Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Manitoba 36e 1ère Discours du trône 23 mai 1995 W. Yvon Dumont Lieutenant- gouverneur PC Madam Speaker and members of the Manitoba Legislature: I welcome you to the first session of the Thirty-sixth Legislative Assembly of the Province of Manitoba. Congratulations and good wishes are very much in order for all new members of this Assembly and for those who are returning to this House. The people of our province have entrusted you with heavy responsibilities--at all times to advance the public interest and to provide leadership and vision in making decisions which will help shape the future of Manitoba. Due recognition should also be given to all candidates who allowed their names to stand in the general election. All have made the highest possible commitment to public service. Eleven days ago Manitobans celebrated our 125th anniversary as a province, celebrations which will continue throughout the year. In my capacity as the Queen's representative, I have been privileged to witness and to participate in memorable ceremonies throughout the province. Sometimes we take for granted the quality of life that we enjoy in Manitoba, but more and more our citizens recognize that we are blessed with a land and a sense of community which are unequalled anywhere. The commemoration of V-E Day reminded us all of our heritage of freedom and democracy and the sacrifices of those who fought and secured them for us. In recent weeks our pride and sense of community have been strengthened further. Record flooding in several areas of the province presents a severe challenge which is being met successfully and with unprecedented co-operation from all concerned. The threatened loss of the Jets, Manitoba's National Hockey League team, has led to an unparalleled response from the citizens of this province which will be a source of inspiration for generations. Manitobans have been brought closer together by these events. They have challenged our spirit, but that spirit has emerged more strongly than ever. Throughout our province there is a growing sense of confidence, direction, purpose and optimism. My government feels honoured to have been given a strong and clear mandate by the citizens of this province, a mandate that will take Manitoba into the new century. My government will honour that mandate by proceeding to implement the commitments they have made to the people of Manitoba, commitments dedicated to strengthening our economy and protecting essential public services. Many of those commitments were summarized in the agenda for action which my ministers put together in the last Speech from the Throne on December 1, 1994. Those measures were debated and received the approval of members at that time. With the agreement of the official opposition, the Assembly will be asked to focus on immediate priorities in the coming weeks. Prior to the end of June, members will be requested to review the Estimates flowing from the 1995-96 budget which was passed shortly before the adjournment of the final session of the last Legislature and which has effectively been approved by the people of Manitoba in the election of April 25. In addition to considering related budget legislation, members will also be asked to review other legislative priorities including The Maintenance Enforcement Act, the balanced budget legislation, and amendments to The Child and Family Services Act, The City of Winnipeg Act, The Real Property Amendment Act and The Manitoba Evidence Act. Legislation relating to the Northern Flood Agreement will also be put before the House. Where debate cannot be completed before the Assembly rises for July and August, I understand it will resume when the House reconvenes in September for about six weeks. Throughout its previous terms, my government has worked hard to ensure public input and inclusiveness in establishing public policies and in implementing them. My ministers will continue to pursue public-private partnerships as proven instruments for developing new economic opportunities within the principles of sustainable development. My ministers are also committed to building further understanding of the essential links between rural and urban communities. My government is proud of its strong and balanced representation from around Manitoba, representation which will ensure that the views of all regions will carry real weight in the proposals my ministers put forward for consideration in this Assembly. From time to time this Assembly will also be asked to review matters of federal policy affecting our province and others. As members are well aware, the Government of Canada is proposing profound changes in a wide range of national programs: health, higher education and training, social assistance and services, child care, agricultural support, transportation, regional development, and a great many more. Virtually every aspect of federal government activity is affected. In some cases the federal proposals foresee a substantial shift in responsibilities to provincial and local governments, but without adequate accompanying resources. Reduced federal support for agriculture and transportation are major concerns, as are further instances of federal offloading of responsibilities for services for aboriginals living off reserves. Members must also remain vigilant in support of Churchill and efforts to assure its long-term viability. Where federal policies may not be in the best interests of our province, members will be asked to set aside partisan views and to stand together to defend Manitoba's interests. At the same time, I know all members will also stand together in strong support of a united Canada and of positive efforts to make our federal system more effective. The issue of poverty in all its dimensions must be a high priority for the years ahead, both in our province and across the country. Provinces on their own can take some positive steps, but fundamental solutions can only be found in a national context and with ongoing co-operation among governments. My ministers will seek such co-operation as the national debate continues on social security reform. As members of this Assembly, you will have the opportunity to address these kinds of challenges directly and to contribute in a major way to shaping public policy. Je vous laisse maintenant aux nombreuses tâches que vous allez être appelés à accomplir fidèlement. Que la divine Providence vous éclaire au cours des délibérations nécessaires à l'exécution de ces tâches. I leave you now to the faithful performance of your duties and trust that in meeting them you may benefit from the guidance of Divine Providence in all your deliberations.