Hon. Eric Stefanson (Minister of Health): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to move, seconded by the Minister of Family Services (Mrs. Mitchelson), that leave be given to introduce Bill 26, The Physiotherapists Act (Loi sur les physiothJ rapeutes), and that the same be now received and read a first time.

* (1340)

Mr. Daryl Reid (Transcona): I move, seconded by the member for Wolseley (Ms. Friesen), that Bill 202, The Fire Departments Arbitration Amendment and Consequential Amendments Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'arbitrage relatif aux services de pompiers et modifications corrJ latives–my French is not very good, Madam Speaker, obviously–be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. I should have practised my second language.

Mr. Reid: Madam Speaker, by way of just a brief explanation, this bill will move The Fire Departments Arbitration Act into the 1990s by removing the old gender-specific language and now acknowledging that firefighters can be both men and women. This bill will also provide binding arbitration for the City of Winnipeg ambulance service employees. This will ensure that the residents of Winnipeg continue to receive uninterrupted emergency services while providing paramedics and the City of Winnipeg the opportunity to resolve contracts fairly.