Dr. Richard Heinzl and Medecins Sans Frontiers receive the 2006 Laureate of Excellence from the Health Sciences Centre Foundation

The evening of Tuesday, September 19 was the occasion of the 2006 Laureate of Excellence Award presentation by the Health Sciences Centre Foundation. Doctors without borders (Medecins Sans Frontiers(MSF)), was the recipient this year for their incredible work around the world to provide medical assistance to communities in danger.

Dr. Richard Heinzl (photo) was involved with founding MSF Canada in 1991. He talked eloquently of his efforts and spoke specifically of his time helping in a small community in Cambodia not far from Siem Reap. Curiously, this community is very near where my wife, Naomi, spent two weeks helping as a nurse several years ago. Naomi went with a different organization, but her experience was similar. When she returned, Naomi described vividly how her medical team had to deal with people who had been badly injured as a result of land mines left there from many years earlier - still an all too common occurrence there.

Rain or shine

Craig Loewen, Niomi Spence and I were out in the streets of River Heights last night making visits to constituents to keep a close watch on what is happening and to help where I can.

Climate Action Network Canada

Yesterday there was a meeting of the Climate Action Network Canada, organized by Manitoba Wildlands, at the Fort Garry Hotel. It is part of a cross country tour to ask Canadians what action they think should be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address Climate Change.

During the meeting, there were a lot of ideas put foward to decrease greeenhouse gas emissions. John Bennett, Executive Director of Climate Action Network Canada chaired the meeting (top photo) and made some of his own suggestions as well. Included as one of John Bennett's suggestions was the mandatory use of new technology to maintain the temperature of the cab of trucks waiting at truck stops so that they would not need to be left idling to keep the cab's temperature warm in winter or cool in summer. He suggested this would save considerable consumption of fossil fuel, though we were not give any specific estimate. [I heard later that it has been estimated that as much as 40% of the fuel used by large trucks is idling - though this seems high to me].

To follow the Climate Action Network Tour across Canada visit www.climatetour.ca. To find out more about the Climate Action Network visit www.climatenetwork.ca

While there were a lot of good ideas, notably lacking from my perspective was any real calculations of the impact of the measures proposed. This was perhaps not the primary intent of this meeting, but for me it highlights one of the problems we have in Manitoba where the NDP have failed to provide a strategy together with specific measures to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gases to 6% below the level of greenhouse gases produced in Manitoba in 1990 (the Kyoto target - for the first reporting period 2008-2012). The measurements to date suggest greenhouse gas emissions in Manitoba have gone up since 1990 not down. We need a clear strategy with specific measures to meet the Kyoto target for Manitoba to enable our province to achieve the 6% reduction below 1990 greenhouse gas production by 2010-2012. The NDP in power for the last seven years have waited far too long to give us the specifics of how the reduction will be achieved. Furthermore the NDP need to report fully on the results of their 5 year old climate plan, and stop expecting Manitobans to believe them when they are not able to show actual overall reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The 25th Anniversary of the MacGregor Golf Course

Twenty-fifth anniversaries are important. Last night at the MacGregor Gold Club, I was at the dinner to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Twenty five years ago, a number of visionary leaders, a few of whom were there last night, took steps to build the golf course. It has been a success.

Though I was not out playing golf yesterday, there were many who were. For fun, the tournament had a variety of special twists - one hole you had to play only a seven iron. On another hole, you had to use a driver to putt on the green. This is one of the reasons the course has survived and done well - a sense of fun as well as a commitment to keeping the golf course in good shape.

Well done to all those who have helped contribute to the 25 successful years at the MacGregor Golf Club. In the photo above, Melody Chambers, one of the prime organizers for the event, waves her knife before plunging it into the cake.

Unmasking Cancer

The Make Cancer History Gala Ball held Saturday evening was a very special affair. Almost 500 people turned out to have fun and to contribute to the effort to end the scourge of cancer.

It was a gala affair, with exquisite cuisine, many wonderful items up for auction and with music by Ron Paley and his band. Congratulations to Gall Ball Chairperson - Sonora Kerr, to President of the Manitoba Division of the Canadian Cancer Society Jimm Simon and Executive Director Mark McDonald for a very successful evening.

The Journey of Hope - walk for Schizophrenia

Saturday afternoon was the Journey of Hope walk for schizophrenia organized by the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society. Held at the Assiniboine Park, and with MC Ace Burbee and characters from the Wizard of Oz, it was a memorable afternoon.

In the top photo, Dorothy and the Tin Soldier lead off he walk. In the bottom photo, I pose with Dorothy and her friends.

Sokol - the Polish Gymnastic Association - celebrates 100 years

For 100 years, Sokol has been a major force for singing, dancing and culture in the Polish community in Winnipeg. Friday evening, at a wonderful gala concert, at the Centennial Concert Hall, the singing and dancing of Sokol were on display. Congratulations to all those who made this extraordinary evening possible.

The Behavioural Health Foundation

The Annual Meeting of the Behavioural Health Foundation, a holistic centre for treatment of addictions, was held Friday. The centre has provided effective treatment for addictions going back to 1971, 35 years ago, when the St. Norbert facility was first established. The St. Norbert facility now has an adult education centre which serves those at the centre and the local community.

Congratulations to Amanda Sansregret, Chair of the Board (photo above) and to the many staff and volunteers who make this centre effective.

Palliative Care and Robert Munsch

Robert Munsch was the featured speaker at the Palliative Care Conference on September 14. At first it might seem odd to have Robert Munsch speak at a palliative care conference, but in fact humour and the ability to talk with humour about serious subjects is a specialty of Robert Munsch.

As Robert Munsch said "Life can be horrible and wonderful at the same time." In a short hour of time, he helped us to take the appraoch of talking about life and death without keeping death a secret. Thank you Robert Munsch.

As you might expect there was a long line up to get autographs after Robert Munsch's talk was over.

Hospice and Palliative Care Manitoba provides help during end of life and grief journeys. They have volunteers who will listen to individuals and family members so no one need be alone. They have volunteers who assist with outings, shopping or transportation to give families and friends a break and they have volunteers who offer ongoing support to families after the death of a loved one. They also provide palliative care and grief education. If you want to learn more about Hospice and Palliative Care Manitoba, visit www.manitobahospice.ca

Our River Heights Community Barbeque

Thursday, September 14, Anita Neville and I held our River Heights and Winnipeg South Community Barbeques at the Crescentwood Community Centre. There were lots of friends and neighbours who came, with fun activities for children as well. Thank you to all who helped make this event such a success.

Watermain breaks in River Heights

There have been frequent watermain breaks recently in River Heights. On Wednesday when I was knocking on doors on McMillan Street, the water was bubbling vigorously from the site of a break. When I asked about the situation, I was told that the break had occurred on Sunday. While the city crew came out quickly, all they did initially was decrease the pressure (and the flow) slightly. It took about three days before the break was fixed and in that time a lot of water ran down the drain. Is it not possible to put on extra crews at a time like this to get the problem fixed more quickly?

The photo above was taken Thursday morning after the break had been fixed.

My vision for a better future for those with disabilities and special abilities in Manitoba

Wednesday, Sept 13 was the Annual General Meeting of the Independent Living Resource Centre. I was previleged to have the opportunity to be a guest speaker at the event. My compliments to those who work at the centre and contribute to making a better life for people with disabilities of special abilities.

In my comments to those at the Independent Living Resource Centre, I spoke of my vision for a better future for those with disabilities and with special abilities in Manitoba. My speech is reproduced below. I welcome your comments and suggestions. I have already had comments about additional items I should have mentioned - like doing better with sidewalks - so that someone in a wheelchair does not have to go several blocks before crossing a road. Be sure to email me with your thoughts - I can be reached at jgerrard@leg.gov.mb.ca .




Speech to the Annual General Meeting of the Independent Living Resource Centre

Sept 13, 2006

Dr. Jon Gerrard
MLA-River Heights
Leader-Manitoba Liberal Party

Friends,

It is an honour to come before you this evening on the occasion of your Annual General Meeting.
I am going to use the opportunity to give you my perspective – to give you my vision for people with special abilities who face special challenges.

I would ask you to treat this as an opportunity for dialogue – an opportunity for you to hear my perspective – a Liberal perspective. I would ask you to give me your reaction – your comments – whether tonight or through an email – or other way – later on. I believe in being as open and transparent as I can – and so you and other Manitobans can see what I do on a daily basis on my blog. It is easy to find. You just go on to the Google search engine – type in “Jon Gerrard’s Blog” and it will take you right there.

My views of what is needed – have evolved over time – and continue to evolve in response to comments and suggestions I receive – and that is why I welcome your input – whether it is to say – you did not get this right – or good idea – but it needs improving – or whatever.

I think it is important to give you one more perspective before I start. I am the leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party. As such my views carry some weight within the party – but part of my job is to bring people within the party to a common view about moving forward. In this I have found that it often takes time for people to embrace change – and that persistence and ongoing dialogue are important. So what I deliver today is a personal vision of what I would like to see us implement with a Liberal government in Manitoba.

To put my views in context, as you know I am a physician. I have friends with varied special abilities. My wife is a nurse and has been very involved with individuals with special abilities. I have been involved in developing and implementing various initiatives to help those with special abilities. As a physician I worked with Dr. Gina Rempel to help her with planning and funding for the Link’d program – to network children with disabilities and their families. As a Member of Parliament and the Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification, I established the Program for Entrepreneurs with Disabilties. In my present role as the M:A for River Heights and Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, I have been a strong advocate for those with physical and mental disabilities.

Now, I could stand in front of you today to bash the government for not fully implementing the report calling for Full Citizenship for those with Special Abilities, and for not fully implementing the recommendations in the report on Housing for those with Disabilities. Clearly all the recommendations from these reports should have been quickly implemented. But I want to more on to several cornerstones of my vision for a provincial action plan to improve the quality of life for those with special abilities.

First, we have an older vision – which might be stated as follows:
“How we care for those with disabilities in our society is a measure of the quality of our society”

I suggest to you that today’s vision needs to be:
“How we empower people with special abilities to be independent and to have opportunities like everyone else – is a measure of the quality of our society, and a test of our ability to improve our society.”

Let me begin by explaining why I consider it so important to move forward in this respect.

1) First people who are empowered to participate and to contribute – are healthier and happier – Most people I know just want to have the barriers removed, so they are able to participate and be involved to the extent that they can. Indeed it goes beyond this – I believe there is a right for people with special abilities to be enabled to participate and contribute. We must, of course recognize, that all of us may find ourselves, temporarily or permanently, in situations where we have disabilities. Empowering those with disabilities – is not just to assist those with disabilities. It is in all our interests to do this.
2) But, I suggest to you that there is also a broader context in terms of the development of our society that we need to consider and to understand. Time and time again new technologies, new services and new understandings of how to improve the quality of life for those with special abilities have been at the forefront of the development of technology, service and understanding of how we provide services for everyone. Addressing the barriers for those with special abilities is important – because it improves the quality of life and the economy for all. There can be no better example than the work of Alexander Graham Bell – with those who have difficulty speaking and hearing – which led to the development of the telephone. And what a difference the telephone and all the communications technology which has happened subsequently has made.

Let me just review this for a moment. Alexander Graham Bell’s mother was severely hearing impaired. He grew up concerned about those who were deaf – and became a teacher for those who were deaf – and indeed was involved in training teachers for the deaf. Bell first addressed the question of transmitting vibrations as a means of helping lip-readers – and from this search to help those who were deaf – grew our whole modern communication system.

If we, today, are going to move our whole society forward. If we are going to be building the industries and the business and the economy of the future, we need-- like Alexander Graham Bell – to be at the forefront of empowering those in our society with special abilities. This is why it is so important that all of us. That is why it is so important to have at the very core of our society a substantial and continuing effort which involves research, development, innovation and investment to improve our ability to empower those with special abilities.

I am now going to talk about my vision in four particular areas.

I) I would like to develop the approach and the vision to have all new buildings, including all new homes, in Manitoba built using universal design principles so that they are accessible for people with special abilities.

When I bring this up, I am immediately challenged by those who are concerned with the cost and the effort to do this. It is true that this will not be easy or immediately accepted. It is true that it may not be accomplished in one year – or perhaps not in even ten or twenty years. So why, when there may be so much resistance, should we start down this path.
First of all – anyone of us – at any time – could have an accident – and find ourselves shut out of our homes or our work spaces.

Second, the present design of many of our homes and other buildings makes it difficult or impossible to have friend who has special abilities visit. And retrofitting is always much more costly than building access into the building when it is constructed in the first place.

Third, I am convinced that the world of the future will have to be based on universal design principles. Starting along this track will put our architects, our engineers and all those involved in building homes and other buildings at the forefront of designing and building the products which will dominate the market of the future. We can get people together in Manitoba to move in this direction – and we can work together to set a pace at which change occurs – but we should set this goal now. We can and should be leaders in Manitoba.

II) Moving toward full community living for those with all physical and mental disabilities should be the second major effort we undertake and accept. While this move was initially embraced by the current NDP government, as you all know, the NDP have taken a backward step in their approach to the Manitoba Developmental Centre in Portage la Prairie. In the Manitoba Liberal Party, we have embraced the movement toward full community living. I will be frank with you, when I was first elected, I was not so sure about this. But I have attended workshops and seminars and met with many in the community – and I have seen firsthand the importance of community living – and I have learned of the research evidence which has shown – many, many times over that community living provides for a better and healthier environment, and indeed is no more costly than caring for individuals in institutions.

I have a good friend who is in a wheelchair and she also requires a respirator. She has moved to live independently – and I have seen the benefits. I have also visited and met Catherine Schaefer who is severely disabled and seen in her the benefit of community living and a community network of support. So I am a full supporter of independent and community living.

III) There are many aspects of the support for those with disabilities – or special abilities – in Manitoba which are excellent. But there are some which are quite problematic. Let me give you an example. For my friend Bonnie, who you can meet on my blog if you are interested, the support works pretty well up until the point where she wants to get a job or start her own business. All of a sudden there is a threshold with huge obstacles and problems. When she starts earning more than 50 or a hundred dollars, the government will claw back seventy percent or more of what she earns. This is equivalent to a tax-back – and we need to start with the principle that no one should have the equivalent of a “marginal tax rate” higher than the marginal tax rate of the highest earners in our province. A 70% claw back or tax back rate provides a huge disincentive to trying to earn income. It needs to be substantially reduced. Secondly, with current programs, if Bonnie starts earning a consistent wage or income, she may find all her supports withdrawn, and if she then has a health problem it may take time to get supports back. We need a seamless support system which is always there – and which enables people like Bonnie to take risks – like trying for a job or starting a business. We also need an approach which facilitates and enables home ownership for those with special abilities. Current support approaches can provide major obstacles for those who would like to move in this direction.

IV) Accessing health care and education for those with special abilities is, in many respects, good for those with special abilities in Manitoba. But there are clearly some major shortcomings. I was discussing with a physician this morning the fact that in Manitoba the development and use of approaches to home based monitoring lags significantly behind what is happening in some other jurisdictions. Approaches to and support for those with mental health issues often still leaves much to be desired in Manitoba. And I am sure from your personal experience you can cite other areas. There is much work to be done.

I will now bring my remarks to a close. In doing so, let me repeat the four major points.
1) My vision is to move to use universal design in all buildings in Manitoba including homes.

2) My vision is to move to full independent community living for all those with special abilities in Manitoba, including those with the severest intellectual disabilities.

3) My Vision is to overhaul our present social assistance system as it supports those with disabilities so that it provides help instead of barriers to those who earn income.

4) My vision is to make changes to our education and health care systems so that they are more responsive and provide better support for those with special abilities.

All these changes are to better enable and empower those with special abilities to lead fuller lives and to be able to better participate and contribute in our society. And these changes will be positive in so many other ways – in improving all our lives – and indeed in building our economy.

Thank you
Merci.

Queenston School's Garden and Outdoor classroom

Tuesday, September 12 was the official opening of the Queenston School Garden and Outdoor Classroom.

A tremendous effort by many volunteers made this initiative possible. Thank you to all who contributed.

Small gardens are part of the classroom, and these include among many others a rainbow garden (left bottom photo), and a scent garden (bottom right photo)

Thank you to the people at the Deloraine airport

Monday September 11, when we were flying to the memorial ceremony at the International Peace Gardens, we found low clouds had moved into the area of the Peace Gardens so we were unable to land there. Our party including the Premier, U.S. consul in Winnipeg Mary Speer, and the Consul General for Canada in Minneapolis Kim Butler was quickly rerouted to Deloraine Airport. Also arriving at the Deloraine airport were other dignitaries from the United States.

With ground transportation to the International Peace Gardens, we arrived in time for most of the ceremony.

Thank you to the people at Deloraine airport who were so helpful.

Five years after the tragedy of September 11

September 11, I joined the Premier and other dignitaries at the International Peace Gardens south of Boissevain for a remembrance ceremony at the site of the memorial to the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

The top photo shows the memorial to September 11, 2001 created using beams from the world trade towers which were recovered after the destruction of the towers.

In the second photo, I am standing in front of the memorial with Mary Speer, U.S. consul in Manitoba and Kim Butler the Consul general for Canada in Minneapolis.

In the third photo, I am with Brandon firefighters who attended the ceremony. I met with Brandon Firefighters recently to help them with their fight to ensure the new Firehall was not built on a contaminated site (see http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2006/08/cleaning-up-contaminated-site-in.html ) Their fight was successful.

The fourth photos show the concrete pillars which are a highlight at the International Peace Gardens site.

Thank you Charles

My son Charles joined me in the north to help with the driving and keep me company while I visited the many people and communities. Charles also took quite a number of the photographs which I have used on this blog. Thank you Charles.

Congratulations to McNally Robinson for 25 wonderful years

September 10 was a day to celebrate at McNally Robinsons. To celebrate their 25 years in business, there were featured entertainers like Sierra Nobel during the day (top photo), and a Gala celebration in the evening.

Highlighted were the top books for each year - with separate categories for adults and for children. In the bottom photo, Manitoba author Kathy Knowles shows her book One Little Crab to my wife Naomi. One Little Crab was the top children's book for this year.

Congratulations to Holly and Paul McNally. You have made a major contribution to Winnipeg and to improving the literacy and culture of our province.

A tribute to Greg Fearn and his efforts to ensure disability access to those attending St. Andrews River Heights United Church

For many months now, Greg Fearn has headed a group raising the funds and co-ordinating the effort to put an elevator in the St. Andrews River Heights United Church - the church where Naomi and I worship.

Sunday September 10 was the official opening celebration. Greg Fearn is shown in the photo with the elevator in the background. Well done Greg!

A sad end to the Winnipeg Goldeyes season

Last Saturday night (Sept 9), my son Charles and I were at the Goldeyes game. Goldie (above) was there to cheer us up, but sadly the Goldeyes lost. It was to be the second of three straight losses which brought an end to the Goldeye's playoff hopes this year.

It was particularly sad because the Goldeyes came out strongly in their first two post-season games winning both - and then to have them loses three straight was tough to take.

Better luck next year to the Goldeyes.

The Manitoba Metis Federation and the Metis Harvester Cards

Saturday, September 9, I spoke to the Annual General Meeting of the Manitoba Metis Federation.

In my speech, I affirmed our Liberal position that the provincial government should recognize the Metis Harvester Cards.

Several years ago, in a Supreme Court decision - now known as the Powley decision - it was affirmed that Metis have the legal right to hunt and fish.

When David Chartrand and the Manitoba Metis Federation tried to hold discussions with the NDP government to implement this court decision in Manitoba, the NDP were not helpful. As a result, David Chartrand and the MMF developed the Harvester Card System. Metis with Harvester Cards would be able to hunt but would have the responsibility to abide by limits which in some instances are more strict than a provincial hunting license would allow.

In developing the Harvester Card system, the emphasis is on wise stewardship of our resources, and on responsibilities which match the rights provided for under the Supreme Court Decision. In my speech a told the assembled delegates that a provincial Liberal Government would work with the Manitoba Metis Federation to enable implementation of the Harvester Card System so that we can have strong co-operative province-wide stewardship.

In the top photo I am speaking to the MMF Assembly. In the bottom photo, I am presenting David Chartrand with a copy of the history of our provincial Manitoba Liberal Party - Battling for a Better Manitoba.

Gus Stemmer and the Green Pepper Pizzaria in Neepawa

Friday evening, Septembr 8, we stopped in Neepawa to pick up supper at the Green Pepper Pizzaria. Gus Stemmer met us enthusiastically with his promise to provide the best pizza you ever had or your money back. I've got to admit it was very good pizza. Thank you Gus.

Will there be a Wind Farm for the south end of Lake Winnipegosis?

The south end of Lake Winnipegosis (top photo) has a reputation as one of the windiest places in Manitoba - and I was told they have the records to prove it. So a number of people have been actively pursuing the possibility of a wind farm in this area. Blaine Johnson, Andy Bobinski and Wayne Shewchuk whom I met just south of Meadow Portage (bottom photo), are among the local residents who are interested in and supportive of this wind farm.

The road from Camperville to Winnipegosis - another NDP promise bites the dust

While visiting in Camperville, I was told about the road from Camperville to Winnipegosis. It needs fixing up - like many other roads in Manitoba.

In this case, the NDP MLA - Rosann Wowchuk promised Camperville residents it would be fixed up this year. Well it has not been. Another NDP promise bites the dust.

The Camperville Youth Centre

Gail Wellburn has led the way in the development of the Camperville Youth Centre. It is badly needed. In recent years a large proportion of the youth in Camperville have dropped out of high school (Note - some people use the term pushed-out - to indicate that the problem may be in the system rather than in the young people).

Gail, working with Lisa and Krista, are actively keeping young people engaged and interested through the Camperville Youth Centre. It is a good place for young people - and it has taken a lot of hard work to get this far. Well done Gail!