Ms. Diane McGifford (Osborne): Madam Speaker, I would like to present the petition of Alice Riley, Nancy McPherson, John Masson and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the Filmon government to consider providing long-term, adequate and stable funding for the Evergreen Women's Resource Centre and other women's resource centres in the province to ensure that the vital services provided by these organizations are continued.

Mr. Gord Mackintosh (St. Johns): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Cece Hutchinson, Agusta Gudmunds, Shelly Bjarnson and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the Filmon government to consider long-term, adequate and stable funding for the Evergreen Women's Resource Centre and other women's resource centres in the province to ensure that the vital services provided by these organizations are continued.

Ms. Rosann Wowchuk (Swan River): Madam Speaker, I would like to present the petition of Marlene Stratton, Valdine Bjornsson, Harold Thorkelson and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the Filmon government to consider providing long-term, adequate and stable funding for the Evergreen Women's Resource Centre and other women's resource centres in the province to ensure that vital services provided by these organizations are continued.

Ms. Becky Barrett (Wellington): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Maurice Sigurdson, Eric Sigurdson, Audrey Disbrowe and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the Filmon government to consider providing long-term, adequate and stable funding for the Evergreen Women's Resource Centre and other women's resource centres in the province to ensure that the vital services provided by these organizations are continued.

Mr. Clif Evans (Interlake): Madam Speaker, I beg to present the petition of Monica Sigurdson, Grace Fridfinnson, Susan L. Van Dreses and others praying that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the Filmon government to consider providing long-term, adequate and stable funding the Evergreen Women's Resource Centre and other women's resource centres in the province to ensure that the vital services provided by these organizations are continued.

Madam Speaker: I have reviewed the petition of the honourable member for Interlake (Mr. Clif Evans). It complies with the rules (by leave) and practices of the House. Is it the will of the House to have the petition read?

An Honourable Member: Yes.

Madam Speaker: Yes. The Clerk will read.

Mr. Clerk (William Remnant): The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Manitoba humbly sheweth:

THAT domestic violence continues to be a serious problem in Manitoba that results in the injury and death of women across this province; and

THAT certain initiatives such as the Family Violence Court, the Women's Advocacy Program and mandatory charging have been taken by the government; and

THAT survivors of abuse, their families, service providers and the community at large recognize serious shortcomings in the response to domestic violence which continues to threaten the lives of Manitoba women and children; and

THAT a blueprint for an effective response to domestic violence is being offered by several reports including the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, the Pedlar report and the Lavoie inquiry recommendations.

WHEREFORE YOUR PETITIONERS HUMBLY PRAY that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba urge the provincial government to consider preparing an action plan in consultation with the community for the timely implementation of meaningful change as outlined in the Lavoie inquiry, the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and the Pedlar report.

* (1335)