The Liberal Multicultural Association Season's Party

It was a fun time at the Saigon Centre, and it went late into the evening.

There was lots of Karaoke - and some excellent singers. Ray St. Germain, federal Liberal candidate in Winnipeg Centre, stopped by to belt out a number of songs.

Ruslan Tracz - Voices of a Nation - a wonderful exhibition

Ruslan Tracz's exhibition, Voices of a Nation (Inside the Orange Revolution) is a tour du force. It is a photo-journalistic exhibition of the inside story - and the story in the streets - of the Orange Revolution in the Ukraine.

There can be little that is more precious than democracy. A year ago, in the Ukraine, the future of democracy hung in the balance. Ruslan Tracz was there, taking it all in, and spent seven months in the Ukraine. He lived and breathed the events of the Orange Revolution and you can see it first hand - in his photos and the captions that go along with the photos.

There are those who listen now, a year later, to what is happening in the Ukraine. Life is not perfect. Loud voices speaking up about problems and difficulties are the voices of democracy. Ruslan, in opening the show, emphasized the importance of realizing that these voices might not have been able to speak up, as they are speaking now, if the democractic process had not triumphed in the Orange Revolution.

Ruslan's exhibition can be found at the Outworks Gallery at 290 McDermot (3rd floor). It is open from December 10-20, Monday to Friday noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

I have two further notes to share here. First, Ruslan mentioned that when he was in the Ukraine, he had an opportunity at one point to meet Adrienne Clarkson, then Governor-General of Canada. It was later reported to Ruslan that Adrienne commented to a friend "If I were his mother, I would make sure he cut his hair."

The second note is this. While he was working with me this past summer, Ruslan kept pestering me and pestering me to start a blog. He kept at it until I finally started one, so Ruslan is largely responsible for all this. Ruslan, some days I thank you - and some days, when I am tired at the end of a day, I have different words.

In the top photo, Naomi admires one of Ruslan's photos. In the bottom photo, Ruslan pauses during the packed reception to pose with me and Naomi.

Springs Christian Academy Youth Parliament

Each year, the Springs Christian Academy holds their annual Youth Parliament. Yesterday, I dropped by to watch the action.

There were active debates on a wide variety of subjects varying from physical education in schools to the future of Canada.

In the photo, I am shown with Janell Falk, Premier of the Youth Parliament.

Jean visits the Southeast Education Centre

Yesterday morning, Jean Paterson visited the Southeast Education Centre on Lee Boulevard. Jean talked to students about democracy and the campaign in Fort Whyte Constituency.

In the photo, Jean is shown with Don Revel, Director of the Southeast Education Centre.

Thank You Albert - For our new Liberal Caucus website

Thanks to Albert Novikov (photo above), we now have a new Liberal Caucus website. Albert designed it and put in some really good graphics. You can take a look at the new Liberal Caucus website at

http://www.mbliberalcaucus.ca/

Make sure you bookmark it and stop by regularly for the latest Liberal news from the Legislature. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know at jgerrard@leg.gov.mb.ca

Ten reasons to elect a neuroscientist as an MLA

For many years, Dr. Jean Paterson has worked as a teacher and a neuroscientist at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Manitoba. Dr. Paterson has been nominated for teaching awards and she has received national grant funding to recognize the quality of her work as a neuroscientist. Here, I list ten reasons why it would be a good idea to elect a neuroscientist like Jean Paterson as a member of the Manitoba Legislature.

1) Neuroscience is the science which deals with the brain and the nervous system. The brain is arguably the most important organ in the body and one that needs to be better understood.

2) A better understanding of neuroscience is vital to better diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. In my experience as an MLA, it has become very clear to me that we need to do much better in Manitoba in the area of mental health, in diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

3) Better neuroscience is a key to improving early childhood development.

4) Better neuroscience is important to decreasing crime.

5) Better neuroscience is a key to better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a number of today's major diseases: Alzheimers Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, strokes and many others.

6) Better neuroscience can help with improving the understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is a major cost factor in the delivery of health, education, justice and family service and housing programs in Manitoba. Preventing and reducing FASD and better treatment for those with FASD will help improve health and reduce crime and social problems in our society.

7) Improved neuroscience is one of the keys to better management of all health care in Manitoba. Brain illness and mental illness are significant components of all health care and improving neuroscience can make a major difference.

8) Improved neuroscience is important to improving human productivity and performance, and this has an impact on our economy.

9) Better understanding of the brain and neuroscience is one of the major challenges and frontiers for the 21st Century. If Manitoba is to be a leader in this century, we need to be at the forefront of new developments in this area.

10) Better neuroscience can give us better politics. Better political decisions and better government can result from better understanding of the human brain... including the brains of politicians.

Jordan's principle - putting the interests of the child first

Jordan, a child from a northern Manitoba community, was born in 1999. He had complex medical problems and had to be in hospital for the first two years of his life.

In 2001, he was ready to go home. Sadly the provincial and federal government's spent two years wrangling over who was going to pay for items for Jordan's care - items as small as a shower head.

Jordan died in 2003 as a result of his complex medical condition. What is sad, is that he never had a chance to experience the dignity and love of a family environment.

In an article in the journal - Paediatrics and Child Health -the journal of the Canadian Paediatric Society, Trudy Lavallee calls on governments to adopt Jordan's principle - that the interests of the child should come first - and the intergovernmental disputes over funding be dealt with afterwards. You can see this article at: http://www.pulsus.com/Paeds/10_09/Pdf/lava_ed.pdf

I raised this in the legislature yesterday and asked the government to adopt Jordan's principle.

Waverley West - and NDP arrogance

The NDP need to get the message that their approach to hiding information is just not acceptable. The delay in the release of the Area Structure Plan for Waverley West until after the by-election is wrong. It has meant that one of the most important issues of the Fort Whyte campaign is not getting the attention it deserves because critical information is being hidden from people until after the by-election is over.It is time to send the NDP a message that their approach is wrong. You can send that message by casting your vote for Jean Paterson, who has spent a lot of time with residents in the Waverley West area and talking to people all over Fort Whyte constituency about this issue. We need someone in the Legislature who will stand up and represent the people of Fort Whyte. We should not be supporting a party which hides information. Earlier this year there were major problems with water standing in the fields. The area will need good drainage. It will need good road planning. It will need good transit planning. It will need good green space planning. It will need good planning for schools. Liberals will be watching closely to make sure this happens.

In the legislature, I asked the government to table the plan for Waverley West so that it would be available for voters to see before the vote. This is only fair and appropriate.

However, in response to my question Christine Melnick, the Minister of Family Services and Housing who is responsible for the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation refused to provide the report.

More than this, Christine Melnick's approach was arrogant and insulting. She said to me:
"the member seems to be really off kilter today." This was entirely inappropriate and silly to indicate that we should not be asking for information in a timely fashion.

One of the advantages of the blog, is that it is possible to give public exposure to this sort of arrogant and inappropriate behaviour by NDP ministers in the legislature. This clearly needs to change. Hopefully, when more people become aware of the NDP's arrogant and inappropriate answers, we can push this government to being more open and more appropriate.

What is clear to me is that we need to elect candidates like Jean Paterson who will help me and Kevin to challenge this NDP government and to change the approach in the legislature.

The importance of having more women politicians

Today, at the Laurier Club, Anita Neville spent some time emphasizing the need to have more elected women politicians - people like Jean Paterson.

Today, only 21% of the elected MLAs are women. In time, this will certainly come closer to 50%. But what is clear is that more women MLAs will help to make the Manitoba Legislature a better place.

Anita noted that one of the elected Conservatives from Manitoba went out of his way, earlier today to characterize women as fickle. Is this characteristic of the Conservative approach to women?

Preventing Crystal Meth production in Manitoba - Safeguard your supply of anhydrous ammonia

Crystal meth is a highly addictive drug. We are far better off without it. One way to decrease the chance of people being exposed to crystal meth in Manitoba is to decrease the likelihood of it being made in Manitoba.

Farmers and fertilizer dealers need to be aware of the potential safety and environmental dangers of the theft of anyhdrous ammonia to be used for crystal meth production. For more information, contact the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers. They have produced a pamphlet with more information. To reach them go to http://www.caar.org/

From time to time, I will put public service information on this blog. This information I learned this morning at a meeting of our Legislature's Security Task Force - so I am passing it on to the farmers who read this blog.

Stubborn and thrifty - Jean earns respect

She is not afraid to tackle anyone - even when it is Reg Alcock - when it comes to getting things done for people living in Fort Whyte.

Jean is stubborn. Jean is thrifty. They are characteristics which have stood her well in advocating for Women in Science, in advocating for the students she teaches and in advocating for people in her community.

They are good characteristics for an MLA - who is going to do everything she can to work for and on behalf of people.

In the photos, Jean Paterson takes on Reg Alcock (top) and gets support (bottom). Reg recognizes Jean is a good candidate and that Jean would be a really good MLA for the community.

Oh, and by the way, Jean is a very caring person - see post for October 9:
http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2005/10/jean-paterson-caring-person.html

Face-off number two - All-Candidates Forum at Fort Whyte School

Jean delivered a punchy performance at the all-candidates meeting this evening. She emphasized the efforts the Manitoba Liberal Party is making to promote and enhance education. She emphasized the efforts of the 2003 Liberal candidate in Fort Whyte, Gerry Sankar, to promote the need for construction of a new high school. She spoke of my efforts to promote a new high school on this blog.

Jean also spoke about our party's question in Question Period about building a high school. Kevin Lamoureux, our Liberal MLA for Inkster asked the Minister of Education yesterday whether he was going to back up the comments of Christina McDonald, the NDP candidate, at the first forum: that she would ensure a high school was built in Fort Whyte in a year and a half. Peter Bjornson, the NDP Minister of Education waffled and failed to back up his party's candidate in Fort Whyte.

Tonight, Christina McDonald was singing a different tune. There was no more talk of completing the high school in a year and a half. Tonight, she said the decision on the high school "can't be rushed." Tonight she said this needed time. It was a big change from her tune only a few days ago.

Jean gave a good summary of the steps needed to get the high school for Fort Whyte. She also indicated her stubborness and her ability to be persistent in pushing for important goals like this. In short, she said she would be a "professional pest" until the high school was built.

The Conservative candidate came under quite a bit of criticism, and interestingly, a good deal of it coming from the Green Party candidate. Shelagh emphasized time and time again the importance of planning for high schools at the time major new subdivisions are planned. Guess who was there - working in the Premier's office when someone forgot to make sure there would be plans for a high school for Fort Whyte - that's right, the Conservative candidate, Hugh McFayden.

So we are left with a decision. If you support a new high school for Fort Whyte:

- do you vote for the Conservative candidate, who was around when the Conservatives in the 1990's forgot to ensure adequate plans were there for the high school?

- do you vote for the NDP candidate, when the NDP don't even have a high school for Fort Whyte on the Public Finance Board schedule for the next three years?

- or do you vote for Jean Paterson, the self-described "professional pest," who will make sure that the job gets done whoever is in government?

The choice is yours.

More on the Crocus Fund, and more evidence that NDP ministers knew of issues as early as the fall of 2000, and failed to act

Today, in the legislature, evidence was tabled which shows that Pat Jacobsen had alerted the NDP minister responsible for the Workers Compensation Board in the fall of 2000 about concerns with investments being made by the Crocus Fund and the Workers Compensation Board. Pat believes that had the Minister acted then, millions of dollars in losses from the Crocus Fund could have been prevented.

Pat Jacobsen, now the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority, was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba from 1998 to March 2001.

In a sworn statement, Pat Jacobsen affirms:
- That as a result of attending the meetings of the said investment committee of the Workers Compensation Board, and seeing the private placement investments, I came to the following conclusions:
a) That I was concerned about the concentration of power between the Crocus and the Workers Compensation Board investment committees, and,
b) That I was concerned about the lack of fiduciary responsibility to the shareholders to get the best returns, particularly in using the Workers Compensation Board funds as Government development funds, which go beyond the mandate of the employer funded Workers Compensation Board.
- That I told the Minister I had serious concerns and requested a meeting in the fall of 2000. She initially accepted my request then cancelled the meeting and told me to meet with the Chair, Wally Fox Decent.
- That I believe that had the Government conducted an independent audit in 2001 of the Workers Compensation Board, as I requested from the Minister responsible for the Workers Compensation Board in 2001, both Crocus and the Workers Compensation Board would not have lost millions of dollars.

Kenneth John Arundell

It was with sadness that I attended the funeral service today for Ken Arundell. Ken was a good friend.

I first met Ken in the lead up to the 1993 federal election when I was in Portage la Prairie. Ken and Ron Roteliuk talked to me about economic development in the area and the opportunities.

After the election in the fall of 1993, when I became the Member of Parliament for Portage-Interlake, I worked closely with Ken and Ron on a whole variety of projects. On one occasion I found I had to sort out some problems left by the former government. On another, I worked closely with Ken to facilitate the development of the Central Plains Community Network. I was actively involved in promoting the development of community internet access sites, and Portage la Prairie was one of the very first such sites in Canada. It was fun pioneering the process together. As usual Ken was creative and helped all to work together to find solutions.

With major projects like the McCains expansion in Portage la Prairie, the Strawboard plant in Elie, and the Simplot plant near Portage, Ken played a critical role in writing or editing proposals and in working closely with Ron to help make things happen.

At the funeral, Ron Roteliuk told of his first meeting with Ken. Ron had just arrived in Portage la Prairie to run Central Plains Inc. In through the door walked Ken. Aged about 22, Ken towered above Ron. He wore a black leather jacket, carried his motorcycle helmet in his hand, and beyond Ken, Ron could see the large motorcycle parked just outside. "I worked here last summer," said Ken "I'm back."

It was not long before Ron recognized the formidable abilities of Ken. They would work together, after that, for more than 30 years, helping to build the economy and the community of Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas.

We will miss you Ken. You made a major contribution and you were a friend to many. Your involvement in the church and in the community and to your family were notable. My condolences to Coralie, Stephen and Becky, and to other family and friends.

Manitoba Commercial Inland Fisheries Federation Inc.

Manitoba's inland fishers are moving to get together and become a stronger and more organized group which can have a larger impact. I met today with Chair Ken Campbell and members of the elected board. They presented me with a whole series of resolutions. One of these resolution reads as follows:
-Therefore be it resolved, we, the delegates, direct all fishers and our affiliated and supporting organizations take all necessary steps to ensure that the Board of Directors of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation is elected by the fishers, will be accountable to the fishers and will replace the present appointed Board.

Just as with the Canadian Wheat Board, which has a majority of Board members elected by farmers, so fishermen now want to take control of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. It is a natural step and must come. There are a number of issues to be resolved, but it is time this happens.

The photo shows Bruce Benson, a commercial fisherman on Lake Winnipeg. Bruce is a member of the Manitoba Commercial Inland Fisheries Federation.

Waverley West - The NDP approach is just wrong

Early today – in the legislature – in response to my questions, the NDP confirmed that the plan (called the Area Structure Plan) for Waverley West will not be publicly unveiled until the open house on Thursday, December 15. This is two days after the by-election.

It is just wrong for the NDP to wait until after the by-election to make the plans for Waverley West public. This is far too important for the people of Fort Whyte. This is a major development, and it is vital that this information should be made public before the by-election is held, so that people have this information before they vote. The failure to make this plan available now suggests the NDP have something to hide and they are concerned there will be a lot of opposition if they release it before the by-election.

In order to vote people need to be informed. The information on the Waverley West plan should be made public immediately. I asked the NDP to make the plan available today in question period in the legislature, but they refused to do this.

Jean Paterson has put a tremendous amount of effort into pushing for responsible development for the Waverley West area – development which considers the need to ensure good roads and schools and a linear park. Jean Paterson will continue to push for more openness and for better information. Vote for Jean Paterson as someone who will work hard to achieve the most responsible results for the Fort Whyte area.

For those who are interested in seeing the Area Structure Plan for Waverley West, the Open House meeting is Thursday, December 15 between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Winnipeg South (1330 Pembina Highway). The Area Structure Plan identifies and addresses the broad planning objectives for Waverley West such as land use, transportation, recreation and services.

For those who want to see the linear park concept visit:
http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2005/10/fort-whyte-jean-paterson-and-linear.html

For those who are interested in transit visit:
http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2005/11/why-rapid-transit-is-important-in-fort.html

For those concerned about traffic congestion visit:
http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2005/11/traffic-congestion-needs-attention_21.html

Give me your feedback on the Waverley West situation by sending me an email at jgerrard@leg.gov.mb.ca

The Sunrise Ceremony and the prevention of violence against women

This morning at the legislature, I attended the sunrise ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of the shooting of 14 young women at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. Jean Paterson, our Liberal candidate in Fort Whyte constituency, was also there.

For me, this has a particular personal meaning because for four years I was a student in medicine in Montreal, and I have in the years since visited the Ecole Polytechnique on more than one occasion.

It was an opportunity to remember the events of 16 years ago, and also to dedicate ourselves to doing everything we can to prevent future violence in our society, particularly violence directed against women.

The photos are from the sunrise ceremony and the reception afterwards. Jean Paterson is shown with Anita Neville in the top photo and with myself and Marilyn Wade in the middle photo.

Health care - politics takes unusual twists

This last week politics took an unusual twist. The federal Conservative Party adopted a Manitoba provincial Liberal platform from the 2003 provincial election. During the election, one of our major platforms was a health care guarantee which was very similar to the policy announcement by the federal Conservatives for a health care guarantee.

In the two years since then, the provincial Liberal Party has moved beyond the simple guarantee. In an article which appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press on July 11 of this year, I laid this out in more detail.

We see that Manitobans should have the legal right to quick access to health care when it is needed. We also see that it is critical to provide a means to ensure this right is delivered. We would achieve this through the activities of a Quality Council which would provide provincial standards for timeliness and for quality of care. We would also provide for an Implementation Committee to ensure Manitobans get the care when they need it.

Those who would like more details can look up the July 11 edition of the Winnipeg Free Press or send me an email, and I will send you an electronic copy of the article. My email address is jgerrard@leg.gov.mb.ca.

One thing is very clear to me. Since so many of the critical decisions in health care are now made at the political level, it is important to elect more politicians with a background in and understanding of health care. Jean Paterson, our Liberal candidate in the Fort Whyte constituency by-election, is one such person. She has spent more than twenty years teaching in the health care field and has some good ideas on how we can do better.

Jean battles for a new high school in Fort Whyte

Jean Paterson is keeping up the battle for a new high school for Fort Whyte. It was cold. It was dark. But at 7:30 a.m., Jean was there. And she will be there day and night for the people in Fort Whyte constituency if she is elected. But she needs your help. Remember to vote on December 13.

The people's politician - Jean Paterson

Lesley Finlay knows Jean Paterson very well. They have been involved together in training and showing dogs for years.

At the breakfast on Saturday (photo above), Lesley Finlay laid it on the line. She said:
"Jean is the people's politician. I have known Jean for a long time and I am proud to know her. Jean is a very honest person. Jean is a very sincere person. Jean is a very passionate person."

To see what others have said about Jean visit the following sites:

Justin Swandel (Councillor - St. Norbert Ward) :
"a wonderful person, a wonderful Liberal... a strong advocate for her community"

http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2005/12/justin-swandel-kind-words-for-jean.html

Vic Grant (CJOB):
"I'm imagining myself living in the Fort Whyte constituency just for the provincial by-election. I think I'd have my vote already cast..... I'm certainly not a Liberal, but these credentials would certainly have me second-guessing on whether to vote for a Doctor Jean Paterson. She's a new face and a new voice. Can you imagine if she can live up to what her credentials suggest."

http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2005/10/dr-jean-paterson-her-credentials-and.html

A strong voice for Post-Secondary Education - Jean Paterson

Jean Paterson is a very strong voice for young people and for post-secondary education. She has lived life at the University of Manitoba and she knows post-secondary education inside and out. For more than twenty years she has taught students at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. She has been nominated for teaching awards, and this is in part because she cares deeply about students and it shows.

I see this day after day on the campaign trail. Jean talks fervently of her passion to help young people (and older people interestingly) get access to the education and training they need to have good opportunities. A vote for Jean Paterson is a vote for a very strong voice for post-secondary education.

It is likely, given recent promises from the federal government, that more funding will come to post-secondary education. But we need Jean Paterson as a Liberal MLA in the provincial chamber as a watchdog to be sure the money actually gets to where it is needed. Too often in the past money which should have come to post-secondary education has been used elsewhere. This must change. Elect Jean Paterson to make sure that post-secondary education gets the support it needs.

The Manitoba Economy - and why we need more Liberal MLAs

We need Jean Paterson elected in the by-election in Fort Whyte because it is vital to have steady and consistent pressure on the NDP to do better on the provincial economy, and we need to expand the number of Liberal MLAs to give us a better and louder alternative to the NDP.

In spite of some modest improvement, Manitoba should be doing better from an economic point of view. Here are some reasons why:

1) Manitoba is the ONLY PROVINCE with a trade deficit, imports more than it exports - $8.2 BILLION over the last 10 years.

2) Three out of four jobs created in Manitoba is a government job. This is not sustainable. We need many more private sector jobs, because it is the private sector that must be the economic driver if we are to have sustainable growth.

3) We are not seeing the capital investment that other provinces are seeing. We are one of the only provinces with a tax on capital investment.

4) We have low paying jobs, and young people are leaving Manitoba because Winnipeg has some of the worst full time wages in Western Canada.

Some of the economic statistics under the NDP may be the same or even slightly better than under the former Conservative government. But it is not good enough, and that is why we need more Liberals elected to the provincial legislature to keep the pressure up to improve and to provide a better alternative to either the provincial NDP or the provincial Conservatives.

The last few weeks have also shown the ineffectiveness of the provincial Conservatives in opposition. Last week we saw Ron Schuler - MLA - Springfield admit that the Liberals were the real opposition. When it came to the discussion of the Architects and the Engineers act, the Conservatives sided with the NDP (of all things!). Not only this, the Conservatives did not even suggest a single amendment to the legislation in spite of a huge number of presenters who suggested changes were needed.

Here is what Ron Schuler said: "When the NDP and Liberals debate the engineers and architects legislation, do not get between them." Did the Conservatives opt out? Did the Conservatives sit on the fence? You take your pick. Either way, it wasn't good enough. This is why we need to elect Jean Paterson in Fort Whyte - to send a signal that more Liberals means better representation and better opposition.

Justin Swandel - kind words for Jean Paterson

Justin Swandel was out yesterday morning to support Jean Paterson's effort to be elected the MLA in the Fort Whyte by-election. It was a full room - in fact more chairs and tables had to be moved in at the last minute because of the overflow crowd.

Justin gave Jean Paterson considerable credit for her efforts on behalf of the community. He said Jean is "a wonderful lady, a wonderful Liberal". Justin described Jean's efforts to advocate for people in the area. He has seen it first hand as the Councillor for the City of Winnipeg for St. Norbert Ward. Anyone who wonders whether Jean will do a good job can now know that she is already seen as someone who is a strong advocate - and this was well before she even considered running to be an MLA.

Photos are from the event.

The Campaign Office - Getting Involved in the Fort Whyte By-election

Jean Paterson, Jennifer Lukovich and I are standing in front of Jean's campaign office which is located at 6A-1325 Markham Road, just off Bison Drive. Please feel free to stop by. It is not always occupied, as sometimes everyone is out knocking on doors. If you would like to get involved please call 988-9154 or send an email to Don Fletcher who is coordinating volunteers.
Don Fletcher can be reached at dsfletcher1@shaw.ca

Maxime Ouellet was hot

Maxime Ouellet was hot in goal last night as the Moose won 2-1 over the Rochester Americans.

Vigil in Portage la Prairie

It was cold and dark – but there were many who came to the vigil in Portage la Prairie at the Manitoba Developmental Centre.

For me it was tough. I know people who work at the Manitoba Developmental Centre and I know that they work hard and they do the very best they can. I represented Portage la Prairie as a Member of Parliament from 1993-1997, and I have a very strong attachment to the community and to helping the community.

But last night, I was there advocating for change – for an alternate plan than the NDP’s planned expenditure on the Manitoba Developmental Centre. Ever since concerns were raised with me by many Manitobans about this expenditure, I have spent a lot of time looking into the situation.

The alternative is to move more and more people from the Manitoba Developmental Centre out so that they can live in a community setting.

At first I wondered whether this was even feasible for many at the Manitoba Developmental Centre. Then I met Catherine Shaefer and read the book her mother Nicola has written about her. It is entitled Does she know she’s there? Catherine has an extraordinarily complex mix of physical and intellectual disabilities. I went to Catherine’s home. I had tea with Catherine and her mother. I saw what it was like for Catherine and I came away convinced I had to re-examine my own beliefs.

My friend, Bonnie, has also helped me see how important it is for people to be able to have more of a role in managing their own care.

But I still asked: “Was what was good for Catherine, good for others who are now at the Manitoba Developmental Centre?” Then I met James Conroy. He has done research on more than 7,000 people were have moved out of institutions. The results are surprising and they are also clear. It is better to have people in the community.

It would have been easy not to go to Portage la Prairie last night. In a sense it might have been easy to advocate for change from Winnipeg without going to Portage la Prairie. But this did not feel right. I came to Portage la Prairie to the vigil.

If you would like more information, you can visit my blog at

http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2005/10/yellow-and-black-ribbons.html

http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2005/09/right-to-live-in-community.html

For those in Portage la Prairie I say this:
1) Moving people into the community still means many jobs in the community
2) I care very much about Portage la Prairie and I want to continue to work with you to build a very strong City of Portage la Prairie and surrounding area. Portage la Prairie is a wonderful city and has lots of great potential.
3) What is needed is a plan for change over a period of years (5, 10 or 15 years) which will allow those at the Manitoba Developmental Centre to be moved into the community over time, a plan that can be developed with the help of those in both the Community of Portage la Prairie and in the community of those who are disabled and who work with those with disabilities. [I probably should say those with special abilities instead of disabilities – but the term disabilities is still clearer at this time – though increasingly I will be using special abiliites in the future.

Al Etmanski and Advocacy for a Disability Savings Plan

Yesterday afternoon, I spoke at a workshop entitled "Relationship and the Art of Influencing Government: Advocating for Change." The leader of the Workshop was Al Etmanski, President and Co-Founder of the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network. While he was there to talk about how to influence governments, he himself has his own proposal for which he is advocating.

Al supports the creation of a Disability Savings Plan that will deliver
1) A tax system that encourages families to make contributions to the plan
2) A tax system that encourages self-reliance for citizens with disabilities
3) A flexible, tax-deferred savings vehicle that allows family members to make financial contributions during their lifetime, without penalty under provincial programs.
4) A mechanism to promote a good life for all citizens by providing tools so that they can solve their own problems.
5) A tax vehicle that recognizes that families that assist their relatives with a disability are families that ease the burden on government funded social services.

My sense is that this disability savings plan would be a good idea. Please let me know what you think by sending me an email at jgerrard@leg.gov.mb.ca

If you would like more information you can visit Al Etmanski's web site http://www.plan.ca

Bill 7: Architects and Engineers

At the University of Manitoba, the Architect’s Building is next door to the Engineer’s Building (see photos). The Faculty of Architecture is one of the very best in Canada, and has a global reputation. Manitoba’s engineers have also done a remarkable job. For example the Faculty of Engineering is the host centre for the ISIS Canada Network of Centres of Excellence. ISIS stands for Intelligent Sensing for Innovative Structures. In the 1990’s as a Member of Parliament, I worked closely with Dr. Sami Rizkalla who was the initial leader of ISIS, to help him prepare for this competition in which he and Manitoba were successful.

In planning and constructing buildings, architects and engineers work side by side. The changes proposed by the NDP in Bill 7, The Architects and Engineers Scope of Practice Dispute Settlement Act, were very contentious with a very large number of presenters (about 200) coming to the Legislative Committee to present their views.

There were many good presentations, and there were many good ideas to modify Bill 7 to achieve greater clarity. Unfortunately, the NDP and the Tories combined to oppose the views presented by the architects that some changes were needed. Only the Liberals presented amendments to achieve greater clarity and to better reflect the concerns being raised by the architects of Manitoba. When architecture student after architecture student rose to speak to their concern with this bill and the problems it may create for young architects, the NDP and the Tories chose not to listen. Only the Liberals spoke up to try to get better clarity in the legislation.

Let me give an example. The Architects Act now says that the standards for the practice of architecture will be in the Building Code. This is unusual for virtually every other jurisdiction has the primary elements of the scope of practice for architects in their Architects Act. After the passage of Bill 7 architects should in theory be designing most buildings with a building area of more than 600 meters squared. In practice, since this building area applies to up to three floors, this means a gross area of more than 1800 meters squared. But there is a qualification here. Under Bill 7, non-architects can design a building of up to 1200 square meters (or a gross area of up to 3600 meters squared) provided there is a firewall between the two halves of the building. If buildings are designed with a series of firewalls, the size of a building which does not need an architect to design it is huge.

When I first talked to the Engineers, they told me that such larger buildings would not be built with such firewalls because it is not economic to do so. But, in discussions with architects, it is clear that as buildings get larger there are requirements to include a sprinkler system, to use steel and concrete rather than wood etc, and that when these facts are considered, it is in fact often economic to build such larger buildings with firewalls. Indeed, I have been told that this is already happening in Manitoba. Thus it is in fact quite important to be clear as to the intent. Repeatedly, in the legislature we Liberals asked the NDP Minister Nancy Allen for clarification. Time and time again she refused to provide clarification even as to her intent, let alone move to clarify the legislation. This was shameful.

During the committee hearings there were many passionate presentations. I will quote from a few:

From an engineer – Garry Stasynec:
“Set aside Bill 7. As it is written, it is not a workable long-term solution. This Bill appears to be a stopgap measure that will only add to the confusion and set the stage for the prolongation of the dispute. The all-Canadian concept of adjusting things until everyone is equally unhappy is a poor measure of the success of any legislation.”

From Scott Sirton, the Chief Executive Officer of Smith Carter Architects and Engineers, a firm with many architects and engineers which does work in virtually every province in Canada, in 6 U.S. states and in many other countries around the world.
“We do not profess the either-or mantra of Architect or Engineer, but believe that more integration is required…. I am concerned that this is a Bill trying to undo the errors of the past, not a Bill looking to address the evolving world of design, construction and development….I strongly believe that this Bill if not revisited with in depth perspective and a balanced input from stakeholders in this room, the goal to end the temporary backlog may be achieved, however, Winnipeg and Manitoba will further it’s reputation as a have not Province, as we will not have unity among built environment professionals.”

From David Penner, architect and businessman: “The current legislative changes … does not support a bright vision for the continuing development of our province. It is not ‘doing it right’.”

From Rina Ricci, Intern Member of the Manitoba Association of Architects:
“If this bill is passed, it will leave me no other choice than to find another home in another province.”

From Annette Gargol, co-chair of the Manitoba Women in Architecture group:
“When I first read through Bill 7 and began to understand the implications for the profession of Architecture, my first reaction was ‘Yikes! Time to move to Alberta!!!’”

From Greg Hasiuk, architect: "This [Bill 7] is unprecedented and an inappropriate structure for any self-regulating profession."

From Terry Danelley, architect: “This legislation is perverse and without precedent in North America.”

From Guy Prefontaine, architect:
“What is finally the most worrisome is the sheer number of the total about-faces in the Minister’s position coupled with the outrageously bizarre nature of the proposed legislation.”

Clearly with comments like this the NDP should have done better in Bill 7. They didn't.

Clearly, the Tories should have provided some opposition. Instead the Conservative Party view was clearly stated by their critic, Ron Schuler, MLA - Springfield: "When the NDP and Liberals debate the engineers and architects legislation, do not get between them."

Charles - and Big White

Our son Charles is a snowboard instructor. The two photos above show Charles in New Zealand where he goes during our summer (winter in New Zealand). The top photo appeared in Ski Express - New Zealand 2005. The bottom photo appeared in the Otago Daily Times.

One look at the top photo, and it is easy to understand the phrase "Mountain High". I think it was probably taken at Mount Hutt, where Charles has done much of his snowboard teaching (and photography - for Charles is also quite a photographer). It is amazing snowboarding there with the ocean in the distance. For some of Charles's photos, see the New Zealand Snowboard Instructor's Association Instructor's Guide.

Charles is now teaching at Big White in British Columbia - for our winter. Charles we are proud of you - and we think of you often. Good snowboarding!!

Grace is doing well

Grace, our granddaughter, is now 9 months old. Pauline, our daughter, and her husband Roger are in Vientiene in Laos. The are working with the World Wildlife Fund, trying to help people in Laos keep the fisheries on the Mekong River and its tributaries sustainable.

The top two photos show Pauline with Grace. You can see their garden. It is much warmer in Vientiene than it is here - and they have a lovely garden. My apologies for the top photo. Computers and the internet are wonderful, but every once in a while there is a bit of a glitch, as you can see.

Good Samaritan Legislation gains support

Our bill 202, The Good Samaritan Act, now before the legislature, is gaining support. The following are comments from Hansard:

Mr. Jack Reimer (MLA Southdale) - "It is just a very small bill, but it has tremendous implications and tremendous meaning. It is appropriate ... we see it is worthy of passage."

Ms Marilyn Brick (MLA St. Norbert) - "we support the principle of the Good Samaritan legislation."

Ms. Bonnie Korzenowski (MLA St. James) - " we certainly do support the principle of the Good Samaritan legislation."

Mrs. Myrna Driedger (MLA - Charleswood) - "I, too, support the principle of this bill."