The House met at 1:30 p.m.

Mr. Speaker: O Eternal and Almighty God, from Whom all power and wisdom come, we are assembled here before Thee to frame such laws as may tend to the welfare and prosperity of our province. Grant, O merciful God, we pray Thee, that we may desire only that which is in accordance with Thy will, that we may seek it with wisdom and know it with certainty and accomplish it perfectly for the glory and honour of Thy name and for the welfare of all our people. Amen.

Good afternoon, everyone. Please be seated.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

Mr. Speaker: Introduction of bills. Seeing no bills, we'll move on to–

Petitions

Provincial Sales Tax Increase–Referendum

Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): Yes, good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

And these are the reasons for this petition:

The provincial government promised not to raise taxes in the last election.

Through Bill 20, the provincial government wants to increase the retail sales tax, known as the PST, by one point without the legally required referendum.

An increase to the PST is excessive taxation that will harm Manitoba families.

Bill 20 strips Manitobans of their democratic right to determine when major tax increases are necessary.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To urge the provincial government to not raise the PST without holding a provincial referendum.

And, Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by B. Wiebe, D. Wiebe, D. Wiebe and many other Manitobans.

Mr. Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to have been received by the House.

St. Ambroise Beach Provincial Park

Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

And these are the reasons for this petition:

The St. Ambroise provincial park was hard hit by the 2011 flood, resulting in the park's ongoing closure, the loss of local access to Lake Manitoba, as well as untold harm to the ecosystem and wildlife in the region.

The park's closure is having a negative impact in many areas, including disruptions to the local tourism, hunting and fishing operations and diminished economic and employment opportunities, the potential loss of the local store and a decrease in property values.

Local residents and visitors alike want St. Ambroise provincial park to be reopened as soon as possible.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To request the appropriate ministers of the provincial government consider repairing St. Ambroise provincial park and its access points to their preflood condition so the park can be reopened for the 2013 season or earlier if possible.

This petition's signed by J. Lee, I. Patterson, J. Patterson and many, many more fine Manitobans.

Municipal Amalgamations–Reversal

Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The provincial government recently announced plans to amalgamate any municipalities with fewer than 1,000 constituents.

(2) The provincial government did not consult with or notify the affected municipalities of this decision prior to the Throne Speech announcement on November 19th, 2012, and has further imposed unrealistic deadlines.

(3) If the provincial government imposes amalgamations, local democratic representation will be drastically limited while not providing any real improvements in cost savings.

(4) Local governments are further concerned that amalgamation will fail to address the serious issues currently facing municipalities, including an absence of reliable infrastructure funding and timely flood compensation.

Municipalities deserve to be treated with respect. Any amalgamations should be voluntary in nature and led by the municipalities themselves.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To request that the Minister of Local Government afford local governments the respect they deserve and reverse his decision to force municipalities with fewer than 1,000 constituents to amalgamate.

This petition is signed by T. Richardson Mason, L. Murray, P. Murray and many, many more fine Manitobans, Mr. Speaker.

Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Riding Mountain): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

The background to this petition is as follows:

The provincial government recently announced plans to amalgamate any municipalities with fewer than 1,000 constituents.

The provincial government did not consult with or notify the affected municipalities of this decision prior to the Throne Speech announcement on November 19th, 2012, and has further imposed unrealistic deadlines.

If the provincial government imposes amalgamations, local democratic representation will be drastically limited while not providing any real improvements in cost savings.

Local governments are further concerned that amalgamation will fail to address the serious issues currently facing municipalities, including an absence of reliable infrastructure funding and timely flood compensation.

Municipalities deserve to be treated with respect. Any amalgamations should be voluntary in nature and led by the municipalities themselves.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To request that the Minister of Local Government afford local governments the respect they deserve and reverse his decision to force municipalities with fewer than 1,000 constituents to amalgamate.

This petition's signed by J. Douglas, L. Graham, S. Cook and many, many more Manitobans.

Provincial Sales Tax Increase–Referendum

Mr. Blaine Pedersen (Midland): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

These are the reasons for this petition:

The provincial government promised not to raise taxes in the last election.

Through Bill 20, the provincial government wants to increase the retail sales tax, known as the PST, by one point without the legally required referendum.

An increase of–to the PST is excessive taxation that will hurt Manitoba families.

Bill 20 strips Manitobans of their democratic right to determine when major tax increases are necessary.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To urge the provincial government not to raise the PST without holding a provincial referendum.

And this petition is signed by O. Bilec, C. Normand, S. Munson and many more fine Manitobans.

Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

These are the reasons for this petition:

The provincial government promised not to raise taxes in the last election.

Through Bill 20, the provincial government wants to increase the retail sales tax, known as the PST, by one point without the legally required referendum.

An increase to the PST is excessive taxation that will harm Manitoba families.

Bill 20 strips Manitobans of their democratic right to determine when major tax increases are necessary.

* (13:40)

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To urge the provincial government to not raise the PST without holding a provincial referendum.

And this is signed by S. Fielding, J. McMorrow, B. Alexander and many others, Mr. Speaker.

Hydro Capital Development–NFAT Review

Mr. Cliff Cullen (Spruce Woods): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Manitoba Hydro was mandated by the provincial government to commence a $21-billion capital development plan to service uncertain electricity export markets.

(2) In the last five years, competition from alternative energy sources is decreasing the price and demand for Manitoba's hydroelectricity and causing the financial viability of this capital plan to be questioned.

(3) The $21-billion capital plan requires Manitoba Hydro to increase domestic electricity rates by up to 4 per cent annually for the next 20 years and possibly more if export opportunities fail to materialize.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To urge that the Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro create a complete and transparent needs-for-and-alternatives-to review of Manitoba Hydro's total capital development plan to ensure the financial viability of Manitoba Hydro.

And this petition is signed by E. Willie, D. Elliott, B. Mowat and many other fine Manitobans.

Provincial Sales Tax Increase–Referendum

Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

These are the reasons for this petition:

The provincial government promised not to raise taxes in the last election.

Through Bill 20, the provincial government wants to increase the retail sales tax, known as the PST, by one point without the legally required referendum.

An increase to the PST is excessive taxation that will harm Manitoba families.

Bill 20 strips Manitobans of their democratic right to determine when major tax increases are necessary.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To urge the provincial government to not raise the PST without holding a provincial referendum.

This petition is submitted on behalf of M. Poulin, L. Iwanchuk, J. Hubbard and many other fine Manitobans.

Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

And these are the reasons for this petition:

(1) The provincial government promised not to raise taxes in the last election.

(2) Through Bill 20, the provincial government wants to increase the retail sales tax, known as the PST, by one point without the legally required referendum.

(3) An increase to the PST is excessive taxation that will harm Manitoba families.

(4) Bill 20 strips Manitobans of their democratic right to determine when major tax increases are necessary.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To urge the provincial government to not raise the PST without holding a provincial referendum.

And, Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by D. Moore, L. Albing, K. Chobotar and many, many other Manitobans.

Hydro Capital Development–NFAT Review

Mr. Larry Maguire (Arthur-Virden): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly and these–of Manitoba.

And these are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Manitoba Hydro was mandated by the provincial government to commence a $21-billion capital development plan to service uncertain electricity export markets.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by S. Smith, M. Smith, M. Derkach and many, many others.

MPI Benefits–Denial to Convicted Car Thieves

Mr. Stuart Briese (Agassiz): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

The background to this petition is as follows:

In Manitoba, a car thief convicted of stealing a vehicle involved in a car accident is eligible to receive compensation and assistance for personal injury from Manitoba Public Insurance.

Too many Manitoba families have had their lives tragically altered by motor vehicle accidents involving car thieves and stolen vehicles.

It is an injustice to victims, their families and law-abiding Manitobans that MPI premiums are used to benefit car thieves involved in those accidents.

We petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

To request the Minister of Justice deny all MPI benefits to persons–to a person for injuries received in an accident if he or she is convicted of stealing a motor vehicle involved in the accident.

This petition is send by–signed by K. Waddell, K. Dehtle, C. Waddell and many, many other fine Manitobans.

Provincial Sales Tax Increase–Referendum

Mrs. Bonnie Mitchelson (River East): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

And these are the reasons for this petition:

The provincial government promised not to raise taxes in the last election.

Through Bill 20, the provincial government wants to increase the retail sales tax, known as the PST, by one point without the legally required referendum.

An increase to the PST is excessive taxation that will harm Manitoba families.

Bill 20 strips Manitobans of their democratic right to determine when major tax increases are necessary.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To urge the provincial government to not raise the PST without holding a provincial referendum.

And this petition is signed by H. Guzzo, T. Harder, S. Todd and thousands of other Manitobans.

Municipal Amalgamations–Reversal

Mr. Reg Helwer (Brandon West): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

The background to this petition is as follows:

(1) The provincial government recently announced plans to amalgamate any municipalities with fewer than 1,000 constituents.

(3) If the provincial government imposes amalgamations, local democratic representation will be drastically limited while not providing any real improvements in cost savings.

(5) Municipalities deserve to be treated with respect. Any amalgamations should be voluntary in nature and led by the municipalities themselves.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To request that the Minister of Local Government afford local governments the respect they deserve and reverse his decision to force municipalities with fewer than 1,000 constituents to amalgamate.

Signed by R. Hammond, G. Paramor, D. Hofer and many other Manitobans.

Hydro Capital Development–NFAT Review

Mr. Ron Schuler (St. Paul): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

And these are the reasons for this petition:

(1) Manitoba Hydro was mandated by the provincial government to commence a $21-billion capital development plan to service uncertain electricity export markets.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

* (13:50)

Signed by V. Pedersen, I. Kames, R. Nychuk and many other fine Manitobans.

Reopen Beausejour's Employment Manitoba Office

Mr. Dennis Smook (La Verendrye): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

These are the reasons for this petition:

(1) The RM of Brokenhead and the town of Beausejour are growing centres with a combined population of over 8,000.

(2) Employment Manitoba offices provide crucial career counselling, job search and training opportunities for local residents looking to advance their education.

(3) The recent closure of the Employment Manitoba's Beausejour office will have negative consequences for the area's population who want to upgrade their skills and employment opportunities.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To urge the provincial government to reopen Beausejour's Employment Manitoba office.

This petition is signed by G. Gallant, L. White, M. Fochgh and many more fine Manitobans.

Provincial Sales Tax Increase–Referendum

Mr. Cameron Friesen (Morden-Winkler): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

And these are the reasons for this petition:

(1) The provincial government promised not to raise taxes in the last election.

(2) Through Bill 20, the provincial government wants to increase the retail sales tax, known as the PST, by one point without the legally required referendum.

(3) An increase to the PST is excessive taxation that will harm Manitoba families.

(4) Bill 20 strips Manitobans of their democratic right to determine when major tax increases are necessary.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To urge the provincial government to not raise the PST without holding a provincial referendum.

And this petition is signed by M. Hildebrand, H. Thiessen, S. Overwater and many, many others.

Mr. Cliff Graydon (Emerson): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

And these are the reasons for the petition:

The provincial government promised not to raise taxes in the last election.

(2) Through Bill 20, the provincial government wants to increase the retail sales tax, known as the PST, by one point without a legally required referendum.

(3) An increase in the PST is excessive taxation that will harm Manitoba families.

(4) Bill 20 strips Manitobans of their democratic right to determine when major tax increases are necessary.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

To urge the provincial government to not raise the PST without holding a provincial referendum.

And this petition is signed by R. Ruus, C. Ruus, R. Rivard and many, many more fine Manitobans.

Changes to Les Franciscaines Missionnaires de Marie Incorporation Act

Mr. Dave Gaudreau (St. Norbert): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

The reason for these petitions are:

(1) As association of nuns in the Archdiocese of St. Boniface was incorporated by an act of the Manitoba Legislature, les Franciscaines Missionnaires de Marie incorporation, RSM 1990, c‑57, the act, in 1901 to carry out its charitable works.

(2) The act sets out the corporation's powers that are available to be exercised by the corporation. In particular, subsection 1(2) of the act reads as follows:

Corporate powers, 1-2: The corporation may purchase, acquire, hold, possess and enjoy and have and take and receive to them and their successors, to and for the uses and purposes of the said corporation under any legal title whatsoever and without any further authorization, any lands, tenements, hereditaments, movable and immovable property, situate, laying and between–being within this province, and not exceeding the yearly sum of $20,000, and the same to sell, alienate or dispose of and purchase of, acquire and possess of their steads for said purposes.

(3) The limitation on buying and selling of movable and immovable property not exceeding a yearly value of $20,000 has become onerous provision and hampers the ability of the corporation to buy and sell property.

(4) Furthermore, the act does not allow the corporation to mortgage or lease land or borrow funds upon the credit of corporation. Such powers have been granted to other similar religious corporations pursuant to their incorporating statuses.

(5) Lastly, section 2 of the act provides that the signing authority for business of the corporation shall be first superior and three councillors. This provision is onerous for the daily operations of the corporation.

We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba to amend the act to:

(1) remove the restrictions on the power of the corporation and grant the powers of a natural person for carrying out its objects and purposes;

(2) authorize the appointment of a board of directors and officers to manage it–the affairs of the corporation; and

(3) repeal section 2, which deals with the signing of the documents.

This petition is signed by S. Bastien.

Committee Reports

Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development
First Report

Ms. Melanie Wight (Chairperson): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the First Report of the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development.

Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Your Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development prevents–presents–

Some Honourable Members: Dispense.

Mr. Speaker: Dispense? Dispense.

Your Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development presents the following as its First Report.

Meetings

Your Committee met on the following occasions in Room 255 of the Legislative Building:

· June 27, 2013

· July 2, 2013

· July 3, 2013

· July 4, 2013

· July 5, 2013

· July 6, 2013

Matters under Consideration

· Bill (No. 20) – The Manitoba Building and Renewal Funding and Fiscal Management Act (Various Acts Amended)/Loi sur le financement du renouvellement des infrastructures et la gestion financière (modification de diverses dispositions législatives)

Committee Membership

Committee Membership for the June 27, 2013 meeting:

· Mr. Allum (Vice-Chairperson)

· Hon. Mr. Chomiak

· Mrs. Driedger

· Mr. Graydon

· Mr. Maguire

· Mr. Marcelino

· Hon. Ms. Melnick

· Mrs. Mitchelson

· Mr. Nevakshonoff

· Hon. Ms. Oswald

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

Your Committee elected Mr. Nevakshonoff as the Chairperson at the June 27, 2013 meeting.

Substitutions received during committee proceedings at the June 27, 2013 meeting:

· Mr. Pedersen for Mr. Maguire

· Mr. Briese for Mr. Graydon

· Mr. Graydon for Mr. Pedersen

· Mr. Maguire for Mr. Briese

Committee Membership for the July 2, 2013 meeting:

· Ms. Blady

· Mrs. Driedger

· Mr. Gaudreau

· Mr. Goertzen

· Hon. Mr. Lemieux

· Mr. Nevakshonoff (Chairperson)

· Hon. Ms. Oswald

· Mr. Pettersen

· Mr. Schuler

· Mr. Smook

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

Your Committee elected Mr. Gaudreau as the Vice‑Chairperson at the July 2, 2013 meeting.

Committee Membership for the July 3, 2013 meeting:

· Hon. Mr. Bjornson

· Mr. Briese

· Mrs. Driedger

· Mr. Ewasko

· Mr. Friesen

· Hon. Mr. Kostyshyn

· Hon. Mr. Lemieux

· Mr. Marcelino

· Mr. Nevakshonoff (Chairperson)

· Hon. Ms. Selby

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

Your Committee elected Mr. Marcelino as the Vice‑Chairperson at the July 3, 2013 meeting.

Committee Membership for the July 4, 2013 meeting:

· Ms. Blady

· Mr. Cullen

· Hon. Ms. Irvin-Ross

· Hon. Mr. Lemieux

· Hon. Mr. Mackintosh

· Mr. Pedersen

· Hon. Mr. Rondeau

· Mrs. Stefanson

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

· Ms. Wight

· Mr. Wishart

Your Committee elected Ms. Wight as the Chairperson at the July 4, 2013 meeting.

Your Committee elected Ms. Blady as the Vice‑Chairperson at the July 4, 2013 meeting.

Committee Membership for the July 5, 2013 meeting:

· Mr. Allum

· Hon. Mr. Bjornson

· Ms. Crothers

· Mr. Dewar

· Mrs. Driedger

· Mr. Eichler

· Mr. Helwer

· Mr. Maloway

· Mrs. Rowat

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

· Ms. Wight (Chairperson)

Your Committee elected Mr. Allum as the Vice‑Chairperson at the July 5, 2013 meeting.

Committee Membership for the July 6, 2013 meeting:

· Mr. Allum (Vice-Chairperson)

· Hon. Mr. Chomiak

· Mr. Eichler

· Mr. Ewasko

· Mr. Gaudreau

· Hon. Ms. Oswald

· Mr. Saran

· Mr. Schuler

· Mrs. Stefanson

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

· Ms. Wight (Chairperson)

Your Committee elected Mr. Wiebe as Vice‑Chairperson, on a recorded vote of Wiebe 6, Smook 4, at the July 6, 2013 meeting.

Substitutions received during committee proceedings at the July 6, 2013 meeting:

· Mr. Graydon for Mrs. Stefanson

· Mr. Smook for Mr. Schuler

· Mrs. Driedger for Mr. Ewasko

· Mrs. Mitchelson for Mr. Eichler

· Mr. Dewar for Hon. Mr. Chomiak

· Hon. Ms. Oswald for Hon. Ms. Howard

· Mr. Wiebe for Mr. Saran

· Hon. Ms. Melnick for Mr. Gaudreau

· Hon. Mr. Robinson for Mr. Allum

Public Presentations

Your Committee heard the following 130 presentations on Bill (No. 20) – The Manitoba Building and Renewal Funding and Fiscal Management Act (Various Acts Amended)/Loi sur le financement du renouvellement des infrastructures et la gestion financière (modification de diverses dispositions législatives):

June 27, 2013 meeting

1. William Pfeiffer, Private Citizen

2. Candace Maxymowich, Private Citizen

3. Eric Pollmann, Private Citizen

4. Mahendra Wanigasekara, Private Citizen

5. Regan Archambault, Private Citizen

6. David Sutherland, Private Citizen

7. Lanny McInnes, Retail Council of Canada

8. Colin Craig, Canadian Taxpayer's Federation

9. Don Woodstock, Private Citizen

10. Kathleen Cook, Private Citizen

11. Dwayne Marling, Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association

12. Humphry Davy, Private Citizen

13. Brian Segal, Private Citizen

14. Denise Conan, Private Citizen

15. Jared Miller, Private Citizen

16. Dwight Hildebrand, Private Citizen

17. Julie Bubnick, Private Citizen

18. Dave Capar, Private Citizen

19. Sig Laser, Private Citizen

20. Charter Kidzugane, Private Citizen

July 2, 2013 meeting

21. Philip Zubrycki, Private Citizen

22. Rod DeLaroque, Private Citizen

23. Shannon Martin, Private Citizen

24. Joseph Giesbrecht, Private Citizen

25. Ron Larsen, Private Citizen

26. Paulo Cordeiro, Private Citizen

27. David M. Sanders, Private Citizen

28. Janine Carmichael, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

29. Emmanuel Trawon, Private Citizen

30. Michael Bailey, Private Citizen

31. Tom Paulley, Private Citizen

32. Maurice Lacy, Private Citizen

33. Ray Garnett, Private Citizen

34. Shaun Horan, Private Citizen

35. Sam Katz, City of Winnipeg

36. Bob Preston, Private Citizen

37. Cyril Keeper, Private Citizen

38. John Lambkin, Private Citizen

July 3, 2013 meeting

39. Susan Stein, Private Citizen

40. June Letkeman, Private Citizen

41. Edward Penner, Private Citizen

42. David Grant, Private Citizen

43. Kevin Rebeck, President – Manitoba Federation of Labour

44. Jeff Eyamie, Private Citizen

45. Vicki Burns, Outreach Coordinator – Lake Winnipeg Foundation

46. David Ennis, Private Citizen

47. Jane Robertson, Private Citizen

48. Joe Andrews, Private Citizen

49. Andrew Regier, Private Citizen

50. James Foster, Private Citizen

51. Al Shrupka, Private Citizen

52. Glen Urbanski, Private Citizen

53. Dave Lobson, Private Citizen

54. Vicki Poirier, Private Citizen

55. Jake Bergen, Private Citizen

56. Brian Kelly, Private Citizen

57. Dennis Nault, Private Citizen

58. Thomas Novak, Private Citizen

59. George Harris, Private Citizen

60. Shirley Lord, Private Citizen

July 4, 2013 meeting

61. Allison Campbell, Private Citizen

62. John Morrison, Concerned Citizens of the Sturgeon Creek Watershed

63. Larry Baker, Private Citizen

64. Jim Riske, Private Citizen

65. Glen Melnyk, Private Citizen

66. Rodney Harder, Private Citizen

67. Lynne Fernandez, The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

68. Elfriede Kuenstler, Private Citizen

69. Norm Gould, Manitoba Teachers' Society

70. Keith Bazin, Private Citizen

71. John Loxley, Private Citizen

72. Shauna MacKinnon, Private Citizen

73. Harry Paine, Private Citizen

74. Trudy Turner, Private Citizen

75. Evan Thompson, Private Citizen

76. Peter Hudson, Private Citizen

77. Earl Skundberg, Private Citizen

78. Ed Huebert, The Mining Association of Manitoba

79. Dave Sauer, Winnipeg Labour Council

80. Ken Guilford, Private Citizen

81. James Aisaican-Chase, Private Citizen

82. Kevin Perrier, Private Citizen

July 5, 2013 meeting

83. Walter Hill, Private Citizen

84. Fred Tait, Private Citizen

85. Michelle Gawronsky, President – MGEU

86. Henry Siemens, Private Citizen

87. Randy Baldwin, Private Citizen

88. Dave Mouland, Private Citizen

89. Dennis Lewycky, Social Planning Council of Winnipeg

90. Josh Fisher, Private Citizen

91. John McDonald, Private Citizen

92. Kristina Poturica, Private Citizen

93. Jeremy Friesen, Private Citizen

94. Roland Stankevicius, Private Citizen

95. Walter Bryk, Private Citizen

96. Maria Collard, Private Citizen

97. Cody Dzik, Private Citizen

98. Darrell Rankin, Communist Party of Canada – Manitoba

99. Thomas Dobson, Private Citizen

100. Gary Watkins, Private Citizen

101. Alex MacDonald, Private Citizen

102. Clay Purvess, Private Citizen

103. Brian Davis, Private Citizen

104. Rosemary Hnatiuk, Private Citizen

105. Jeff Koziuk, Private Citizen

106. Wendy Land, Private Citizen

July 6, 2013 meeting

107. Becki Cianflone, Altona and District Chamber of Commerce

108. Garth Steek, Private Citizen

109. Chris Dsovza, Private Citizen

110. Derek Rolstone, Private Citizen

111. Joe Whiten, Private Citizen

112. Romel Dhalla, Private Citizen

113. Allan Ciekiewicz, Private Citizen

114. Feraz Ahamed, Private Citizen

115. Elizabeth Carlyle, Private Citizen

116. Angela Brown, Private Citizen

117. Kevin Shumilak, Private Citizen

118. Tim McAllister, Private Citizen

119. Dan Lanyon, Private Citizen

120. Selena Bieber, Private Citizen

121. John Ryan, Private Citizen

122. Anthony Augustine, Manitoba Federation of Non-Profit Organizations

123. Muriel Koscielny, Private Citizen

124. Doug Chorney, Keystone Agricultural Producers

125. Bill Heather, Private Citizen

126. Keith Fulford, Private Citizen

127. Elda Enns, Private Citizen

128. Dorothy Wise, Private Citizen

129. David Angus, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce

130. Ken Kornel, Private Citizen

Written Submissions

Your Committee received the following 13 written submissions on Bill (No. 20) – The Manitoba Building and Renewal Funding and Fiscal Management Act (Various Acts Amended)/Loi sur le financement du renouvellement des infrastructures et la gestion financière (modification de diverses dispositions législatives):

1. Ryan Sturgeon, Private Citizen

2. Jeff Wharton and others, Private Citizens

3. Doug Dobrowolski, President – Association of Manitoba Municipalities

4. Matt Henderson, Private Citizen

5. Florence Horan, Private Citizen

6. Jay Myshkowsky, Private Citizen

7. Claire Cooper, Private Citizen

8. Chuck Davidson, President and CEO – Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

9. Mickey Stanley, Private Citizen

10. Keith Thompson, Private Citizen

11. Johnathan Fahr, Private Citizen

12. Clayton Rumley, Private Citizen

13. Rebekah Swistun-Graig, Private Citizen

Bills Considered and Reported

· Bill (No. 20) – The Manitoba Building and Renewal Funding and Fiscal Management Act (Various Acts Amended)/Loi sur le financement du renouvellement des infrastructures et la gestion financière (modification de diverses dispositions législatives)

Your Committee agreed to report this Bill without amendment on a recorded vote of yeas 6, nays 4.

Ms. Wight: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for St. Norbert (Mr. Gaudreau), that the report of the committee be received.

Mr. Speaker: It's been moved by the honourable member for Burrows, seconded by the honourable member for St. Norbert, that the report of the committee be received. Is that agreed?

Some Honourable Members: No.

Mr. Speaker: I hear a no.

Voice Vote

Mr. Speaker: All those in favour of receiving the report of the committee shall signify by saying aye.

Some Honourable Members: Aye.

Mr. Speaker: All those opposed to receiving the report, signify by saying nay.

Some Honourable Members: Nay.

Mr. Speaker: Opinion of the Chair, the Ayes have it.

Recorded Vote

Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Official Opposition House Leader): Mr. Speaker, could you summon the members for a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker: Recorded vote having been requested, call in the members.

Order, please. The one hour allowed for the ringing of the division bells has expired. I'm instructing that they be turned off, and we'll proceed to the vote.

The question before the House is: Shall the report of the committee be received?

Division

A RECORDED VOTE was taken, the result being as follows:

Yeas

Allan, Allum, Altemeyer, Ashton, Bjornson, Blady, Braun, Caldwell, Chief, Chomiak, Crothers, Dewar, Gaudreau, Howard, Irvin‑Ross, Kostyshyn, Lemieux, Mackintosh, Maloway, Marcelino (Logan), Marcelino (Tyndall Park), Melnick, Nevakshonoff, Oswald, Pettersen, Robinson, Rondeau, Saran, Selby, Selinger, Swan, Wiebe, Wight.

Nays

Briese, Cullen, Driedger, Eichler, Ewasko, Friesen, Gerrard, Goertzen, Graydon, Helwer, Maguire, Mitchelson, Pallister, Pedersen, Rowat, Schuler, Smook, Stefanson, Wishart.

Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Yeas 33, Nays 19.

Mr. Speaker: Declare the motion carried.

* * *

Mr. Speaker: Any further committee reports? Then we'll move on with tabling of reports.

* (15:00)

No guests to introduce today, so we'll proceed with–

Oral Questions

Minister of Local Government

Apology Request

Mr. Brian Pallister (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, the best test of our ability to demonstrate respect isn't when we're faced with people we agree with; it's when we're faced with people who disagree with us.

And last Thursday in this Chamber we had comments made by the Local Government Minister praising presenters at budget committee who he agreed with while denouncing those he disagreed with, calling them howling coyotes was the comment. This is beneath contempt. This is inconsiderate. It is also hurtful and it certainly fails the respect test. But then the minister went on to deny that he had made the comments, hoping that the government's communication staff could get him cover, I suppose, and Hansard comes out and demonstrates that he is caught in a lie, that he's failed now the truth test.

So I want the Premier (Mr. Selinger) to commit today that he will reprimand the minister for behaving as an insolent child would, or will he himself fail the leadership test?

Hon. Ron Lemieux (Minister of Local Government): I would like to thank the member for giving me the opportunity to clarify my comments and–from question period of last week.

Over the past week I've had the opportunity to attend a number of standing committee hearing–min–meetings and hearings from Manitobans over Bill 20–or about Bill 20 and have had–and have been very impressed by the time and energy put into those presentations by people from all sides of the debate. I know I speak for all members of the House when I say that we have the utmost respect for citizens who make the trek to our committee rooms and engage in the legislative process and thus enrich the democratic debate in this province.

Mr. Speaker, in reviewing the record on Thursday's question period, my comments could have been misinterpreted and misconstrued, and in no way would I choose to reflect on presenters in the way that it seems I did. My intention was to reflect on the level of debate during question period. Clearly, my comments could have been made more eloquently and it's regrettable that they were not.

I think all members of the House can also appreciate–

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired.

Ministerial Conduct

Government Record

Mr. Brian Pallister (Leader of the Official Opposition): That's difficult to accept, Mr. Speaker. What the minister has just risen in his place and done is an attempt to obfuscate. His words were clear. His words in Hansard were very clear. His attempt to deny his words was clear and, in fact, his intention was clear.

And so–but this is no surprise. The Local Government Minister's simply following his leader. First, the Premier deceives Manitoba voters by promising no taxes, then he follows it with record tax increases. That disrespects Manitobans. It's no surprise that his minister would reflect the behaviour of his own leader.

The Hydro Minister, for example. After the Premier is asked dozens of questions on the vote tax and refuses to answer, the Hydro Minister is asked simple, straightforward questions and asked to come up with answers and he, too, dodges it. This is another example of following the leader; exactly the kind of conduct the leader demonstrates his ministers do, as the minister is doing right now.

I ask the Premier, then, again: Is there any surprise that his ministers would conduct themselves in these manners as he himself is doing that exact thing?

Hon. Ron Lemieux (Minister of Local Government): Clearly, my comments could have been made more eloquently and, clearly, that is regrettable that they were not.

I think all members of the House can also appreciate the debate in this Chamber during question period sometimes gets heated and passionate. As I speak, Mr. Speaker, as I'm speaking, trying to clarify my position and trying to be as eloquent as I can, saying that we truly respect the democratic process and respect those people that come to committee, you know, people are making comments from the opposition trying to really distract me but also can–you know, raising the volume so you can hardly hear my comments being made. So I think all members of the House can appreciate that debate does get passionate and heated.

Moving forward, I think it's incumbent on all members, myself included, to treat one another and members of the public with respect and try to maintain civility in this Chamber.

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired.

Committee Presentations

Mr. Pallister: Yes, I didn't hear an apology there, Mr. Speaker. Expressing the sentiment after one is caught is not the same as apologizing at the time one made the statement, and certainly the minister had a hundred hours to do that and failed to do it.

We know, members on the other side as well know the thoughtful presentations that were made last week. We understand that many of them were well prepared, certainly most of them were poignant and some of them were, quite frankly, inspirational. And there were Manitobans who fought against cynicism, overcame difficult situations, busy lives, tried to make a difference in the future of their province and they do deserve our respect, and we on this side most certainly do respect very much the contributions they have made.

But how does the Premier show his respect? Not one single presentation–not one–not one minute, not one conversation with one presenter. Not one. That's not how a Premier shows respect for Manitobans. And so it's natural that these ministers would follow in his lead.

Let me ask him to admit today that his conduct around respecting Manitobans has set a very low bar for the ministers in his government.

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The member's time has expired.

Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): I want to thank the Minister for Local Government for expressing his regrets about how his words were both recorded–[interjection] Actually, he did. He did express his regrets, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate the fact that he did that.

And I would say in addition, Mr. Speaker, any time any of us goes and makes a comment which is untoward towards the public, we do want to express our regret for that, because we do respect the role of the public. And that's why Manitoba has this unique procedure where people can come and present on second hearings of a bill, and that's why many members on both sides–of all sides of this House listen to those people attentively, ask questions and respect the fact that as citizens they have a right to be here. So any untoward comments from members on our side of the House, we do regret them. We do apologize if anybody took them inappropriately.

But I want the public to know that we do respect their views, which is why we continue to have these events occur here at the Legislature and do not in any way try to short-circuit them, Mr. Speaker. We want everybody to have a chance to be heard in the province of Manitoba.

PST Increase

Impact on Low-Income Earners

Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, I would say if the Premier respected people that were coming before committee, he would at least showed up once to hear them.

Mr. Speaker, over 200 presenters signed up to come before Bill 20 committee. These were ordinary Manitobans, not howling coyotes, as the Minister for Local Government called them.

Dave Mouland was one of them. He is retired and he volunteers at Winnipeg Harvest. His income is less than $8,000 a year and he doesn't know how he is going to manage this PST hike.

So I'd like to ask the Minister of Finance (Mr. Struthers) to tell us why he has not heard the voices of the poor and working poor as he rams through the PST hike.

Hon. Jennifer Howard (Minister of Family Services and Labour): I think all of us reflecting on the time that we spent in committee listening to Manitobans. I spent some time in committee listening to those presentations and learned a lot in those presentations, heard from Manitobans who have varying views on the issue of what's the appropriate way for a government to levy taxes and what's the appropriate way for a government to fulfill its responsibilities. And I think there's a lot of advice for all of us in those presentations, and we should take some time and reflect on that.

I will say for the members opposite, you know, the decision to raise this tax was a difficult decision for all of us. We did it because we believe that it's a responsible thing to do to make sure that there is money available for the infrastructure needs, for the roads and bridges, those needs that we have, and that we don't have to fund those things at the–

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired.

Mrs. Driedger: Mr. Speaker, that answer just shows you how little this government really listened to the people that came before committee.

Mr. Mouland's main concern is for the poor, elderly retired poor and the working poor. He said these people will be the hardest hit by the increase to the PST. He also warned the NDP not to use taxpayers' money to buy votes at election time but to get up off their butts, as he put it, and earn it.

So I'd like to ask the Minister of Finance (Mr. Struthers) to tell the poor, the working poor, the retired poor, who have nowhere else to go financially: How does he expect them to make ends meet with this PST hike?

* (15:10)

Ms. Howard: When we took the decision to raise this tax, because we thought that the more responsible thing to do if we wanted to make sure that we had the money in place to fund things like roads and bridges and not take it out of services like health care and education, not have to reduce social assistance payments the way that members opposite did, not have to claw back the National Child Benefit–a benefit that we restored that put money directly into the hands of families that needed it–not have to reduce funding for things like education–which we know is the best hope and the best strategy for people who are living in poverty to find their way out of that poverty–we thought, rather than do that, that we would take a very difficult decision because it was a more responsible way to fund the kind of infrastructure needs that we have.

So it is challenging, Mr. Speaker, but I believe it's a more responsible course.

Mrs. Driedger: Mr. Speaker, I was–suggested that it's far more challenging for the poor than it is for this government in having to deal with this PST hike.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Mouland said that all of these people are trying to live on the edge simply because they do not have an adequate income to survive. He said, besides food and rent, they have to find money for medical care, cost of an ambulance, Pharmacare deductible, transportation, clothing, heat and water. He said to the Minister of Finance, and I quote: With my wallet and pockets empty, we cannot afford any more increases. End quote.

So I'd like to ask this NDP government: Did they really listen to the poor? It appears not. This man makes less than $8,000 a year. Her answers are–

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Member's time has expired.

Ms. Howard: Mr. Speaker, you know, we listen every day to families that are having–they're having a difficult time doing the things that they need to do for their families. We listen to them and we do things like bring in a minimum wage increase. Every year that we are–have been in government, that minimum wage has gone up.

We listened to them and we have taken thousands and thousands of Manitobans off the tax rolls by increasing the personal exemption.

We listen to Manitobans when we do things like do our best to provide high quality child care and increase the number of families that get that child‑care subsidy so they can have a place for their child to be while they go to school or they go to work.

We listen to those Manitobans when we make sure they can get the cancer drugs that they rely on at no cost when they choose to stay at home.

And we listen to those Manitobans when we reject the plan of the leader opposite to have two-tier health care.

PST Increase

Referendum Request

Mr. Cliff Graydon (Emerson): Mr. Speaker, it's clear that we thought–we thought–they could have asked Manitobans with a referendum.

On Saturday, Selena Bieber, a small business owner, presented to committee, and she is upset with the lack of integrity of this government. In her view, the government lied. This government's lack of integrity has become clear, both in their vote tax for political–funding political operations, their illegal 14 per cent PST hike.

Mr. Speaker, after hearing all–from all of the protest–presenters, will the spenDP admit today that they have just–they're not just howling coyotes, reverse their wrong-headed 14 per cent PST hike and call that referendum?

Hon. Theresa Oswald (Minister of Health): I thank the member for the question. Certainly, I had the privilege of listening to Manitobans come forward for a number of the committees. Indeed, I did hear Ms. Bieber's presentation, who, you know, spoke about the importance of taking a balanced approach.

And, indeed, I also heard the words of Mr. Heather, who came forward and made mention of the fact that the attitude of members opposite was what he was finding most concerning, that, yes, he understood that making this decision to raise the PST was not an easy one but, indeed, to make investments in infrastructure, in flood protection, in ensuring that we have good schools and good hospitals for all Manitobans was not an idea that was worth all of the negativity brought forward by members opposite. I thought he made some great points.

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired.

Mr. Graydon: Ninety-eight per cent of small businesses agree that Manitoba government should reduce their spending first.

Selena Bieber went on to say that this government's actions speak louder than their words, words that they have yet to live up to. The arrogant spenDP raised the PST 14 per cent illegally and voted themselves each $5,000 to fund a morally bankrupt political party, all while telling Manitobans they would not raise taxes.

Mr. Speaker, will the government today show some respect, reverse their decision, call a referendum and stop this PST hike?

Ms. Oswald: Again, I thank the member for the question. What I've noticed in the discourse on this subject, Mr. Speaker, is that members opposite have been wholly unwilling to acknowledge the work that's been done to bend the cost curve.

For example, in health care, Mr. Speaker, we know that the members opposite created 13 regional health authorities, including two in Winnipeg, at the same time that they were firing a thousand nurses. Now we've reduced regional health authorities down to five, at the same time that we have hired over 3,000 nurses.

I think we could take a very close look at different approaches. Theirs is about cut and slash; ours is about manage and build.

Mr. Graydon: Mr. Speaker, we stand up for Manitobans, we don't stand on them–and this from a minister that has closed 18 rural ERs.

Selena Bieber, like many other Manitobans, is ready to fight back and not listen to this government with their illegal actions. This government lied to Manitobans, first by raising the PST when they said they wouldn't, now adding insult to injury by adding $5,000 per member vote tax on top of it.

Mr. Speaker, will this government today give up the vote tax, call a referendum on the illegal 14 per cent PST increase and give up on their law-breaking once and for all?

Ms. Oswald: Mr. Speaker, I would also add that this same member who makes references to suspensions of ERs in rural Manitoba belongs to a party that believes good fiscal management involves cutting the spaces in medical school so that young people can learn and grow and become doctors right here in Manitoba.

It's very clear, Mr. Speaker. Members opposite have proposed an alternative budget, if you will, that involves deep, deep cuts to things that Manitobans so clearly say that they want and need. Their philosophy in a long-term vision for health care is to cut spaces in medical school, freeze all capital spending, fire nurses and then say–and then complain about the fact that we don't have enough doctors.

It's very clear, Mr. Speaker, they're about cuts. We're about building.

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. I want to remind honourable members that the level is starting to climb again. I'm having difficulty hearing both the questions and the answers. So I'm asking for the co‑operation of everyone, please keep the level down. We have members of the public who are with us in the gallery today. We have folks that are perhaps viewing through their televisions in their homes, and we want to make sure that they are aware of the work that we're doing here and that it's not being interrupted by the volume of the Chamber.

The honourable member for Riding Mountain has the floor.

PST Increase

Referendum Request

Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Riding Mountain): What's very clear to Manitobans is this government's policy of taking money right out of the pockets of the poor.

On Friday evening, Dennis Lewycky of the Social Planning Council very clearly told the Minister of Finance (Mr. Struthers) that, quote, it is difficult to see the merits of increasing the PST and that this tax is regressive, as it demands more from low-income households than higher income households, end quote.

This is yet another example of the NDP not respecting Manitobans. The government says they're listening, but they're not hearing.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask the Premier (Mr. Selinger): Will they respect the rule of law and call a referendum on the PST today?

Hon. Peter Bjornson (Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade): Well, Mr. Speaker, I appreciated the opportunity to sit in on the committee hearings and hear the presentations from a number of organizations, including those who advocate on behalf of the very, very poor in the province of Manitoba.

And, Mr. Speaker, it's really something, from members opposite who cut the benefits in the 1990s–and I've said it before and it's certainly worth saying again, you know, in our 10 years of government we've raised the minimum wage every year, which we heard at the committee hearing from those poverty–antipoverty advocates was a very positive measure to support low-income families. In fact, since 1999 people have more than $6,800 in their pockets in minimum wage jobs.

And I hear the chatter again. They don't want to hear about poverty. They want to ask questions about it, but they don't want to hear about it, because I would stand on our record any day, Mr. Speaker, compared to members opposite. And I'll have an opportunity in my subsequent answers to address exactly what it was that they did.

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired.

Mrs. Rowat: This is pretty rich coming from a government that has implemented the highest tax increases this province has seen in years.

* (15:20)

Mr. Speaker, on Friday Mr. Lewycky also said the government should have engaged the public in a consultation–consultative fashion and respected the existing legal requirements for a referendum, end quote. Manitobans were very clear with the Minister of Finance (Mr. Struthers) on the need for a referendum, and it is not too late for the Premier (Mr. Selinger) to change his mind and respect the law.

Once again, will the Premier respect the suggestions of the social council–planning council of Manitoba, who believe in the rule of law, and call for a referendum on the PST increase?

Mr. Bjornson: Well, Mr. Speaker, the antipoverty advocates do remember in the 1990s when they cut benefits several times over the course of their tenure. In fact, they cut income assistance three times, $150 per month: single persons, nondisabled, reduced by $40 in 1993; reduced by $14 again in 1994; and reduced further by $95.60 in 1996, an 18 per cent cut in a single year.

And, of course, I need to remind them about the National Child Benefit, Mr. Speaker, which they clawed back. And we put that back into the hands of parents as soon as we were elected, over $50 million back in the pockets of those most vulnerable and those that need it the most.

Mrs. Rowat: And again, this statement is coming from a minister, when he was minister of Education, who slashed the pensions of retired teachers, Mr. Speaker.

No–Mr. Speaker, no one, including legislators, are above the law, and the government doesn't seem to understand that. This is a sentiment that countless Manitobans, including the Social Planning Council, has expressed during the public hearings on Bill 20. No one is above the law, and the government deserves to allow Manitobans have a right to say that they do not want the PST or want the PST increase. The referendum is required.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the minister–or I ask the Premier: Will he call for a referendum today and let Manitobans decide with–where they want their money spent?

Mr. Bjornson: Well, this is really interesting, because we have said on many occasions that the great equalizer for those in poverty is education. And, Mr. Speaker, in the 1990s they cut and slashed education time and time and time again.

In fact, I was very proud to be part of a government that has funded education at or above the rate of inflation–or, pardon me, the rate of economic growth, I should say, time and time again. And one of the announcements alone, Mr. Speaker–one of the funding increases alone, in excess of $50 million, represents almost three times the entire investment in the education system when they were in power.

They were cutting education; we were invest–we invest in education, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker: I think we're doing ourselves a disservice here by allowing the volume to continue to escalate. I've given one warning to the members in Assembly here this afternoon already. I'm again increasingly finding it difficult to hear both the questions and the answers, and I'm asking for the co‑operation of all honourable members, please keep the level down a little bit so I can hear the proceedings of the House this afternoon.

The honourable member for La Verendrye has the floor.

PST Increase

Referendum Request

Mr. Dennis Smook (La Verendrye): On Saturday, we heard from many concerned Manitobans about the PST hike, including David Angus from the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Angus and the Chamber of Commerce are strongly opposed to the PST hike. Mr. Angus knows business and he understands that raising the costs of goods and services make small business uncompetitive.

Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Minister of Finance (Mr. Struthers): Why does the NDP ignore the concerns of small business owners in Manitoba, and why won't they call a referendum?

Hon. Steve Ashton (Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation): Well, Mr. Speaker, this is the government that reduced the small business tax to zero; that's listening to small business owners.

And, Mr. Speaker, I think it's particularly important to know when we're talking about the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the province of Manitoba, we have, again, one of the best economic growth rates in Canada, the lowest unemployment. And a lot of it, I think, is because we've invested in the kind of infrastructure that the Chamber of Commerce has called for.

Mr. Speaker, before the 1960s in this province, we didn't have flood mitigation, we didn't have a sales tax. We now have flood mitigation and, yes, we have a sales tax. And because of this budget we're going to extend that flood mitigation to Lake Manitoba, Lake St. Martin, the [inaudible] and many other areas of the province that need that kind of assurance.

Mr. Smook: It's clear that raising the PST will make Manitoba small business uncompetitive. It will drive Manitobans to shop outside the province in Saskatchewan or the US.

This minister has listened to presentation after presentation from small business owners who oppose the PST hike, but this arrogant Finance Minister still thinks he knows more about business than business themselves.

I would ask the Minister of Finance: When will he listen to the concern of small business and hold a referendum on the PST hike?

Mr. Ashton: Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm glad the member opposite talked about the United States, because he might want to check with the people of Fargo that don't have flood mitigation, are now looking at flood mitigation funded by a sales tax.

He might want to get on the phone and talk to our–some of our friends and neighbours in Calgary, because, Mr. Speaker, the city of Calgary is protected to one-in-25-year flooding. This city, this capital city of Winnipeg, is protected to one‑in‑700-year flooding.

Take your pick, Mr. Speaker, but I think the Manitoba model–[interjection]–yes, we have a sales tax, but, yes, we have flood mitigation–is what most Manitobans would expect.

Mr. Smook: I would remind the minister that he should look at what they've done for flood mitigation in the last 13 years. They know there are projects out there, but they haven't announced them all.

Mr. Speaker, this arrogant Finance Minister and the spenDP government has lost the trust of small business owners in Manitoba with their runaway spending and broken promises. Small business owners are once again facing increases in their costs of business. In a CFIB survey of small business owners, 93 per cent believe that the government should hold a referendum before raising the PST.

Mr. Speaker, once again I will ask the minister: Will–when will he respect business owners and call a referendum?

Mr. Ashton: Mr. Speaker, I'm glad the member again has talked about small businesses, because some of the biggest beneficiaries of flood mitigation, including the billion dollars we put into flood mitigation in the Red River Valley, are small businesses.

And I'm proud, Mr. Speaker. In the 2009 flood, which was a greater flood than 1950, we had, not a hundred thousand people evacuated, not 10,000 homes destroyed, we had one home impacted by water seepage. And throughout the Red River Valley, those small businesses he claims to be concerned about, they were open for business.

Because the Manitoba model is based on, yes, Mr. Speaker, we have to pay for it, but flood mitigation that protects Manitobans. And it's a model that is respected around the world, and it's a model that works.

PST Increase

Referendum Request

Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): This past Saturday, Mr. Chris Dsovza, a Point Douglas resident, gave a chilling speech about the impact of the PST hike. He told us that the public anger against the PST increase was beginning to frighten him to the point where his anxiety is triggering flashbacks of the riots in Pakistan that made him flee to Canada in the first place. Mr. Speaker, it's clear that Manitobans like Mr. Dsovza are very angry with the PST hike.

So I ask the provincial government to do the right thing, pull Bill 20, respect Manitobans and call a referendum.

Hon. Jennifer Howard (Minister of Family Services and Labour): I think all of us who attended those hearings were touched by many of the perspectives that people brought, and it drove home for us the amount of people who have come to Manitoba from all over the world, who've come here as immigrants, who've come here as refugees, and I've very proud that our government has continued to have a doors-open policy in Manitoba to welcome people from around the world.

I'm very proud of the work that we have done to continue to press the federal government to ensure that the cap is lifted on the Provincial Nominee Program, a program that members opposite are rightfully very proud of, and yet when they had a chance to stand in this House and stand up for it, did they stand with immigrants and refugees, Mr. Speaker? No, they stood with their federal cousins.

So we listened. We listened attentively, and I think we have much to learn from the people–

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired.

* (15:30)

Mr. Ewasko: Mr. Dsovza also spoke about how he works with the impoverished in the Point Douglas area. He warned that people who live in poverty and who struggle with addictions or mental health issues would have to cope with even less than what they had before the PST hike. This sad reality might make some people turn to crime to make ends meet, he said. The illegal PST hike is taking $5 million a week from hard-working Manitobans.

I ask the Finance Minister today: Will he respect the advice of Mr. Dsovza today and call a referendum on this illegal PST hike, Mr. Speaker?

Ms. Howard: You know, when we talk about poverty, certainly some of the people that struggle with poverty the most in this province are people who are refugees from other countries who come here, who try to get a new start in a country where their families can be protected, where they can live in freedom.

And I'm very, very proud that our government, our Minister of Health (Ms. Oswald), took the decision when the federal government backed away from those people and said, no, even though you're struggling to make a new life, we're not going to pay for your diabetes medicine, that's not on us, that's up to you–when the federal government stepped away from those people, I'm very proud that we stepped forward and funded refugee health care, Mr. Speaker. I'm proud that we were able to do that.

These are the same people–and I wonder if under the plan for the members opposite to cut $120 million out of the budget if that funding for refugee health care would also be gone.

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The minister's time has expired.

Mr. Ewasko: To make matters worse, the member for Dawson Trail (Mr. Lemieux) referred to Manitobans at the PST hearings as howling coyotes. These disrespectful comments undermine the concerns of Manitobans like Mr. Dsovza, who have taken the time to voice their concern regarding the government's illegal PST hike.

I ask the member for Dawson Trail today: Will he apologize to Manitobans, including Mr. Dsovza, and call a referendum?

Ms. Howard: I think we all heard very clearly the minister offer his regrets for the way that his words have been used.

I think he also offered all of us an opportunity to reflect on the way that we speak to each other in this Chamber. You know, I have heard things across the way that never make it into Hansard, that not only would be unparliamentary if I said but, frankly, I'd be blushing if I said aloud, Mr. Speaker. So I think there is a moment for all of us to take a pause and reflect on how we talk to each other.

Do you know what I learned from those hearings, Mr. Speaker? That it is possible for people to disagree fundamentally and vehemently and still treat each other with respect, and I wish we'd all take a lesson from that.

Children in Care

Graduation Rate Tracking

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, on this 13th day of our emergency sitting, the school year's ended and our Legislature's had the privilege of seeing many of our successful graduates celebrating their high school graduation on our own steps.

But while the NDP boast that graduation rates have increased, the graduation rates for students who living in poverty is an appalling 50 per cent, and the Premier was unable, on May the 9th, to answer my question about how many children in care graduate because his government doesn't keep track of this information.

My question to the Minister of Family Services: Will she commit to annual tracking of the high school graduation rates for children who've been in the care of Child and Family Services?

Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, children in care do need to be in school, they do need to have success in school, which is why we just saw less than two weeks ago a mentorship program made available for young people when they turn the age of majority. That program will help them with essential life skills like budgeting, how to find a job, how to find a place to live or maintain a place to live, how to do those things that allows them to function in the community. And so those kinds of supports will be there for people, as well as supports while they're in school.

And, as a matter of fact, we are, with the University of Winnipeg–if somebody is 18 and they're coming out of the child welfare system, they can get a tuition waiver at the University of Winnipeg to attend post-secondary education. And that is a tremendous benefit for somebody that wants to not only go to high school but complete high school and go on to post-secondary education.

School Attendance Rates

Mr. Gerrard: Mr. Speaker, for children who are in the care of Child and Family Services, the government is their guardian and it's clear that attendance at school is a fundamental part of receiving an education, an education that should lead to a high school diploma. But we know that the government has not bothered to track the success of students in the care in terms of graduation rates, and perhaps it because they don't bother to ensure that children under their care even receive the required education.

I ask the Minister of Family Services: What proportion of the approximately 700 children who are in group homes, who are in care, were in full‑time, regular school attendance this last school year?

Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, these questions of young people being in foster homes or being in group homes and whether they're intending school are very important, and that's exactly why there is ongoing monitoring of their circumstances. They each have family caseworkers that work with them. They have people that keep track of how things are going.

The tuition program–the tuition remission program offered at the University of Winnipeg has now been extended to the university of Brandon.

We have a number of Brighter Futures programs across Manitoba, Mr. Speaker, where there's special programs put in place to help people succeed in school. They get to go to school in the summertime to catch up if they need to or to get ahead on courses.

We have a Pathways program operating in the inner city, supported by corporate donations as well as the government of Manitoba. Over 200 people in the Pathways program get extra help with school, with homework, with tutoring and have a safe place to go after school.

All of these measures are intended to assist people such as people in the child welfare system to graduate.

Mr. Gerrard: Yes, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education says on their own website that every legal guardian of a child of compulsory school age is responsible for sending his or her to school. In fact, there are fines for not doing it.

This NDP government is the legal guardian of every single one of the nearly 10,000 children under their care, and yet there are children in group homes of compulsory school age, 7 to 18 years of age, who've either been attending school rarely or not at all.

What is the Minister of Family Services' strategy to ensure that every child in CFS care from age 7 to age 18 is attending school so that the minister is not breaking the law of The Public Schools Act?

Mr. Selinger: Mr. Speaker, that is the role of social workers working in the child welfare system is to monitor and to work with young people who are in the child welfare system, whether it's group homes or any other setting.

It was this government that extended the school leaving age from 16 to 18 years old. It hadn't been changed since 1961. Now it's a requirement for young people to attend school 'til 18. That mandate has been given our public schools.

They are developing and already have in place many very unique alternative programs. The last one I visited, Mr. Speaker, was in Portage la Prairie in the high school there. They have programs on life skills. Many people attending that school are already parents. They're getting support for parenting while they attend school. They're getting support to do employment while they're attending school. They're getting support in child rearing while they're going to school. Those programs are not unique to Portage la Prairie. I've seen them in schools in Brandon and, of course, in the city of Winnipeg and in the school division in Winnipeg.

As a matter of fact, members of this caucus have made a career out of teaching, working with individuals to help them graduate from school.

So this is very important, and we will continue to support a new mandate to keep young people in school 'til 18 and help them–

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The First Minister's time has expired.

Right to Play Program

First Nations Partnership

Mr. Tom Nevakshonoff (Interlake): Mr. Speaker, we know that Aboriginal youth are our fastest growing sector of our population, and we know how important it is to help these youth reach their full potential.

Can the Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities tell the House about the exciting partnership announced this morning, taking place with Fisher River and Pine Creek communities, bringing the innovative Right to Play program to First Nations communities?

Hon. Kevin Chief (Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities): I was very proud on–with the Premier of Manitoba (Mr. Selinger) to announce Right to Play, of course, is here in Manitoba now.

Clara Hughes has been an athlete ambassador of the organization and she's very proud of having it back here. Mark Chipman, the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation, First Nations leadership, along with youth and elders and the chiefs–Chief Crate was there–announced the play program that Right to Play brings in. It maximizes the potential of young people, builds skills and talent.

And I'm very proud to have a government that not only brings people together but invests in the hope, the opportunity and the possibilities that our young people display here in Manitoba. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

PST Increase

Impact on Seniors

Mr. Cliff Cullen (Spruce Woods): The NDP are showing very little respect for Manitobans. The NDP are forging ahead with their PST increase despite what Manitobans are telling them. And this also–despite being immoral and probably illegal, they're forging ahead with their PST increase.

Mr. Speaker, Manitoba seniors are already some of the highest taxed in the country. Will the NDP listen to Manitoba seniors such as Elfriede Kuenstler who spoke at committee last Thursday? And Ms. Kuenstler said to committee that the government should streamline their spending instead of expanding it.

* (15:40)

Mr. Speaker, we're asking the NDP if–what–they will listen to Manitoba seniors like Ms. Kuenstler.

Hon. Steve Ashton (Minister responsible for Emergency Measures): If there's one segment of our population that I think can tell us all about why we need investments in infrastructure and flood mitigation, it's our seniors.

The people that lived through the 1950 flood, they saw a hundred thousand people evacuated in the Red River Valley, 10,000 homes destroyed, Mr. Speaker. It took more than a decade for this province to recover from that. But there was some foresight in the 1960s, a government that acted on flood mitigation, brought in the sales tax.

And I want to say to our seniors and I want to say to members opposite in particular, in case they would care to listen, Mr. Speaker, that just as previous governments have been there in terms of flood mitigation, this government will be there for the people of Lake Manitoba, the people of Lake St. Martin, because we've learned from our history. We learned from our seniors.

This is Manitoba. We invest in flood mitigation, Mr. Speaker, and if that includes paying 1 cent more on the sales tax, we're going to go to every Manitoban and say that's how we got where we're at today, protecting our communities–protecting our communities.

Mr. Speaker: Time for oral questions has expired.

So we'll on to–move to members' statements now.

Members' Statements

Group'Action St. Norbert

Mr. Dave Gaudreau (St. Norbert): The people of St. Norbert have had a long tradition of getting involved in social and community issues. A great example of this is Group'Action St. Norbert, or GAS, a bilingual coalition of over 15 groups of non‑profit organizations who promote solutions to economical, historical and societal and environmental issues in our area. We're very proud of our community of movers and shakers.

Group'Action St. Norbert first began when a determined group of people decided to pool their advocacy for the relocation of the original Duff Roblin park to its new location at the Red River Floodway gates in St. Norbert, and it continued to grow from there.

They are headed up by the very dedicated co‑chairs Bob Roehle and Roger Dubois. One of the Group'Action St. Norbert's most recent successes was the announcement of the St. Norbert BIZ. This association will offer St. Norbert small businesses with a huge advantage in the future.

Group'Action St. Norbert is–in the spirit of the community dedication, lobbied for the creation of the St. Norbert Heritage Trails. These trails are popular with joggers, cyclists and walking groups and roughly cover nine kilometres, weaving through the rich cultural heritage of St. Norbert.

GAS also advocated for further development in apartments and condos for seniors wishing to remain in St. Norbert after selling their family homes and worked with Tourisme Riel to establish a historical geocaching project in St. Norbert.

Mr. Speaker, Group'Action St. Norbert's list of accomplishments is truly something to be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, I'm a big believer in grassroots solutions, solutions that come from people who live, work and go to school in that community.

Thank you to all the dedicated members of Group'Action St. Norbert and thank you to Bob Roehle and Roger Dubois for joining us here today.

Golden West Radio

Mr. Cameron Friesen (Morden-Winkler): Mr. Speaker, today I rise to inform this Chamber of the official launch of the Pembina Valley's newest radio station, Country 88.9 FM. On June the 12th at 10 a.m. Golden West radio officially flipped the switch to change former 1570 CKMW from the AM dial to Country 88 on the FM dial.

Golden West radio has lots to celebrate. As a result of a vision to provide news, weather, sports, farm and business information to Altona, Southern Manitoba Broadcasting was created and CFAM went live on March the 13th, 1957. The station was operated out of a humble studio with 11 employees, one of whom was Elmer Hildebrand.

As the station grew beyond Manitoba boundaries across the prairies into northwestern Ontario, Southern Manitoba Broadcasting became Golden West Broadcasting, and coverage grew to include digital media and an addition of a website presence.

Now, over 55 years later, Golden West radio operates 40 stations and 16 community portals across four provinces with 400 local employees. Golden West was named one of Canada's 50 best companies for two successive years.

I was unable to attend the launch of Country 88, but the mayors of Morden and Winkler were both on hand to add congratulations. Hundreds of enthusiastic people came out for the barbecue. An entire grade 5 class came out to help celebrate.

I congratulate Golden West radio and their team on providing quality service and programming to their radio listeners over 55 years. And I extend best wishes to CEO Elmer Hildebrand, President Lyndon Friesen and Bill Hildebrand, Manitoba operations manager and centre manager for Winkler and their team.

Welcome to the FM dial, Country 88. All the best as you grow and expand and serve the community.

Pickleball

Ms. Sharon Blady (Kirkfield Park): Mr. Speaker, keeping active plays a huge part in a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages.

Pickleball is a new sport that is gaining popularity in Kirkfield Park. Pickleball is fun and challenging but still inclusive of different athletic abilities.

Created in the 1960s, pickleball was named after a dog named Pickles and has gotten exponentially more popular in the past few years. The game is based on badminton-size courts with large racquets that look like oversized Ping-Pong paddles. Pickleball Canada's slogan is A Game for All.

And pickleball really is inclusive of many different abilities. The sport combines the basic principles of racquet sports but with longer volleys and fewer opportunities to smash the ball, which makes it competitive but still family friendly.

Kirkfield Park residents have greatly contributed to the rise in pickleball's popularity. The number of pickleball enthusiasts in west Winnipeg has grown five times in the last two years alone. Pickleball players have demonstrated the sport at the Manitoba Senior Games and at community clubs around Winnipeg to encourage other families and seniors to explore this inclusive sport.

But it can sometimes be a challenge to find enough outdoor space to play, but the Woodhaven Community Club and Kirkfield-Westwood community club have led the charge to accommodate players by painting pickleball lines alongside the traditional tennis lines on their outdoor courts. In the winter, our local churches and community centres open up their gyms and basements for pickleball enthusiasts.

Mr. Speaker, a healthy, active lifestyle helps individuals of all ages to be more meaningfully involved in their communities. I would like to recognize the pickleball enthusiasts in Kirkfield Park for helping to promote fun, fitness and friendship in our neighbourhood.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Joan Thomson

Mrs. Leanne Rowat (Riding Mountain): I am pleased and proud to rise in the House today to recognize and congratulate a very special Riding Mountain constituent, Joan Thomson of Rivers.

Joan worked as a nurse and ambulance attendant for many years, and for the past 18 years she has been volunteering for the Red Cross. She has been a facilitator for first aid, CPR, AED training, PeopleSavers, babysitting, Child Safe, RespectED and SmartStart training, as well as the Red Cross disaster management volunteer.

On May 27, 2013, Joan received the highest honour from the Red Cross, Order of the Red Cross, member level, during a special ceremony in front of Red Cross staff members and volunteers. Joan has proven herself to be an adaptable and encouraging instructor as well as a role model for new and existing volunteers in disaster management.

Joan retired from nursing in 2000, and volunteering with the Red Cross and other local organizations keep her busy and involved in the community. Giving back to her community fills a need in her life, and the experience she has gained as a nurse and ambulance attendance–attendant makes her a valuable resource person.

Mr. Speaker, Joan Thomson is just one of many valuable volunteers in our province. Elizabeth Andrew said: Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.

Please take this opportunity to congratulate Joan Thomson for her recent recognition by the Red Cross.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Classroom Funding in Brandon

Mr. Drew Caldwell (Brandon East): Mr. Speaker, it is critical that our children get the solid educational foundation they need for success in school and, later, in their careers. That's why I'm proud to be part of a government that believes in the importance of investing in education.

I was pleased to accompany the Minister of Education (Ms. Allan) recently in Brandon when the provincial government announced that it will be investing over $4 million to add six new classrooms in Brandon schools. This is part of phase 1 of our plan to invest in the school infrastructure needed to ensure that kindergarten to grade 3 classes be capped at 20 students by September 2017. Over the next school year, $15 million will be invested in new classrooms across Manitoba and a total of $7 million will be invested to hire more teachers.

Brandon's thriving economy is attracting a lot of families to the Wheat City, Mr. Speaker. For this growth to be sustainable, we need to make sure that we are investing in key services like education. The Class Size Initiative will help ensure that families know their children will have the educational opportunities they need, with as much one-on-one time with their teachers as possible. Waverly Park School and Meadows School will each receive two additional classrooms. At George Fitton School, a new gym is being built as part of the initiative to improve gym facilities across the province, and the old gym will be renovated to provide two additional classrooms.

In today's world, education is the foundation of democracy. As a government, Mr. Speaker, we want to make sure our young people get the best education we can provide. By investing in our young people's futures, we are investing in our future.

Mr. Speaker: Grievances. Seeing no grievances–

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

House Business

Hon. Jennifer Howard (Government House Leader): On House Business, I'd like to announce that the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs will meet on Wednesday, July 10th, 2013, at 11 a.m. to consider the appointment of a new Chief Electoral Officer and the process for hiring a new Ombudsman and a new Auditor General.

Mr. Speaker: It has been announced that the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs will meet on Wednesday, July the 10th, 2013, at 11 a.m. to consider the appointment of a new Chief Electoral Officer and the process for hiring a new Ombudsman and a new Auditor General.

* * *

Ms. Howard: Would you resolve into Committee of Supply.

Mr. Speaker: We'll now resolve into the Committee of Supply as listed on today's Order Paper.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, will you please take the Chair.

Committee of Supply

(Concurrent Sections)

INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION

* (15:50)

Mr. Chairperson (Mohinder Saran): Order. Will the Committee of Supply please come to order. This section of the Committee of Supply will now resume the consideration of the Estimates for the Department Infrastructure and Transportation.

Last time we met, on Friday, July 5th, the member for Lakeside moved the following motion:

THAT the line item, 15.1.(a)–1–15.1.(a) the minister's salary be reduced to $1.08.

The question was put and dissenting voices were heard. In accordance with our rule, the Chair can only accept a vote on a question if it is unanimous, and the voice vote on this item was deferred to the next meeting of this section of the Committee of Supply.

I therefore continue with voice vote on the motion.

Voice Vote

Mr. Chairperson: All those in favour of the motion, please say aye.

Some Honourable Members: Aye.

Mr. Chairperson: All those opposed to the motion, please say nay.

Some Honourable Members: Nay.

In my opinion, the Nays have it.

Recorded Vote

Mr. Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): Recorded vote.

Mr. Chairperson: Okay. A formal vote has been requested by two members. This section of the Committee of Supply will now recess to allow this matter to be voted and for members to proceed to the Chamber for the vote.

ADVANCED EDUCATION AND LITERACY

* (15:50)

Mr. Chairperson (Rob Altemeyer): Will the Committee of Supply please come to some semblance of order. This section of the Committee of Supply will now resume consideration of the Estimates for the Department of Advanced Education and Literacy.

Chairperson's Ruling

Mr. Chairperson: Prior to dealing with the business before us, I have a ruling for the committee.

In the section of the Committee of Supply meeting in committee room 255 on July 5th to consider the Estimates of Advanced Education and Literacy, the honourable member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen) moved the motion that this section of the Committee of Supply rise. The motion was put to a vote and the vote was not unanimous. Therefore, according to the provision of rule 77(13) the motion was held aside, as rule 77(13)(a) specifies that if a vote in a Committee of Supply on a Friday is not unanimous the question is then put as the first item of business the next time the Committee of Supply meets.

In spite of rule 77(13)(a) stating that the question would be put at the next sitting of the Committee of Supply, the motion that the committee rise has technically lapsed because, in fact, the section of the Committee of Supply did indeed rise on Friday at 12:30. Accordingly, since the motion has lapsed, there's no vote required on the motion.

In the future, if a motion is moved on a Friday that the section of committee rise and if the vote on the motion is not unanimous, the motion would need to be set aside and the committee can continue with the business before it in accordance with the provisions of rule 77(13)(b).

However, the motion would then lapse when the committee rises at the usual time of adjournment and the Chairperson should indicate this on the record when adjourning that section of the Committee of Supply.

Shall the ruling–[interjection]–oh, sorry, you had a comment?

You're up next. Shall–honourable member for Spruce Woods.

Mr. Cliff Cullen (Spruce Woods): With all due respect, I challenge that ruling.

Mr. Chairperson: Well, I haven't asked if it should be sustained yet, but sure, we'll get there. I'll go first.

Shall the ruling of the Chair be sustained?

Some Honourable Members: Yes.

Some Honourable Members: No.

Mr. Chairperson: Okay, I heard some yeses. I heard some nos.

Voice Vote

Mr. Chairperson: All those in favour, please say aye.

Some Honourable Members: Aye.

Mr. Chairperson: All those opposed, please say nay.

Some Honourable Members: Nay.

Mr. Chairperson: In my opinion, the Ayes have it.

The ruling of the Chair has been sustained.

Recorded Vote

Mr. Cullen: Mr. Chair, I request a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairperson: All right. A formal vote has been requested by two members. This section of the Committee of Supply will now recess so that I may report this request and for members to proceed to the Chamber for the vote.

And we're done for now. Committee is in recess.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

* (15:50)

Mr. Chairperson (Tom Nevakshonoff): Order. This section of the Committee of Supply has been dealing with the Estimates of the Department of Local Government. Would the minister's staff and opposition staff please enter the Chamber.

Chairperson's Ruling

Mr. Chairperson: Order. I have a ruling for the committee.

In this section of the Committee of Supply meeting in the Chamber on July 5th to consider the Estimates for the Department of Local Government, the honourable member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen) moved the motion that this section of the Committee of Supply rise. The motion was put to a vote, and the vote was not unanimous.

Therefore, according to the provision of rule 77(13), the motion was held aside as rule 77(13)(a) specifies that if a vote in the Committee of Supply on a Friday is not unanimous, the question is then put as the first item of business the next time the Committee of Supply meets. The section then recessed until 12:30.

Technically, the section could have continued on with business before it, according to the provisions of rule 77(13)(b), as that rule provides that when a Friday vote on a motion is not unanimous, the committee continues on with the next item for consideration unless the question pertains to the last item of Supply for a department.

Where some confusion arose, on Friday, was due to the fact that the motion that was moved for the committee to rise was a superseding dilatory motion that ordinarily would need to have been disposed of before proceeding with other business.

However, our rule 77(13)(a) clearly states that the question must be put again at the next sitting of the Committee of Supply, so the provisions in our rules would supersede the parliamentary convention of the dilatory motion being dealt with immediately and, in this case, such a motion can be held aside and the committee can continue with the next item of business.

In addition, in spite of rule 77(13)(a), stating that the question would be put at the next sitting of the Committee of Supply, the motion that the committee rise has technically lapsed because, in fact, the section of the Committee of Supply did indeed rise on Friday at 12:30. Accordingly, since the motion has lapsed, there is no vote required on the motion.

In the future, if a motion is moved on a Friday in a section of the Committee of Supply that the committee rise and if the vote on the motion is not unanimous, the motion would need to be set aside and the committee can continue with the business before it in accordance with provisions of rule 77(13)(b).

However, the motion would then lapse when the committee rises at the usual time of adjournment, and the Chairperson should indicate this on the record when adjourning that section of the Committee of Supply.

Mr. Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach): Mr. Chairperson, with respect, I challenge your ruling.

Mr. Chairperson: The ruling of the Chair has been challenged.

Voice Vote

Mr. Chairperson: All those in favour of the ruling of the Chair, please indicate by saying aye.

Some Honourable Members: Aye.

Mr. Chairperson: All those opposed to the ruling of the Chair, indicate so by saying nay.

Some Honourable Members: Nay.

Mr. Chairperson: In my opinion, the Ayes have it.

Recorded Vote

Mr. Goertzen: Mr. Chairperson, could you summon the members for a recorded vote?

Mr. Chairperson: Do you have a seconder for that, Mr.–the member for Steinbach?

Mr. Goertzen: I believe that the honourable member for Tuxedo is willing to second my motion that there would be a recorded vote and that all members be summoned to this House.

Mr. Chairperson: Does the member for Tuxedo support the call?

Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): Yes, I do support this very important and honourable motion by my friend from Steinbach.

Mr. Chairperson: A recorded vote has been requested, call in the members.

All sections in Chamber for recorded vote.

Mr. Chairperson: Order.

The one hour provided for the ringing of the division bells has expired. I'm therefore directing that the division bells be turned off and the committee proceed to the vote.

In this section of the Committee of Supply meeting in the Chamber considering the Estimates of the Department of Local Government, I delivered a ruling clarifying the practices to be followed on a Friday when a motion is moved for the committee to rise and the vote is not unanimous.

The ruling also stated that the motion to adjourn moved at our last meeting on Friday, July 5th, 2013, for which the vote had been deferred, had now lapsed because the committee subsequently rose at the usual time of adjournment on Friday. This ruling was challenged on a voice vote.

Subsequently, two members, the honourable member for Steinbach (Mr. Goertzen) and the honourable member for Tuxedo (Mrs. Stefanson), requested that a formal counted vote be taken on this matter.

Therefore, the question before the committee is: Shall the ruling of the Chair be sustained?

A COUNT-OUT VOTE was taken, the result being as follows: Yeas 33, Nays 19.

Mr. Chairperson: The ruling of the Chair is accordingly sustained.

* * *

Mr. Chairperson: The hour being after 5 p.m., committee rise. Call in the Speaker.

IN SESSION

Mr. Speaker: The hour being 5 p.m., this House is adjourned and stands adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.

CORRIGENDUM

On Tuesday, July 2, 2013, page 2954, second column, sixth paragraph, should have read:

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, you know, on this ninth day of this emergency sitting of the Legislature, the NDP have increased the PST without the legally required referendum, but we are still waiting for sensible expenditure actions to save costs.

Petitions

Committee Reports

Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development First Report

Oral Questions

Minister of Local Government

Ministerial Conduct

PST Increase

PST Increase

PST Increase

PST Increase

PST Increase

Children in Care

Right to Play Program

PST Increase

Members' Statements

Group'Action St. Norbert

Golden West Radio

Pickleball

Joan Thomson

Classroom Funding in Brandon

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

Committee of Supply

(Concurrent Sections)

IN SESSION

Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development
First Report