LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Thursday, February 12, 2009
LOCATION – Winnipeg, Manitoba
CHAIRPERSON – Ms. Jennifer Howard (Fort Rouge)
VICE-CHAIRPERSON – Ms. Flor Marcelino (Wellington)
ATTENDANCE – 11 QUORUM – 6
Members of the Committee present:
Hon. Ms. Irvin-Ross
Ms. Braun, Messrs. Cullen, Dewar, Faurschou, Ms. Howard, Mr. Jha, Ms. Marcelino, Messrs. Martindale, Pedersen, Mrs. Stefanson
APPEARING:
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux, MLA for Inkster
MATTERS UNDER CONSIDERATION:
Bill 228–The Grandparents' Day Act
* * *
Clerk Assistant (Ms. Monique Grenier): Good afternoon. Will the committee please come to order.
I have before me the resignation of Ms. Braun as Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development.
Before the committee can proceed with the business before it, it must elect a new Chairperson. Are there any nominations for this position?
Mr. Gregory Dewar (Selkirk): I nominate Ms. Howard.
Clerk Assistant: Ms. Howard has been nominated. Are there any other nominations?
Hearing no other nominations, Ms. Howard, please take the Chair.
Madam Chairperson: Our next item of business is the election of a Vice-Chairperson.
Are there any nominations?
Mr. Dewar: I nominate Ms. Marcelino.
Madam Chairperson: Ms. Marcelino has been nominated. Are there any other nominations?
Hearing no other nominations, Ms. Marcelino is elected Vice-Chairperson.
This meeting has been called to consider Bill 228, The Grandparents' Day Act.
Before we start consideration of the bill, for the information of everyone, the Legislative Assembly Media Services is here today to film these proceedings for inclusion in the video Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
We have no presenters registered for this bill, but, before we proceed, is there anyone in attendance who wishes to make a presentation to this bill?
Seeing none, we'll proceed with clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.
Okay, we'll now proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of the bill. During the consideration of the bill, the table of contents, the preamble, the enacting clause and the title are postponed until all other clauses have been considered in their proper order.
Does the bill sponsor, the honourable Member for Rossmere, have an opening statement?
Ms. Erna Braun (Rossmere): Yes, I do.
It gives me great pleasure and an honour to have this bill brought forward. It certainly gives us an opportunity to publicly affirm the value of grandparents in our community and their value to their families.
I would also like to thank the seconder, our Member for Inkster (Mr. Lamoureux), and his support of this bill as well. Thank you.
Madam Chairperson: I thank the honourable member.
Does any other member wish to make an opening statement on Bill 228?
Mr. David Faurschou (Portage la Prairie): I do appreciate the opportunity to be in attendance regarding The Grandparents' Day Act. Indeed, it is one that has received the full support from all members of the Legislative Assembly. It does recognize the very important, vital role that grandparents play in the rearing of the next generation. I hope, though, that the spirit that we are enjoying at this committee continues on to adopt other clauses that recognize grandparents in a capacity of raising children and the very important role that grandparents have in day-to-day raising of children.
I know the honourable Member for Minnedosa (Mrs. Rowat) has brought forward legislation in the past. I believe she intends to do so in the future. Hopefully, the spirit of co-operation, understanding and recognition of grandparents will continue on when that legislation moves forward. Thank you. [interjection]
Madam Chairperson: You will need leave from the committee to speak. Does Mr. Lamoureux have leave to speak? [Agreed]
Go ahead.
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster): I just want to express my appreciation to the Member for Rossmere and, in fact, members of the committee. I think there was a sense of co-operation amongst all political parties in acknowledging the important role grandparents play. I just wanted to get on the record recognizing what I think is a wonderful idea and I believe all MLAs are quite supportive of. Thank you.
Madam Chairperson: Are there any other members who wish to speak on the bill before we go to the clause by clause?
Okay, we'll go through the clause by clause.
Clause 1–pass; clause 2–pass; clause 3–pass; preamble–pass; enacting clauses–pass; title–pass. Bill be reported.
The hour being 4:36 p.m., what is the will of the committee?
Some Honourable Members: Committee rise.
Madam Chairperson: Committee rise.
COMMITTEE ROSE AT: 4:36 p.m.