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.

I'd like to welcome all members back, and I'd like to inform the House that I have received from the Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House a resignation from that–those two positions effective April 29th, 2015.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

Mr. Speaker: Introduction of bills. Seeing none, we'll move on to petitions. No petitions.

Committee Reports

Mr. Speaker: We'll move on to committee reports.

Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs

First Report

Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the First Report of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs.

Clerk (Ms. Patricia Chaychuk): Your Standing Committee on Legislative–

Some Honourable Members: Dispense.

Mr. Speaker: Dispense? Dispense.

Your Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs presents the following as its First Report.

Meetings

Your Committee met on the following occasions in the Legislative Building:

· May 20, 2010 (4^th Session – 39^th Legislature)

· June 13, 2012 (1^st Session – 40^th Legislature)

· June 17, 2013 (2^nd Session – 40^th Legislature)

· January 9, 2014 (3^rd Session – 40^th Legislature)

· January 14, 2015 (4^th Session – 40^th Legislature)

Matters under Consideration

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2008

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2009

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2010 including the conduct of the Concordia by-election March 2, 2010

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2011 including the conduct of the 40^th Provincial General Election October 4, 2011

· Permanent Voters List Study – Report dated June 2013

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2012 including the conduct of the Fort Whyte by-election September 4, 2012

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2013

Committee Membership

Committee membership for the May 20, 2010 meeting:

· Mr. Altemeyer (Chairperson)

· Hon. Mr. Blaikie

· Ms. Brick (Vice-Chairperson)

· Hon. Mr. Chomiak

· Mr. Eichler

· Mr. Goertzen

· Hon. Ms. Irvin-Ross

· Mr. McFadyen

· Mr. Pedersen

· Hon. Mr. Selinger

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

Committee membership for the June 13, 2012 meeting:

· Mr. Dewar

· Mr. Ewasko

· Mr. Gaudreau (Vice-Chairperson)

· Mr. Goertzen

· Hon. Ms. Howard

· Mr. Marcelino

· Mr. McFadyen

· Mr. Nevakshonoff (Chairperson)

· Mr. Schuler

· Hon. Mr. Selinger

· Hon. Mr. Swan

Committee membership for the June 17, 2013 meeting:

· Ms. Braun

· Mr. Dewar

· Mr. Graydon

· Mr. Helwer

· Hon. Ms. Howard

· Hon. Ms. Irvin-Ross

· Mr. Jha (Vice-Chairperson)

· Mr. Nevakshonoff (Chairperson)

· Mr. Pallister

· Mr. Pedersen

· Hon. Mr. Selinger

Committee membership for the January 9, 2014 meeting:

· Hon. Mr. Chomiak

· Mr. Cullen

· Mr. Dewar

· Mr. Goertzen

· Mr. Helwer

· Mr. Pedersen

· Mr. Saran (Vice-Chairperson)

· Hon. Mr. Selinger

· Hon. Mr. Swan

· Mr. Wiebe

· Ms. Wight (Chairperson)

Committee membership for the January 14, 2015 meeting:

· Hon. Ms. Braun

· Hon. Mr. Caldwell

· Hon. Mr. Chomiak

· Mr. Cullen

· Mr. Ewasko

· Mr. Goertzen

· Mr. Maloway

· Mr. Nevakshonoff (Chairperson)

· Mr. Saran

· Mrs. Stefanson

· Hon. Mr. Selinger

Your Committee elected Mr. Saran as the Vice‑Chairperson.

Officials speaking on the record at the May 20, 2010 meeting:

· Ms. Shipra Verma, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer

Officials speaking on the record at the June 13, 2012 meeting:

· Ms. Shipra Verma, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer

Officials speaking on the record at the June 17, 2013 meeting:

· Ms. Shipra Verma, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer

Officials speaking on the record at the January 9, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Shipra Verma, Chief Electoral Officer

Officials speaking on the record at the January 14, 2015 meeting:

· Ms. Shipra Verma, Chief Electoral Officer

Report Considered and Passed

Your Committee considered and passed the following reports as presented:

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2008

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2009

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2010 including the conduct of the Concordia by-election March 2, 2010

Reports Considered but not Passed

Your Committee considered the following reports but did not pass them:

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2011 including the conduct of the 40^th Provincial General Election October 4, 2011

· Permanent Voters List Study – Report dated June 2013

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2012 including the conduct of the Fort Whyte by-election September 4, 2012

· Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2013

Mr. Maloway: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Assiniboia (Mr. Rondeau), that the report of the committee be received.

Motion agreed to.

Mr. Speaker: Any further committee reports?

Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development

First Report

Ms. Nancy Allan (Chairperson): I move–I wish to present the First Report of the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development.

Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Social and Economic–

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 the Legislative Building:

· January 9, 2014 (3^rd Session – 40^th Legislature)

· December 19, 2014 (4^th Session – 40^th Legislature)

Matters under Consideration

· Annual Report of the Manitoba Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Strategy (All Aboard) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.

· Annual Report of the Manitoba Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Strategy (All Aboard) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.

Committee Membership

Committee membership for the January 9, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Allan (Chairperson)

· Mr. Altemeyer (Vice-Chairperson)

· Mrs. Driedger

· Mr. Gaudreau

· Mr. Graydon

· Mr. Helwer

· Hon. Ms. Irvin-Ross

· Hon. Ms. Marcelino

· Hon. Ms. Oswald

· Hon. Mr. Swan

· Mr. Wishart

Committee membership for the December 19, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Allan

· Mr. Altemeyer

· Hon. Ms. Crothers

· Mrs. Driedger

· Ms. Howard

· Hon. Ms. Irvin-Ross

· Mr. Martin

· Mrs. Mitchelson

· Mr. Saran

· Hon. Ms. Wight

· Mr. Wishart

Your Committee elected Ms. Allan as the Chairperson at the December 19, 2014 meeting

Your Committee elected Mr. Altemeyer as the Vice‑Chairperson at the December 19, 2014 meeting

Report Considered and Passed

Your Committee considered and passed the following report as presented:

· Annual Report of the Manitoba Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Strategy (All Aboard) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013.

Report Considered but not Passed

Your Committee considered the following report but did not pass it:

· Annual Report of the Manitoba Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Strategy (All Aboard) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.

Ms. Allan: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Wolseley (Mr. Altemeyer), that the report of the committee be received.

Motion agreed to.

Standing Committee on Public Accounts

First Report

Mr. Reg Helwer (Chairperson): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the First Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following–

Some Honourable Members: Dispense.

Mr. Speaker: Dispense? Dispense.

Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following as its First Report.

Meetings

Your Committee met on the following occasions:

· June 25, 2013 (2^nd Session, 40^th Legislature)

· August 8, 2013 (2^nd Session, 40^th Legislature)

· October 30, 2013 (2^nd Session, 40^th Legislature)

· January 13, 2014 (3^rd Session, 40^th Legislature)

· December 8, 2014 (4^th Session, 40^th Legislature)

Matters under Consideration

· Auditor General's Report – Operations of the Office for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014

· Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Recommendations – dated January 2013

Committee Membership

Committee Membership for the June 25, 2013 meeting:

· Mr. Allum

· Ms. Braun

· Mr. Cullen

· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chairperson)

· Mrs. Driedger

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)

· Mr. Jha

· Mr. Pedersen

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

· Mr. Whitehead

Committee Membership for the August 8, 2013 meeting:

· Mr. Allum

· Ms. Braun

· Mr. Cullen

· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chairperson)

· Mrs. Driedger

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)

· Mr. Jha

· Mr. Pedersen

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

· Mr. Whitehead

Substitution made prior to committee proceedings on August 8, 2013:

· Mr. Gaudreau for Mr. Whitehead

Committee Membership for the October 30, 2013 meeting:

· Ms. Crothers

· Mr. Cullen

· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chairperson)

· Mrs. Driedger

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)

· Hon. Ms. Howard

· Mr. Jha

· Mr. Pedersen

· Mr. Whitehead

· Mr. Wiebe

Substitution made prior to committee proceedings on October 30, 2013:

· Mr. Ewasko for Mr. Cullen

· Mr. Marcelino (Tyndall Park) for Mr. Jha

· Mr. Saran for Mr. Whitehead

Committee Membership for the January 13, 2014 meeting:

· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chairperson)

· Mr. Friesen

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)

· Hon. Ms. Howard

· Mr. Jha

· Mr. Pedersen

· Mr. Schuler

· Mr. Whitehead

· Mr. Wiebe

· Ms. Wight

Committee Membership for the December 8, 2014 meeting:

· Hon. Mr. Dewar

· Mr. Friesen

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)

· Mr. Jha

· Mr. Maloway

· Mr. Marcelino (Tyndall Park)

· Mr. Pedersen

· Mr. Schuler

· Mr. Wiebe (Vice-Chairperson)

Substitution made prior to committee proceedings on December 8, 2014:

· Mr. Gaudreau

Officials Speaking on Record

Officials speaking on record at the June 25, 2013 meeting:

· Carol Bellringer, Auditor General of Manitoba

· Hon. Ms. Oswald, Minister of Health

· Mr. Milton Sussman, Deputy Minister of Health

Officials speaking on record at the August 8, 2013 meeting:

· Carol Bellringer, Auditor General of Manitoba

· Mr. Doug Harold, Audit Principal, Office of the Auditor General

· Mr. Fraser McLean, Audit Principal, Office of the Auditor General

· Hon. Mr. Chomiak, Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines

· Mr. Grant Doak, Deputy Minister of Innovation, Energy and Mines

· Mr. John Clarkson, Deputy Minister of Finance

Officials speaking on record at the October 30, 2013 meeting:

· Carol Bellringer, Auditor General of Manitoba

· Hon. Ms. Irvin-Ross, Minister of Family Services

· Ms. Joy Cramer, Deputy Minister of Family Services

· Hon. Ms. Braun, Minister of Labour and Immigration

· Mr. Jeff Parr, Deputy Minister of Labour and Immigration

· Hon. Ms. Howard, Minister of Finance

· Mr. John Clarkson, Deputy Minister of Finance

Officials speaking on record at the January 13, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Carol Bellringer, Auditor General of Manitoba

· Hon. Mr. Struthers, Minister of Municipal Government

· Mr. Fred Meier, Deputy Minister of Municipal Government

Official speaking on record at the December 8, 2014 meeting:

· Mr. Norm Ricard, Acting Auditor General of Manitoba

Agreements:

Your Committee agreed to conclude consideration of the following sections of the Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Recommendations – dated January 2013:

· Section 7 – Special Audit: Society for Manitobans with Disabilities at the October 30, 2013 meeting.

· Section 9 – Public Sector Compensation Disclosure Reporting at the August 8, 2013 meeting.

· Section 10 – Pharmacare Program – Part 2 at the June 25, 2013 meeting.

· Section 11 – Personal Care Homes Program at the June 25, 2013 meeting.

· Section 12 – Winnipeg Regional Health Authority – Administration of the Value-Added Policy at the June 25, 2013 meeting.

· Section 14 – Special Audit: Rural Municipality of La Broquerie at the January 13, 2014 meeting.

· Section 15 – Special Audit: Rural Municipality of St. Laurent at the January 13, 2014 meeting.

Report Considered and Adopted:

Your Committee has considered the following reports and has adopted the same as presented:

· Auditor General's Report – Operations of the Office for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014

· Auditor General's Report – Follow-Up of Previously Issued Recommendations – dated January 2013

Mr. Helwer: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Morris (Mr. Martin), that the report of the committee be received.

Motion agreed to.

Standing Committee on Public Accounts

Second Report

Mr. Helwer: Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the Second Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following–

Some Honourable Members: Dispense.

Mr. Speaker: Dispense? Dispense.

Your Standing Committee on Public Accounts presents the following as its Second Report.

Meetings

Your Committee met on the following occasions in the Legislative Building:

· February 25, 2013 (2^nd Session, 40^th Legislature)

· May 8, 2013 (2^nd Session, 40^th Legislature)

· March 19, 2014 (3^rd Session, 40^th Legislature)

· September 3, 2014 (3^rd Session, 40^th Legislature)

· January 28, 2015 (4^th Session, 40^th Legislature)

Matters under Consideration

· Auditor General's Report – Annual Report to the Legislature – dated January 2013

o Chapter 1 – Accounts and Financial Statements: Section 10 Annual Report

· Auditor General's Report – Annual Report to the Legislature – dated March 2014

o Chapter 1 – Accounts and Financial Statements: Section 10 Annual Report

· Public Accounts for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 (Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4)

· Public Accounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 (Volumes 1, 2 and 3)

Committee Membership

Committee Membership for the February 25, 2013 meeting:

· Ms. Crothers

· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chairperson)

· Mrs. Driedger

· Mr. Ewasko

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)

· Mr. Jha

· Mr. Pedersen

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

· Mr. Whitehead

· Ms. Wight

Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on February 25, 2013:

· Ms. Crothers for Mr. Allum

· Ms. Wight for Ms. Braun

· Mr. Ewasko for Mr. Cullen

Committee Membership for the May 8, 2013 meeting:

· Mr. Allum

· Ms. Braun

· Mr. Cullen

· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chairperson)

· Mrs. Driedger

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)

· Mr. Jha

· Mr. Marcelino

· Mr. Pedersen

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on May 8, 2013:

· Mr. Marcelino for Mr. Whitehead

Committee Membership for the March 19, 2014 meeting:

· Mr. Friesen

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)

· Hon. Ms. Howard

· Mr. Jha

· Mr. Marcelino

· Mr. Martin

· Mr. Pedersen

· Mr. Whitehead

· Mr. Wiebe (Vice-Chairperson)

· Ms. Wight

Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on March 19, 2014:

· Mr. Marcelino for Mr. Dewar

· Mr. Martin for Mr. Schuler

Committee Membership for the September 3, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Allan

· Mr. Dewar

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)

· Mr. Marcelino

· Mr. Pedersen

· Mr. Schuler

· Mrs. Stefanson

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

· Mr. Wiebe (Vice-Chairperson)

· Ms. Wight

Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on September 3, 2014:

· Ms. Allan for Mr. Jha

· Mrs. Stefanson for Mr. Friesen

· Hon. Mr. Struthers for Hon. Ms. Howard

Committee Membership for the January 28, 2015 meeting:

· Hon. Mr. Dewar

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer (Chairperson)

· Mr. Jha

· Mr. Maloway

· Mr. Marcelino

· Mr. Martin

· Mr. Pedersen

· Mr. Saran

· Mr. Schuler

· Mr. Wiebe (Vice-Chairperson)

Substitutions received prior to committee proceedings on January 28, 2015:

· Mr. Martin for Mr. Friesen

· Mr. Saran for vacancy

Officials Speaking on Record at the February 25, 2013 meeting:

· Ms. Carol Bellringer, Auditor General of Manitoba

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

· Mr. John Clarkson, Deputy Minister of Finance

Officials Speaking on Record at the May 8, 2013 meeting:

· Ms. Carol Bellringer, Auditor General of Manitoba

· Hon. Mr. Struthers

· Mr. John Clarkson, Deputy Minister of Finance

Officials Speaking on Record at the March 19, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Carol Bellringer, Auditor General of Manitoba

· Hon. Ms. Howard

· Mr. Jim Hrichishen, Deputy Minister of Finance

Officials Speaking on Record at the September 3, 2014 meeting:

· Mr. Norm Ricard, Acting Auditor General of Manitoba

· Tyson Shtykalo, Assistant Auditor General

· Mr. Jim Hrichishen, Deputy Minister of Finance

Officials Speaking on Record at the January 28, 2015 meeting:

· Mr. Norm Ricard, Acting Auditor General of Manitoba

· Hon. Mr. Dewar

· Mr. Jim Hrichishen, Deputy Minister of Finance

Agreements:

Your Committee agreed to conclude consideration of Chapter 1 – Accounts and Financial Statements: Section 10 Annual Report of the Auditor General's Report – Annual Report to the Legislature dated January 2013 at the January 28, 2015 meeting.

Report Considered and Adopted:

Your Committee has considered the following report and has adopted the same as presented:

· Public Accounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011 (Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4)

Reports Considered but not Passed:

Your Committee has considered the following reports but did not pass them:

· Auditor General's Report – Annual Report to the Legislature – dated January 2013 (Chapter 1 – concluded consideration of)

· Auditor General's Report – Annual Report to the Legislature – dated March 2014 (Chapter 1 – did not conclude consideration of)

· Public Accounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 (Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4)

· Public Accounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 (Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4)

· Public Accounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 (Volumes 1, 2 and 3)

Mr. Helwer: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Riding Mountain (Mrs. Rowat), that the report of the committee be received.

Motion agreed to.

Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs

Second Report

Ms. Nancy Allan (Chairperson): Mr. Speaker, I wish to present the Second Report of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs.

Clerk: Your Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs presents the following–

Some Honourable Members: Dispense.

Mr. Speaker: Dispense? Dispense.

Your Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs presents the following as its Second Report.

Meetings

Your Committee met on the following occasions:

· July 10, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 255 of the Legislative Building

· April 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 255 (partly in camera)

Matters under Consideration

· Recommendation for the appointment of the Ombudsman

Committee Membership

Committee Membership for the July 10, 2013 meeting:

· Ms. Braun

· Mr. Cullen

· Mr. Dewar

· Mr. Eichler

· Mr. Goertzen

· Hon. Ms. Howard

· Hon. Ms. Marcelino (Logan)

· Mr. Marcelino (Tyndall Park)
(Vice-Chairperson)

· Mr. Pedersen

· Hon. Mr. Swan

· Ms. Wight (Chairperson)

Committee Membership for the April 21, 2015 meeting:

· Ms. Allan

· Hon. Ms. Braun

· Hon. Mr. Chomiak

· Mr. Ewasko

· Mr. Goertzen

· Mr. Helwer

· Mr. Marcelino

· Mr. Struthers

· Mr. Wiebe

· Hon. Ms. Wight

· Mr. Wishart

Your Committee elected Ms. Allan as the Chairperson.

Your Committee elected Mr. Marcelino as the Vice‑Chairperson.

Motions agreed to at the July 10, 2013 Standing Committee meeting:

· THAT a sub-committee of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs be struck to manage the process of hiring a new Auditor General and a new Ombudsman for the Province of Manitoba, under the terms and conditions as follows:

(a) the subcommittee may only report back to the committee with a recommendation that has received a general level of acceptance by all members;

(b) the subcommittee consist of four government members, two official opposition members and one independent member;

(c) the subcommittee have the authority to call their own meetings, the ability to meet in camera, and be able to undertake duties it deems necessary in order to fulfil its responsibilities in the hiring process;

(d) the subcommittee appoint an expert advisory panel of three members to assist in the hiring process and ultimately provide the subcommittee with a prioritized list of candidates;

(e) the subcommittee establish the terms of reference for the expert advisory panel, and that Legislative Assembly staff may be authorized by the Chair to attend all meetings of the subcommittee and the expert advisory panel.

Motions agreed to at the April 21, 2015 Standing Committee meeting:

· THAT the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs now meet in camera.

· THAT the report and recommendations of the Sub-Committee be received. (in camera)

· THAT the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs recommends to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that Ms. Charlene Paquin be appointed as the Ombudsman.(in camera)

Sub-Committee Report

At the April 21, 2015 meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs, the Sub-Committee presented its report.

Meetings:

Your Sub-Committee met on the following occasions:

· January 20, 2014 at 12:30 p.m.

· February 20, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.

· April 28, 2014 at 5:15 p.m.

· May 20, 2014 at 5:15 p.m.

· June 12, 2014 at 5:45 p.m.

· March 10, 2015 at 3:00 p.m.

· April 9, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

All meetings were held in camera in Room 255 of the Legislative Building.

Matters under Consideration:

· Recruitment and Selection of the Ombudsman

Sub-Committee Membership:

Sub-Committee Membership for the January 20, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Allan

· Hon. Ms. Braun

· Mr. Dewar

· Mr. Ewasko

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer

· Hon. Mr. Swan

Your Sub-Committee elected Ms. Allan as the Chairperson and Mr. Dewar as the Vice‑Chairperson during the meeting on January 20, 2014.

Sub-Committee Membership for the February 20, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Allan (Chair)

· Hon. Ms. Braun

· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chair)

· Mr. Ewasko

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer

· Hon. Mr. Swan

Sub-Committee Membership for the April 28, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Allan (Chair)

· Hon. Ms. Braun

· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chair)

· Mr. Ewasko

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer

· Hon. Mr. Swan

Sub-Committee Membership for the May 20, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Allan (Chair)

· Hon. Ms. Braun

· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chair)

· Mr. Ewasko

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer

· Hon. Mr. Swan

Sub-Committee Membership for the June 12, 2014 meeting:

· Ms. Allan (Chair)

· Hon. Ms. Braun

· Mr. Dewar (Vice-Chair)

· Mr. Ewasko

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer

· Hon. Mr. Swan

Sub-Committee Membership for the March 10, 2015 meeting:

· Ms. Allan (Chair)

· Hon. Ms. Braun

· Hon. Mr. Chomiak

· Mr. Ewasko

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer

· Mr. Wiebe

Your Sub-Committee elected Mr. Wiebe as the Vice‑Chairperson during the meeting on March 10, 2015.

Sub-Committee Membership for the April 9, 2015 meeting:

· Ms. Allan (Chair)

· Hon. Ms. Braun

· Hon. Mr. Chomiak

· Mr. Ewasko

· Hon. Mr. Gerrard

· Mr. Helwer

· Mr. Wiebe (Vice-Chair)

Staff present for all Sub-Committee and Panel meetings:

· Judy Wegner, Executive Director, Legislative Assembly Administration and Finance

· Deanna Wilson, Acting Director, Legislative Assembly Human Resource Services

· Andrea Signorelli, Clerk Assistant/Committee Clerk

Sub-Committee Agreements:

Your Sub-Committee reached the following agreement during the meeting on April 9, 2015:

It was agreed to recommend to the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs that Charlene Paquin be appointed as the Ombudsman.

Expert Advisory Panel Activities:

As agreed to by the Sub-Committee on January 20, 2014, the following individuals served as members of the Expert Advisory Panel:

· Tannis Mindell

· Allan Fineblit

· James Wilson

The Expert Advisory Panel met on the following occasions:

· February 12, 2014

· March 25, 2014

· April 9, 2014

· April 10, 2014

· April 11, 2014

All meetings were held in camera on the 10^th Floor of the Woodsworth Building (1035 – 405 Broadway).

The Expert Advisory Panel considered applications for the position of the Ombudsman as follows:

· One hundred and eight applications were received for the position.

· Two individuals were interviewed for the position on April 10, 2014.

· Two individual were interviewed for the position on April 11, 2014.

Ms. Allan: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable member for Concordia (Mr. Wiebe), that the report of the committee be received.

Motion agreed to.

Mr. Speaker: Any further committee reports?

Tabling of Reports

Mr. Speaker: Seeing none, we'll move on to tabling of reports.

I'm pleased to table the annual report of the Legislative Assembly Management Commission for the year ending March 31st, 2015. Copies of the report have been placed on members' desks.

Any further tabling of reports? Seeing none, we'll move on to ministerial statements.

* (13:40)

Oral Questions

Mr. Speaker: Seeing none, we'll move on to oral questions.

Balanced Budget

Provincial Timeline

Mr. Brian Pallister (Leader of the Official Opposition): Welcome back to all members.

I want to particularly say, on behalf of our party, to the member for Assiniboia (Mr. Rondeau) and to the member for Gimli (Mr. Bjornson), we respect your work here. We know that your decision not to seek re-election was a difficult one, and we thank you for your years of service to this place.

The Premier will break his promise again today with what we expect will be a rather massive deficit budget, Mr. Speaker, and his failure to come to grips with the challenge every Manitoban must face up to of living within their means means a massive drain on our social programs now and in the future. It does make moneylenders in Ontario very happy, but it does create very high-taxed Manitobans.

So I have one question for the Premier, and I know Manitobans would appreciate a straightforward answer: When does he plan to finally balance the books of our province?

Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's an honour to be back with you here today and I do want to also join with the Leader of the Opposition in thanking the member from Assiniboia and the member from Gimli for their excellent service to the Legislature over many, many productive years. They've done a phenomenal job.

And I want to welcome the new member from The Pas who is joining us in the Legislature here today for the first time ever. And I know that individual will do an outstanding job for her constituents and for all the people of Manitoba, Mr. Speaker.

And I thank the member for the question opposite. Mr. Speaker, in Manitoba we have one of the strongest, most vital growing economies in the country right now. And when you have a strong economy, that means you have more people working, and we've seen record number of jobs created in this province over the last year and over the last several years. We've seen wage improvements, among leading–leading among the country, of around $40 a week.

So when you have a growing economy and more jobs and good wages, you will come back into balance in such a way that you protect core services for people and make sure families have the ability to look after themselves and keep Manitoba an affordable place to live.

Provincial Budget 2015

Deficit Projection

Mr. Brian Pallister (Leader of the Official Opposition): No answer, Mr. Speaker, none at all. And, in fact, the Premier may be speaking about some forecast that his party's put together, but the actual fact is that under his government, Manitoba has ranked ninth over the last five years in economic growth and in average weekly wage growth. So that's not a record that's enviable at all.

Last election, the Premier campaigned for re‑election on a promise–several, in fact, but one of them was on balancing the books. And he said at that time that he was ahead of schedule. This election, he has no schedule at all. And that's probably a good strategy because, quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, after all the years of broken promises, nobody's going to believe it anyway.

Now, he and three colleagues, all Finance ministers, all promised a balanced budget by now. They all broke their word to Manitobans. They all failed in spite of the highest tax hikes of any Canadian province under this government. They have raised our debt by 60 per cent plus in just five years. That's a massive burden on Manitoba's future.

So I want to ask him an even simpler question and one I hope he will answer factually: What does he project the deficit to be this year's budget?

Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, I look forward to having the budget presented in the House today and then all those answers will be available in terms of how we're continuing to provide fiscal prudence in Manitoba.

We want the economy to get larger. We want the deficit to get smaller. And when we do that, we sustain services for families. We make sure young people have jobs and opportunities for the future. We make sure we grow the economy and improve wages and build the kind of infrastructure that Manitobans deserve, infrastructure that not only makes it–short‑term jobs right now but also allows us in the future to be more prosperous as well with good quality infrastructure. And our five-year, 5-and-a-half-billion-dollar infrastructure program generated thousands of jobs last year, and we anticipate it will generate even more jobs this year as we ramp that program up. And those jobs will be to the benefit of all Manitobans and help us move forward to be a prosperous province.

Balanced Budget

Provincial Timeline

Mr. Brian Pallister (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, he didn't put the PST in infrastructure and the StatsCan stats that came out just a few days ago say we're ranked seventh under the NDP in growth now. So the Premier's maybe talking about one of his forecasts, but his forecasts are notoriously wrong.

Now, this is a record of broken promises from this Premier. He promised that he would respect the right of Manitobans to vote on tax hikes; he took that right away. He promised he would not raise taxes; he raised taxes in broken-promise taxes alone by $1,600 for every family of four in our province. And he said he would balance the books and he broke that one too.

I should put his budget on an Etch A Sketch so he can turn it over, flip it and write it again. Because that's what he's doing, and he needs to turn over a new leaf instead. He needs to stop taking resources from our future and the future of our children and grandchildren so he can buy votes with it today.

Now, when will he learn to manage within his means? When will he balance the budget? Will it be three years, will it be 10 years, or will it be never?

Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, we will continue to grow the economy to have people working in Manitoba. That's what we will do. Twenty thousand additional jobs in Manitoba last year, over 70 per cent of those jobs in the private sector, more than 70 per cent of those jobs full-time work.

Families, since we've come in office an average family has seen tax reductions in the order of $4,200 for a family.

Mr. Speaker, when we came into office small business paid a tax rate of 9 per cent. What is the tax rate today? Zero, the lowest in the country–the lowest in the country. Corporate tax rates when we came into office were 17 per cent; they're now 12 per cent.

I do note, Mr. Speaker, the two Conservative governments in other provinces have dramatically raised taxes this year. The budget delivered today in Newfoundland has raised the harmonized sales tax from 13 to 15 per cent today. The government of Alberta has raised income taxes and brought back fees for health care, health-care premiums.

And I do note that the federal government continues to have employment insurance premiums that generate surpluses to balance their budget, in other words, money that belongs to working people that has been retained by the federal government for balance purposes, Mr. Speaker.

Balanced Budget

Government Promise

Mr. Cameron Friesen (Morden-Winkler): Mr. Speaker, Manitobans are tired of this NDP government's record on broken promises when it comes to eliminating the deficit. It was a fundamental 'plendge' of the NDP government that they would eliminate the deficit by 2014.

And, in fact, one year ago in this Chamber the Finance minister said, and I quote, we are on track to return to balance, end quote. But they broke that promise by a country mile, and instead of a balanced budget in 2014 Manitobans got a $500-million deficit.

Mr. Speaker, they said they were on track. My question today is: Will they just admit that this NDP government has no credibility when it comes to staying on track?

Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, our economy has been one of the top three economies performing in Canada over the last 10 years. That's staying on track–that's staying on track–for steady growth and good jobs and opportunities for people.

And all the provinces and the federal government came together in the '08-09 recession, and every province and the federal government realized they had to do something to make sure that the global economy and in particular the Canadian economy remained healthy and vibrant, and we did that.

And now we're all working our way through that, Mr. Speaker, and other people are taking different approaches. We're seeing that across the country with major job losses, major threats to core services, the shutting down of resources for health care, the laying off of teachers. If the Leader of the Opposition and his caucus want to return to that approach, let them say that.

We take an approach which makes Manitoba families stronger, which makes the economy stronger, which generates more jobs and better wages. And when we do that we will also reduce the size of the deficit, come back into balance with a stronger Manitoba and a more prosperous Manitoba.

Mr. Friesen: Let's be clear, Mr. Speaker. Their record is steady growth in taxes, steady growth in debt.

Mr. Speaker, this is about credibility and they have none. In 2013 they set a new target to eliminate the deficit and they said now we'll return to balance in '16-17. And last year the Finance minister said again they were on track. But just four months ago this Finance Minister said, it is the goal of our government to return to surplus in 2016-17, and now, yet again, the NDP government has broken its promise to Manitobans.

My question for the government: How can they so quickly break a promise they made to Manitobans four months ago? Why would Manitobans believe anything they said today?

* (13:50)

Mr. Selinger: The promise we made to Manitobans was to take a balanced approach, and that balanced approach was to ensure that people had those essential health-care services that they needed, was to ensure that we continue to grow the economy and create jobs for young Manitobans who want to remain here and have their families here and make sure that we had decent wages for people. And all of those things we've followed up on.

We also said we would reduce the deficit, and we have done that. We also said we would be fiscally prudent and drive efficiencies in the system, and we have done that. When we came into office, the leader–the members opposite had 13 regional health authorities; we now have five. We said we would reduce the number of school divisions, and we've done that by a third, from around 57 to around 37. We said we would generate more efficiencies in the Crown corporations, and we brought liquor and lotteries together as one unified corporation, which has already saved us $6 million in overhead costs. And when we did that, we took those resources and we invested them in services that Manitobans need, such as free cancer-care drugs for families and individuals that desperately need it while they're trying to recover their health and stay in the workforce and look after their families.

Provincial Deficit

Government Promise

Mr. Cameron Friesen (Morden-Winkler): Mr. Speaker, the First Minister speaks of a balanced approach, but he's sitting on $33 billion of debt and a $400-million deficit. Balance? I think not.

Mr. Speaker, just days ago, the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dewar) said, and I quote: We've decided that rather than meet that arbitrary target, the budget will remain in deficit until 2018. End quote. This is the Finance Minister of the Province of Manitoba, and he characterizes his own government's financial plan as an arbitrary target.

Manitobans understand this government is marked by dysfunction, discord, disarray and dishonesty.

Will the government admit today that government spending is out of control and that the only promise this First Minister plans to keep is that Manitobans will pay more and get less?

Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, 20,000 additional jobs is 20,000 more Manitobans working. Growing the economy, among the strongest in Canada, is good news for everybody in this province. That's good news for business, that's good news for families, that's good news for people that want to have health-care services. That's good news for the education system that is graduating a record number of students in the K-to-12 area. When we came into office the graduation rate for young people in high school was 73 per cent. I can tell members opposite today that the graduation rate for young people in high school now–87 per cent, Mr. Speaker, 87 per cent.

So when the member opposite asks us about broken promises, I remind him that it was him that ran on the promise of balancing the budget in 2018. And I ask him today, if he ran on that, why does he have a problem with it?

Taxation Policy

Economic Impact

Mrs. Heather Stefanson (Tuxedo): Well, I know the Premier has been preoccupied lately, and perhaps he missed an email from Statistics Canada that suggests that the average weekly wage growth in Canada was second last in our country. Mr. Speaker, those are the facts. And also according to Statistics Canada, the Manitoba economy grew by only half the rate that this NDP government projected last year.

Clearly, this NDP government's broken promise on taxation policy have had a negative impact on our economy.

Can the minister explain why Manitoba's economic growth is almost dead last in our country?

Hon. Kevin Chief (Minister of Jobs and the Economy): I was eager to answer this question. As been said, and it's been forecasted by private sector forecasters–I think there's up to eight of them, actually–that talks about how strong our economy is here in Manitoba, leading the nation not just for this year but for the next two years.

When it comes to wages, Manitoba has seen the largest wage growth in the last year at 4.3 per cent, the average worker earning up to $40 more per week than they did last year.

But the member opposite doesn't have to take my word for it. There's multiple headlines that talk about Manitoba in economic elite. That's not our headline; that's the headline that–the Winnipeg Free Press. The construction business is booming in Manitoba, Mr. Speaker, strength in diversity. So there's story after story.

There's economic private sector analyses that are being done. So they don't have to take our word for it. The evidence is clear. We're seen as economic leaders across the country because our plan is working and we're helping Manitobans get good jobs, Mr. Speaker, and growing our economy.

Mrs. Stefanson: We'll not take your word for it, Mr. Speaker, or their word for it. We'll take the word of Statistics Canada, the facts that suggest that in average weekly wage growth, we're second last in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, also, Manitoba's economic growth for 2014 was a mere 1.1 per cent, less than half of the previous year's growth. Manitoba fared worse than every other province in our country with the exception of New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, will the minister just admit that his broken promises on taxation policy are–is hurting the Manitoba economy?

Mr. Chief: Mr. Speaker, we see CIBC World Markets that are giving analysis on this. We see Scotiabank giving analysis on this. We see BMO Capital Markets giving analysis on this, TD, Royal Bank. There's independent private sector forecasters that are talking about the strength of the Manitoba economy.

And I can tell you, never before have we seen so many young people. We have the youngest and fastest growing demographic here in Manitoba anywhere in the nation. It's very clear that these young people know that they can live in Manitoba, they can earn a living here, they can give back to their hometowns and home communities. They're connecting with people all over the world through our Innovation Strategy, Mr. Speaker, working closely through–with people like Michael Legary and Dave Angus with Startup.

So we're seeing incredible things happening and lots of optimism with our young people in Manitoba, and this summer more young people will be working here in our province than ever before.

Mrs. Stefanson: Mr. Speaker, the facts show that we are almost dead last in our country, and these are not good statistics for our province.

The NDP government's high-taxation policies have hurt the Manitoba economy and subsequently have threatened the delivery of front-line services to those most vulnerable people in our province.

Mr. Speaker, why are they jeopardizing and threatening front-line services in health care, education and to the most vulnerable children in our community?

Mr. Chief: Mr. Speaker, we continue to work with businesses. We continue work with people in our private sector.

We also work with our non-profit organizations. Mr. Speaker, a great example is one of the first things we did, we reinstated all the funding back to the friendship centres. Many young people, many families that are looking to build belonging, get job skills, making sure they have networking opportunities go down to their local friendship centres. I've seen members opposite attend some events over there.

Mr. Speaker, these are ways in which you can support vulnerable people. These are ways in which you can engage community. We are seeing more investment in non-profit organizations and matching them up with businesses, and when you engage more people, those services and resources work better.

Any time the member opposite wants to join me and come and see how these investments are making a difference, I'll be glad to buy her lunch down in Point Douglas at Neechi Commons. I'd be more than willing to show her and see some of these stories and see the impacts that friendship centres are having all throughout the province.

Children in Care

Hotel Accommodation

Mr. Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie): Manitobans are tired of this government's mishandling of child and family services.

Last December, after Tina Fontaine's tragic death, the minister in charge of child and family services announced that she would hire 210 more staff to create 71 new spaces to keep children out–keep children in the care of CFS out of hotels.

Then, this spring, the minister again committed to having all children in the care of CFS out of hotels by June 1st, this in response to yet another horrendous incident involving two children in the care of CFS living in hotels.

My question to the minister is simple: How many lives have to be lost or ruined before this minister actually takes real action to keep children in the care of CFS out of high-risk places like downtown hotels?

Hon. Kerri Irvin-Ross (Minister of Family Services): I was deeply saddened and outraged at the assault of the young child that happened in our city, and I think I was joined by every Manitoban and I'm sure every member of this House when we heard the devastating news.

When families approach child and family services, they are asking for support and encouragement to keep their families together. We've been working on that with our many partners. We have a lot of work to do.

* (14:00)

And, yes, we made a commitment that on June 1st that there will be–we will eliminate the use of hotels. Hotel usage is a placement of last resort. It was used when there were multiple siblings that were brought into care, when there were placement breakdowns.

We have to continue to work with all of our community members to support our families.

Mr. Wishart: Well, Mr. Speaker, back in 2006, then-minister, the member for St. Johns (Mr. Mackintosh), promised to get all kids–or all CFS children out of hotels by July 2007. Broken promises from 2007, broken promises from last fall, more promises this spring.

Why should Manitobans believe that this new promise for June 1st will be any different? How many times can a promise be broken and at what cost to Manitoba's most vulnerable children?

Ms. Irvin-Ross: There are a number of agencies and authorities that work every day to protect Manitoba children and to support their families. They get up every morning to try and make a difference.

We have made a difference. We have hired more child protection workers. We made a commitment that we would establish 100 more specialized units; we have now 51 of those completed. We made a commitment in November that we would hire 200 more child-care workers and provide them with the training and the supervision that they need to support the children that they are entrusted with. We have 50 of those positions hired.

We are continuing to work with all of our partners, and we are making a difference, and we will continue to do that.

Science, Reading and Math

Education Assessment Results

Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome the new, old, new Minister of Education back to his portfolio. In fact, this minister is the fourth minister of Education since the broken-promise election of 2011. No wonder that our Manitoba students are last in the country in numeracy, literacy and in science with this revolving door of leadership.

Mr. Speaker, will the Minister of Education admit today that Manitobans are paying more and getting far less?

Hon. James Allum (Minister of Education and Advanced Learning): I thank the member for the question. I want to say that it's a great honour to be an MLA in this House, and it's a great honour to serve in any Cabinet portfolio. I want to pay particular tribute to my friend from Gimli, who is my immediate predecessor in this job, as he did an outstanding job working on behalf of students, working on behalf of parents, working on behalf of teachers to build a quality education system for all of our students.

Mr. Speaker, our record on education, on funding of education, on supporting 'steacher'–on supporting teachers, on building new schools is second to none in this country. I stand by our record.

And, Mr. Speaker, I note that while the member has pointed to my changing seats, he's still on the other side of the House, still in opposition. I expect him to remain there, Sir.

Mr. Ewasko: I think an election is in order, Mr. Speaker. An election is in order.

Mr. Speaker, as an educator myself, I am disappointed with these results. It turns out that the minister is disappointed as well. In fact, December 5th, 2013, he stated in this House, and I will quote, "we do find the results unacceptable." End quote.

Will the Minister of Education agree with me today and admit to Manitobans that they are paying more and getting far less, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Allum: Of course, he's referring to the tests that were released last year, and it goes without saying we were disappointed in the results. But what the member fails to realize is what those tests indicated, Mr. Speaker, that more than 86 per cent of our kids were meeting expectations or better. In addition to that, as the Premier just referenced, our graduation rates were 71 per cent in the early 2000s; today they've maxed out at 87 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is our government is committed to ensuring that our kids get the best possible education that they can get, that they have fundamentals–the skills and fundamentals they need to go on, continue their education on into post-secondary education, go on and get a job and continue to live right here in Manitoba.

Access to Family Doctors

Government Promise

Mrs. Myrna Driedger (Charleswood): Mr. Speaker, four years ago and three Health ministers ago, this NDP government promised every Manitoban that they would have a doctor by January of 2015.

I would like to ask the Minister of Health: Why did they break that promise?

Hon. Sharon Blady (Minister of Health): I'd like to thank the member for the question.

Every Manitoban does deserve a family doctor, and the commitment was made that–and this is where I think there's maybe some nuances within the English language–every Manitoban that wants one will have a doctor by the end of 2015. We said by 2015, and we have made progress in this goal, Mr. Speaker. We have made progress. We have already connected nearly 28,000 Manitobans with a primary-care practitioner thanks to the Family Doctor for All; 96 per cent of registrants have been successfully matched with a provider, and 85 are now being connected within 30 days. And I'm pleased to say I've met many folks who've been matched within one day.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mrs. Driedger: Mr. Speaker, the minister needs to correct her information because it was a promise made by this Premier and by other Health ministers that by 2015 they would have and ensure that every Manitoban would have a doctor.

So I'd like to ask this Minister of Health again to get her facts straight and tell Manitobans: Why did they break their promise to have a doctor for every Manitoban by January 2015?

Ms. Blady: As I've said, we have made many commitments to Manitobans on health care, and it has been about finding people a doctor by this year. I don't believe anyone in this Chamber identified a particular date. It's by this year, and we are working successfully towards that goal.

And I can tell you one of the things that is so important in ensuring that we have a doctor for everyone is to actively train doctors. So we've taken the 70 seats that they cut doctor training back to, we've raised it to 110 over the years. We've got more internationally trained doctors here, and we are retaining them at a rate that Manitoba can be proud of. So that's how you get doctors. You also don't chase them out of the province. You sign strong contracts with them that ensure they–

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

Balanced Budget

2011 Election Promise

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, in the 2011 provincial election, the Premier promised that he would have a balanced budget by the 2014‑2015 fiscal year with yet another broken promise. The recent third-quarter financial report, the 2014-2015 fiscal year, has projected a deficit of more than $400 million, and we hear the latest Finance Minister of the day pushing the time for a balanced budget even further into the future.

Will the Premier now explain to Manitobans why he broke his 2011 election promise by hundreds of millions of dollars?

Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from the member from River Heights because it allows me to explain to him again that we have taken a balanced approach to growing the economy, we have taken a balanced approach to investing in infrastructure.

The member will recall the report that came in from an independent committee that recommended over a billion dollars of investment in flood protection in the Lake St. Martin, Lake Manitoba areas of Manitoba as well as in the Assiniboine valley. Those are big commitments. We are moving forward on those commitments to protect communities. There is no economy for a community that's under water, Mr. Speaker. We make those decisions based on the vital interests of Manitobans, and the public interest demands that we invest in those flood protection projects as well as other projects which will grow the economy.

We did it for the city of Winnipeg. We've invested over a billion dollars in the Red River Valley and the floodway that goes around the city of Winnipeg. That has avoided costs–that has avoided costs–of at least 14 to 15 times more than that. Every dollar invested has saved 14 to 15 dollars. Those are good investments for a safer, more prosperous Manitoba.

* (14:10)

Balanced Budget Legislation

Future Changes

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Mr. Speaker, four years after the flood, the people of Lake St. Martin still are not home.

Last week the Finance Minister of the day announced that the budget won't be balanced until at least 2018, maybe even later the way that the NDP are mismanaging affairs here. Today's NDP government is continuing to increase Manitoba's debt, leaving it to our children and our grandchildren to solve the problem that the Premier's creating as a result of changing and ignoring our laws on balancing the budget.

I ask the Premier: Is he now also planning to change the balanced budget legislation yet again, or he–will he continue ignoring it?

Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Mr. Speaker, we will carefully consult Manitobans, just like other governments have done. We will carefully consult them about the necessary changes that need to be made in order to ensure Manitoba continues to prosper.

I point out to the member opposite that we set aside $100 million just–in two budgets ago for helping people return home, to partner with the federal government to rebuild entire communities that had been flooded many times. No other government has made that commitment. We're pleased to work with the federal government to rebuild communities like Lake St. Martin, like Dauphin River, like Pinaymootang. Those commitments require resources, and we have set aside substantial resources to do that.

If the member now thinks that we should balance the budget and leave those people without rebuilt communities, let him say so. We made a choice to make Manitoba safer for all Manitobans, Mr. Speaker, regardless of where they live.

NDP Fiscal Management

Budget Projection Targets

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): No answer on changing the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, the financial mismanagement by today's NDP continues unabated. The third-quarter financial report projects that once again the government will not meet its expenditure targets for 2014-2015 but instead will have spent $177 million more than budgeted.

I ask the Premier if in continually spending more than budgeted, is he following the NDP mantra stated by the then-Finance minister in last budget speech, and I quote, we know how to have a good time?

Hon. Greg Selinger (Premier): Well, Mr. Speaker, we're committed to making sure that we reduce the deficit while we grow the economy, create more jobs for Manitobans, make sure Manitoba remains an affordable place to live, make sure that we have the essential services they need from home care to hospital services.

And I point out to the member opposite, our cost of servicing the debt is 5.6 cents on the dollar. It's less than half of when we came into office when it was 13.2 cents on the dollar.

We are making progress. Our investments are sustainable, Mr. Speaker. They are growing the economy and they are allowing Manitobans to have a high-quality place to live and work here in the province of Manitoba.

Manitoba Economy

Business Investment

Mr. Clarence Pettersen (Flin Flon): Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank everybody for being back and getting back to work. I notice on this side of the House there is a look of confusion, and so I'd really like to reintegrate, it's really an exciting time in Manitoba.

We've seen growth across the province. Our infrastructure plan includes upgrades to CentrePort Canada so that a–Manitoba businesses can get their products to market around the world. We're making upgrades to all major trade corridors: the Trans-Canada Highway, the Highway 75, Highway 10, Highway 6, Highway 9. Captain Asphalt is not here because he's out working.

Just recently–just recently–the Winnipeg Free Press said that Manitoba is in the economic elite, and I want to reiterate, the economic elite. There seems to be confusion on this side. The good times are rolling on.

Can the minister–

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please.

The honourable member's time has elapsed for the question.

Hon. Kevin Chief (Minister of Jobs and the Economy): You can see the member opposite's quite excited about our economy in Manitoba, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the member for the question.

Mr. Speaker, we're going to continue working and supporting Manitobans who–they're working hard to earn a good living for themselves and their families. We know our businesses here in our province are some of the most generous, and when they do well they give back to their hometowns. They give back to their home communities. We work alongside of these businesses by providing training opportunities. We have one of the youngest and fastest growing demographics in the country.

All of these things draw people to our province to want to do business, Mr. Speaker. Once again, members opposite don't have to take my word for it; they can talk to the good folks at New Flyer, the good folks at Canada Goose, the people at Winpak and even the good people down in Valeant in Steinbach, Manitoba.

Provincial Budget 2015

Infrastructure Spending

Mr. Reg Helwer (Brandon West): Mr. Speaker, I'd like to welcome the new Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation (Mr. Ashton), and for taxpayers' sake, I hope he's more successful than his predecessors at keeping promises.

Mr. Speaker, Manitobans are tired of the many, many broken promises from this NDP government, especially when it comes to infrastructure. They promised to spend $2 for every $1 raised by the gas tax; that did not happen. They promised that every dime of the increased vehicle registration fees would go to roads and highways; again, not one dime went to infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, what new broken promise will Manitobans see in the budget today for infrastructure?

Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Acting Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation): First and foremost, thank you for that question and thank you for bringing a question that I think all province of Manitoba taxpayers will appreciate of the dollars that are being invested into infrastructure, bridges and flood protection.

As the member opposite would soon recognize, the great job that was done on Victoria Avenue and when we talk about his request from this–from his part of his constituency, asking for it to be done.

So what does our government do? We provide. We provide the services that appreciate to the people that live in Brandon and use the services throughout the province of Manitoba, the ratepayers that support the city of Brandon when they go shopping there. And they continue to improve the economic importance of agriculture by improving highways for our farmers to move cargo throughout the province and beyond the province of Manitoba.

Mr. Helwer: Mr. Speaker, Manitobans are tired of the same old NDP broken promises and they're telling us that they want a change for the better.

In 2012 the NDP broadened the retail sales tax, made more infrastructure promises and, again, not one new dime went to spending on infrastructure. Of course, the big one, the big lie, every cent, every dime, every dollar from the PST increase was to be spent on core infrastructure, over $2.2 billion underspent on infrastructure since this Premier (Mr. Selinger) took over. That's your five-year failure; that's their five-year lie.

Mr. Speaker, what new broken promise will Manitobans see in the budget today for infrastructure?

Mr. Kostyshyn: Mr. Speaker, it's quite ironic to me, the members are opposite saying, save, save, save, but yet they're encouraging us to spend. So I'm really trying to challenge the members opposite on their philosophy. What is it they really want?

We are listening. We've made a decision as government. We're showing the materialistic as far as asphalt on the roads to improve the infrastructure. As we all know the importance, as we look out throughwards Canada, and I know that our province has taken a lead role and we will continue to work for all areas of the province.

And I think based on the previous government, going back into the '90s, how many dollars did that government spend in the northern portions versus where we're focused throughout the whole province of Manitoba for the betterment of all taxpayers from the province of Manitoba?

Flood Compensation

Claim Settlements

Mr. Shannon Martin (Morris): Mr. Speaker, the NDP's list of broken promises grows every day the Premier (Mr. Selinger) opens his mouth; 1,100 Manitobans whose unsettled flood 'caims' to 2011 and 2014 form part of the growing list of victims of the NDP's broken promises.

The MLA for Interlake dismissed these Manitobans, whose lives have been greatly disrupted, by stating that they'd been simply, and I quote, inconvenienced, end quote, by the flooding.

Does the Premier agree with the MLA for Interlake that 1,100 Manitobans forced to put their lives on hold for several years as they wait for promised flood compensation is just an inconvenience?

* (14:20)

Hon. Thomas Nevakshonoff (Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship): No fair choking me up on my first question here, but–and to begin, Mr. Speaker, I want to just thank you for the time that I worked with you as your Deputy Speaker. It was a very exciting time, and never thought I would be on the other end of this equation, but here I am. And so I will–sixteen years seemed to go by in just a flash. And I face it with some trepidation, I have to say. Given that I'm new to the job, now I feel like a young bridegroom on his marriage night. So I hope members opposite will treat me gently and–but, oh, well, I'll proceed nonetheless.

But as to the member's question, I have to say that the needs of the people of the Interlake, the people who have been flooded, is first and foremost in my mind. When I campaigned in the last election, I committed my entire term in office to seeing that the needs of those people who were dispossessed would be addressed. And we're working on that.

The Premier has said, just a moment ago, a commitment over $100 million to relocating these people–

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. Order, please. The honourable minister's time for the question has elapsed.

Order, please. Time for oral questions has expired.

Introduction of Guests

Mr. Speaker: Before proceeding with our further business, I'd like to draw the attention of honourable members to the loge to my right where we have with us Ms. Bonnie Korzeniowski, the former member for St. James.

On behalf of all honourable members, we welcome you here this afternoon.

Members' Statements

Mr. Speaker: It's now time for members' statements.

National Day of Mourning

Mr. Dave Gaudreau (St. Norbert): Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I joined many of my fellow NDP colleagues in observing the Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job. On Tuesday, April 28th, workers and governments around the world took time to remember the men and women who did not return home safely from work last year.

SAFE Workers of Tomorrow organized this year's annual Workers' Day of Mourning Leaders' Walk. Together the–with union leaders, students, workers, community leaders and MLAs, we walked from the Union Centre to the Legislative Building and then listened to speeches here in the Rotunda.

The Day of Mourning has special significance for Manitoba. In 1991, a Member of Parliament, Rod Murphy, introduced private members' legislation that prompted the Parliament of Canada to officially recognize April 28th as the National Day of Mourning.

Seven years earlier, Manitoba union leader Dick Martin was instrumental in the Canadian Labour Congress initiating to designate April 28th as National Day of Mourning.

Since the year 2000, we have reduced the time-loss injury rate by more than 40 per cent, but we still have more work to do. This year, the Day of Mourning focused on the theme New and Vulnerable Workers, as workers new to Canada often face a greater risk of traffic workplace incidents.

We must continue to do everything we can to ensure that we provide these workers with support and resources they need to overcome barriers such as language and culture in order to exercise their rights and responsibilities to a safe workplace.

As we remember and honour those workers who were killed and injured on the job, we must accept our responsibility and strengthen our commitment to work together to put an end to those preventable tragedies.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Nepal Earthquake

Mr. Ron Schuler (St. Paul): Mr. Speaker, Manitobans' hearts and prayers go out to the families of the more than 5,500 people killed in an earthquake that devastated Nepal and its surrounding areas five days ago.

Reports continue to come in as survivors are found in the rubble, most recently a 15-year-old boy and a woman in her 20s, who survived by drinking the water from their wet clothes.

We saw a picture earlier this week of a soldier pulling out a four-month-old baby from beneath the rubble, completely white from the concrete dust, miraculously alive and unharmed.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake destroyed nearly 70,000 homes, injured 11,000 people and has affected close to 8 million people.

We are very supportive of the rescue and relief efforts being made by the international community, including aid from the Government of Canada, who sent our specialized military Disaster Assistance Response Team, or DART. Along with DART, Canada has sent Nepal much needed supplies as well as emergency responder teams from British Columbia.

It is during days like today that we are absolutely reminded of how important our Canadian Armed Forces are, both at home, protecting us from the raging Red River, and abroad, having the ability and capacity to respond in a timely fashion and come to the aid of those who need it most.

I believe we speak for all Manitobans as the Manitoba Legislature extends our deepest sympathy to those who have lost someone in this tragedy. Terrible days lay ahead for the responders as the inevitable process begins of recovering the bodies of all those who remain trapped beneath the rubble.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for leave that the Manitoba Legislature takes a moment of silence in remembrance of the families and loved ones who are suffering in Nepal because of this tragedy.

Mr. Speaker: Is it the will of the House to have a moment of silence? [Agreed]

Please rise then.

A moment of silence was observed.

Pauline Riley

Hon. Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development): Mr. Speaker, in every community there are individuals who will go that extra mile to make their community a better place to live, a few extraordinary people that dedicated their entire lives to this cause.

I consider myself very lucky to have one of these individuals in my constituency in Swan River. Ms. Pauline Riley, who has lived in Winnipegosis for seven years now, and she has one of the most active community members I have ever met.

Before retiring to Winnipegosis, Pauline lived and worked in Winnipeg, which she was involved with a number of community organizations. She was, among many other things, the president of the North End renewable corporation, the vice-president of the National Anti-Poverty Organization and also the provincial co-ordinator for the Manitoba action of committee of women–the status of women.

Since moving to Winnipegosis, Pauline has kept herself very busy. She is serving as the president of the Winnipegosis Historical Society and working at the New Horizons Senior Centre, volunteering at the thrift store and also recently being elected to the RM of Mossey River.

Over the past few years, Pauline has also spearheaded major renovations and restoration projects in the village of Winnipegosis museum. Housed inside the town's old train station, the museum is cherished by the entire community. These recent fundraising and restoration efforts have earned Pauline the recognitions of the associated of Manitoba museums, who was presented with this Award of Merit for all of her hard work.

I would like to thank Pauline Riley for her years of service to the people of Winnipegosis, and your spirit is truly inspirational for your drive to a great boon to our community.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

National Honesty Day

Mr. Wayne Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet): Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to recognize an American holiday that we feel might be of interest to the members of this House, National Honesty Day, a day that is often overlooked but of utmost importance in an assembly like ours.

Created by the governor of Maryland, Hirsh Goldberg, National Honesty Day responds to the tricks and falsehoods of the first day of April, encourages individuals to answer truthfully to all questions that they are asked, and reminds us of the importance of having honourable principles, intentions and actions.

Sadly, it seems that this NDP government lacks the fundamental virtue of honesty in its underhanded actions. An honest government would not have raised the PST after promising otherwise. An honest government would not have promised that they would balance the budget by 2014–no, 2015–no, 2016, or make a contract with Manitobans and then tell Manitobans that this was merely a target, Mr. Speaker.

An honest government would have fulfilled their promise that every Manitoban would have a family doctor by 2015. An honest government would have reacted to the disappointment of minister after minister in Manitoba's education performance results year after year, all of whom promised that it will get better.

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Time and time again, this government has failed to be honest with Manitobans, and we've seen what happens when the NDP try to be honest with each other: months of infighting and government inaction, layoffs that have cost Manitobans up to a million dollars, and long-time ministers banished to the backbenches. And still, after all of this, a Premier (Mr. Selinger) who puts on the record daily that he is focused on the priorities of who? Of Manitobans, Mr. Speaker. At least that's what we're told.

Albert Einstein once said whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters, Mr. Speaker. Seems like a pertinent quote for a government who Manitobans entrust with their health and prosperity.

National Honesty Day raises awareness for the need to be transparent and forthright, a practice that should be kept in mind daily. I hope for the members of this House and indeed for all Manitobans that this government can heed the lessons of this day throughout our new session.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Ms. Jennifer Howard (Fort Rouge): Since 2011, Manitoba has recognized April as sexual assault awareness and prevention month to bring to light an issue usually kept in the dark. I want to thank the honourable member for Charleswood (Mrs. Driedger) who brought forward the private member's bill that establishes this awareness month.

Sexual violence is a serious problem that affects thousands of Manitobans. The women and men who work at the forefront of this issue are still highlighting the need for more awareness, education and discussion on how to address and prevent sexual violence. As many as nine assaults out of 10 are not reported to police.

Last April, our government announced a four-point plan to help prevent sexual assault and to improve services for victims. As part of the plan, Winnipeg was the first city in Canada to join the UN Safe Cities Global Initiative to reduce sexual violence against women and girls. We've also partnered with Ka Ni Kanichihk in offering culturally appropriate services for indigenous women who have experienced sexual violence.

Mr. Speaker, there are many community organizations working to combat sexual violence. I want to particularly recognize the efforts of Hollaback! Winnipeg, a local chapter of an international movement to combat street harassment of women and LGBTQQ individuals. Harassment is often the beginning of more serious forms of violence. Challenging all of us to speak out against harassment is an important tool in preventing sexual violence. One of the local founders of Hollaback!, Jodie Layne, was recently recognized in Chatelaine magazine for her efforts combatting sexual violence and providing sexual health education.

Our goal should be to stop sexual violence before it begins. We need to create a culture of consent where only yes means yes. All of us can talk to our sons as much if not more than our daughters about what consent to sex really looks like. The more we speak out about sexual violence, the more we can shift attitudes and prevent further victimization.

Thank you.

Mr. Speaker: That concludes members' statements.

Grievances. No grievances?

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

Mr. Speaker: We'll move on to orders of the day.

Hon. Dave Chomiak (Government House Leader): Yes, Mr. Speaker, I wonder if you might canvass the House to see if it would be appropriate to have a short adjournment to allow yourself to–a short recess–a little rusty there–a short recess in order to allow yourself to clear the–to provide the proper material in order to allow the Minister of Finance to deliver his address and for other administrative matters to be dealt with by yourself.

Mr. Speaker: Under orders of the day, government business, is it the will of the House to have a brief recess to allow the Minister of Finance–a five-minute recess to allow the Minister of Finance to enter the Chamber and to ensure that we can have the galleries cleared where necessary? [Agreed]

We'll ring the bells for one minute then. The House is recessed for five minutes.

The House recessed at 2:34 p.m.

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The House resumed at 2:41 p.m.

Mr. Speaker: Order, please. The five minutes allocated for the recess has elapsed.

Order, please. Will the members please take their places.

Budget Address

Hon. Greg Dewar (Minister of Finance): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Jobs and the Economy (Mr. Chief), that this House approves in general the budgetary policy of the government.

Motion presented.

Mr. Dewar: I'm honoured to present the 2015 Manitoba budget, Mr. Speaker. Budgets are about choices; this budget chooses to build instead of cut. It builds on what is working to provide more jobs, better roads and stronger services. In short, it says to Manitoba families: We are on your side.

Mr. Speaker, across Canada and around the world, governments have faced a momentous challenge: how to achieve steady growth and good jobs at the same time when the global economy is still struggling to recover from the great recession. Rather than shrink from this challenge, our government acted quickly and boldly to keep people working. We put a plan in place based on investing in infrastructure and skills. We call our plan a plan to build a better Manitoba.

Mr. Speaker, investing in strategic infrastructure projects allows us to build and repair roads, bridges and flood protection. Doing so creates jobs now as it lays the foundation for an even stronger economic future, and by investing in education and training we're also helping more Manitobans, especially young Manitobans, get the skills they need, skills that will help them start careers and take advantage of the opportunities created by a growing economy here at home. That is our plan and the results are compelling.

The Conference Board of Canada forecasts Manitoba's average rate of economic growth to lead the country for 2015 and 2016 combined, Mr. Speaker. That is the best in Canada. A forecast of 3 per cent GDP growth in 2016 is an impressive number and an important one. But it's really just a number. What really matters is how does this affect Manitoba's families. For most people, the most important economic indicator is a job. And, here, too, our plan is delivering. We know our plan is working because Manitobans are working. Our economy is creating jobs faster than any other province, more than 20,000 new jobs since we delivered our last budget, once again, the best in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, our rate of employment growth is nearly four times the national average, and wages are following suit. Average earning–weekly earnings in Manitoba grew 4.3 per cent last year. That's right. Here, too, we are the best in Canada. The average working Manitobans saw their wages go up by $40 per week over last year or about $2,000 a year. That money makes a real difference to Manitoba families, money they could use to buy hockey equipment, save for retirement or do some renovations around the home. Growth, jobs, wages, that is what a strong economy means for Manitoba and that is what our plan is delivering.

Mr. Speaker, businesses share our confidence in Manitoba's future. Three out of every four new jobs are in the private sector, and these are good jobs; four out of five are full-time jobs. For thousands in Manitoba, this is the start of a new career. With numbers like these it's easy to understand why BMO Capital Markets named Manitoba a rising star in job creation.

Mr. Speaker, let me put it plainly. We have a plan and that plan is working and people are noticing, not just across Canada but around the world. Last year it was 16,000 people immigrated to Manitoba to take advantage of the opportunities our province has to offer. That is a new modern-day record.

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The social benefits of a strong economy are widespread. Rages–wages rise and crime rates fall. We are fixing the roads, creating jobs and keeping health care strong for the future.

More Manitobans are living and working in Manitoba than ever before, and people are earning more to support their families. Budget 2015 keeps our momentum building. Our plan is based on the priorities of Manitobans. We listened to industry, we listened to labour, we listened to educators, and then we moved forward together to implement our plan.

Well, let me emphasize one important point. Manitoba's economic success is the result of a deliberate choice made by our government to invest in the future. It is no accident that Manitoba leads the country in economic and job growth, and we must not take it for granted because our momentum could be stopped in its tracks by a turn to austerity and reckless cuts, Mr. Speaker.

Education goes hand in hand with infrastructure in our plan. Budget 2015 introduces a youth job strategy building on some of the most successful programming and targeting new funding to help more Manitobans take advantage of the opportunities offered by our growing economy. We've all heard the expression you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. Our youth job strategy will offer programs that will meet the needs of students whether they need to get their foot in the door for that first job or are university graduates looking to move one step closer to a career. Enhanced tax credits will help more firms cover the costs of training young Manitobans, helping businesses hire and grow, helping students get work experience when they need it most.

Two out of every three jobs created in the next decade will require university, college or apprenticeship training. Our education system will rise to meet this labour market challenge. Since 1999, college enrolment has increased by 51 per cent, university enrolment by 45 per cent and apprenticeship spaces have more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, during that period, over $1 billion was invested to rebuild and expand campuses after the neglect of the 1990s. Budget 2015 continues to make strong investments in colleges, universities and apprenticeship training while protecting affordability for students. This budget will also add 200 more apprenticeship seats in Manitoba colleges; it'll fund additional engineering seats at the University of Manitoba; and it will increase funding for adult learning centres.

In the months ahead, we will deliver–we will release our post-secondary strategy which will ensure the system is responsive to the needs of students in the labour market.

To support French students, we will provide new resources to Université de Saint-Boniface to expand career development opportunities and course options including delivering more French university classes for students while they're in high school, and we'll build new training facilities with the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine.

The University College of the North, with newly opened facilities in Thompson and The Pas and a dozen other communities, provides students across northern Manitoba with greatly expanded opportunities for post-secondary education closer to home.

Budget 2015 marks the 16th consecutive year we have increased K-to-12 education funding at or above the rate of economic growth, Mr. Speaker. We have rebuilt the system as of the days of the 1990s when teachers were laid off and classrooms were overcrowded. Since we formed government in 1999, we have built or replaced 35 schools, and soon we will announce even more. I'm also pleased to announce our high school graduation rates have improved to 87 per cent in 2014–a modern-day record.

We continue to advocate for federal funding of on-reserve schools at the same level as provincial schools. We look forward to partnering with the federal government to secure funds to increase Aboriginal graduation rates. Our government will invest in Aboriginal students by increasing Aboriginal academic achievement grants. Successful partnerships with MITT and the Frontier School Division help support the educational aspirations of First Nations students.

Budget 2015 continues to move Manitoba towards a truly accessible–universally accessible child-care system by investing in 900 new child-care spaces, supporting higher wages for workers and building and expanding child-care centres, Mr. Speaker. Our education strategy is at the heart of our economic strategy and it is working.

As our province welcomes more newcomers every year, we recognize the ongoing needs to ensure that they have access to English as an additional language supports.

Last year, Mr. Speaker, we invested over $1 billion in core infrastructure–the most ever. This year, we'll invest even more. Hundreds of investments large and small are changing the face of Manitoba and creating jobs and long-term economic benefits. For example, improving Highway No. 1 west of Winnipeg allows us to safely increase the speed limit to 110 kilometres per hour. The new interchange at Highway 9–Highway 59 and the Perimeter where work will begun this year will allow traffic to flow faster through one of the busiest intersections in the province. This investment will not only save time and money; it'll reduce an estimated 18,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. And work will continue on Highway 75 to bring it to interstate standards for flood protection.

Work has begun on an expansion to the Cartier water treatment plant to serve CentrePort and the surrounding communities. Since the completion of CentrePort Canada Way, 39 businesses have opened in the inland port, creating hundreds of new jobs.

Our government continues to provide record funding to municipalities, including, Mr. Speaker, the City of Winnipeg. Budget 2015 will provide more than $440 million in support of communities' priorities, from roads to flood protection to police. And today we commit to working with the City of Winnipeg to advance its priorities for major flood projects through the federal government. This includes the Waverley Street and Marion Street underpasses. We'll also increase our support for transit with funding for stage 2 of rapid transit, widening the Pembina underpass and active transit corridors.

We are committing $5 million to Mayor Bowman's new Build Winnipeg partnership. We'll also assist the City of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Engineering in the establishment of a new research chair in municipal infrastructure innovation.

Mr. Speaker, outside of Winnipeg, funding has been increased for the municipal road improvement project, the municipal bridge project, rural transit and rural Handi-Transit services. In Brandon, major projects that have begun or will 'begeen'–will begin, excuse me–will include the repairs to the Keystone roof, continued redevelopment of the Assiniboine Community College historic North Hill campus, upgrades to allow Brandon airport to serve more commercial flights, twinning the bridge at 1st Street and pre-construction work on the Daly Overpass.

We're already recognized as the leader in Canada that's securing advancing funds for rural community projects through the new Building Canada plan. In years ahead, we'll work–we'll look forward to working with communities and the federal government to identify more priority projects.

Manitoba Hydro is creating jobs and opportunities across the province. And Aboriginal people are partnering with Manitoba Hydro and are benefitting from economic development. Hydro is committed to working with Aboriginal communities to ensure they share in the benefits of Hydro development as well as increasing Aboriginal employment at Manitoba Hydro itself. Currently, one in five Manitoba Hydro employees are Aboriginal and 45 per cent of Hydro employees in northern Manitoba are Aboriginal.

The construction of Keeyask and bipole will boost the provincial economy by more than 1.5 billion and create thousands of jobs, especially in northern and Aboriginal communities. These projects will ensure Manitobans always have reliable electricity while keeping rates affordable for years to come.

Our government's commitment to First Nations and Metis economic development is creating jobs. As of this month, the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund and the Metis Economic Development Fund have invested over $23 million combined and have created or maintained 700 jobs.

We are investing in innovations to support growth and competitiveness in Manitoba agriculture. We will build on Manitoba's international reputation as a global grain centre by investing in the Manitoba Grain Innovation Hub. Through collaboration with industry, we'll identify research to capture opportunities, and we will continue investment in diversification centres.

Mr. Speaker, Manitobans love farmers' markets and local produce, and we will help local small-scale producers turn their ideas and skills into successful enterprises.

Mr. Speaker, this budget is responsible. It limits the increase to overall spending to the same rate as the growth of the economy. And while other provinces are cutting front-line service and introducing user fees and health premiums, we have chosen a different path: growing the economy and strengthening services. And, despite our success in Manitoba, we know that the global economic uncertainty is a no–is a new normal. Our plan is delivering results–excuse me, nation-leading economic and employment growth.

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Our government also has a long-standing commitment to return to a balanced fiscal position, and we have taken meaningful steps to deliver government more effectively, including reducing the number of regional health authorities from 11 to five and directing those savings back to front lines. We have merged two Crown corporations, and we've reduced–and we reduced a number of agency–government-appointed agencies, boards and commissions.

Last year, in our Throne Speech, we committed to reducing the total footprint of government office space by 100,000 square feet. I am pleased to report that this year we exceeded that target by 40 per cent.

Two years ago we committed to reduce the size of the civil service by 600. We have now met that commitment.

Manitoba's deficit is getting smaller year over year, and, relative to the size of the provincial economy, it is shrinking even further, and we will continue to reduce the deficit responsibly.

Industry tells us not to take our foot off the gas. Cutting now would devastate our economy. Families tell us to protect the jobs and services they rely on. Mr. Speaker, that means we will not make massive cuts to front-line care and put thousands of Manitobans out of work. And, while some governments have chose cuts, we have chosen to grow the economy and protect front-line services like health care. We're putting patients and their families first.

In the 1990s, doctors and nurses were fleeing the province. Today we have record numbers. This means stronger hospitals, ERs, faster screening and treatment for cancer patients. While other provinces are imposing cuts, we are proud to work in partnership with health-care providers to ensure our system is sustainable for future generations.

Earlier this year we reached an agreement with Manitoba doctors to work together to enhance the sustainability of our health-care system. Together we will find efficiencies of $50 million over the next four years.

Our new Family Doctor Finder has already connected nearly 28,000 Manitobans with a family doctor since it was launched last year. Two new QuickCare clinics are nearing completion in Southdale and Seven Oaks, bringing the total to seven. Over 122,000 visits have already taken place at these innovative clinics, which offered better care for families closer to home.

Rural and northern Manitobans are also getting better care closer to home. New and improved health facilities are under development in communities all across this province.

More and more Manitobans find themselves caring for aging parents and school-age children at the same time. Our government introduced an innovative caregiver tax credit to help members of the so-called sandwich generation. Mr. Speaker, Budget 2015 increases this benefit by 10 per cent, which will give thousands of caregivers support up to $4,200 each.

We are also making sure supports are in place to allow seniors to live at home as long as possible, including more home-care workers and extended home-care hours. More hospital drug–more hospital home teams, drugs that are less costly and more effective, and a home cancer program that has, to date, saved families over $17 million in Pharmacare deductible. Mr. Speaker, our Home Cancer Drug Program is the best in the country.

Mr. Speaker, every person ages differently. An effective, compassionate, long-care system must recognize this and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity. That is why our government is building a long-term care system that is better able to respond to the specific needs of individuals whether those needs are basic, like help with laundry or preparing dinner, or more complex, like a safe place to age with Alzheimer's. In the year ahead we'll further develop our Alzheimer's and dementia strategies to help families care for their loved ones. This is what our loved ones want and they deserve nothing less.

And, Mr. Speaker, we are in the process of adding hundreds of personal care home beds in Winkler, Winnipeg, and Lac du Bonnet. Manitoba is the birthplace of home care. We built it and we have fought to make sure it remains universal and without fees or co-payments.

Mr. Speaker, we continue to reject the opposition's approach to health care, which is based on cuts, two-tier health care, and privatization.

This year marked the 15th anniversary of our groundbreaking Healthy Child policy. We're helping children get a better start in life by supporting innovative childhood development initiatives.

Budget 2015 introduces a new child and youth mental health strategy as well as another–of other prevention net measures including new supports for 'fasser'–for foster parents–excuse me–and resources to support capacity development in Aboriginal-led community organizations.

Budget 2015 increases our anti-smoking supports significantly, working with community and organizations and the Canadian Cancer Society. We'll put a special emphasis on youth this year.

Budget 2015 keeps life affordable for Manitobans. The Seniors' School Tax Rebate is doubled. Rent Assist is enhanced by $22 million to move it to 75 per cent of medium market rent.

We'll allow recipients to retain the benefits as they move into training and jobs, avoiding the so‑called welfare wall, Mr. Speaker, also building more affordable housing.

Our government made Manitoba the first and only province to eliminate the small-business tax. This year over 2,000 additional small businesses will pay no income tax as we change the corporate income tax threshold, freeing up more money for them to expand and hire.

Mr. Speaker, Budget 2015 introduces new supports for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers here in Manitoba.

We are renewing tax credits for the film and video production, cultural industries and the interactive digital media, among others.

We're also expanding the Green Energy Equipment Tax Credit.

Mr. Speaker, Manitoba benefits from connections from around the world. We will work with the Winnipeg Airports Authority to support more direct international flights between Manitoba and locations outside of North America.

The research development tax credit is being enhanced by allowing companies to carry forward credits for 20 years instead of 10, allowing innovators additional time to realize profits.

Mr. Speaker, unlike the previous government, we believe in a strong minimum wage. I'm proud to announce that this October, the minimum wage will be increased to $11 per hour. And Manitobans know they can count on us to keep it strong in the future.

Earlier this week we marked the day of mourning when we remember those who lost their lives while on the job. Since being elected we fought hard to ensure fewer Manitobans lose loved ones to workplace tragedies. We've more than doubled the number of health and safety officers, increased inspections and brought strict fines in for claim suppression.

Mr. Speaker, this spring we'll also introduce groundbreaking legislation for workers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Manitoba's crime rate is falling and violent crime is falling even faster. It is vital that this work continue. We're now working with local communities and the police in innovative ways. For example, programs like Block by Block are helping to prevent crime.

We will continue to work with everyone to keep the crime rate low and to address the tragedy of missing and murdered indigenous women, an issue our government helped raise nationally.

Our government continues to work with a poverty reduction council on the goal of ending homelessness.

Budget 2015 introduces multi-year supports for a community-based approach.

In the year ahead, we will allow MPIC to provide greater financial benefits to victims–to families of victims of dangerous crime with–excuse me–dangerous driving, with approximately $3 million expected to flow to families under this new initiative.

Families value our lakes, forest, beaches and parks. Having so many natural resources so close to home improves our quality of life. This year $15 million will be used to modernize and enhance provincial parks including Birds Hill, Grand Beach and Spruce Woods.

This budget will also help protect our natural–excuse me–will also protect lakes, boreal forests and natural environment.

And Budget 2015 continues to support First Nations land use policy.

At least $1 billion is being leveraged over the next five years, with the help of this budget, to ensure water quality, to fight zebra mussels and to restore the health of Lake Winnipeg.

Our plan to mitigate climate change includes a new fund to help companies reduce emissions while creating green jobs in sectors like transportation and agriculture. We are already seeing the effects of climate change in the form of more extreme weather.

Infrastructure investments will further enhance flood proofing, including an expanded wet long–wet land protection. Manitoba's first drought strategy will be introduced, and firefighting will be enhanced with the opening of a new $9-million facility for more effective forest fire suppression.

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From the Canadian museum of human rights to the Journey to Churchill polar bear exhibit, Manitoba now boosts new–many world-class attractions.

In 2013, we set an ambitious target of attracting $2 billion in visitor spending on tourism within a decade. We're on track to meet that goal.

Today I'm pleased to announce further tourism initiatives. A tourism development grant–fund will offer grants to rural northern and Aboriginal communities, launch or enhance attractions or events to bring more tourism to their region.

Mr. Speaker, more Liquor Mart Express locations in urban grocery stores will open before the end of summer, and Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries plans to open additional locations across the province over the next two years.

And measures will be introduced to boot–to boost Manitoba's craft beering–brewing industry–oh–to boost Manitoba's craft brewing industry.

Mr. Speaker, we proudly declare year 2015 as a year of sport in Manitoba. It will be filled with exciting events like the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2015 Grey Cup.

And we're pleased to announce a new three-year commitment to support Sport Manitoba's high performance athlete development initiative. Since its launch in 2011, it has supported hundreds of Team Manitoba athletes

Mr. Speaker, this year the Winnipeg Jets gave us all a gift, the first White Out in nearly 20 years. And now, we're cheering on the Brandon Wheat Kings as they make their run to the Memorial Cup.

Mr. Speaker, this is our budget for the year ahead. It is a budget that continues to deliver on the priorities of Manitoba families. Ultimately, budgets are not simply about numbers. They are about people. For governments, budgets are about choices.

Our government has made it clear. We will always choose to put families first, protecting the jobs and services they rely on from the threats of reckless cuts. So you see, Mr. Speaker, this is what Budget 2015 says to Manitoba families: We are on your side.

Mr. Speaker: Order, please.

Mr. Brian Pallister (Leader of the Official Opposition): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for St. Paul (Mr. Schuler), that the debate now be adjourned.

Motion agreed to.

Messages

Mr. Dewar: Mr. Speaker, I have two messages from His Honour the Lieutenant Governor, as well as the budget documents, including the statement summarizing the poverty reduction strategy and social inclusion strategy, which I would like to table.

Mr. Speaker: I have–honourable members, please rise for the reading of the messages from His Honour.

The Lieutenant Governor transmits to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba Estimates of sums required for the services of the province for the fiscal year ending 31st day of March, 2016, and recommends these Estimates to the Legislative Assembly.

And the Lieutenant Governor transmits to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba Estimates of sums required for the services of the province for capital expenditures and recommends these Estimates to the Legislative Assembly.

Please be seated.

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Hon. Dave Chomiak (Government House Leader): Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Jobs and the Economy (Mr. Chief), that this House do now adjourn.

Motion agreed to.

Mr. Speaker: This House is now adjourned and stands adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.