Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Manitoba 32e 2e Discours du trône 2 décembre 1982 Pearl McGonigal Lieutenant-gouverneur NPD Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Manitoba, I welcome you to the Second Session of the Thirty-Second Legislature of the Province of Manitoba. Manitobans were honoured early this year with a visit by Her Royal Highness The Princess Anne. Her visit coincided with the Centennial Celebrations of Brandon, Selkirk and other Manitoba communities. The economic recession under way when my government assumed office one year ago has deepened and persisted causing widespread hardship throughout Canada and in Manitoba. Unemployment has risen to post-Depression record levels. Homeowners, small businesses and farmers are struggling for their economic survival in the current difficult situation. While the ruinous policy of tight money and high interest rates is now discredited, my Ministers are concerned that positive alternatives have not been pursued at the national and international levels. These are times which test the will of individuals communities and nations. Manitobans are meeting this test, and in the process proving that their tremendous ability to co-operate and support each other in times of adversity is as strong today as it was during the Great Depression and pioneer days. This province is demonstrating a community spirit and will to make the best of a difficult situation. The results can be seen in Manitoba's better performance compared to other provinces in retail sales, employment, population, real domestic production and other indicators, in addition to continued low inflation and steady growth in manufacturing shipments. Manitoba is pulling its own weight. The good start that Manitobans have made serves as inspiration for my Ministers to make every effort to continue meeting the challenges of this long recession. The strength and character of the people of Manitoba demands nothing less. In the coming year my Ministers are committed to action that will develop and deliver programs that address the crisis of unemployment; continue to help individual Manitobans and maintain the foundations of the provincial economy for national recovery when it comes; provide activist, compassionate and innovative government in new and trying circumstances; and strengthen democratic institutions and individual liberties, while working and consulting with Manitobans in the ongoing review and revitalization of provincial services. The authority to spend $60 million on special employment and housing measures has been augmented by existing authority to create more than 4,000 jobs on projects that improve the strength of our economy and the quality of life in Manitoba. Every corner of Manitoba has been reached by job initiatives that are now under way. My Ministers advise me that they will continue to work with both the Federal and Municipal Governments to ease the hardship of unemployment and stimulate the economy. New and expanded measures will include almost $4 million for accelerated provincial capital works, providing many projects during the winter months when jobs are most needed; an additional $1 million to be immediately cost-shared with the City of Winnipeg for job intensive capital works; special employment funds transferred to northern community projects; extension of affordable new homes to match the extended federal grants for new home buyers; promotion of more infill housing in older Winnipeg neighbourhoods, following the successful design contest for affordable new city homes; and advancing to this winter, $900,000 of construction in Thompson; and provincial matching of the Federal Government's commitment to non-Federal Government projects under the New Employment Expansion and Development Program, for the 18 months beginning on January 1, 1983. These efforts will provide productive work for thousands of Manitobans. However, my government continues to seek further means of strengthening Manitoba and creating much-needed jobs. You will be asked to provide a $20 million loan authority for an improved and expanded home insulation program. This program will increase jobs in Manitoba and offer improved opportunities to reduce the cost of home heating and thus the cost of living. Jobs are also created by two federal-provincial programs that demonstrate energy saving: Arena and Recreation Centre Retrofit and Small Scale Energy Demonstration My Ministers are preparing a new program to demonstrate cost effective methods of upgrading home energy efficiency It will involve 120 existing homes across the province. My government has responded to the current economic crisis in the tradition of shared purpose and co-operative action which is characteristic of Manitobans To this end, the Economic Summit Conference in Portage la Prairie last month brought together representatives of government, business and labour with Native and farm groups in a search for common understanding and co-operative action on the economy. There was a shared recognition of the need to work together to minimize the impact of the recession on Manitobans, and a resolve to work together to formulate an economic development strategy. In follow-up to the Summit, my Ministers will work in partnership with business and labour to achieve continued stable economic performance, to build in Manitoba's diversified economic base and to increase development to meet local needs. In response to the discussions at the Economic Summit, my government will also be proceeding with several specific immediate measures. The venture capital initiative will address the shortage of equity capital frequently experienced by small and medium-size Manitoba firms. It will stimulate equity investment in innovative firms and strengthen such ventures. My Ministers are developing a "Buy Manitoba" program to support the growth of rural and urban firms. This program will streamline purchasing procedures and provide opportunities for firms to strengthen their local market base, without the rigid price guidelines that both business and labour consider to be counterproductive for Manitoba. Relevant, effective job training and retraining to meet the requirements of increasingly competitive markets and the impact of technological change was emphasized by participants at the Economic Summit. New training programs will be developed with the advice of business and labour. My Ministers will promote greater consultation between employers and employees and encourage various means of increasing worker involvement in decision-making. Within the public sector, my government in consultation with the appropriate trade unions will implement such measures as a model. A major foundation of Manitoba's economy is our resource industries and several will receive attention in the coming year. My Ministers are encouraged by the continued rapid pace of exploration and development in Manitoba's petroleum industry. To date in 1982, over 175 new wells have been drilled, a near 300 percent increase over 1981. My government is encouraged by the announcement that Petro-Canada, our national oil company, has now commenced drilling wells in Manitoba. To provide for the stable long-term development of the oil industry in Manitoba, a package of measures will be brought forward. You will be asked to create a Manitoba Oil and Gas Corporation. This corporation will pursue in concert with the private sector the fullest development of our oil and gas potential. It will enable direct public participation in this important resource industry. Where oil well activity exists and is increasing, a number of surface rights problems have arisen over the years, demonstrating the need for comprehensive surface rights legislation. Accordingly, my government intends to introduce legislation governing the acquisition, use and restoration of lands required for oil and gas exploration, development and production, which will provide greater ability to resolve conflicts between the agriculture and oil industries. Manitoba has proven its ability to attract private sector interest in our oil industry. To maintain this competitive advantage, legislation to provide royalty and tax incentives to 1986 for actively exploring oil companies will be introduced. Despite the toll taken by the recession, my Ministers are confident that the mining industry will play an important role in Manitoba for many more years. Public investment in Manitoba Mineral Resources Ltd for mineral exploration will be increased so that this Crown corporation can better accommodate the desire of private companies to enter into joint ventures with the province. This should mean more exploration and will provide the people of Manitoba with an increased stake in this resource. La qualité et l'approvisionnement des eaux sont essentielles au maintien et à l'amélioration de la qualité de notre vie. Mon gouvernement adoptera de nouvelles mesures d'exploitation des eaux de ruissellement et des réserves d'eau souterraines, et modernisera les moyens de répartir, de protéger et de contrôler cette ressource importante, et d'accorder les licences qui s'y rapportent. My Ministers will continue to work with Manitobans who are deeply concerned about the potential harmful effect of the Garrison Diversion project, and ensure that Manitoba's views are placed clearly and effectively before those responsible for the project. The harvesting of wild rice has long been of importance to Manitoba residents, particularly those of Native ancestry My government will help realize this industry's potential and foster its growth by introducing a management framework for wild rice production. Agriculture is key to the Manitoba economy, and my Ministers have been working with the farm community to develop policies and programs that support healthy farm production. My Ministers have consulted in recent months with farm groups, farmers and other residents of Manitoba on legislative measures required to control absentee ownership of Manitoba's farmland Arising from these discussions, my government will introduce "The Farmlands Ownership Act." This Act will strengthen the family farm by restricting acquisition of farmland by absentee investors, specifically non farm corporations and nonresidents of Manitoba. My government continues to favour the development of a national stabilization program for beef. In the absence of needed national plans, it is taking decisive action in Manitoba to assist producers in this important industry. After extensive consultation the province introduced a Plan for Manitoba Beef to increase and stabilize beef incomes and to increase value-added in industries related to the beef sector. In addition, my government will strengthen and expand related technical programs to enhance the productivity and incomes of beef producers in Manitoba. Through the Manitoba Agricultural Credit Corporation and its regional extension services, my government will continue to provide credit, intensive financial counselling, and interest rate relief to farmers, particularly those experiencing severe financial difficulty. My government will continue to express concern about the negative economic impact on Manitoba of the proposed changes in the statutory grain rates. With grain prices depressed and the cost of production increasing, the grain farmer is more vulnerable to the increasing transportation rates which the federal proposal would directly impose. Change in the principle of equal rates for equal distance would result in the loss of branch lines and consequently threaten the viability of many rural communities. My government continues to promote and support the Port of Churchill. Increased grain shipping and a resumption of non grain shipments will be sought, in addition to preservation of Churchill's role as the Keewatin resupply base. To reduce the cost of port operations, my Ministers have proposed federal-provincial co-operation to supply Churchill with hydro-electricity. Tourism will remain a significant source of economic activity. Implementation of the federal-provincial Destination Manitoba Agreement will continue at an accelerated pace. My government is improving the ability of the provincial public sector to serve Manitobans. Departments of government are upgrading their capacity to plan effectively and provide the public with necessary information. Other activist steps include the following. Construction and renovation of housing has major economic and social benefits. The province plays an active role in all aspects of housing; therefore, you will be asked to approve a Department of Housing to establish a comprehensive approach to the delivery of housing to Manitobans. Homes initiatives will continue, and co-operative housing efforts will be expanded. You will be asked to approve the formation of a Department for Environment and Workplace Health and Safety. This unique new entity will recognize the need for integration and achieve effective operation of existing services that foster a healthier environment for all Manitobans. My Ministers have begun a hazardous and special waste management program that includes a Hazardous Materials Act. You will be asked to approve transportation of dangerous goods legislation. Legislation will be introduced to strengthen the participation of working people in the development and maintenance of safe and healthy workplaces. Additional amendments to improve other aspects of workplace health and safety will be introduced upon the basis of recent public hearings. For 11 years Manitobans have been well served by their public insurance corporation. Automobile owners enjoy low rates and superior coverage, and all operations of the corporation contribute to a stronger and more self-reliant provincial economy. To increase the potential for such beneficial activity, the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation will be empowered to enter into the competitive marketing of life insurance and pension management services. These are difficult times, and the fact of limited provincial revenues demands tough decisions. My Ministers are guided by principles of compassion and innovation as they reallocate resources, both financial and personnel, within departments to more accurately reflect current priorities. In this way existing resources will be used most effectively. My government is committed to an economic and social program which will best meet the needs of Manitoba in 1983-84. All departments have been asked to examine existing programs to see if they meet the needs of today, rather than yesterday. My government is already moving to implement these new directions. Priorities in health will be mental health, preventive public health, an expansion of community health centres and gerontology. Respecting mental health, my government is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Director of Mental Health and Provincial Psychiatrist, who will work closely with the Department of Psychiatry - University of Manitoba, and other agencies dealing with community mental health to establish a long-range program for mental health in the Province of Manitoba. My Ministers will place more emphasis on prevention and the entire range of public health programs, including maternal and child health, a review of lifestyle and chronic diseases. The Department of Health and the City of Winnipeg will be jointly reviewing the delivery of public health services in the City of Winnipeg to determine if the delivery of these services should be undertaken by the province. The Provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland have enacted seat belt and other safety legislation and realized decreases of 15 percent to 21 percent in the number of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents. My Ministers are carefully reviewing the preventive health that could be achieved through highway safety measures. There will be a general thrust to reverse the trend of the past four years and emphasize the importance and effectiveness of community health centres as an expanded source of medical and health related services. There will be substantial construction by the Manitoba Health Services Commission and the Department of Health in 1983-84. This activity will serve health needs and will provide a substantial number of jobs at a time when the construction industry is in need of such support. Le ministre de la santé et la commission des services de santé du Manitoba prévoient un programme de construction substantiel pour l'année 1983-84. Ceci répondra aux besoins existants en matière de santé et donnera naissance a un nombre important d'emplois, à une époque où l'industrie du bâtiment a grand besoin d'un tel soutien. My Ministers advise me that after years of negotiation with the Federal Government, the Deer Lodge Hospital will be taken over by the Government of Manitoba for the use of both veterans and non veterans The Federal Government will provide some $30 million to upgrade this facility, which will be able to serve more seniors as a geriatric centre. The plight of many older women is a special concern for my government. Part of the long-term answer is pension reform My Ministers seek increased dignity and financial security for Manitobans who retire in the future My government remains committed to improving pension standards to equal the highest standards in Canada Following a review by the Pension Commission, amendments will be sought to The Pension Benefits Act to better protect the private pension benefits of Manitobans. My government will also support reform of the Canada Pension Plan. My Ministers inform me that serious economic conditions increase public demand for social services in Manitoba. Of particular concern is the impact of harsh economic circumstances on those of our citizens who are disadvantaged, unemployed and disabled. My government will provide its continuing commitment to compassion in social programming. You will be asked to approve expenditures to meet increasing provincial and municipal social assistance caseloads resulting from the national recession. My government is committed to addressing the special needs of increasing numbers of children in care who are older, handicapped or experiencing emotional and behavioural problems. Similarly, my Ministers intend to respond to the needs of Native children and families in a manner which reflects their rich heritage and cultural traditions. There will be special emphasis on improving and strengthening program resources for women and children who are the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse. My Ministers invite public comment on proposed regulations under the provisions of The Community Day Care Standards Act. This initiative will ensure high standards of day care for Manitoba s children. During this Session of the Legislature, you will be asked to approve amendments to The Vital Statistics Act, The Marriage Act and The Change of Name Act as part of a general updating and strengthening of all Family Law Statutes. My government also informs me that a social services planning and review council will be established to advise the Minister of Community Services and Corrections on matters related to the delivery of social programs in Manitoba. My government will retain the Education Support Program until the review of education financing is completed As well, my Ministers will be requesting approval for continued supplementary funding to school divisions. This funding corrects deficiencies in the Education Support Program and assists school divisions in providing quality education programs for their students. The government will also be providing support to school divisions with small schools to assist them in meeting school needs. My government recognizes the essential economic and social activity of universities and community colleges. You will be asked to provide capital and operating funds that build upon the substantially increased support these institutions are receiving in 1982-83. My government is committed to preserving and developing Manitoba's culture and heritage in full recognition of the diverse backgrounds and traditions of its citizens. Accordingly, meetings are being held throughout the province with representatives of local governments, libraries, cultural and heritage organizations and interested citizens. An Interim Liaison Committee on Multiculturalism is now completing a full scale review of multicultural policy. The Committee has proposed a council representative of the many ethnic groups in Manitoba and has discussed the proposal at public meetings. My Ministers are awaiting the Committee's final report and the subsequent creation of the council. My Ministers propose to undertake programs which record and preserve the events of the past as well as programs which sustain an environment of artistic creativity throughout the province. Additionally, my Ministers propose to extend assistance for the renovation and construction of public libraries in our rural communities. As well, you will be asked to support measures to stimulate the growth of our cultural industries such as film production. In addition to assisting municipalities through district recreation grants, my government will provide grants and services to approximately 80 provincial sport associations and recreation agencies to assist these organizations in offering recreation opportunities. My Ministers believe that the protection of the rights of citizens must be continually safeguarded and enhanced. Legislation will be introduced to deal with citizens' complaints against the police, Freedom of Information and provision of major public statutes found to be in substantial conflict with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In addition, a major revision of The Human Rights Act will be proposed to extend its application and enforcement. The residents of this province have the right to demand of their elected officials the highest possible standards and to that end, legislation dealing with conflict of interest of members of the Legislative Assembly and conflict of interest of members of Municipal Councils will be introduced. 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. A vital aspect of the democratic rights of all citizens now enhanced by the provisions in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is the right to vote. Amendments to both The Elections Act and Elections Finance Act will be introduced to improve the conduct and financing of elections to the Legislative Assembly. My Ministers are actively considering a report from the Law Reform Commission calling for the amalgamation of the Court of Queen's Bench and the County Court and it is anticipated that legislation will be introduced dealing with the recommendation of the Commission. In conjunction with the review of Family Law Statutes, my Ministers are considering the introduction of a unified family court Legislation will also be introduced to complement The Federal Young Offenders Act. A major open review of The Labour Relations Act, Employment Standards Act and related Acts will be undertaken to update industrial relations to fit present and future labour markets Particular attention will be given to the issues surrounding technological change and termination of employment. Demands on the Payment of Wages Fund have escalated from $150,000 to $500,000 as workers attempt to recover wages earned from employers who have gone into receivership. Amendments will be sought to the Payment of Wages Fund to give a high priority to those wage claims. By virtue of Section 37 of The Canada Act, a First Ministers' Constitutional Conference will be held in early 1983, with direct participation of Native people and the territorial governments, to discuss the issues of aboriginal and treaty rights My government is pleased that Metis and status Indian leaders have agreed to be equal participants within the Manitoba delegation in the preparatory meetings and at the Conference. My Ministers intend to play an active role in these meetings and will continue to ensure that justice for Native people is achieved. My Ministers advise me that proposals for amendments to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other parts of The Constitution Act, 1982, will be brought forward during the course of the Session. My government will receive a report from the Indian Land Entitlements Commission and will develop policy for early resolution of these legitimate and longstanding entitlements. Consultation is continuing concerning the appropriate forum for addressing Metis claims. Legislation based on proposals received from the Manitoba Law Reform Commission will deal with occupiers' liability, survivorship and investments by trustees. In addition, legislation amending The Jury Act and The Judgment Act will be introduced. Amendments to The Manitoba Liquor Control Act will be introduced to continue removing outdated provisions. Amendments will also be introduced to further update The Highway Traffic Act, The Consumer Protection Act. The Financial Administration Act and other legislation My government is committed to greater local control by Northern Affairs communities. You will be asked to increase support for training and development programs for community councils My Ministers are working closely with elected officials and their organizations to improve existing activities and to develop new ones. My Ministers are proud of the signing of the Northern Development Agreement, $186.2 million agreement, developed in consultation with affected organizations and northerners. This is a milestone in cooperative federalism. It will create jobs in the context of overall economic strategy for the North It was achieved through hard negotiations and represents evolution from previous agreements. My Ministers will continue to stress the principles of co-operative federalism in discussions with the Federal Government. My Ministers recognize the importance of a strong central government sensitive to the needs of all Canadians, particularly in current economic circumstances. However, my government regrets that the revised Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements now in place are eroding needed federal support for our province. Current consultations may lead to federal proposals for further cutbacks in national support for vital programs, particularly in the health and education sectors. My Ministers will continue to stress the importance of adequate continuing federal financial support to help maintain quality programming and the serious implications further federal cutbacks would have on existing programming and service levels. My government joined with the other provinces at the 1982 Premiers' Conference in calling for a First Ministers' Conference to discuss the recovery program jointly prepared by the provinces. My Ministers recognize the need for early action and will continue to encourage the Federal Government to participate in the required process of consultation and planning. You will be asked to approve funds for the implementation of major employment, housing, community facilities and services, and key site redevelopment projects under the Winnipeg Core Area Agreement. Other provincial initiatives, such as the $50 million Homes in Manitoba Program, reflect the province's policy of encouraging dynamic, vibrant neighbourhoods and centres in the older areas of Winnipeg. You will also be asked to approve increased grants to the City of Winnipeg, continuing assistance to the Winnipeg Transit System and support for the implementation of a public transit-oriented, long-range urban transportation plan. Transit grants for the cities of Brandon, Flin Flon and Thompson will increase the same degree as those for Winnipeg. My Ministers are also pursuing with city and federal officials proposals to undertake demonstration projects for the electrification of urban transit. My Ministers are concerned about the continued uncertainty with respect to the future of the CPR Marshalling Yards in the centre of Winnipeg, and the implications for urban transportation and core area revitalization plans. My government is seeking the co-operation of the City, the Government of Canada and the CPR in reconsidering the desirability and feasibility of relocating the Yards, and possibly the mainline, in order to minimize the cost of associated grade separations, open up inner city land for redevelopment and reduce potential hazards. My government is responsible for providing, through The City of Winnipeg Act, a legislative framework which permits and encourages the citizens of Winnipeg to participate effectively in the community and city-wide decisions which affect their daily lives. You will be asked to approve certain amendments to improve The City of Winnipeg Act. My Ministers are pleased to report progress on the opening up of significant and historic waterfront sites under the Canada Manpower Agreement for Recreation and Conservation on the Red River Corridor. You will be asked to approve funds for significant construction activity at a majority of the project sites during the 1983-84 fiscal year. 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 genuine commitment to a responsible and active role by the public sector within the limits to the province's financial capacity. Priority will be attached to measures dealing with current problems as well as measures to rebuild and revitalize the province's economic foundations. These goals will also underscore the Budget Address my government will present. As well, the Public Accounts for the last fiscal year will be presented for your consideration. Manitobans could be satisfied by the fact they are coping with recession better than any other province. It is a measure of our people's greatness that they have demonstrated such strong desire to work together and keep finding better ways to ease the human indignity and economic waste of unemployment. Manitobans' belief in the future of their country and world has been evident in their outpouring of support for disarmament and the path of peace. My government seeks to reflect this belief and the resolution on disarmament adopted unanimously by the Legislative Assembly at your last Session. My Ministers are working with Manitobans to provide a government worthy of this great province. In doing so, they will be guided by the principles which so many Manitobans share: social justice, human equality and economic progress. My government has kept faith with Manitobans during its first year in office. It is determined to act decisively in the face of economic adversity and help realize the vast potential of this province. My Ministers seek the continued help, involvement and understanding of the people of Manitoba as they act to meet the challenges of this painful and difficult time in our nation's history. 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.