Joanne DiCosimo, the CEO of the Manitoba Museum; Virginia Guiang, a community volunteer who has worked tirelessly in support of her cultural community; and Dr. Jennifer Shay, an environmentalist whose work has been recognized here in Manitoba, as well as throughout Canada, as indicated by her appointment to the Order of Canada.

I would also like to pay special tribute to the young woman who received the Gerrie Hammond Memorial Award of Promise. Anita Sanan, a student at Westwood Collegiate has not only excelled in her academic studies, she has worked tirelessly as a volunteer in her community and her school. She introduced the 30-hour famine to her school. She works as a candy striper at Grace Hospital and co-ordinates a tutorial program for students who are experiencing difficulty. Anita is, indeed, a young woman of promise.

I would also like to congratulate, not only the winners of the awards but all those who were nominated. I think we can safely say that they are all women of distinction.

I would also like to congratulate the YM-YWCA for providing us with the opportunity to honour the women who have contributed so much to the fabric of Manitoba life. Thank you.

* (1440)

Mr. Daryl Reid (Transcona): May I have leave to make a nonpolitical statement?

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Transcona have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Mr. Reid: This past weekend, June 7 and 8, the community of Transcona once again played host to one of Manitoba's largest youth sporting events. The 11th annual Transcona Sports Weekend was again a complete success involving over 2,200 youth ranging in ages from six to 14 years. These young people, their coaches, parents and grandparents participated in and cheered on the 99 soccer teams and 20 baseball teams involved in the tournament. The tournament started early Saturday morning and concluded late Sunday afternoon.

On behalf of the community of Transcona, I would like to acknowledge the participation of Canada Post, Chevrolet dealers, GNR recreational vehicles, McDonald's, MTS Mobility, St. John Ambulance, Transcona Optimists and Warren's Corner Sports. I would also like to pay special tribute to the many volunteers and organizers of the Transcona Sports Weekend event.

The organizers include, in alphabetical order, Neil Ajudhia, Keith and Jody Cahoon, Don and Cathy Champagne, Darryl Chody, Dave Dueck, Bob Johnson, Ken Langlotz, Robin Mitchell, Rick Rodgers and Wayne Tucker. These dedicated and hardworking people make this annual event the success it has become. Many thanks are in order for the continuing work for the youth of our province. Thank you.

Mr. Mervin Tweed (Turtle Mountain): Do I have leave to make a nonpolitical statement?

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable member for Turtle Mountain have leave? [agreed]

Mr. Tweed: I rise today to pay tribute to a young constituent of mine, Ms. Kate Mooney. She is an example of the quality of students Manitoba schools are producing, students who are ready to compete and win in the 21st Century.

Kate Mooney is a Grade 11 student at Souris Collegiate, but she will not be graduating there next year. She has received a $50,000 scholarship to attend Lester B. Pearson College outside of Victoria, B.C. It offers a two-year program which students enter at the Grade 12 level, and when finished the second year they receive not a high school diploma but an International Baccalaureate degree. The 200 students who attend the college are all there on scholarship. Only 100 new students are accepted each year from 70 countries and there are only 15 to 20 students accepted from Canada. Kate is the only student from Manitoba.

Kate Mooney deserves full marks for her tremendous academic record and my congratulations and best wishes go out to her on behalf of all members. As our government continues implementing standards testing and other well-thought-out initiatives, I am confident that Kate will see more Manitobans joining her in the years to come. Thank you.

Mr. Edward Helwer (Gimli): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for St. Vital (Mrs. Render), that the composition of the Standing Committee on Economic Development for Thursday, June 12, 1997, at 10 a.m., be amended as follows: The member for Turtle Mountain (Mr. Tweed) for the vacant position; the member for St. Vital (Mrs. Render) for the member for River Heights (Mr. Radcliffe); and the member for Sturgeon Creek (Mr. McAlpine) for the member for St. Norbert (Mr. Laurendeau).

Motion agreed to.