• Making Manitoba a Better
  Place Now and in the Future
• Working to Improve
  the Local Area
• 
  Building Community
• 
  Jim's Bio
  

• 
  Being Accessible
• 
  Supporting Seniors
• Creating Recreational
  Facilities
• Improving Local
  Infrastructure

Good day, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to highlight the efforts of Golden West Centennial Lodge annual residents Christmas party and other events.

On Tuesday, December 10, the auxiliary held floor parties where entertainers including Santa Claus, five clowns, Salvation Army Junior Choir, a tuba player and James Ladyka, a violinist, moved from floor to floor entertaining the residents. Many volunteers and family members spent considerable time and effort preparing food, organizing the event, serving food and helping their loved ones.

The Golden West Centennial Lodge Auxiliary co-ordinates the event, contributes financially for it and provides many volunteers to run it. I had the pleasure of attending and helping out at this year's events. The residents, families and guests had a great time and will remember it for many years. It contributed to the positive feeling that always is at the lodge. I would like to thank the staff and administration of the lodge for all their efforts at this event throughout the year.

I believe this is a model long-term care facility which provides great service to all residents. The auxiliary also provides a gift for each resident in the entire lodge at Christmas time. I understand this really makes a huge, positive difference to those residents who no longer have loved ones within the city or who can attend at Christmas time. Their eyes really brighten when they open their true Christmas gift.

I would like to thank all the auxiliary members for contributing to the environment and quality of life for the Golden West Centennial Lodge residents. Your continued work does make a real, positive difference and is truly appreciated. Your work makes a Merry Christmas and a great spirit year-round at Golden West Centennial Lodge. It is nice to see that these efforts go on year after year and that the small group of auxiliary members positively contribute to life in Assiniboia and their community. Thank you very much for making a difference.

Good day, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to highlight the life and accomplishments of a constituent and friend, Mr. O.T. Anderson who passed away this weekend. I first met O.T. while taking a science class at Daniel Mac in Grade 10. O.T. was an excellent teacher who always gave his students 100 percent and because of his caring attitude and personality always got the best out of his students. I then had the pleasure of being a student teacher at Daniel a number of years later where O.T. was then the vice-principal. I again appreciated his guidance and support and witnessed his commitment to the school and staff.

O.T. was also very active in the community. He was appointed as chairperson of the Mayor's Race Relations Committee by Bill Norrie in 1984. He also served on the Community Folk Arts Council as secretary, a columnist for the ethnic paper Our Voice and a chairman of the Winnipeg School Division No. 1 multicultural education committee. He also held the position of chairperson of the Manitoba Multicultural Resources Centre and was president of the Caribbean Canadian Association two times.

I would like to thank his family for sharing O.T.'s time and talents with our community and province. He has left the province a much better, more tolerant place for his efforts. His legacy will continue through his thousands of students, all those people he touched in his community and work. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said the most important legacy we can leave is a human one, not a financial one. O.T. did a great job as far as our community and I am sure all members of this Chamber will join me in extending our condolences to his wife, family and his many friends. Thank you very much and our best memories.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring all members' attention to a very dedicated group of individuals within west Winnipeg. The Grace Hospital Auxiliary book sale committee ran their sale from September 23 to 28. During the sale, $15,750 was raised to assist the hospital for equipment and other priority items. This project has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1990 when the sale took place in one afternoon and raised a total of $484.

I am particularly pleased with this project because it recycles books, raises money for a worthwhile cause and promotes literacy, which is important in our entire society. As a footnote, the auxiliary also donated a number of books that were transported to northern communities to promote literacy after the sale. This will go a long way for other communities, too.

I would especially like to salute the core group who worked year-round to make this project possible: Phylis Ireland, the chair of the group, Ollie Bate, Vi Mills, Ann Falk, Betty Vivian, Doreen Bryant and Peggy Chapman.

I would also like to thank the dozens of other volunteers who sort, move, cashier, unpack, restock, throughout the sale. I had the pleasure of both helping out and purchasing books this year and was amazed at the dedication of this group of seven and the dozens of other people who do this project.

These efforts create a win-win situation in the community. Many thanks to those who work hard year after year to make our community a better place to live and improve it. Thank you again for making a very, very worthwhile project and a better community to live in.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I rise in this Legislature today to speak of one of the premier sporting events of the year, the North American Indigenous Games, the largest multi-sport and cultural celebration of its kind in Canada.

More than 6000 athletes participated in a total of 16 sporting events during the 11 days in various locations throughout the city of Winnipeg. Our city and our province became the meeting place for more than 15 000 visitors from across North America, South America and Europe.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the thousands of volunteers, the hospitality of the people of the province, the athletes, coaches, staff, cultural performers, corporate sponsors and the 2002 North American Indigenous Games host society, all of whom made this unique sports and cultural gathering a great success.

I would like to express special thanks to the more than 1000 Manitoba athletes and their coaches for the outstanding level of participation during the competition. I understand that Manitoba won in the medal competition. I would also like to thank the people who actually brought the games to Winnipeg, who many years ago bid on the games, worked it through many years and actually brought it to such a success.

As a long-time contributor to the Indigenous Games, I am pleased to see the high level of participation from the people of our province. It was a pleasure to see the young men and women that I coached over the last decade that are now giving their time and knowledge as coaches and volunteers at this year's games. It was nice to see them giving back to their community and to the province.

It is also great to see many of the people from Assiniboia volunteering at many of the venues throughout the city. These games have been an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the leadership and dedication of Manitoba's First Nations and Métis people. They have left a powerful legacy of knowledge and experience within our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, along with a re-affirmation of what we as Manitobans can accomplish.

Métis singer Phil Desjarlais's quote in today's Free Press says it all: "I'm very humbled to be here, actually. It's great. This whole scene is just beautiful. It makes us all proud." We are all indeed proud about this great achievement. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update the House on the progress of the Golden Boy project. Yesterday, July 29, the Golden Boy was moved to The Forks. The Minister of Transportation and Government Services (Mr. Ashton) and Bill Norrie, the former mayor and chair of The Forks-North Portage Board, began his unveiling. Over the next two or three days his travel case will be removed and a protective glass case will be built around him to allow the final stage to proceed.

Beginning Tuesday, Michael Kramer will oversee the application of gold on this provincial symbol. This final process will take three to five days. Once the gold has been applied, he will be on display until the end of September. This project continues to move forward on time and on budget.

I would also like to update all members about the Golden Boy merchandising efforts. This part of the project is going well with the final items, golf shirts, historic books, et cetera, arriving next week. These items will complete the adult shirts, pins, kids' shirts, postcards, et cetera, on site.

Manitobans have supported the idea of financially contributing to this historic project by purchasing souvenirs and these mementos. I would like to thank the Government staff as well as The Forks Market, Dillon Consulting, Alpha Masonry, Litz Crane, Bristol Aerospace, ISIS Canada, Bayco Industries, Pritchard Machine, Manitoba Museum and The Winnipeg Foundation who have contributed to this historic project.

I would also like all Manitobans to feel comfortable coming and seeing this historic monument up close. It is a great location because there are two levels of viewing so people can see it. It is going to be at a great location because The Forks is a tourist site. It is a site where there are multiple venues to see it and it is a great project. I invite all people to go down to The Forks and see this project from now until the end of September. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Good day, Mr. Speaker. I would like to rise to bring information to all members of the House about the Polar Bear Classic. This was a tournament, an AA men's qualifier tournament that was held at John Blumberg over the weekend. On Friday the 19th, I had the pleasure of bringing greetings on behalf of the Government and also catching the first pitch.

This team provides an opportunity for seniors to play, to get to know each other, to get to compete in a very fun environment. There were eight teams in the over-40 category, four teams in the 50-plus, five teams in the 55-plus, seven teams in the 60-plus, two teams in the 65-plus and three teams in the 70-plus. I have to admit that some of these athletes really looked very, very fit and very active.

These activities keep people active, create a great deal of fun, friendship and also help the whole community spirit. By all accounts, all the games were very, very competitive. They had a good, successful weekend.

I would like to thank all the volunteers who made this possible, the sponsors. I would like to highlight the executive, who worked many, many hours to bring the teams from across Canada and the States in for this wonderful weekend. The 2002 executive were: Barry Mullen, Jack Johnson, Lynn Switzer, Bryan McTaggart, Borris Nazarewich, Bob Essery, Kent Morgan, Carole Seneshen, Ross MacIver, Ray Brunka, Morris Deveson, Jennette Manchur, Bryan McDonald and Doug Blyth.

It is because of these people's hard work that it was such a successful weekend. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to bring all members' attention to an important announcement that was made by the Minister of Transportation and Government Services (Mr. Ashton) and I.

Today we announced a new project that was going to sell merchandise to help commemorate the Golden Boy restoration project. This is where T-shirts, golf shirts, commemorative books, postcards, even children's T-shirts and tattoos are going to be sold to the public. During the initial viewing of the Golden Boy at the Museum of Man and Nature, we had numerous e-mails and calls that requested materials that would be available to commemorate this very, very historic occasion and this project. With discussions we put together a project where people can buy quality, affordable materials at The Forks so when they go see the Golden Boy having its regilding, they will also be able to buy mementos to commemorate the occasion.

The other good part of this project, in addition to providing mementos for people, is that any of the money that will be attained for selling these things will go to the restoration project, thus decreasing the tax burden or the amount of money that taxpayers pay for the restoration project. So what we have done here is we have provided a wonderful opportunity for people to get materials and also a way to help people pay for the project.

The neat thing about this is that by the week of the 22nd, there will be a booth available at The Forks with a wide variety of merchandise available. The viewing of the Golden Boy restoration should be started sometime on the week of the 26th.

I would like to thank the following: Mike Hawrylak, Steve Cooper, Joanne Thibault, Andy Chartrand, Kathy Demianyk, Susan Boulter, Mark Clarke, Ann Houte, Ryan and Lori Yarchuk for their help in this project.

Good day, Mr. Speaker. I would like to update all members in regard to the federal, provincial, city project expanding the Centennial Pool. This project is very important to the community of St. James-Assiniboia because of the high concentration of seniors, loss of the walking facility with the demolition of the old Unicity Mall and lack of handicap-accessible facilities in the area. Studies show that exercise keeps people well, allows people to live longer, thus improving the standard of living and quality of life for families, youth and seniors.

There was a delay in this project due to the land transfer discussions between the City of Winnipeg and St. James School Division. I understand this roadblock has been overcome. The 28,000-square-foot expansion of this project will include a redone entryway, elevated walking track, new weight area, new sports courts, two or three sports courts, meeting rooms, coffee area, et cetera.

I understand the architectural drawing has been already let by the City of Winnipeg and is currently being worked on and should be ready very shortly. Site preparations are beginning for the project, and it should be a real great project that will provide a community heart, strengthen the community and provide facilities for everyone to enjoy.

The public consultations on this project will occur shortly. I have been in contact with Peter De Smedt and the people in the area to find out exactly when they are. They should be out shortly so that people can see what is proposed and actually have the public input. This is really good because we are going to actually have facilities that will keep people, improve their standard of living, keep people well and have a true heart in St. James-Assiniboia.

I would like to thank the people who are working on this, Gerald Mirecki from the City, and all those other people who are making it possible. I think it is great that our Government cares about the area and is actually making a long-delayed improvement possible.

Good day, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about a wonderful building located at 475 Hamilton, affectionately known as Hamilton House. It is a non-profit apartment building whose mandate is to provide affordable, comfortable housing for seniors. This building was built 25 years ago in June. It was built by the Greater Winnipeg Senior Citizen Non-Profit Housing Corporation, which also has another building on Pembina Highway. It is run by a volunteer board of directors and executive that plan activities and make decisions based on the two buildings. The board is chosen one year from Hamilton House and one from the other. It is 92 units and some space for maintenance staff. It also contains a beauty salon, kitchen and a lounge.

On the 25th anniversary tea, at which I was privileged to attend and pour tea, they gave honour for the original tenants that were in the building when it was built as a seniors residence 25 years ago. Alice Matheson, Doris Blood, Paul Wolanik and Lillian Brousseau were in attendance and were honoured. They are wonderful residents who really make it a great place.

There are lots of social activities going on. There is a Christmas dinner, concerts, annual teas, great games in the lounge, coffee breaks, where a lot of the participants are from throughout the building. They have a great time. There are cards, puzzles, all sorts of speakers. They also participated in the trip to the Golden Boy that the honourable Member for St. James (Ms. Korzeniowski) and I sponsored. A number of people went on the excursion.

It is a vibrant building. It is a great place to live. It is a great place, with lots of friends. It is a wonderful place. I would like to congratulate the people who serve on the executive and board and who live in Hamilton House for making it a wonderful part of Assiniboia.

Good day, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to bring all members' attention to a very innovative education program that is being offered in St. James School Division and, in particular, two schools in my constituency, Buchanan School and Voyageur School. The Learning Through the Arts program is a program that is piloted in kindergarten and Grade 3 and is based on trying to take curriculum from language arts, science and math, take it into art and combine it as a total curriculum-based instruction. It combines storytelling, puppetry, music, visual arts and dance and links it to the core area subjects.

In particular, we have Buchanan School. In its program, it hooks up specially selected local artists with classroom teachers, who together collaboratively plan three specific units of study using an artistic medium.

For example, a dancer from the Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers co-planned and co-taught a unit on negative and positive numbers and space with the Grade 3 teacher and students. A puppeteer planned a unit with the kindergarten teachers on math attributes, and kindergarten students made puppets using these attributes. A videographer co-planned and co-taught a unit with the Grade 3 teachers and students, teaching them how to make a video documentary on soils and erosion. A storyteller worked in the kindergarten classes and shared storytelling strategies with teachers, who then used them as a basis for improving the students' oral literacy skills.

This program is off to a flying start with lots of wonderful reviews from teachers, students and parents. It is innovation like this that really enhances schools, brings in partnerships and makes learning come alive.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cheryl Chaban, Liz Corbett, Jennifer Fraser, Regine Wetzel, Barbara Powell, Cathy Breckman, JoAnne Sommerfeld and the others who made this program possible.

I am pleased to rise today to highlight the activities of Nathan Micay Learning Resource Centre located on the campus at the University of Winnipeg.

This important student resource facilitates and promotes the ongoing development of an accessible learning environment, providing students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of campus life. Through individualized support to students and faculty, the centre provides individual academic counselling, visual language interpretation, computerized and volunteer note taking, alternative exam accommodations and invigilation, alternate format preparation, advocacy, physical space alteration and a host of other services designed to help disabled students and faculty participate in campus life.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Nathan Micay Learning Resource Centre makes it possible for students to benefit from a university education where those students may otherwise not be able to undertake a university education at all.

This centre was made available through a Council on Post-Secondary Education one-time grant, of $20,000, additional resources allowed for the centre to purchase much needed specialized computer and audio-visual equipment that will assist students with note taking and reading materials, et cetera. Many students take for granted the ability to take notes in class, read and prepare for assignments. These basic, day-to-day, routine, mechanical elements are major barriers for students who have to deal with a variety of disabilities. This centre helps those students overcome these barriers and allows them to focus more on the ideas, concepts and skills they are learning and less on the mechanics of attending class.

In the past three years, our Government has focussed on student success through ensuring that their education is affordable, investing in physical infrastructure and supporting innovative programs.

The learning centre makes a real difference for students. The centre helps students to learn and helps them become successful. It is important that people with disabilities become a full part of our society. I know that I speak for every member of our Government when I say that we are proud that we could assist the centre in fulfilling its mandate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour an extraordinary teacher who will retire from Hedges Middle School after 31 years of working at the same building. Mr. Nikolychuk currently teaches industrial arts in wood and plastics as well as science. Over his career he has taught a wide diversity of subjects, including guidance and many others. Mr. Nik, as he is known by his students, has an awesome connection with his students. His caring, giving and understanding of middle school students is legendary. He has gained the respect and admiration of the many thousands of students who have passed through his door.

In addition to opening his room to students outside of regular class hours, Mr. Nikolychuk regularly opens the room to students on projects and those needing extra time. He takes all the photographs at the monthly awards day and at special events. He also organizes the huge October fundraiser that raises $7,000 to $10,000 annually for school events.

Mr. Nik also has a great reputation for taking new staff under his wing and providing guidance and support. His mentorship of other staff has allowed many teachers to grow in their teaching careers and their abilities.

On June 14, Hedges will hold a Mr. Nik day. I invite all his former colleagues and students to come over to the gym at two o'clock and celebrate his career and contributions. Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated that the most important legacy we can leave is a human one, not a financial one. Although he will be missed at the school, he has left an excellent legacy for our community and for our futures.

Teachers can and do make a real difference in the lives of people. I thank Mr. Nikolychuk for being a teacher who cares and has made a real difference. Good luck in a well-deserved retirement. Thank you.

Good day, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate all the individuals involved in the Ness School's recent production of Annie.

The show was performed at the Gas Station Theatre in order to provide a theatrical environment that could do this wonderful show justice. The show boasted a total cast of 31 students and actually a real dog named Kirby. I think it is very encouraging that on both nights it played to almost sold-out audiences.

I would like to thank Miss Claven, who was the producer and director; Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Lee, who assisted with the music, choreography, and singing; Ms. Cesario, a student teacher who assisted in dance instruction and choreography. Their efforts are really appreciated. I would also like to recognize the parents who were involved in selling tickets, making costumes, transporation and innumerable other jobs.

Experiences like this show give students life-long memories that they will cherish and allows them to develop meaningful friendships with other students. It also teaches them skills that they might not learn in a regular academic program.

This was an excellent event. I am sure they have learned a great deal.

Among the many people I would like to congratulate would be Meghan Roels, who played Annie, and Jason Stanley, who played Daddy Warbucks, for their excellent performances. I would also like to recognize Michelle Montford, a student who worked very hard on technical aspects of this program. Other students that were involved were Erin Roche, Julie Devries, Brock Houndle, Meghan Courcelles, Janis Doran, Sheryl White, Janna Sutherland, Celina Wojtowicz, Dianna Martens, Kali Dufreane, Curtis Cox, Kristi Jackson, Carling Marple, DeNel Johnson, Brenna Philp, Jenna Miller, Jacqueline Miller and Matthew Hendrickson.

I would also congratulate all the other students that were involved in this wonderful project for a job very, very well done. Excellent work.

Good day, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise on a solemn note. This Saturday marks Missing Children's Day, May 25. This national day of awareness draws attention to the thousands of Canadian children who go missing each year and highlights the success of the federal Our Missing Children program in returning missing children to their rightful guardians.

Yesterday the parents of Erin Chorney made a public plea for the safe return of their daughter, who disappeared without trace from Brandon one month ago. The new poster from Child Find Manitoba includes the photographs of Erin Chorney, Marcus McKay, Corey Fitzpatrick, Sara Desiree Darcy Robson and Kelvin Zdarski.

All of these children, indeed all missing children in Canada, are desperately missed by friends and family. According to Child Find Manitoba, 3700 children went missing in Manitoba last year. Generally, one in six are found because someone recognizes their photographs, contacts police and action is taken.

In 1999, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and Citizenship and Immigration Canada reported that Customs and Immigration officers recovered 110 missing children across Canada. Since the creation of the Missing Children's Registry in 1986, the federal government departments involved have assisted in the location and recovery of 4643 children who have been reported missing to the police.

The majority of missing children and youth are runaways, accounting for 78 percent of all missing children in Canada. Fortunately, stranger abductions are fairly rare in Canada and make up one percent of missing children cases. Most missing children are 14 or 15 years of age. I hope that all members of this House recognize the gravity of this issue and will work together to make our province safer for its young people. Congratulations to all those people who are finding their children.

I rise today to congratulate Chris Chatelain of Sturgeon Creek Collegiate who recently came first in the sixth annual Manitoba Robotics Game Competition. This competition is sponsored by the Manitoba Science Council and focusses on developing high-end, critical-thinking skills utilizing leading-edge technology.

I understand that Chris has just come back from a competition in Calgary sponsored by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. This was an open competition with high school and university students competing in a sumo wrestling event. This event has students develop robots that will push, pull or flip their opponents out of the ring. It is a high-level skill, and you have people from all the high schools in western Canada along with universities all through western Canada competing.

Chris, who has been enrolled for three years in the electronics program at Sturgeon Creek, designed and built two robots. One autonomous robot which actually works without remote control uses its own artificial intelligence and one robot that was working on remote control.

I am pleased to announce that Chris was awarded second place in this competition. This is a wonderful feat that he should be extremely proud of.

I would like to also mention Gary Yakimoski, the electronics teacher at Sturgeon Creek Collegiate, who in addition to running a challenging state-of-the-art program, also conducts a school robotics club. This club has kids work in it, and what they do is they talk about problems, they talk about solutions to the electronics and computer systems. I am sure we all wish Chris well in his studies in the second year computer program, an analyst program, at Red River next year. I know with achievements like this, we can look forward to a very bright future in this province.

Thanks, Chris. You have done a good job.

I rise to inform all members, indeed all of Manitoba and those in the province during the long weekend about the Optimists' 38th Annual Buffalo Barbecue that will be held on May 17, 18, 19 and 20 at Heritage Victoria Community Centre at the corner of Ness and Sturgeon. This event will be occurring in the wonderful constituency of Assiniboia, and, therefore, it is nice to see that the whole part of the city will focus in this area of the city this weekend.

The Buffalo Barbecue is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Assiniboia. A number of excellent activities including a midway, bands, fireworks and all sorts of other events like the parade will once again be part of this event. The Buffalo Barbecue parade will be held on the Monday and go from the old Unicity site all the way to the Heritage Park Community Centre.

This a great event that will highlight and focus attention on Assiniboia, and I would like to publicly thank the Optimists, the many community volunteers, Heritage Park Community Centre and the businesses who have contributed to this area. I would also like to invite all members, indeed all Manitobans to this wonderful event. It is truly full of family events. It has face-painting. It has buffalo burgers. It has a lot of different activities that are occurring that should be interesting, not only to the whole family, but to everyone. So please come out and enjoy the fun in Assiniboia. Thank you very much.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the individuals responsible for the Assiniboia West Tournament of Champions that was held this year from March 29 to April 14.

This tournament is the largest minor hockey tournament in western Canada, with 156 teams participating. It takes five locations and a whole week to play this tournament. Teams from across Manitoba, including Beausejour, Ste. Anne, Warren, Portage la Prairie, and most areas in Winnipeg participate regularly in this tournament.

I understand from spending time at the tournament and from the feedback I received from many of the coaches and people I chatted with that this tournament has one of the best reputations for being well organized, having excellent reffing, excellent sportsmanship and a great attitude all around.

I would like to particularly congratulate the volunteers who make this possible. There were 20 students from the St. James-Assiniboia High School volunteer program that assisted in running the tournament. A total of 300 volunteers, 100 officials, hundreds of coaches and literally thousands of participants made the 31st Annual Tournament of Champions a huge success.

I would particularly like to congratulate these people, and they are called the black jackets. These are the guys who work all year long in order to organize and run it. It is: Jerry Jones, Cynthia Jones, Shawn Cook, George Wildeman, Paul Munroe, Marvin Lee, Barb Lee, Jason Lee, Randy Watt, Dan Scherger, Mike Bracken, Ken Gregorchuk and Rob Kalichuk, who were the main tournament organizers.

I congratulate all those possible for their commitment to the community youth and the future of our province. Thank you very much.

Good day, Mr. Speaker. I rise before the House today to speak about an important capital funding announcement for our public schools. As part of our Government's ongoing commitment to Manitoba's youth, we recently announced a school capital funding program of $45 million for the 2002-2003 school year. This Government recognizes the importance of safe, comfortable, healthy learning environments, and this funding will ensure that our children are taught well in well-maintained schools.

The 2002-2003 school's capital program will help maintain our existing school infrastructure and provide funds for exciting new capital projects. Funds from the program will also be dedicated to providing capital support for areas such as science labs, special needs and life skills facilities. A number of mechanical, roofing and structural improvements will be made to our schools to ensure students are safe and comfortable. This announcement illustrates our Government's commitment to the long-term needs of our public school system. Since 2000, this Government has provided $203 million in capital funding to our public school system, a commitment to our teachers and students. For the first time in our province's history, education spending has exceeded $1 billion.

I am pleased to add that this announcement will mean some important improvements for the schools in my constituency. There are currently seven tentative capital projects planned for the St. James-Assiniboia area, and of special interest to my constituents is a planned roof project and ventilator replacement at John Taylor School. I would like to commend the Government on its commitment to the public school system. All Manitobans can agree that the children deserve a safe, healthy and comfortable learning environment in schools. It is the goal of this Government to ensure that we can provide our young students now and into the future a good, positive environment.

Mr. Speaker, today is Earth Day. This is a day designed to educate and raise awareness about environmental issues. At the same time it encourages everyone to engage in activities that will make a positive difference to the planet. First launched in the United States in 1970, it has grown to be the largest and most celebrated environmental event in the world.

Over six million Canadians joined five hundred million people in over 150 countries participating in diverse, environmentally conscious activities and projects. The first Manitoba-recognized Earth Day was in 1989. It was celebrated at Assiniboia Downs where over 10 000 people attended the events. This is located in the wonderful constituency of Assiniboia, and I am glad to see we led Manitoba in this type of initiative.

Since then, Earth Day has grown to be celebrated over several days a year. It is now observed by events throughout Manitoba's cities and in numerous rural locations. Earth Day events include tree planting, planting native gardens, neighbourhood cleanups, workshops, seminars, concerts, ecofairs, parades, cultural events, waste reduction programs and expansion of environmental programs and conservation projects, to name a few.

Fort Whyte Centre had a wonderful event yesterday, where they opened up the site for free. There were many, many people in attendance.

Earlier this year, an eight-year-old boy named Nicholas Horyski-Cerros wrote to the Premier (Mr. Doer) about saving the environment. Today I understand the Premier will recognize the importance of Earth Day by meeting young Nicholas and planting a tree.

Mr. Speaker, Earth Day turns our focus to the environment one day each year. It is important to recognize the efforts that are made by people, organizations, and this Government to protect the environment and conserve our valuable resources each year, for example, programs, Environmental Youth Corps, the Urban Green Team, and Rural Green Team.

Aimed at younger Manitobans, these programs are part of an all-encompassing effort to protect Manitoba's environment. Let us keep Manitoba green.