Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Manitoba 29e 5e Discours du trône 22 février 1973 William John McKeag Lieutenant-gouverneur NPD Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba: I welcome you to the Fifth Session of the Twenty-ninth Legislature of Manitoba. As the elected representatives of the people of our province you have been charged with the responsibility of formulative legislation which will ensure continuing advancement toward greater and more equitable economic and social opportunities for all Manitobans. We are fortunate that our democratic heritage has guaranteed us the right to determine our own goals and has provided us, through our governmental institutions, and particularly through this Assembly, with the instruments by which our objectives may be attained. During 1972, the provincial economy maintained the strong and buoyant growth pattern which has characterized our development in recent years. My Ministers have estimated that the total value of the goods and services produced in Manitoba - and the total income derived from this output - increased to $4.4 billion in the year just past. They have informed me that their forecasts indicate total provincial output in 1973 may grow even faster than it did in the past year, and should approach $5 billion by year end. This level of production in the current year would represent an increase of approximately 40% since 1969 - an impressive record of sustained growth in economic activity during this four-year period. Total investment also increased rapidly in Manitoba during 1972, at a rate significantly in excess of the national average. This expansionary influence on our economy, which is forecast to continue in 1973, was reflected in the creation of a substantial number of new employment opportunities in our primary resource sector, in construction, in manufacturing, and in the tertiary service industries. Fiscal and economic policy measures undertaken by my government, such as the Provincial Employment Program, the Capital Works Acceleration Program, and the Student Employment Program, have been successful in maintaining unemployment in our province at a level below the average rate for Canada as a whole. My Ministers have informed me that last month, for example, the unemployment rate in Manitoba was the second lowest among the ten provinces. To help strengthen the important links among the four western provinces, my government will host in addition to the Prairie Economic Council, the first meeting of the Western Provinces Economic Council in Winnipeg at the end of March. My Ministers anticipate that this conference will lead to a closer relationship among the western provinces than has been possible in the past, and will thereby increase the value of the proposed federal western provinces conference on economic opportunities to take place later in the year. With respect to overall federal-provincial and inter-provincial discussions, my Ministers are preparing for a series of negotiations in the months ahead. Conferences on fiscal and economic policies are planned, as are meetings on higher education and health insurance financing, and income security programming. My government will present full reports on the discussions to this Assembly at an appropriate time. My government will place before the Assembly a detailed document pertaining to the economic and social development of the Province of Manitoba for the remainder of the decade and beyond. This document will be intended as a basis for discussion on fundamental development principles including means of ensuring a "stay option" for rural residents and will propose basic guidelines by which alternative policy and program directions may be evaluated. In primary purpose will be to foster greater direct participation in the process of development and decision-making by the citizens of the province. My government will place before the Assembly a detailed document pertaining to the economic and social development of the Province of Manitoba for the remainder of the decade and beyond. This document will be intended as a basis for discussion on fundamental development principles including means of ensuring a "stay option" for rural residents and will propose basic guidelines by which alternative policy and program directions may be evaluated. Its primary purpose will be to foster greater direct participation in the process of development and decision-making by the citizens of the province. My government will also present to the Assembly its estimates of expenditures and revenues for the 1973/74 fiscal year. You will be requested to approve a budget fully consistent with the government's policy of promoting greater equality of the human condition through fiscal and economic measures which recognize important differences among many of our citizens' requirements for services, and their varying abilities to share in the costs of these services. You will be asked to consider the government's fiscal priorities that place the needs of senior citizens, lower income families and local school and municipal budgets ahead of provincial income and corporate tax cuts of a general nature which do not recognize these needs and which also do not recognize the ability to pay principle. In order to improve services and to reduce existing service disparities, my government will ask that you approve additional funds for far-reaching health and other social programs. A primary concern is the comfort and security of the aged and infirm. Many of our elderly citizens require institutional care which is not now covered under our health insurance program. The government intends to put before you proposals to extend insured coverage to all levels of institutional care, including convalescent or extended care, personal and nursing home care, as well as a combination in special facilities for the aged and infirm. Contributions by individual patients to the cost of nursing home care will be limited to a minimal standard amount which will not diminish their accumulated savings or other assets as in the past. Thus families with members who require this type of care will no longer face the degree of loss of modest life savings from their previous years of work. My Ministers have informed me that they intend to ensure further assistance to our elderly citizens by terminating the requirement that these citizens contribute to the cost of hospital insurance and medicare programming through premium payments. A complete exemption from total health insurance premium payment obligations will become effective April 1, 1973 for all persons over the age of 650 This measure will result in a saving of $49.80 annually for a single person, and $99.60 per year for a married couple which sums thus becomes available for their other personal needs My government will make known the administrative arrangements necessary to effect these exemptions. My government will also introduce proposals calling for the provision of a substantial degree of assistance to the aged in meeting the often-heavy cost of drugs. Your approval will be sought for a program which will be integrated with the foregoing and under which the province will pay 80% of the cost of all prescription drugs which exceed $50 per individual per year for persons or $100 per family receiving old age pension. Because my Ministers are concerned over the cost factor of dental care for families with school age children and also over the long term costs of medical drugs for persons of all ages suffering from chronic illness, they will proceed to set up a study to consider these matters and submit appropriate recommendations on them. The extension of insured benefits to include the alternative forms of health care to which I have already made reference will be only part of a general rationalization of health and social services to improve both the quality and the distribution of services, and to permit reasonable economies through better organization and integration. You will be asked to provide funds for the further development of home care services in both rural and urban regions to support families who are willing and able to look after sick or infirm members at home. The same will apply to the care of the mentally ill and the mentally retarded in the province. My government looks toward the establishment of more group foster homes and the enlistment of volunteers as a means of enhancing treatment for these persons. Mon gouvernement se préoccupe aussi de ces groupes moins fortunés de notre société qui ont besoin d'un revenu de subsistance plus élevé. Il vous demandera de fournir les fonds nécessaires pour contre-balancer l'augmentation du coût de la vie qui touche plus particulièrement ces citoyens. Mon gouvernement veut aussi mettre en place des programmes de formation professionnelle pour les personnes dont le manque de spécialisation, les prive de chances égales sur le marche du travail et il vous demandera d'appuyer la création de travaux qui feront appel a ces connaissances nouvellement acquises. Nous prévoyons mettre sur pied d'autres programmes spéciaux, offrant à ces personnes un emploi a la fois utile et satisfaisant, que ce soit dans le secteur public ou privé. Afin d'augmenter encore plus les possibilités d'emploi, nous proposerons des services pratiques de garde d'enfants pour les mères de famille qui travaillent. My Ministers believe it is most important that the various communities and regions throughout the province continue to play a large part in formulating the educational programming which is most appropriate for their areas. They are concerned, however, that in recent years, cost pressures related to the provision of public and secondary school services have hindered local decision-making and have resulted in onerous and inequitable property tax burdens for many of our citizens. To alleviate these cost problems, my government has introduced fiscal transfer programs designed to increase grants to school divisions and to reduce dependency on property taxation. At the last Session, the Assembly approved an increase in the provincial share of the costs of the Foundation Program from 75% to 80% to take effect this year. You also approved the introduction of a new Education Property Tax Credit Plan which is now being implemented. Both these measures will result in significant reductions in the burden of school taxation for Manitoba homeowners, renters, and farmers. The expanded provincial contribution to the Foundation Program will provide helpful direct financial support to the school divisions as well. During this Session, my Ministers will request that you consider proposals to assure further provincial assistance in meeting the costs of public and secondary educational services. You will be asked to approve an increase in the grants paid on a per pupil basis as a means of increasing the School Foundation Program. You will also be asked to concur in the provision of additional funds to supplement the Foundation Program grants in those school divisions where local tax resources are limited in order that children throughout the province may be guaranteed more equal access to educational opportunities. In January, the provincial Task Force on Post-secondary Education released an interim report containing a review of higher education in Manitoba. It is expected that the final report containing a review of higher education in Manitoba. It is expected that the final report of the Task Force will be completed before the end of this Session. My Ministers are studying the initial findings of the Task Force, and will advise the Assembly in due course as to the modifications in provincial post-secondary education programming which are felt to be desirable in view of the Task Force's recommendations. To complement our comprehensive general educational structure and to enrich further the lives of our citizens, my government believes it is essential to encourage the preservation of the multi-cultural mosaic of the people of this province, This Assembly has already approved legislation enabling my government to appoint an advisory committee on multiculturalism. The appointment of such a committee has been completed and the government plans to seek its advice and recommendations in important matters related to cultural affairs. The proceeds from the Manitoba Lottery which have been assigned to recreational and cultural projects have provided valuable assistance to various communities and groups. Capital funds are being provided under a cost-sharing formula to assist communities in preserving their cultural inheritance and to build desired recreational facilities in the many cities, towns and villages in Manitoba. A pilot program was held this past summer under which a very successful Ukrainian language camp was established. It is my government's intention to expand this program to include camps for other language groups where there is an expressed interest. La participation du Manitoba à l'accord culturel franco-canadien a déjà donné d'heureux résultats: cours de perfectionnement pédagogique, bourses d'études, échanges de spécialistes, dons de matériel audio-visuel. Aussi le gouvernement entend poursuivre ces programmes et explorer de nouvelles sphères de collaboration. L'automne dernier, grâce à une collaboration entre le gouvernement fédéral et mes ministres, l'Institut Pédagogique français du Manitoba ouvrait ses portes. Bientôt, c'est le centre culturel franco-manitobain qui deviendra, lui aussi, réalité. My Ministers inform me that discussions were held with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and private broadcasters with a view to extending TV service in rural and northern communities. A number of northern communities will begin receiving television signals for the first time in the coming months, while second-channel service is being extended in southern Manitoba, in a way consistent with further extension to the North in future years. In all of these service extensions, the Manitoba Telephone System continues to play an integral role, through its province-wide microwave facilities. The program to improve and expand both local and long distance communications in northern Manitoba will be continued. All remote communities with a population of 50 or more are now served by the Manitoba Telephone System and plans are proceeding for installation of local dial offices and provision of standard grade long distance service to many of the larger communities. Power demands in the industrial sector show a continued expansion over the previous year. Increased requirements are noted in the demand for electrical energy in all regions of the province. Pursuant to extensive studies over a period of years on which several million dollars have been expended, the decision, announced in principle in September, 1970, to utilize a flow of water from the Churchill River by a low level diversion designed to minimize the effect on the environment and to reduce the flooding effect below that previously proposed in the late 1960's is now being carried out. Additional studies are being conducted to bring forward recommendations relative to optimizing the economic effects of overall Nelson River development on northern Manitoba communities. This will mean that the growing energy requirements of the province can continue to be met for the remainder of this century from hydro energy production obtained from our great renewable water resource. The alternative coal and oil burning thermal generation plants can consequently be deferred until such time as alternative energy forms may be feasible as a replacement for these two non-renewable energy forms, the limits of which mankind must be able to perceive more clearly with each passing year. In accordance with the foregoing all major contracts for the regulation of the Nelson River by means of the Lake Winnipeg Control Project have been let and efforts are being directed to ensure completion of this project by the end of 1974. The preliminary work on the next Nelson River plant at Long Spruce has commenced. A road to the site has been completed and camp facilities are being constructed. In line with the program of the most efficient development of the available hydro resources, field investigation programs are continuing on other specific site locations elsewhere on the Nelson. With the seventh of twelve units of the Kettle Generating Station commissioned in January, 1973, the generating capacity of the province is now very close to 2-1/2 million kilowatts. Total deliveries of energy to points within Manitoba continued to grow at a rate in excess of 7 percent on an annual basis with a twelve months consumption as at January 31, 1973, of 8 billion, 750 million kilowatt-hours. The favourable water conditions of the past year have made it possible to export substantial amounts of surplus hydraulic energy to bordering provinces and states which has helped to maintain domestic rates at their present level. My Ministers inform me that citizens of the province are making increasing use of the services of the Consumers' Bureau for mediation and resolution of consumer complaints and landlord-tenant problems. The provisions of The Consumer Protection Act, The Landlord and Tenant Act, and The Personal Investigations Act are proving highly beneficial, not only to consumers and tenants, but also to businessmen and landlords. The Citizens Inquiry Service has met an important need in directing persons with questions or problems to the appropriate branch of government for a prompt response. Certain recommendations of the Law Reform Commission will be embodied in some of the amendments of laws that will be placed before you The Commission has undertaken to study a number of matters at the request of my government including the matter of family law and also the advisability and practicability of a provincially enacted Bill of Rights. As a result of recommendations made by the Bracken Commission almost two decades ago regarding the liquor laws of Manitoba, many changes have been made in these laws over the years. You will be asked to approve an updating study of the laws in this field prior to consideration of any further major amendments. Major revisions to the province's labour legislation came into effect on January 1st of this year. My Ministers have informed me that the implementation of this new legislation has proceeded well and that the labour-management relations climate will be generally favourable throughout the balance of the year. During this Session, you will be asked to approve amendments to The Civil Service and Teacher Superannuation Acts to provide for greater benefits for our retired employees and teachers and to provide more equitably for voluntary early retirement. You will also be asked to consider a new Civil Service Act. A study is being undertaken at this time to consider possible further increases in the minimum wage and an announcement will be made in due course. In 1971, my government instituted as a pilot project, a small staff of court communicators, operating under the direct jurisdiction of the Chief Magistrate of Manitoba. The program has proved to be worthwhile - and consequently jurisdictions have expressed a keen interest in it. You will be asked to vote funds to ensure that this program can be expanded to other areas of the province where it has not been available thus far. In its discussions with the municipalities, my government has reaffirmed its recognition of the difficulties which local governments have encountered in meeting certain of their financial obligations. It has emphasized its intent to provide greater provincial revenue support both to assist the municipalities to meet their responsibilities, and to help reduce their reliance on the taxation of farm, residential, and small business property. For this reason, my Ministers will present for your consideration early in this Session proposals designed to reduce somewhat the budgetary pressures being experienced by local municipal governments. Among the changes proposed is an increase in the Unconditional Grant in a manner that will give municipalities access to existing income and corporate tax yields. You will also be asked to approve the establishment of a Special Municipal Loan and General Emergency Fund from which partially foregiveable loans may be made to municipalities to finance capital works projects for community betterment and job creation. Recognizing the difficulties many of the smaller communities in Manitoba have long encountered in meeting the costs of police services, my government plans to provide financial assistance to smaller towns and villages which hitherto have had to pay the entire cost of policing but which lacked the tax base. A formula has been developed which will provide support scaled to the differing fiscal capacities of these communities. The government's housing programs have proved successful in making available accommodation for many Manitobans who, because of low incomes, had previously been deprived of adequate shelter. You will be asked to approve funds for the continuation of these programs. You will also be requested to endorse a program to facilitate home ownership by Manitoba families with moderate incomes who are now prevented from owning their own homes by high costs and often prohibitive mortgage rates. This program will complement the present programs available to low income and senior citizens through the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation. Throughout our history, expanding agricultural production has provided a basis for activity in other sectors of our economy. My government is concerned, however, that economic forces for the past twenty years seem to be making it more and more difficult for many Manitobans to continue to derive an adequate livelihood from farming or from business related to agriculture in rural communities. For this reason, my Ministers intend to introduce for your consideration a number of proposals which are designed to improve the viability of the agricultural industry and to strengthen rural areas in general. Through the Manitoba Agricultural Credit Corporation, my government plans to make an additional option available for young farmers who are unable to acquire land. Existing farmers who are in need of additional land base, but who are unable to purchase for reasons beyond their control, will also be assisted through this option. Complementary to this program will be the development of new policies toward the leasing of agricultural crown lands which will give farmers the maximum benefit from use of these resources. My government will continue to support and encourage the expansion and development of the livestock industry in the province, and will introduce measures to confirm this support. These will include: • The establishment of additional veterinary clinics at strategic locations, increased incentive grants for expansion of beef cattle, sheep, and production of manufacturing milk. • A program to encourage more finishing of beef cattle within the province in order that both farmers and processing industries will obtain additional benefits. • Further support for an aggressive program of market development to seek new and expanded markets for livestock and livestock products. • Improvements to the Crop Insurance Program will be introduced, including a measure to lower substantially the premium costs to farmers. In response to demand, it is the intention of my government, under legislation approved last year, to provide added support for sewer and water installation programs for towns and villages. The extension of 4-H club youth activity into the northern area of the province will be one of the many measures which my government plans for the coming year to enhance the quality of life in the North, and to promote development throughout the region. In order to continue an active policy on northern development, my government has established a full Department of Northern Affairs. During the course of this Session, my Ministers will present plans under which remote northern communities will be given more access to information and training to encourage local self-government. You will be asked to support certain changes in The Northern Manitoba Affairs Act including provision for more authority for community councils. It is proposed that physical development in formerly isolated communities should continue at its present accelerated pace, with additional work planned on air strips, winter roads, air terminals, and community facilities. The Northern Manpower Corps will be expanded to work in conjunction with other agencies for the job training and placement, and counselling of northern residents. Funds will be requested to support the continued innovations in on-the- job training programs and Crown corporations that have given new employment opportunities to local residents. My Ministers inform me that their officials will continue to work closely with northern residents to ensure direct local participation in program planning. The government will also take steps to decentralize to northern Manitoba certain departmental activities in order to maintain closer contact with the people in that region. The future of the North has traditionally been associated with the development of mineral resources, but the potential value of Manitoba's mineral wealth promises immeasurable benefits not only to the northern region and its residents, but also to the entire province and all its citizens. In order that full advantage may be gained for the people of Manitoba from the orderly development of these resources, my government is undertaking a thorough review of resource policy. Because of increasing concern with the availability of recreational land, I am informed by my Ministers that a new program will be introduced whereby people of Manitoba will regain ownership of recreational land which had previously been removed from the public domain. A first priority in the establishment of this program will be for the public to obtain corridors to public lands which have been inaccessible because of their proximity and location in areas controlled by private persons. The problem of solid waste disposal is one which has up to now been primarily within municipal jurisdiction. Difficulties have arisen in dealing with litter and other forms of solid waste which have been deemed by my Ministers to make it necessary for the province to take Initiative with respect to this problem. Programs will be announced whereby the province will assume some responsibility for dealing with the litter and solid waste problem. While the primary industries continue to serve as a basic foundation for Manitoba's economic activity, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the nature of these industries limits direct employment opportunities which they can provide. As a result, my government has recognized the importance of encouraging and participating in the expansion of the manufacturing and service industries, some under conditions of higher risk than was deemed advisable in past decades, in order to create substantial numbers of new jobs. Because of the important role small businesses play in the provincial economy, my government is reviewing policies and programs designed specifically to assist small enterprise. Particular attention is being focused on the needs of small businesses located in the rural areas of the province and on the continuation of small business management training programs and seminars. In support of my government's commitment to promote regional economic development, will be an accelerated program of productivity audits for manufacturing companies in rural and urban areas. There will also be an emphasis on the development of high technology activities with focus on three fields which show promise as centres of excellence for our province. These three areas are: renewable resources including food products, biomedical products such as engineered products for medicine, and materials for fabrication. My government plans to continue its Regional Analysis Program with its concentrated effort on solution to particular development problems in rural areas and to continue with the effort to involve local municipal discussion groups. Emphasis will be focused on the designing of new programs and their coordination and implementation. Our province's economic development in the past has been characterized by a lack of fully satisfactory transportation facilities both between Manitoba and other parts of North America and within our own borders. My government is endeavouring to improve external transportation services by continuing to seek systematic cooperation with the federal government and other provinces to bring about increased use of the Port of Churchill, for added Manitoba-United States air services, and for more equitable freight rates in rural and northern areas. Recognizing the importance of maintaining a close policy review of impending changes in transportation services and costs and energy supply, transmission and costs, my government has established a coordinated policy and reporting Ministers for this purpose. Progress is evident in the program of road construction and upkeep. My Ministers have informed me that the 195-mile Thompson-Lynn Lake Highway will be completed this year. In addition by the end of 1973 it is expected that approximately 90 percent of the mileage of road between Winnipeg and Thompson will be paved surface highway. My government's plans for highway construction and reconstruction includes major work in southern Manitoba. It is expected that considerable progress will be made during the year, for example, in adding traffic lanes to the Trans-Canada Highway West between Portage la Prairie and Brandon. Improved highways and other transportation facilities, along with an imaginative tourism promotion program, have been manifest in the growing success of our tourist industry. My Ministers inform me that visitors to Manitoba from the United States increased by some 20 percent between 1971 and 1972, a remarkable growth rate, especially when compared to the figures for the same period for Canada as a whole. My government has made extensive use of its capital works acceleration program to assist in the creation and upgrading of park and camping facilities. New service facilities are planned at the Paint Lake Recreation Area and Grand Beach Provincial Park, and nine new wayside parks are being established in the province. A special study is to be undertaken to formulate programs to develop potential sites of historic, archaeological, and architectural significance in the province. My Ministers believe this is essential to preserve outstanding examples of Manitoba's heritage. My government expects to work closely with the federal government in its recently announced Bi-Ways and Special Places Program. The establishment of an historic park along the banks of the Red River is recognized as a first priority under such a program. Plans will be developed with a view to the preservation and utilization of this prime area of the early history of exploration and settlement in Manitoba. My government will also be introducing programs that will make it more realistic for senior citizens and lower income citizens and their children to make more frequent use of provincial parks, recreation areas, and their facilities. My Ministers look forward to cooperating with the City of Winnipeg in the preparations underway this year for the capital city's centennial in 1974 and ask the Assembly to take note of this historic event. The plans and the legislative proposals which I have outlined to you have been formulated with care and diligence by my Ministers in the interest of the people of Manitoba, and are recommended for the consideration of this Assembly. In leaving you, I pray that Divine Providence and the tolerance of reason may guide you in your deliberations. Que Dieu bénisse notre pays. God Bless Our Queen.