Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Manitoba 32e 1e Discours du trône 25 février 1982 Pearl McGonigal Lieutenant-gouverneur NPD Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Manitoba, I welcome you to the First Session of the Thirty-Second Legislature of the Province of Manitoba. Monsieur le Président et Députés de L'Assemblée Législative du Manitoba, je vous souhaite la bienvenue à la première session de la trente-deuxième Législature de la Province du Manitoba. Two of our largest urban centres are celebrating their centennial this year. We join with the residents of Brandon, Selkirk and other centennial communities in marking this milestone in their development. Municipal centennials are an occasion for Manitobans to reflect upon our heritage. Manitoba cherishes the proud traditions of its Native peoples. We have also gained strong values from those who settled this province and broke the land. The people of Manitoba have time and again demonstrated their ability to co-operate and support each other in times of adversity. My Ministers inform me that this great quality in our people has been called upon by the harsh economic circumstances which all Canadians are facing at this time. Manitoba's economy was in a weakened condition as this most recent recession began. My Ministers inform me that Manitoba suffered economic stagnation in the late 1970s, culminating in reduced economic activity in 1979 and 1980. Limited growth in 1981 could not reverse the damage done by declining investment, sharply reduced construction activity and the loss of vital processing, financial and service enterprises. The economic base of the province has been seriously eroded. Of particular concern lo my government is the decline in job creation, with many jobs lost in a number of Manitoba's most important basic industries. By late 1981, total employment in the province was below the 1980 levels. Record-high business bankruptcies in the last two years, and the poor investment performance since 1977 will influence the province's prospects for some time to come. In the brief period since assuming office, my Ministers have listened to the concerns of many individual Manitobans and a broad range of organizations. They have noted widespread frustration with current economic circumstances, especially the high level of interest rates. The prospects of economic recovery are reduced by present federal monetary policy. High interest rates cause particular hardship for homeowners facing mortgage renewals, farmers and small businesses. Provinces such as Manitoba which rely heavily on small business activity are especially hard hit. My Ministers intend to maintain their call for a federal policy of lower interest rates and increased private and public investment in the Canadian economy. However, my government accepts its responsibility to use the province's limited resources and jurisdiction to help Manitobans through these difficult times. My government will play an active role in the economy, to advance our common interests and to encourage those developments that best serve Manitobans. Experience has proven that a partnership of business, labour and government is essential to building a stronger provincial economy. My government's economic program will seek to protect Manitobans from the worst effects of inflation which has been fueled by high interest rates and energy costs. It will take advantage of Manitoba's mixed economy by preparing for public investments and joint ventures with private companies that can help rebuild the structure of our economy. It will act within the limitations imposed by a strained fiscal capacity to stimulate the provincial economy so that job creation does not continue to decline. My Ministers have already announced an emergency program of limited, one-time interest rate relief to cushion the effects of those Manitobans who are in most difficulty because of high interest rates. You will be asked to authorize funds for homeowners, farmers and small businesses. Manitobans also require protection from unfair rent increases. To meet this need, a new rent control act will soon be introduced for your consideration. I am told that every effort has been made to prepare a rent control program that will be fair to both landlords and tenants. The aged and infirm, particularly those on fixed incomes, often suffer most from the effects of quickly rising prices. You will be asked to provide funds to begin the provision of hearing aids, dental services, and eye glasses for elderly persons under Pharmacare. The Winnipeg Transit System ably serves many Manitobans, including those who cannot afford to own an automobile or who wish to conserve gasoline. To encourage greater use of the transit system you will be asked to approve a grant to the City of Winnipeg which provides break-even revenue for the transit system and allows freezing of transit rates. There is considerable concern that increased tuition fees at Manitoba's universities unfairly limit access to those institutions by students from lower income families. You will be asked to provide additional funds to permit the universities to forego any tuition fee increases for the 1982-83 academic year. Manitobans unable to work and therefore dependent upon the province for their income found themselves unable to maintain a decent standard of living because provincial social allowances did not keep pace with inflation. My Ministers inform me that allowances were increased to correct this neglect, and that future increases will be based upon a measure of recipients's basic costs. My government is concerned that the minimum wage in Manitoba has not kept pace with the increased cost of living in recent years. They have asked the Minimum Wage Board to recommend an appropriate increase in the minimum wage My government is committed to using public investment as a major means of sparking economic activity and private investment in Manitoba. To improve financial administration and effective use of all public investment, a Department of Crown Investments has been created. The new department will begin to plan for provincial investment by the Crown corporations, while respecting the traditional operating independence of the major Crown corporations. My Ministers place a particular priority upon public investment in natural resources. This maximizes the return from resources which stays in Manitoba. It also permits greater development control by the people of our province. Manitoba's endowment of energy and mineral resources are assets to be used for the benefit of all My government will manage these assets to ensure that present and future generations realize more fully the value of our resource endowment Energy conservation is an essential dimension of resource management. You will be asked to approve an Act to establish the Manitoba Oil and Gas Corporation. This Crown corporation will participate in the exploration and development of Manitoba's petroleum resources. You will be asked to authorize funds to maintain Manitoba Mineral Resources Limited's ownership share in the Trout Lake Copper Mine which is being developed near Flin Flon, and to maintain or establish a public share in exploration and other promising mineral discoveries. The report of the Commission on Surface Rights has been received and it is being reviewed. Legislation arising from the report may be prepared in time for consideration in this Session. My government is reviewing a number of major resource-based project proposals, including the Western Power Inter-Tie, the expansion of Manitoba Forest Resources Limited, the establishment of an aluminum industry, the development of our potash resources and the construction of Limestone Generating Station. The benefit to Manitobans of each project is being weighed against our cost. My Ministers will co-operate with mining companies and trade unions to examine measures to offset the harmful effects on communities from the cyclical nature of the mining industry. Major construction projects are a source of immediate stimulus for the economy and our construction industry. My government will proceed with several significant construction projects. You will be asked to approve funds for work to begin in the fall of 1982 on a new law courts building which will relieve serious overcrowding in existing facilities. You will be asked to provide funds for the complete opening of Seven Oaks General Hospital, for the addition of 20 adult psychiatric beds at Grace General Hospital, for a free standing unit of 25 adolescent psychiatric beds in Winnipeg, and for the continued expansion and redevelopment of the Health Sciences Centre and other major health care facilities throughout the province. As part of the long-range plans to improve mental health centres, a new 100-bed unit replacing existing facilities and laundry facility will be constructed at the Brandon Mental Health Centre. I am informed that the capital development assistance programs included under the Federal Provincial Subsidiary Agreement for Tourism Development will be presented shortly for consideration. These programs will create jobs and increase access to the wide range of vacation opportunities that this province's natural, cultural and historical resources provide. My Ministers are committed to the rehabilitation of Manitoba's housing stock as a means of creating worthwhile jobs and improving the standard of living for Manitobans. You will be asked to authorize funds for a significant revitalization and expansion of the Critical Home Repair Program. This program will complement federal programs and the Winnipeg Core Area Initiative. The provincial trunk highway system and the provincial road system represent the largest transportation infrastructure investment in Manitoba. You will be asked for funds to protect adequately this investment with maintenance and reconstruction. Amendments to The Highway Traffic Act will be introduced. My government views training as a crucial part of our development and is fully committed to meeting training needs. Manitoba's community colleges will provide increased training opportunities in occupations in which there are shortages of skilled workers. Priority will continue to be directed toward increasing apprenticeship training, particularly within trades experiencing critical shortages of labour. Efforts will continue to be directed toward increasing the accessibility of training and employment. Training that leads to a job is also a priority for women, Native people and other Manitobans whose access to jobs has been severely limited. These efforts will help Manitoba to keep the human resources that are critical in a modern economy. Rural Manitoba is the heartland of our province and agriculture is the backbone of the diverse Manitoba economy. My government is committed to protecting the family farm and to the rural values which helped to shape this province. My government will pursue the economic revitalization of rural Manitoba communities. You will be asked for funds for the Main Street Manitoba Program which will involve towns, villages and local businesses in fresh development. You will be asked to provide additional funds for Regional Development Corporations to identify development opportunities in rural and Northern Manitoba. My Ministers are extremely concerned with the implications of the Federal Government's move to change the statutory grain rates. Such a change could seriously reduce net farm income in Manitoba with little likelihood of any resulting benefits in livestock production or increased value added processing. You will be asked to examine this issue and to approve a resolution presented by my government. My Ministers believe that the most prudent approach to the problems of the beef industry is to develop a meaningful stabilization program on a national basis. However, in the absence of a national program, my Ministers intend to work with the producer groups to develop a reasonable provincial approach to assist in stabilizing the livestock industry in Manitoba. There will be an evaluation of the Manitoba Agricultural Credit Corporation's capacity to strengthen the family farm unit for beginning farmers. My Ministers also intend to propose restrictions in absentee ownership of agricultural land in order to strengthen Manitoba family farms. Northern Manitoba is the source of rich mineral resources but many northern communities suffer from the loss of economic activity and very high unemployment. My Ministers want to make sure that northern concerns are heard and that northern development is encouraged. My Ministers are hopeful that continued consultation and negotiations of the Northlands Agreement will lead to economic development for Northern Manitoba. There will be a concerted effort to ensure that Northern Manitobans are able to take full advantage of the opportunity to participate in the development of northern projects. As well, my government will place an increased emphasis on the development of strong local government in Northern Affairs communities. Manitobans favour increased use of the Port of Churchill. My Ministers will continue to advocate more adequate infrastructure and an extended shipping season for the prairie port. They are also reviewing the potential for provincial use of Port Churchill. Winnipeg contains almost 60 percent of the province's population and therefore, all provincial activity is significant for Winnipeg. My government is proceeding with several programs of particular interest to Winnipeggers. The Ministry for Urban Affairs has been re-established and will provide a focal point for the ongoing development of innovative provincial policies and programs which respond to the needs of the City of Winnipeg. My Ministers have proposed a major shift in planned spending to finance a Winnipeg Core Area Agreement Training and Employment Agency. You will be asked to provide funds for the establishment of the agency to co-ordinate a sustained effort by the three levels of government to train core area residents for long term employment in identified jobs in both the public and private sectors. My government will also endeavour to ensure that special efforts are made to provide for consultation and citizens' participation in policies in programs for the core area. You will also be asked to approve the expenditure of $44.8 million in grants to the City of Winnipeg. These grants represent a 16.5 percent increase over the former block funding grant, and are being provided as an interim measure in 1982, pending the results of a provincial review of local government financing. My Ministers are committed to ensuring greater accessibility and creating greater awareness of cultural opportunities. My Ministers are determined to work closely with Manitoba's cultural community at all levels. My government is keenly aware of the needs of the many emerging and practising professional artists and intends to increase opportunities for these artists to work and live in the province. My Ministers propose to take positive action to recognize the rich contribution to the province of our many ethnic groups. You will be asked to approve funding necessary to initiate a full-scale review of government multicultural policy and to create a multicultural council. Mes ministres jugent que la conservation et la mise en valeur du patrimoine manitobain, merveilleusement riche et varié, ont été négligées. Mes ministres se sont engagés à conserver les documents importants qui se rapportent à l'histoire, ancienne et moderne, du Manitoba et les richesses archéologiques et architecturales de notre province. Nous vous demanderons, au cours de cette session, d'approuver des crédits supplémentaires pour ces projets. My Ministers will stress the principles of co-operative federalism and the need for effective Federal-Provincial co-ordination to deal with the difficult changes confronting all Canadians. My Ministers share Manitobans' traditional support for strong central government. My government recognizes the vital financial support provided by the Federal Government. The current Federal-Provincial fiscal arrangements have served Canada and all Canadians relatively well. My Ministers remain hopeful that the new arrangements will provide sufficient funds for the maintaining of high quality health and educational services in all parts of Canada and will reflect a strong, renewed commitment to equalization. Manitoba intends to maintain its commitment to these vital social services. My Ministers inform me that included in the legislative program for this Session will be a Community Child Day Care Standards Act to ensure high standards of child care. Significant provisions will be made in the expenditure budget to reflect the needs for additional child day care and care for special needs children, and to recognize the inflationary pressures on publicly-funded day care centres. As well, there will be expansion in the child care services course to alleviate the shortage of qualified day care personnel. My Ministers further inform me that a task force will be established to review both provincial and municipal social assistance in Manitoba. This initiative will be undertaken within the framework of the government's fiscal capacity. My Ministers inform me that while the International Year of the Disabled has ended, the Manitoba Government recognizes the needs of the physically and mentally handicapped residents of our province, and will continue to work with the disabled to achieve their equality and dignity in the community. It is also my government's intention to expand the Children's Dental Health program this year. 1982 is the International Year of the Elderly. My government will begin consultation on major reform of the pension system to help ensure a secure retirement for those now in the work force. It will also work to satisfy elderly Manitobans' desire for a dignified, safe and independent life in this province. Existing plans for the Garrison Diversion Project in North Dakota pose a threat to water quality and the fishing industry in Manitoba. Manitoba will be represented in Washington to co-operate with the Canadian Embassy and register Manitobans' grave concerns about present plans for the project. Other environmental concerns are more fully within the province's jurisdiction. Public hearings on hazardous waste site selection will be held. The issue of acid rain will be addressed by increased monitoring and public information programs. There will also be more emphasis on Workplace Safety and Health Committees so there can be greater worker participation in the achievement of safer and healthier work places. A chief occupation medical officer will be appointed and research into occupation related cancer will be expanded. Canadians expect that our country's Constitution will soon be patriated. This historic milestone has long been sought by those of every political persuasion. My government is now looking ahead to the Constitutional Conference which must take place a year after patriation to define further aboriginal rights. Manitoba's Native people will be fully involved in a preparation for that conference as members of the provincial delegation. Provincial policy on the wild rice industry has been reviewed and after the public is consulted a new policy will be issued. A Native Land Claims Commission will be established to recommend a rational and effective process for resolution of this long-standing problem The Commission's mandate will include Indian and Metis claims. My Ministers view this initiative as a major step in carrying out their pledge to consult and work closely with our Native community. Recognizing that financial barriers discourage many Native students in Manitoba, you will be asked to approve an expansion in the Student Aid Special Bursary Awards to Metis and Native Students, including Status Indian students living permanently off reserve. Library and audio-visual materials for students in French language, immersion and basic French courses will be enhanced to ensure an adequate level of service. Important improvements will be undertaken to French language services both in the courts and in the provision of programs to the public. Steps have been taken to quicken the pace of translating existing statutes into French. Your approval will be sought for a substantial increase in the funding of education. Funds will be used to redress inequities in education funding by providing assistance to divisions with low assessments and low per pupil expenditure levels. Extra support will be provided to offset high transportation costs faced by divisions. These will be interim measures while a one-year review of education financing is conducted. Amendments will be introduced to The Labour Relations Act to provide for first collective agreement arbitration to encourage good faith bargaining and to update the act. It is also intended that changes to The Payment of Wages Act will be introduced to clarify and improve procedures for the collection of unpaid wages. During this Session, legislation will be introduced to strengthen our family law statutes. This legislation will include amendments to The Marital Property Act to ensure that pension benefits are considered as family assets. Other family law legislation will strengthen the enforcement of both maintenance and custody orders. An amendment to The Legal Aid Services Society Act will allow the society to issue certificates to groups representing consumer and related interests in certain circumstances. During this Session of the Legislature you will be asked to approve amendments to The Lotteries and Gaming Control Act which will strengthen the controls and improve the accountability relative to the conduct of lotteries and games in Manitoba. My Ministers are committed to openness in government and steps will be taken to develop an appropriate freedom of information policy for Manitoba. My government will ensure the strengthening of the ability of members of this House to serve their constituents by appropriate amendments to The Legislative Assembly Act. The question of conflict of interest in the performance of their duties by those elected to public is a matter of great concern to the public; accordingly legislation will be introduced at this Session dealing comprehensively with conflict of interest by Members of the Legislative Assembly. My government will present the Estimates of Expenditures for the public service of the province and capital works for the next fiscal year for your consideration. These Estimates will reflect a clear commitment to an active and responsible role by the public sector, not only in alleviating current hardships and injustices but also in controlling as much as possible to improving the quality of life and equality of opportunity for all Manitobans. Manitobans are willing to work hard and to welcome the diverse contribution of many cultures. We feel close ties to this soil, yet trade and immigration make the world our horizon. Many of us earn our living from the rich resources of our province in an extension of the Native tradition. Although Manitobans are currently sharing the economic problems of other Canadians my Ministers are confident of a bright future for the people of Manitoba. The resources of this great province and the spirit of its people can assure that bright future despite the difficulties of the current economic period. My Ministers want to work with the people of Manitoba to build a great future for all Manitobans. To that task my government is fully committed. My Ministers look forward to building a society in which each individual can fulfil his or her personal potential and contribute to the betterment of the larger community. Economic and social justice for Manitoba mean both the liberation of individuals and the advancement of our provincial economy. Later in the Session, the Budget Address will provide further evidence of my government's commitment to improved economic and social justice. As well, the Public Accounts for the last fiscal year will be presented for your consideration. En vous quittant, je prie la Divine Providence de vous guider et de vous éclairer dans vos délibérations et vos décisions. Que Dieu bénisse la Reine et notre pays. In leaving you, I pray Divine Providence may guide you and enlighten you in your deliberations and your decisions. May God bless the Queen and our country.