Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Manitoba 26e 3e Discours du trône 14 février 1961 Errick F. Willis Lieutenant-gouverneur PC Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba: I welcome you to the third session of the 26th Legislature of the Province of Manitoba. In presenting an outline of the measures that my Ministers will recommend and in adverting to their reports on current activities, mention should be made first of the economic situation that faces this province and its people during the next 12 months. My Ministers tell me that we are now in the middle of a period of economic uncertainty. Many factors of provincial activity in this field are being well maintained - industrial output, retail sales, bank clearings and the like are holding up well - but the difficulties in our situation are dramatized by a serious problem of unemployment. Though Manitoba appears to be less seriously affected by this problem than almost any other province it must, nevertheless, be a matter of grave concern to the whole community - government, producer, management and labour alike. My Ministers tell me that the scope for provincial government action is limited both by the Constitution and by our financial resources. We must nevertheless take counsel to see that no sound or practical measure 18 overlooked to reinforce the ingenuity and enterprise of management and the productivity and skill of labour and primary producers. My Ministers inform me that the winter works program combined with the government's own winter employment activities, has produced worthwhile results. Winter employment has been provided in this way for 8200 men, the highest figure on record. Vocational and technical education and training are being expanded, both at Winnipeg and Brandon, to assist in the problem of training and retraining unemployed persons. In addition you will be asked to provide funds for the construction of an Institute of Technology. This Institute will be designed to include trade and vocational classes together with professional and technical training in selected fields. My Ministers believe this will be of benefit in training our citizens to take their part with those skills which modern techniques and the province's industrial growth require. My Ministers who also report on their efforts to broaden local productive opportunities. Increased attention is being given to encouraging the manufacture here of goods competitive in price and quality with those which are at present imported, and also to increasing sales abroad. A significant factor in the development of secondary industry and of the success of the Manitoba regional development program has been the Manitoba Development Fund. Its contribution in industrial development and decentralization has added to our job opportunities and production; this justifies further investment of capital moneys which you will be asked to approve. It is the opinion of my Ministers, however, that their policy of expansion and development requires the active support of labour, employers, primary producers and citizens generally. The problems of the future involve the appraisal both of the factors influencing the rate of economic development in Manitoba and of the lines of action necessary to provide new and additional job opportunities. Recognizing this important problem my Ministers will recommend the establishment of a "Committee on Manitoba's Economic Future", to study and report on measures necessary to maximize economic development and provide interesting and rewarding employment for our growing work force. This committee will combine in its membership leaders in the fields of labour, primary production, industry, university, government and the general community. A particular problem to which my Ministers have devoted much attention is that associated with the hearings of the Royal Commission on Transportation. Evidence which was submitted by this province and which will be placed before you maintains that the Crow's Nest Pass export grain rates, far from being unremunerative, make a substantial contribution to raw revenues. My Ministers have proposed the adoption of new methods for dealing with freight rate increases, main line passenger and commuter deficits and other inequalities in the freight rate structure that burden the Manitoba shipper. My Ministers report that the progress in education has been marked in part by a spectacular rise in the school building program. Since the inauguration of the Division Plan in April l, 1959, 749 high school school-rooms and equivalent have been constructed. Two hundred and forty-six more are being built and a further 530 have been approved for building. The major share of the cost is being provided from the Consolidated Fund of the province. Because of the program of high school construction, additional rooms have been released for elementary grades with a consequent financial benefit to elementary school districts. Further record grants for the support of education will again be recommended by my Ministers. You will be asked to provide funds of a record amount for the support of the University of Manitoba where a substantial expansion in staff and plant is under way to meet growing enrolment needs. The first stage of the expansion of Brandon College has now been completed; the funds for this were largely provided by the government of the province. You will be asked to provide further financial support for this institution. You will also be asked to approve an appropriation respecting a physical recreation program. The opening of the Home for Girls and the operation of correctional and rehabilitative work camps for adult male prisoners mark further progress in penal reform measures recommended by my Ministers. I am informed that since the House last met there have been important consultations with the Dominion and the other provinces respecting the Constitution of Canada and the domiciling of its amending procedure in this country. My Ministers report favourable progress in these discussions which they hope will lead to a final agreement. Legislation will be introduced by my Ministers to provide for the creation of separate departments of Health and Welfare. I am informed that the health of our people continues to be satisfactory. It is interesting to note the low incidence of poliomyelitis reported last year, indicating at least in part the effectiveness of the Salk vaccine program that has been vigorously pursued. The continued success of the tuberculosis control program will make it possible to release additional sanatorium beds for other chronic illnesses and mentally retarded children. My Ministers inform me they will introduce a plan for the development of a new community mental health service to care for patients in their local communities and to provide improved rehabilitation facilities. Generous public response to the liquidation of the surplus Blue Cross funds with the help of additional money which you will be asked to provide will make it possible to begin construction this year of modern facilities for the treatment of cancer. You will be asked to provide additional funds for the building of the new rehabilitation hospital. A special commission has been established to inquire into the teaching of medical student at our university and the impact which prepaid medical care may have on such facilities. Out-patient benefits under the Manitoba Hospital Services Plan have been extended during 1960 to provide additional services to our people. It is hoped that a further extension of this service may be made in the coming year. The Manitoba Hospital Survey Board, which has been conducting a detailed study of hospital bed needs in the province, is expected to report in the near future. In the meanwhile projects approved previously have resulted in 80 additional active treatment beds and 185 chronic beds being taken into service in 1960. Projects now in the course of construction will provide another 445 hospital beds. The conversion of the St. Boniface Sanatorium to a hospital for the chronically ill will provide another 150 beds. The report of the Manitoba Hospital Services Plan on hospital financing, costs and premium requirements will be laid before you for your consideration. The operation of the sections of The Social Allowances Act proclaimed on July 1, 1960, is proceeding satisfactorily. Several thousands of our senior citizens and others have received assistance in this way. I am informed that the community development experiment is under way and my Ministers look forward to the contribution this policy may make to the welfare of our Indian and Métis citizens. You will be asked to approve an expansion of this program during the coming year. Certain amendments to The Child Welfare Act will be introduced. My Ministers feel these will be helpful in improving placement and adoption of children who need secure family homes. My Ministers inform me that agricultural production in 1960 was satisfactory. Field crops were good, beef cattle and sheep production was increased and dairy output was well maintained. National deficiency payment programs for hogs and eggs effected decreases in these categories. Work on greater diversification in the crop program and greater interest in special crops, potatoes and vegetables helped to increase farm economic stability. Farmers, however, continue to labour under the burden of heavy wheat and butter surpluses and increased production costs. A further decline in net farm income took place and made an already difficult financial position more difficult. Greater marketing opportunities are urgently required. It is the opinion of my Ministers that this is one of the most serious problems facing Canadian agriculture today. My Ministers inform me that on the initiative of my Government a conference of national character will be held in Winnipeg in April, 1961, to consider the establishment of a national agricultural marketing and policy research organization. My ministers inform me that the Agricultural Credit Corporation is working well. Almost 40% of the loans approved were applied for by young farmers in the age group 21 to 31 who desire to become established on farms or who desire to improve their start in agriculture. The Corporation's program of supervised credit is doing much to ease the adjustment, development and expansion necessary for sound and stable farming. Loans of $1O million have now been approved and you will be requested to provide further for the current and capital needs of the Corporation. I am informed that The Crop Insurance Test Areas Act has been well received by farmers in the four test areas established. Approximately 2500 farmers insured about 332,000 acres for a total indemnity of more than $4 million. An expansion of the crop insurance program, both in area and in coverage, is planned for the forthcoming year. You will be asked to provide funds for the administration of this agency. My Ministers inform me that the program of drainage works completed in 196O was the largest in the history of the province. The Selne River diversion channel now provides substantial control of the waters of this problem stream. The construction of the new channel and water control structure on the Falrford River now under way will meet a longfelt need of the people living round Lake Manitoba. I am informed that progress is being made in respect to the Greater Winnipeg Floodway. The Floodway Property Committee is obtaining property required for the 30-mile Floodway channel. A Floodway Board composed of federal and provincial engineers to advise on matters pertaining to the construction of the Floodway has been appointed. Cost sharing negotiations with the federal government are now approaching completion. My Ministers are awaiting technical recommendations on other protection and conservation works required on the Assiniboine River. My Ministers report that The Water Supply Board Act is now operating successfully. An 8-mile pipeline supplying Altona and Gretna has been completed. You will be asked to provide further substantial funds to carry out this program and other associated undertakings. My Ministers will propose appropriations for both the current and capital needs of our comprehensive and expanding agricultural research program. Increased accommodation for crop research projects has been completed and the construction of an animal science building at the University of Manitoba is now under way. My Government states that the large 1960 highway program favoured by good construction weather was almost fully completed. The construction of the Gypsumville - Grand Rapids road established a peacetime Canadian building record, while the completion of a major highway link; through the bog on P. T. H. #10 symbolizes the dramatic progress made. The construction of a number of large structures is in hand. These include a bridge over the Saskatchewan River at Grand Rapids, the Winnipeg River bridge for the atomic energy plant, a second cloverleaf and railway overpass at the junction of the city perimeter and Trans-Canada Highway east. Under the Roads to Resource program the northern settlements of Wekusko, Snow Lake and Chisel Lake were connected to our provincial highway system. You will be asked to approve the development of a park at the site of the old university buildings on Broadway: my Ministers believe this will enhance the amenities of the capital of the province. You will be asked to provide further large sums as well for the continuation of the program of reconstruction and expansion of the provincial trunk highway system and the program of municipal aid. The Manitoba Telephone System now serves a record total of 281, 500 telephones, an increase in 1960 of 14,500. Automatic dial service was extended to Thompson and seven other communities in the province and now serves more than 85% of the System's subscribers. The scatter radio system between Thompson and Snow Lake and the microwave system from now Lake to The Pas are working satisfactorily. You will be interested to know that the Manitoba Telephone System has arranged for a study by expert advisers to be made of its organization structure to assist efficient operation of this vital communication system. You will also be asked to provide substantial capital moneys to continue its expansion. During the past months my Ministers have been giving close study to the reorganization of the two major agencies of the province concerned with the generation and distribution of electric power. At the present time the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board and the Manitoba Power Commission share the responsibility between them My Ministers believe that the interests of the province in general and of the power consumers in particular can he better served through a consolidation within a single agency of these two separate bodies. Legislation to effect this will be presented. Provision will be made to ensure that the responsibilities of provincial agencies contained in the power agreement entered into between the City of Winnipeg, the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board and the Manitoba Power Commission, which runs to March 31, 1964, will be fully performed by the agency that will result from the proposed consolidation. Legislation will be submitted respecting the Manitoba Labour Board to carry out the recommendations of the department with respect to the chairman of that body and other matters of concern. A tradesmen's qualification act will be proposed providing a system by which qualified tradesmen who have not had an opportunity to take apprenticeship courses may secure a certificate upon examination and without prejudicing the present journeyman's certificate. It is expected that the report of Mr. Justice George Tritschler respecting the dispute at Brandon Packers will be submitted for your information during the course of the session. My Ministers report that the program of park development along our main highway and in recreational areas has met with public approval. You will be asked to approve the expansion of this program during the coming year. Funds will also be sought for the purchase of the Grand Beach property which is to be dedicated to public recreation. Authority will also be sought respecting certain improvements at Winnipeg Beach. The policy of land purchase to establish game management areas and to enlarge public game areas will require the provision of further funds. Legislation will be presented for your consideration to provide for an improved level of benefits for present and future members of the Civil Service Superannuation Fund. You will also be asked to make provision for a general increase in the pay of the civil servants of the province. My Ministers report that negotiations are proceeding toward conclusion of the agreement on federal-provincial financial arrangements for the five-year period commencing April 1, 1962, and a statement of government policy in this respect will be laid before the House. My Ministers inform me that provision will be made for sale within the province of Manitoba Savings Bonds. These securities, redeemable on demand at par, will provide a liquid form of savings to our people and will enable them to share in the economic and social growth of our province.