Mr. Peter Dyck (Pembina): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Portage la Prairie (Mr. Faurschou), that an humble address be presented to his Honour the Lieutenant Governor as follows:

We, Her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, in session assembled, humbly thank Your Honour for the gracious speech which Your Honour has been pleased to address us at the opening of the present session.

Motion presented.

Mr. Dyck: Madam Speaker, for the next 40 minutes, we Manitobans have a chance to look beyond the veneer of political prejudice and open our minds and hearts to see what is really being created for the good of all Manitobans. It is with a sense of pride and accomplishment that I rise in the House this morning and move my government's throne speech for the Fourth Session of the Thirty-sixth Legislature of the Province of Manitoba.

Before I begin to discuss the accomplishments that my government has achieved for the benefit of all Manitobans, I would like to take a moment and acknowledge the co-operative effort among all levels of government, the Canadian Armed Forces and the people of Manitoba during the flood of the century. I participated in an aerial survey of the infamous red sea, and I can say without a doubt that, despite the devastation, the flood allowed other Canadians and indeed the world a glimpse at the true mettle of Manitobans. Our spirit, our strength and our commitment to help one another were an inspiration.

Welcome back, all members of the House. I hope that everyone had the opportunity to return to their constituencies during the legislative break and to speak to their people that sent them here in the first place. Only through contact such as this can all of us ensure that we are truly representing Manitobans, building the kind of Manitoba that Manitobans want and deserve.

A special welcome goes to our newest member of this House, the member for Portage la Prairie (Mr. Faurschou), who sits in the Legislature for the first time. I am confident that he will make a valuable addition to this government and Legislature. He has big shoes to fill, no pun intended, and although the former member for Portage la Prairie has left this Legislature, his seemingly endless energy, his ideas and his quick wit will long be remembered by our caucus and indeed all members. He was a friend and a colleague whom I have nothing but the highest respect for, and I wish him all the best.

Welcome also to our six Pages. Your assistance during the long days and evenings is most appreciated. I hope that the knowledge and experience you gain are rewarding and give you a greater understanding of the political process that shapes our lives and our province.

Throughout this debate, Madam Speaker, we begin the process of considering the overall statement of my government's intentions as made in the throne speech. The people of the Pembina constituency have placed their trust in me to represent their interests and create a prosperous province for both them and their children.

As a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, I know that we have done Manitobans proud. I am a member of a party that stands for something, a conservative philosophy that is fair and decent and compassionate and full of hope for the future of Manitoba. We proclaim our principles with pride and conviction, because I know that when acted upon our philosophy will make our province a better place for all Manitobans.

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My government has outlined our hope for Manitoba's future. We must make our case with reason and respect, not the rhetoric often espoused by members opposite. We must inspire others to follow. In short, we must lead. Our leadership must be based on principles and core convictions from which we will not waver.

All members on this side of the House believe in a fiscally sound government. Manitoba families must balance their budgets and pay their bills and the province must do so as well. Living within our means means better living for the families of Manitoba. Governments past failed to understand this most basic concept and, even today, they rally against the idea of balanced budgets. Because of their inability to grasp this idea, my government had to budget $520 million in our most recent budget just to service the debt. If interest costs were a government department, it would be the fourth largest after Health, Education, and Family Services, consuming nearly 10 percent of our total budget. What a waste of taxpayers' hard-earned dollars.

My government believes that governments should do a few things and do them well and have the courage to meet the challenge of change. A government that tries to be all things to all people is destined to fail, leaving cynicism and anger in its wake. Government cannot solve all our problems. My government knows that the real solutions to society's problems are found in our communities, our neighbourhoods and in ourselves. My government knows results matter, that government must prioritize and perform. The biggest single thing a government does is provide for the health of our communities. We understand that if something is not working we ought to fix it. That is why we do not fear competition and change, unlike members opposite.

Madam Speaker, I would like to address the economy. Conservatives know that government does not create prosperity. Producers and entrepreneurs do. The role of the government is to create an environment that attracts capital, an environment where people are willing to take risks to create jobs.

Within the constituency of Pembina we are blessed with a number of great entrepreneurs, individuals and business leaders who recognize and appreciate our government's efforts in ensuring that their tax dollars are spent wisely. In fact, no other province in Canada can say that they have not increased major taxes for an unprecedented tenth straight budget and that they have tabled three successive balanced budgets.

The business community in Pembina has responded to this healthy economic environment with enthusiasm and unprecedented growth. In fact, a recent survey of 4,000 small- and medium-sized-business owners in western Canada done by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business stated, and I quote, the Morden-Winkler area has a very good probusiness reputation, end of quote. The poll measured the performance of local governments in five areas: level and distribution of property taxes; value for money of local spending; control of public sector wage levels; fairness of by-laws and regulations and overall awareness of small-business issues. The Pembina valley received the highest rating of any rural community anywhere in western Canada--high praise, indeed.

The economy runs wild is how the Conference Board of Canada sums up Manitoba's stellar economic outlook for 1997 in a recently released report. The Conference Board of Canada said, and I quote, the brightest story coming out of Manitoba these days is job creation. By the end of 1998, the local economy will have produced 23,000 new jobs since 1996, lowering the unemployment rate to 5.9 percent.

Manitoba's employment growth in 1997 is expected to lead the nation at 2.7 percent, and the unemployment rate is expected to average 6.8 percent, the third best performing among the provinces and well below the national average. The organization predicts Manitoba's real gross domestic product will grow by 3 percent in 1997, the third best performance of the provinces.

People from all over the globe are hearing about the great things that are happening in our province. During this summer a magazine in the United Kingdom called Canada News printed an excellent two-page article about Manitoba. The headline said it best: Prairie province in the fast lane. While outside accolades are appreciated and act as an incentive to non-Manitoban businesses and individuals to locate here, the truest test of our government's policies is the success of our local businesses.

Triple-E is in full production with more than 300 mostly full-time employees working at full capacity. Triple-E is one of Winkler's largest businesses and the one which more than any other has given our community national and industrial exposure during the last three decades. Since its founding in 1965, Triple-E has gone from producing 50 units to 1,100 units in 1996. Besides its recreation division, Triple-E Canada also consists of Lode-King Industries, a major manufacturer of highway trailers employing more than 200 people. Lode-King continues to be an industry leader in the manufacturing of highway trailers and is in the midst of a major capital expansion that will add 53,000 square feet plus new production equipment.

Wiebe Funeral Homes in Winkler has completed a 2,000-square-foot expansion, effectively doubling the size of the existing building. They also recently completed an expansion of their facilities in Morden.

Leisure Travel Vans Limited has announced a major expansion plan that will see a good portion of its production moved to the former Tupperware plant in Morden. The 19-year-old company expects to triple their current production level after renovations are completed to its 75,000-square-foot facility in 1998. With the expansion, Leisure Travel Vans will require an additional 200 employees.

Meridian Industries have recently opened a 20,000-square-foot expansion in Winkler's industrial park. Meridian's steel hopper bottom bins have revolutionized the way farmers store and handle their grain. This company currently employs 90 people, with 25 of them in Winkler.

Acrylon Plastics, a Winkler manufacturing firm, is a firm on the move. Last year they were involved with the largest Grow Bonds issue in Manitoba history. On September 26, 1997, Acrylon Plastics held the grand opening of their $2.4-million, 20,000-square-foot expansion which effectively doubles the size of the Winkler plant. Employment currently rests at 45, and as production increases, plant manager Ron Funk said they would be requiring up to 25 more employees. Acrylon owner, John Borland, gave praise to the local workforce that he described as terrific, committed staff. He went on to say that--and I quote--the work ethic is unique in this area, and the community is the backbone of that ethic--end of quote.

The economy of Pembina is expanding at such a rate that membership in the Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce is at an all-time high this year. As of August, membership stood at 226, up from 218 last year. More businesses are recognizing the advantages of being associated with the Chamber, and I am pleased to see that they too are having a successful year.

Not all economic development in the Pembina constituency is without some aspect of fun and good times. Morden tentatively boasts a brand new claim to fame as the town of the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The Morden Recreation Centre will become a home to the province's first baseball hall of fame after Morden's bid was selected over a bid from Neepawa by a 7 to 6 secret ballot vote. I hope that the honourable member for Ste. Rose (Mr. Cummings) holds no animosity that his community was not chosen for this prestigious award. The community of Morden anticipates the grand opening in June of 1998.

Five Flags Speedway between Winkler and Morden opened in late September. Over 300 spectators showed up on September 20 for the speedway's grand opening and enjoyed some intense go-kart racing. I had the opportunity during the grand opening to go head to head with my cousin Councillor Ted Dyck. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, my cousin took the checkered flag, but a rematch is in the works for next summer. I blame this on a false start.

Our government recognizes its role in promoting local economic development. Morden's new $5.4-million water treatment plant will help the community continue with growth initiatives, provide clean water, solve pressure problems and keep water bills among the lowest in the province. Construction is slated to begin in early 1998. The new plant will provide for approximately 75 percent of Morden's total water needs, with the remaining 25 percent being provided by the Pembina Valley Water Co-operative's expanded regional system.

With economic growth comes a need to provide adequate housing. Housing starts in Morden are going strong. As of September 30, 1997, Morden had issued 85 permits, 32 more than during the same period last year, and the value for the construction is $4.4 million. The number of residential construction permits is up from 40 to 60 this year, while total value remains at $2.8 million. Of those permits, one was for a multiple-family residential unit, one for a duplex, 17 for single homes and 32 for other residential works.

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In Winkler, building permits are up from 113 last year to 127 as of September 30, 1997. Value for this construction is approximately $12 million. Residential permits are at 76 this year with a value of $3.5 million. This includes two multiple-family units, one duplex and 28 single homes. Winkler has seen its industrial building activity rise with the number of permits doubling from seven to 16 with the value of the construction rising from $464,000 to over $3.3 million. Permits for commercial activity are up from 21 to 26 at a value of $835,000.

In the R.M. of Stanley, building permits are up from 50 to 76, and their value of the construction doubled to $4.1 million. Residential permits are up from 33 to 50, including five for single homes. The value of residential permits is also up from $1.4 million to $2 million. Commercial permits are up from three to nine with a rise in its value from $13,000 to $443,000. Agricultural-related construction has increased with 14 permits compared with 11 last year.

The communities in Pembina constituency have also recognized that with growing senior population comes a growing opportunity. In late September, I attended a sod-turning for Winkler's newest condominium project aimed at the retirement market, Oakview Terrace. The project is geared towards providing our senior citizens with the kind of accessibility designed to meet their needs. Therefore, it will be "soft-handicapped" with wide hallways and doorways for easy wheelchair access plus lowered lights switches and control panels. Oakview Terrace is a two-phase project. Phase one will see the first 18 units built on the south corner of the site. Phase two will provide another 18 units in the north wing by the spring of 1998.

This, of course, is not the only senior housing project in Winkler. I attended the opening of a $10-million Crocus Village 55 Plus Condominium project in September. As well, the community of Manitou has just built a 12-unit 55 Plus condominium unit.

For the first nine months of 1997, total seasonally adjusted employment in Manitoba has averaged 537,800 persons, a growth rate of 2.9 percent, the highest of any province and much stronger than Canada's 1.7 percent. All of this job growth has been in the private sector, with Manitoba having the strongest private sector growth among the provinces.

Morden has also seen the expansion of local businesses including Decor cabinets, Buhler Industries and Huron Windows, Eldons Furniture, among others. These projects are just some small samples of the healthy economies in our communities. Money has been invested and quality jobs have been and continue to be created. There are many other economic initiatives both current and forthcoming in the constituency of Pembina. We are proud of the role we are playing to ensure that Manitoba's economy remains a leader among the provinces.

Our government continues to respond to the needs of small business owners. During Small Business Week, our government announced changes to the Business Start Program, including: Unencumbered business assets will be considered equity if they are purchased within six months before applying for a loan guarantee provided they form an integral part of the business and meet other eligibility criteria; the eligibility period to qualify for the program has been extended from three months to six months after a start of operations; multiple partners or shareholders are allowed to apply if all owners sign joint promissory notes, and co-operatives are now eligible for the program.

We have all heard that small businesses are the engine of our economy. If this is true, then the engine in the Pembina Valley is running at full throttle. In fact, the engine is running at such a rate that representatives have been meeting to deal with a problem most communities in the country would give their eye teeth to have, a labour shortage to meet the requirements of a growing local economy. The Pembina Valley's unemployment rate is approximately 2.4 percent which, according to the economists, is full employment.

Next, Madam Speaker, I would like to deal with agriculture. Agriculture has been the mainstay of Manitoba's economy. Our province, including the constituency of Pembina, was built in large part by the farming community. Although the number of Manitobans involved in farming has been increasing for a number of years, their economic impact remains. In fact, agriculture represents approximately $3 billion to our economy, and it is responsible for over 600,000 jobs.

Agriculture is an ever-changing business. New equipment, new soil management practices, new seed types and added diversification are among the things farmers must contend with on an annual basis. Our government recognizes the need for an increased focus on agricultural research and development. Our last budget increased funding of research and development by $3.4 million over the last year's level. This increased funding is spent in several areas including:

Canada-Manitoba Agreement on Agricultural Sustainability provides funding assistance through local organizations which provide technical support to producers to promote soil conservation practices; Agri-Food Research and Development Initiative provides funding for an agricultural development and research initiative aimed at enhancing diversification and value-added opportunities in our agri-food sector; grants to the University of Manitoba and the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute which provides funding in support of agriculture.

Our farmers have shown that they are capable of meeting the challenges of global competition. However, like farmers everywhere, their success depends on the co-operation of nature. Assisting farmers to obtain adequate crop insurance protection has always been a priority of our government. Accordingly, we have introduced enhancements in the coverage provided by the Manitoba Crop Insurance Corporation, the Unseeded Land Insurance Program and the Net Income Stabilization Account. The farming community has told our government that research is key to achieving and maintaining a competitive edge in farming. By diversifying and investing in new technologies, Manitoba farmers are laying the basis for new industries and revitalized communities in rural Manitoba.

Health care: In health care, our province is second to none. During our last 10 budgets, almost every additional dollar in Manitoba, or 88 percent, went to our spending priorities of health, education and social services. My government spends 34 percent of the $1.826 billion of its budget on Manitobans' health care needs. This is approximately one-half billion dollars more than when we took office in 1988. The ultimate goal of health support services is to improve the health and independence of all Manitobans, both urban and rural. I firmly believe that Manitobans want access to a quality public health care system, one that is delivered with an emphasis on public service, one that is accountable to them as both consumers and taxpayers.

Our government's success in health care is quite an accomplishment given the challenge we faced dealing with $24-million cuts in transfer payments. Even the new federal Liberal Health minister has acknowledged the significance and negative impact that these cuts have had on all of the provinces' ability to deliver the care demanded by Canadians. We have seen some substantive changes in our health care system. For example, we have allowed local community leaders to have a greater say in setting their health priorities through the introduction of regional health authorities. As part of these changes, we have been treating Manitoba's health care facilities and services as a single entity serving all Manitobans rather than a series of institutions and clinics operating in isolation.

It is important to remember that hospitals are not the only place to deliver high quality care. Home care is a cornerstone in our evolving system. Therefore, our government has more than tripled its budget for home care from $33 million in 1988 to $103 million today. We have also opened almost 1,000 new personal care beds throughout Manitoba.

Our government has allotted $76,500 for bone density testing, which would see our waiting list of 1,200 clients cleared by the end of this year. At the Grace Hospital we have increased the number of hip and knee replacement surgeries by 180 cases; 2,500 more Manitobans were able to have cataract surgery than in 1987. Approximately 20,000 women have participated in the breast screening program at the Misericordia Hospital since its inception in 1995.

Our government is an active partner in the construction of a new $42-million centre for the Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation. The centre reaffirms our government's commitment to addressing the needs of those people afflicted with this terrifying disease.

Mental health services for our youth will be improved with the construction of the new $3.2-million Child and Adolescent Treatment Centre in Brandon. Inpatient treatment, day treatment, community service and educational support will be the core components of the new facility. It will ensure youth and their families from five health regions have access to quality mental health services that are crucial during the often turbulent adolescent days.

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In the constituency of Pembina, the Eden Mental Health Centre has been awarded another three-year accreditation award from the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation. The centre has maintained its ongoing accreditation since 1983. In its report, the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation congratulated leadership and the staff for their compassionate approach to care, the dedication of staff, their skills, knowledge, and commitment to patient care as well as a pleasant environment.

The centre held a ceremonial sod-turning ceremony for a $900,000 expansion, $750,000 of which came from Manitoba Health. The expansion is a two-phased project, with extensive safety and service upgrading happening throughout the facility. This facility has been serving the community for 30 years. The major emphasis in the renovations of Eden Mental Health Centre is patient safety. Fire safety has been enhanced with a comprehensive sprinkler system.

While Manitobans unfortunately pay more than $500 million a year just on interest on the debt due to the tax-and-spend policies of the previous government, our government has turned the tables so that we are looking in a new direction, one that sees us contributing more money for vital services like health care and less to servicing the debt.

Manitoba's commitment to health care is leading the nation. Our government spends approximately 10 percent more on Manitobans' health care than the Canadian average. We also spend a greater percentage of our balanced budget on health care than any other province.

The key feature of health enhancement in the Pembina area is the Boundary Trails Health Centre. The announcement in the last provincial budget that the Boundary Trails Health Centre will proceed was positive news for my constituency and indeed to all the communities it will serve. New construction plans for this facility are the result of several factors, including the need to ensure that there will be full utilization of all health beds in our area.

As well, there have been improvements in technology, a new emphasis on wellness, and a general decline in the number of days an individual is required to be in the hospital, which results in a reduction in the number of beds needed per facility.

The intention of the Boundary Trails Health Centre will be to try to do more procedures locally. This will eliminate unnecessary trips to Winnipeg and reduce any undue stress on patients and their families that may impact their recovery and general health.

My government intends to have a facility constructed that will meet as many of the needs as possible of the people in the community as well as those served by the facility. Also, it is our intention to design the facility so that, as the communities continue to expand, the facility can easily be expanded.

Manitoba Health is currently working with the proponents of this facility, and we have received assurance from the Minister of Health (Mr. Praznik) that this project is of utmost priority to him and to his department.

Boundary Trails Health Centre will have an emergency department designed to accommodate 15,000 visits per year. It will also have three state-of-the-art operating rooms and 96 beds. Currently we are estimating that the $26-million facility will open in June of 2001.

To ensure that the communities have a stake in the project and that the project does not go beyond the community's actual needs, our government has introduced a community contribution policy. Whereas some provincial governments require up to 50 percent input by local jurisdiction, our government has determined a level of 20 percent local input.

Education. Government shares with parents a responsibility to ensure that all young people make the most of the opportunities our education system provides. Because knowledge and skills lead to employment and higher incomes, we must strive to prepare our students with the skills necessary to make it in the global economy.

While we have increased spending on education by approximately 40 percent, the measure of our success lies in the success of our children, and according to a recent Statistics Canada comprehensive literacy survey, Manitoba youth have posted the highest literacy score in the country, outperforming other provinces by a clear margin. It found Manitobans between the ages of 16 and 25 have the equivalent of a full year more schooling than the national average.

This is a result of the many excellent educators in our province who have made a commitment to our children. However, we should not become complacent. We must always be looking ahead, seeing what we can do better.

Last budget, our government introduced the Learning Tax Credit which will put $17.35 million back into the pockets of students to help offset tuition costs. We have announced the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative, a million-dollar fund to encourage universities, community colleges and the public to enhance scholarships and bursaries for Manitoba's accomplished students. Red River Community College will introduce eight new programs thanks to new provincial funding.

We have given parents a strengthened role in their children's education through advisory councils. Also, we support Schools of Choice which enables parents to select a public school of their choice that best meets the educational needs of their child. The program that allows for the distribution and upgrading of used computers received $200,000 in funding support from our government. This program delivered over 1,200 computers to Manitoba schools and libraries in 1996-97 as well as almost 400 printers and several hundred peripherals and accessory items. Provincial funding is in the amount of $279,000 for distance education, and technology pilot projects will benefit students and help prepare them for a future in a world of rapidly advancing technologies.

Funding for community-based literacy programs including the Garden Valley School Division and Pembina Valley Language/ Education for Adults received an additional $100,000 for 1997-98. Earlier this year, the Pembina Valley Language/Education for Adults received the Lieutenant Governor's medal for literacy in Manitoba.

Our government continues to work on the partnership and linkages between education and business to ensure our children develop relevant marketable skills to help them succeed in meeting business and industry needs and find employment right here in Manitoba. Among other things, our government has promoted initiatives such as the Business Mentorship Program, the Business Advisory Group on Education, the Economic Innovation and Technology Council and Hire-a-Student Week.

In the constituency of Pembina, Morden students will have the option of attending the Boundary Trails Christian Academy in 1998. Classes such as science, math, history and English will be taught, but with a Christian emphasis. Plans are to provide schooling from K to 12.

Grade 3 students in Morden scored better than the average on the standard math test written last spring. Wayne Kroetsch, the supervisor of student support services for Western School Division was pleased with the 65.7 percent average and felt the new math curriculum has moved the program in the right direction.

Trainex Industries in Winkler is a centre where people having difficulty in the workplace can receive job skills training and education upgrading. Other classes at Trainex teach and reinforce good job skills such as punctuality, job performance, relating to managers and other workers. Earlier this year, Trainex experienced a devastating fire in their woodworking plant. However, they experienced little down-time as local businesses generously made space available for them to continue production. Trainex held a celebration in October of 1997 to mark a 3,500 square foot expansion as well as renovations costing just over $500,000.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, since 1988, our goal is a simple one, to make Manitoba the best place anywhere in which to live, work, invest and raise a family. Have we succeeded? The answer is a resounding yes. Job growth exclusively in the private sector continues unabated thanks to prudent fiscal responsibility. Major tax rates have been frozen for over 10 years. Personal income tax rates are now lower than in 1987. We have reduced the small business income tax rate. We have the second lowest sales tax rate in Canada. More than 90 percent of businesses are now exempt from the payroll tax, and targeted tax incentives have created jobs and industries such as manufacturing, mining and the film industry.

Health care remains our No. 1 funding priority with 34 percent of our budget allocated to it. Waiting lists have been reduced in a number of areas, and we have adopted a more co-ordinated approach system to the health care system to eliminate duplication, increase efficiencies and share information and resources.

In education, testing for standards offers parents, government and educators an opportunity to review students' strengths and weaknesses. We have placed emphasis on four basic foundation skills, including communication, problem solving, human relations and technology. We spend approximately $115 million more on education than when we took office.

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Our government believes in the worth of the individual and the strength of the family. Strong families make strong communities. Strong families nurture and love. In our families we learn the values essential to make us good citizens of the world. The constituency of Pembina is a testament to this. All public policies should work together to strengthen families and keep them together.

Our main responsibility, indeed our most fundamental obligation, is to set the tone for change, whether that change involves reforming welfare, education or health. Strong legislation helps, but all the laws in the world cannot make people love one another. We must recognize that each of us is responsible for our behaviour. We are responsible for loving our children that we bring into this world. We are responsible for loving our neighbour as ourselves. We must promote good values in our homes and in the public arena.

Even though we have delivered on promises and are making the difference by building strong, self-reliant communities, even though we have delivered on promises and are making the difference to the growth prospects of our economy, even though we have delivered on promises and are making the difference in the health and education, we will never be complacent. We strive under the leadership of our Premier (Mr. Filmon) to push ourselves and our province.

Success is never given; it is achieved. But, as Manitoba achieves success, we continue to move the mark ahead. We are determined to offer Manitobans more than a record of the past accomplishments but a vision for the future. New ideas and new perspectives ensure that we emphasize the progressive in Progressive Conservative. I know that the path our government travels will ensure that not only we but our children will have the opportunity to live, work, invest and raise our families in the best province in Canada, a province of compassion, opportunity and strength.

My government has indeed made Manitoba strong. We have delivered on our promises, and we are making a difference. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Mr. David Faurschou (Portage la Prairie): Madam Speaker, Premier Filmon, I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak here today. It is indeed a privilege, and I am most honoured to be amongst you this afternoon.

I would like to begin by first looking to the gallery and upon my mother and father. It is with their wisdom and their nurturing that I am here today and also to my mother- and father-in-law who privileged me with my wife Lori's hand in marriage, and which we have gathered our strength to raise our children, Aaron, Jenna and Katelyn. It is with their loving and their support that I am with you here this afternoon and, most assuredly, the residents of Portage la Prairie. They put the trust in me to represent their concerns here in the Manitoba Legislature. Their actions on September 30 have given me the opportunity to give back to Manitoba and to Portage la Prairie that which they have given me.

My decision to move into the world of politics was an easy one. For years within the constituency of Portage la Prairie, I have been involved in the community, and it has always been my belief that one should not only be involved but also give back to that community more than ever one is expected to receive. Portage la Prairie has given so much to me, and I am most honoured to represent them here in this House today.

In fact, if I might mention a little bit of background, I indeed have the opportunity to farm for a living. The area to which we farm now involves a farm which was originally broken from prairie grass by our first MLA, Mr. Kenneth McKenzie, who came to this House in 1874 representing Portage la Prairie. Mr. Kenneth McKenzie was very much a proud member of the community which we know, just west of Portage la Prairie, as Burnside. Burnside has less than 100 members, Madam Speaker, but yet those 100 residents have yielded four MLAs over the course of the last 100 years.

As we begin the Fourth Session of the Thirty-sixth Manitoba Legislature, I am very honoured to be part of this Legislature. Together with the residents of Manitoba, I intend to work with this Chamber to raise those concerns of Portage la Prairie and to enhance the quality of life for not only the residents of Portage la Prairie, but the residents of all Manitoba.

Thanks to the efforts of local residents and businesses in partnerships throughout Manitoba and Portage la Prairie, we have built one of the finest provinces in which to live and raise a family. The constituency of Portage la Prairie is a home to more than 18,000 residents, of which almost 13,000 live within the confines of the boundaries of the city of Portage la Prairie, making that the third-largest--

An Honourable Member: What is that?

Mr. Faurschou: Perhaps the fourth largest city.

An Honourable Member: We talked about this last night.

Mr. Faurschou: The honourable member for Thompson (Mr. Ashton), I and he will debate this point at a later date.

The constituency is home to countless tourist attractions such as the Strawberry Festival, the Heritage Days, the Fort la Reine Museum and Pioneer Village, the Portage Industrial Exhibition, and the Island Park Arboretum.

There are numerous sports attractions including the annual McCain curling superspiel, the beautiful Island Park, which is, as I might mention, the home to Waterski Manitoba and provides many events throughout the summer. As well, when our Crescent Lake freezes over it provides the venue for winter car ice racing. Horse racing and an 18-hole golf course are also part of the Island Park.

I speak of Island Park, Madam Speaker. It is because it is worth mentioning that the Manitoba government has recently provided Island Park with over $12,000 in the last year and $46,000 over the last three years to enhance this most important tourist attraction and athletic environment for the residents of not only Portage la Prairie, but those visiting Portage.

Madam Speaker, in 1998 the city of Portage la Prairie will be one of six hosting centres for the World Junior Hockey Tournament, and in 1999, Island Park and Crescent Lake will be home to the Pan American Games waterski events.

Other highlights of the Portage constituency include McMillan Industrial Park, which is the home of the National Food Technology Centre and most advanced potato production facility in not only all of Canada, but in the world, the McCain food french fry processing plant. This plant, if I might mention, most recently produced 1.4 million pounds of potatoes in a 24-hour period, unheralded in any processing facility in the world.

Portage also is home to one Delta Marsh. This staging area is world renowned as well for its interpretative trails with that of offering game sport. Just north of Delta Marsh, you will also find Delta Beach, a great tourist attraction providing visitors the best swimming, sunbathing and camping facilities for the whole family. Over 100 community volunteers are in existence in Portage la Prairie, as well as 17 schools, 10 daycares, the Portage District General Hospital. As well we have proud ownership of two personal care homes, the Lion's Prairie Manor and the Douglas Campbell Lodge. Much more are available to those residents of Portage la Prairie as well. I am sure that all members here today will agree that the Portage la Prairie constituency is truly a location that is a fine one in which to raise a family, work, invest and do business.

Madam Speaker, the Portage constituency has come a long way over the last decade, but as has been said before success is a journey, not a destination. We must continue to work together to develop new and innovative ways of doing things. We must continue to adapt to needed changes and to ensure that government policies, programs and initiatives are working in the best interest of all Manitobans. We must work together to create even more jobs in our communities, to build healthier and safer neighbourhoods for our families and to ensure that our young people have a safe environment in which to prosper. We must do this one thing for the future of Manitoba and indeed our country because our country depends on our young people because they are, indeed, our future.

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The throne speech highlighted our government's vision for the future as one of a shared and growing economic prosperity, a vision of providing and protecting essential services such as health care, education and family support for all Manitobans. By continuing to work towards our goal, we will be providing an environment ultimately for our children to provide them with the skills, the tools, the resources that they will need to succeed in today's fiercely economic global economy. Just look at our government, what it has been able to accomplish in partnership with Manitobans. Earlier this year, the Conference Board of Canada once again highlighted our province as one of the top performers in economic growth and job creation. In fact, the board expects Manitoba to lead this nation in job creation into the new millennium.

In September, the TD Bank stated that the anticipated growth of Manitoba would be 4.1 percent. This report is indeed providing a bright story for Manitoba. By the end of 1998, our provincial economy is expected to have produced 23,000 new jobs lowering our unemployment rate for the entire province to 5.9 percent. Outstanding, Madam Speaker.

Since 1990, Manitoba's exports have more than doubled, reaching $6.7 billion last year. Exports to the United States have increased to over 140 percent of that achieved five years ago. For the first time in the history of our province, in 1996 our exports to the rest of the world will exceed our exports to the rest of Canada. We are well positioned to continue this progress into the next century.

In addition, our mining, forestry and tourism industries now approach the billion-dollar value in Manitoba. In fact, we now have one of the most attractive mining industries in the entire country, not to mention the fact that there are now thousands of jobs coming out of the science, medical research and product development areas. In the telecommunications industry, more than 7,000 jobs have been created in the last seven years.

Madam Speaker, the good news is indeed abundant around the province but even more so in Portage la Prairie. That McCain facility which I previously mentioned is significantly enhancing our ability to produce potatoes here in Manitoba. Our province now has exceeded the production of New Brunswick and is fast approaching the No. 1 province in our nation, that being Prince Edward Island.

I am so extremely pleased that the government of this province has included in the throne speech that The Cooperatives Act will continue to be involved in making this province one in which we can prosper in value-added. The Cooperatives Act will be modified to eliminate the restrictions of capital, thus allowing the development of a new generation of co-operatives.

During the by-election, Madam Speaker, I called upon the province to make changes that would allow farmer-owned businesses, and since my election I have had the opportunity to discuss this with my colleagues who have certainly been very receptive to the idea, as has been highlighted in the throne speech. I am very pleased to see this commitment to the legislative changes that will make producers have a greater access to producing and marketing their own product. In fact, during the recent election in Portage la Prairie, I assured voters of my goals as MLA, and that was to encourage and enhance potato research, ultimately providing more potatoes in the Portage la Prairie region, and for the province of Manitoba in which to prosper.

As a lifelong farmer, I understand the need for change in industry and the importance of research. With rapid changes and advances in agriculture today, we need to find new and innovative ways in which we can work with value-added products. I am proud to be part of a government that recognizes the importance of this, and I am committed to working with all Manitobans to help add value to their products and to diversify their operations. In fact, companies in our province now ship out value-added products to over 100 countries around the world.

The throne speech pointed out that Manitoba's efforts in agriculture and agri-food diversification, including crop diversification, will continue to expand. It went on to further say that the support of sustainable agriculture and diversification and continued expansion of our livestock industry with new regulations setting higher standards for the management of livestock waste will be enacted. Our government has demonstrated its commitment to helping further strengthen agriculture and agribusinesses through other added incentives; the Manitoba Food Product Campaign is working to highlight our trade profile of value-added Manitoba products. It has also provided a $3.4-million fund for Agri-Food Research and Development Initiative. Manitoba Agriculture has also partnered with Manitoba Pork Advantage, an initiative that will give further momentum to already an expanding hog and pork industry here in Manitoba. Also mentioned in the throne speech was an enhanced crop insurance, which will see producers in 1998 be able to purchase insurance that will provide them 100 percent coverage of expected market price.

Continuing with the good news in Portage la Prairie, I turn to Manitoba government's recent commitment of nearly $500,000 to a number of projects in the R.M. and the City of Portage la Prairie, including a paving of a portion of Meighan Avenue, constructing access roads in and out of Koko Platz a suburb south of Portage la Prairie and $270,000 worth of road repairs and upgrades in the rural roads of Portage la Prairie.

The Manitoba government's Department of Culture, Heritage and Citizenship has provided the Portage Community Centre Inc. with $400,000 to assist with the development of the William Glesby Centre in downtown Portage.

An Honourable Member: You have only been an MLA for a month and you have all of this already.

Mr. Faurschou: I had a lot of help.

An Honourable Member: Turned the focus on you.

Mr. Faurschou: Indeed. The William Glesby Centre will indeed be a showcase in downtown Portage la Prairie. It will have portable seats that will be removable for trade shows and other small- and medium-size conventions, a definite attraction and improvement in my constituency. Central Plains Inc. as well received over $20,000 to assist in Portage regional development. By working together with this development corporation, I am looking forward to many great things in our constituency. Madam Speaker, it is through the Manitoba government's commitment to spending smarter and increased efficiencies by choosing its priorities carefully, that successes of which I speak have been able to come through to fruition.

Also, supporting the development of a new long-term infrastructure program was mentioned in the throne speech; full implementation of an agreement of internal trade, as well providing for a national highways program; the implementation of a three-year strategy as well to promote a mid-continental trade corridor that extends all the way to Laredo, Texas, continuing on to Mexico; a continuation of the public sector reform and renewal designed to provide all Manitobans with a more efficient and effective government.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to support a government that is now in its third consecutive year of budgetary surplus and will in the next fiscal year add a fourth consecutive surplus budget. The province's debt continues to be paid off and Manitobans continue to reap the benefits. Our government has now frozen or reduced all major tax rates for the tenth straight budget year. It makes me feel extremely proud.

During those 10 budgets almost every additional program dollar in Manitoba went toward our priority spending. Those already mentioned are health care, education, and social services. Our government's balanced budget legislation, the strongest in Canada, continues to be our best guarantee for more jobs, healthier communities, safer communities, and an improved educational system of which our children, our future, will benefit.

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One lesson that I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention. I am proud to be part of a government that is not only recognizing that point but is one that is listening. This government knows that Manitobans have ideas for ways that this government can still continue to improve their delivery of services, and they will continue to consult and work in partnership with all Manitobans to make our communities even stronger.

Right now our government is holding budgetary consultations with Manitobans to get their input on how taxpayers' dollars should be managed to the best of their needs. Our government listens to Manitoba and appreciates their input. This is so critical for wise spending.

Health communities is a key part of our government's overall commitment to creating a positive environment for our children. Being partly responsible to taxpayer, we must recognize their needs. By working together to decide how best to spend our dollars we are ensuring that Manitobans have the best health care which is available, not only for us, but for our children's sake. Currently the Manitoba government's commitment to health care is leading this nation. Manitoba is the only province with a balanced budget that commits more than 34 percent of its total budgetary expenditures towards health care. I am proud of this commitment, and I support the direction of the government.

Just look what can be accomplished. The Manitoba government recognizes the vital importance of facilities like the Lions Prairie Manor and the Douglas Campbell Lodge, which, I might say, is named after a very respected former member of this House. Douglas Campbell Lodge is now caring for over 500 people.

The Manitoba government has now tripled its home care budget from $33 million of expenditure in 1988 to $103 million today. That is indeed a tripling of the home care budget. In fact, in our area, which is served by the Central Regional Health Authority, the constituency of Portage la Prairie has increased its budgetary expenditure in home care from $2.5 million in 1988 to more than $7.5 million this year.

We are a government that is committed to quality, accessible health care. A commitment is further highlighted in the throne speech initiatives: additional resources to reducing many waiting lists; upgrading neonatal intensive services; enhanced adolescent addiction prevention treatment centre in Brandon; focusing capital projects on areas of highest priority such as cancer care; more effective approaches to mental health care and community-based initiatives; new approaches to communicable disease control.

Addressing the special needs of all Manitobans including disadvantaged individuals and at-risk youth is definitely a priority. As we indicated in the throne speech, we must continue working in partnership with community organizations, municipal and federal governments, private and public sector agencies and business to ensure that we are meeting the needs and the challenges that arise.

Energy, persistence, and the will to succeed are key ingredients. Among the many contributors to a healthy, safer Manitoba and ultimately for our children in this province, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to learn from the throne speech that the Secretariat will continue to develop and implement programs to meet the challenges facing our youth, addressing key issues such as nutrition, adolescent pregnancy, fetal alcohol syndrome, youth gangs and generally at-risk youth.

Continuing to build partnership with other governments and the private sector is key to this government's vision to a stronger Manitoba.

Partnerships such as the federal government's initiative to develop the national child care benefit--a move that will prevent and reduce the depth of child poverty and result in fewer families having to rely on income assistance. As our province works together with Ottawa, we are acknowledging that our children are our future, and an investment in a good start in life will ensure that our children will become healthier, productive adults. They are indeed our society's economic lifeline.

Manitoba's ChildrenFirst strategy further highlights our government's commitment to supporting children, youth and their family, and it is part of Manitoba's effort to ensure an effective delivery of this national child care benefit.

Madam Speaker, an important part of creating a positive future for our children is the one that we give them the opportunity in which to learn. Our government's plan is to prepare our children for the future by providing them with a foundation for excellence leading into the 21st Century and the opportunities there await.

The province has already implemented a world-class standards and province-wide testing; more parental involvement through such measures as parent advisory councils to provide the opportunity that we as parents have to put input into our child's learning; an increased emphasis on language arts, mathematics and the sciences; a new emphasis on making schools safer so that not only students but teachers alike will have a safe environment in which to learn and teach; as well, $1 million of new funding for scholarships and bursaries for students at universities and colleges.

Madam Speaker, our government has increased funding to public education by $115 million since taking office in 1988. For the 1997-98 school year, we are spending $746.5 million in public education. We have implemented the Manitoba Learning Tax Credit to assist post-secondary students with their tuition fees. We have enacted legislation establishing a Council on Post-Secondary Education to ensure greater co-operative learning throughout our province's universities and colleges. We have put $913,000 to community-based adult literacy programs, including a most recent grant to the Literacy Foundation in Portage la Prairie.

Education is my priority. Education is this government's priority. Madam Speaker, we are committed to working together with all Manitobans to ensure that we are preserving, protecting and enhancing our education, that it indeed continues to meet the needs of our children.

In fact, our commitment to parental and community involvement is again highlighted this weekend with the fourth Parents' Forum. This forum will be held on Saturday at the John Taylor Collegiate and will again give parents another opportunity to share their views and suggestions to our government on how it may enhance the environment of our students. It will give again parents the opportunities to give their ideas towards the education system, the curriculum testing and other needs of our educational system.

As I said earlier today, Madam Speaker, there is no substitute for paying attention, and our government, I believe, is listening.

I was pleased to learn of other significant initiatives of this government in post-secondary education: working with the federal government to address student funding and student debt; working with universities to enhance their excellent record of research and maintaining the benefit that research provides; building a stronger connection between students and community colleges, university and prospective employers, which indeed will help. Helping youth focus on value-added training in education and a new labour-market Internet sits well with students throughout our province.

I share the belief with our government that criminals must indeed be held accountable and pay the consequences. The rights of victims are of paramount importance to me, Madam Speaker. The justice system must continue to be fair and accountable to the people of Portage la Prairie and to all Manitobans. Manitoban families and their communities must have a role to play in the justice system. In Portage la Prairie, the Manitoba government has continued to provide for victim services with a recently announced $86,000 grant to provide support for a two-year period with storefront operations of public community crime support. Recently, as well, I might note, is that the RCMP have received more than a 60 percent increase since this government took power in 1988, and currently three more officers are providing services to the residents of my constituency.

Just recently, the city of Portage la Prairie had an opportunity to host the Manitoba crime prevention conference and ultimately provided awards to some Manitobans. I might make mention to this Chamber that one of those award recipients was our very own mayor, Mayor Glenn Carlson. Included also in the awards was recognition for the Women's Television Network, which you may be aware of, involving inmates of the Portage Correctional facility and their 1-800 referral service which is indeed helping bring those inmates back into society.

Madam Speaker, these are the kinds of local efforts that are happening all across the province by Manitobans who recognize the importance of their involvement in helping our government create and implement initiatives and programs that are building safer communities for our children.

The effort, of course, is one of partnership, and just as Manitobans are working to help keep our communities safe, I am pleased to learn of additional measures announced yesterday in the throne speech that our government will be taking to protect and make safer our environment and to prevent crime, including a community policing initiative that I have already mentioned right in Portage la Prairie, increased resources across this province and in other communities from which we in Portage la Prairie are already benefiting. They will be making new funding available to implement recommendations of the report on domestic violence and the justice system here in Manitoba; as well, to develop an urban aboriginal diversion program and support enhancements to the Winnipeg Police Services curfew registry as well as to support the Salvation Army's youth initiative.

I am confident that through the government's planned direction as set out in the throne speech yesterday that we are moving upward and forward. We are winning the battle, Madam Speaker, and Manitobans are the beneficiaries. We are all individuals, but together as a government in partnership with all Manitobans we can be a united team, and we can do something together. I am confident that we will be successful.

Madam Speaker, I am very proud to support the government's throne speech and all the initiatives found therein. I look forward to the upcoming session and to the new challenges that lie ahead. Together I am confident that we will indeed keep Manitoba strong.

As I stated at the outset of my address this morning, it is both an honour and a privilege to be present in this Chamber here today. I recognize that fewer than one-tenth of 1 percent of all Manitobans have this privilege. We are all here present representing our constituencies, and although our views may differ from time to time, I am sure we share the same goal in making Manitoba the best place to live, to work, invest and to raise our family. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): I move, seconded by the member for Wolseley (Ms. Friesen), that debate now be adjourned.

Motion agreed to.

Hon. James McCrae (Government House Leader): Shall we call it 12:30, Madam Speaker?

Madam Speaker: Is it the will of the House to call it 12:30? [agreed]

The hour being 12:30 p.m., this House is adjourned and stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. Monday next.