LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Monday, May 13, 2024
LOCATION – Winnipeg, Manitoba
CHAIRPERSON – MLA Nellie Kennedy (Assiniboia)
VICE‑CHAIRPERSON – MLA Mintu Sandhu (The Maples)
ATTENDANCE – 6 — QUORUM – 4
Members of the committee present:
Hon. Mr. Simard
MLA Kennedy, Mr. King, MLAs Lagassé, Moyes, Sandhu
Substitutions:
Mr. King for Mr. Guenter
APPEARING:
Hon. Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors
and Long-Term Care
Hon. Lisa Naylor, Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services
PUBLIC PRESENTERS:
Bill 22 – The Celebration of Nigerian Independence Day Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended)
Vera Keyede, private citizen
Lana Adeleye-Olusae, private citizen
Wilson Akinwale, private citizen
Edward Onyebuchi, private citizen
Babatunde Busari, private citizen
Ifeanyi Chidume, private citizen
Yechenu Audu, private citizen
Olivia Onyemaenu, University of Manitoba Nigerian Students' Association
Taiwo Aromasodu, private citizen
MATTERS UNDER CONSIDERATION:
Bill 13 – The Emergency Medical Response and Stretcher Transportation Amendment Act
Bill 22 – The Celebration of Nigerian Independence Day Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended)
Bill 23 – The Change of Name Amendment Act (2)
* * *
Deputy Clerk (Mr. Tim Abbott): Good evening, everyone. Will the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs please come to order.
Our first item of business in the–is the election of a Chairperson.
Are there any nominations?
MLA Mintu Sandhu (The Maples): MLA Kennedy.
Deputy Clerk: MLA Kennedy has been nominated as Chairperson.
Any other nominations?
Hearing none, MLA Kennedy, please take the Chair.
The Chairperson: Our next item of business is the election of a Vice-Chairperson.
Are there any nominations? [interjection]
Sorry.
MLA Mike Moyes (Riel): I nominate MLA Sandhu.
The Chairperson: Thank you. MLA Sandhu has been nominated.
Are there any other nominations?
Okay. Hearing no other nominations, MLA Sandhu is elected Vice-Chairperson.
Committee Substitution
The Chairperson: I would like to inform the committee that under our rule 85(2), the following membership substitution has been made for this committee, effective immediately: Mr. King for Mr. Guenter.
Thank you.
* * *
The Chairperson: This meeting has been called to order to consider the following bills: Bill 13, The Emergency Medical Response and Stretcher Transportation Amendment Act; Bill 22, The Celebration of Nigerian Independence Day Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended); and Bill 23, The Change of Name Amendment Act (2).
I would like to inform all in attendance of the provisions in our rules regarding the hour of adjournment. A standing committee meeting to consider a bill must not sit past midnight to hear public presentations or to consider clause by clause of a bill, except by unanimous consent of the committee.
Prior to proceeding with public presentations, I would like to advise members of the public regarding the process for speaking in a committee. In accordance with our rules, a time limit of 10 minutes has been allotted for presentations, with another five minutes allowed for questions from committee members. Questions shall not exceed 30 seconds in length, with no time limit for answers. Questions may be addressed to presenters in the following rotation: first, the minister sponsoring the bill; second, a member of the official opposition; and third, an independent member.
If a presenter is not in attendance when their name is called, they will be dropped to the bottom of the list. If the presenter is not in attendance when their name is called a second time, they will be removed from the presenters' list.
The proceedings of our meetings are recorded in order to provide a verbatim transcript. Each time someone wishes to speak, whether it be an MLA or a presenter, I first have to say the person's name. This is the signal for the Hansard recorder to turn the mics on and off.
On the topic of determining the order of public presentations, I will note that we do have out-of-town presenters in attendance, marked with an 'asterict' on the list. With these considerations in mind, in what order does the committee wish to hear the presentations?
Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): I would ask that the first speaker be Mrs. Vera Keyede and second speaker be–[interjection]
Oh, I apologize. Number five. Second speaker would be No. 4, Dr. Lana Adeleye-Olusae. Third speaker would be No. 2 on the list, Reverend Wilson Akinwale. Fourth speaker, No. 8 on the list, Dr. Edward Onyebuchi. And then open beyond that.
The Chairperson: It has been suggested that we hear presenters in the following order: No. 1, Mrs. Vera Keyede; No. 2, Dr. Lana Adeleye-Oluesae [phonetic]; No. 3, Reverend Wilson Akinwale; and No. 4, Dr. Edward Onyebunchi [phonetic]. And then we will continue with the rest of the list.
Is that agreed? [Agreed]
Thank you. Wonderful. Well, thank you for your patience, we will now proceed with public presentations.
* (18:30)
The Chairperson: I will now call on Mrs. Vera Keyede.
Good evening.
I would like to invite–[interjection] please proceed with your presentation, Mrs. Vera Keyede.
Vera Keyede (Private Citizen): Good evening. My name is Vera Obehi Keyede. I am the president of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba Inc.
The honourable members of Manitoba standing committee and my fellow Nigerians, today I stand here to advocate for the passage of the act that transcends borders, Bill 22, celebration of Nigerian independence act here in Manitoba, Canada.
Our presentation today not only reflects the importance of the Nigerian journey towards sovereignty, but also our shared values of self-determination and resilience.
In an interconnected world, the struggle and triumph of Nigerian people resonates globally, and especially in Manitoba, where more than 10,000 Nigerians have called home.
Manitoba, with its commitment to democracy, culture and traditional values, economic growth, stand in solidarity with nations seeking to establish their solidarity, and that is why we are all proud to call Manitoba home, and we call this building, the Legislative Building, the people's building, a place where all is welcomed.
Announcing the Nigerian independence act in Manitoba will stand as a testament to our belief of universal principles of self-governance and freedom.
Nigerian path to independence from colonial rule in 1960 is a story of resilience and determination. However, the story to full liberty continues, requiring steadfast support from global communities like Manitoba.
I must state here that I am extremely proud to be a Manitoban, as the Manitoba–as Manitoba will be the first province in Canada to announce this act to recognize Nigerian independence.
This is worth celebrating. This is a stand that all of us Nigerians–you can see, we are all here; there are some people downstairs. If you have room, trust me, we'll fill this place and tell you how important this is to us and to our community and how proud the Nigerian community is in just hearing about this.
Announcing the Nigerian independence celebration act acknowledges and honours the sacrifices made by people of Manitoba–of Nigeria here in Manitoba and recognizes their contributions to the economic growth of the province.
We have Nigerians in all phases of professional skills, and of–certainly in every profession. From health care, we have numbers of doctors and a growing number of nurses, health-care aides. We have technocrats, engineers of various skills, IT professionals, HR, accountants, supply-chain professionals, law enforcement. We have Nigerians that's police correction officers. And my–I'm proud to say my husband has been with the correction officer–has been a correction officer in Manitoba for over 15 years.
We have administrators. We have security guards. Name it and Nigerians–and I won't forget, professors, teachers and even politicians–I won't forget to mention our very own sitting right there before you, Minister Asagwara. That is how much Nigerians have worked hard in this province and been established in this province.
Announcing the Nigerian independence act in Manitoba will further foster our cultural understanding and appreciation. Nigeria is a country of diverse and beautiful culture and traditions, from different geopolitical regions of our country. Manitoba will benefit greatly from this diverse cultural and traditional heritage of the Nigerian people, and that's something us will, in Manitoba, will promote this cultural heritage, beautiful diverse cultural heritage of the Nigerian people, and strengthen the relationship between our communities.
Just to mention, we have the–we had our first cultural celebration last year, and it was beautiful seeing people from all over come to celebrate with the Nigerian people, and that today independence symbolizes commitment to global solidarity and unity.
This will send a powerful message of support to all Nigerians in Manitoba, and this support to a striving self-governance, independence, and we encourage every Manitoban, every Nigerian living in Manitoba, to continue to strive for the best and contribute a quarter to the developments and growths of our dear province.
In conclusion, the announcement of the celebration of Nigerian Independence Day Act in Manitoba transcend legalities. It is an affirmation of our shared values and aspirations. It is a recognition of strength, struggle, success, vigor, triumph of the Nigerian people in Manitoba.
Today we will continue to uphold the principle of freedom and democracy that form the bedrock of our shared humanity. Thank you.
The Chairperson: Thank you so much for your moving presentation.
Do members of the committee have questions for the presenter?
Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): I don't have any questions. I just want to say thank you so much, President Vera, for being here today and for sharing such a powerful statement with everybody here, and for being an incredible representative for our community across the province. Your advocacy is greatly valued, and thank you for making time to be here today. Truly appreciate you.
The Chairperson: Oh, sorry. I will give you an opportunity to respond if you so choose. Sorry. Mrs. Keyede?
V. Keyede: Yes.
The Chairperson: You are able to respond to the minister's comment.
V. Keyede: Thank you for appreciating–okay. Yes.
MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): I'd like to thank you also for your presentation tonight. The wonderful part about this job is I learn so much, and I quite appreciate learning about every culture and everything that, you know, is out there.
You talked about celebrating. How do you see this celebration? Like, what do you see in the future? [interjection]
The Chairperson: Oh, sorry. One moment. I need to recognize you for Hansard. Mrs. Keyede? Please.
V. Keyede: The celebration of the Nigerian independence is going to further boost our–well, I won't say ego. It's going to further establish us as people here, knowing the further we are being recognized, or we are recognized, but in Manitoba governments is a way to encourage people to push harder, is a way to encourage people, is it–to tell them that, look, indeed, what the NDP government, what the government is saying is what you are doing. This is the people's building. This is showing us that we are settled, you know. We are part of the people, and that will further, you know, solidify, you know, the unity within the community in Manitoba.
The Chairperson: Thank you so much. Any more questions?
No? Thank you, Mrs. Keyede.
I will now call on Dr. Lana Adeleye-Olusae. [interjection] Thank you.
I–[interjection]–thank you. Sorry. Please proceed with your presentation.
Lana Adeleye-Olusae (Private Citizen): It's my pleasure to be here today to speak in support of what our president has spoken. I want to thank the committee for this opportunity. I also want to thank the minister, Honourable Uzoma Asagwara, for sponsoring this bill.
* (18:40)
Nigerians started coming to Manitoba as international students, on Commonwealth and private sponsorship in the early 1960s. Many of them went back to Nigeria, including my late uncle, who studied in Brandon. Although we are called newcomer communities, but we've been here for a long time.
Some immigrated into Manitoba in the 1970s as professionals. Now, when you look at our population, it has grown considerably in the last couple of decades. Based on the 2021 census, Africans in Manitoba, there are 27,150. Well, I can assure you that, out of every ten Africans that you see, three of them are Nigerians, because the census tells us that we are 8,550.
And it broke us down in our languages, because I want to appreciate that, although we are all Nigerians, we speak different languages. And we have about 525 languages in Nigeria. But those of us that are here in Manitoba, those who speak the language of Edo, there are about 255 this census; Fulfulde in the north in Nigeria, 160; the Igbos in the southeast, where honourable minister comes from, there was 1,680; and I'm from the Yoruba in the southwest, we are about 6,075; other is about 380.
For you to know that we'll continue to grow, in the top four source countries for immigration, after India, China and the Philippines: Nigeria. In the top three source countries for study permits, we are next to India and China. There are about 28,000 international students in Manitoba. By my estimate, between 10 to 15 thousand are Nigerian. So we are talking about 2,800 and 4,200. So, when you add that to 8,500, you know my president is not wrong in saying we're over 10,000.
Nigerians have contributed so much to the rich mosaic of Manitoba, and I want to speak to the fact that, if you look at the alphabet, A to Z, I'm going to attempt to read to you all the professions that I, limited my knowledge, know about Nigerians.
They are: accountants, architects, auditors, that's for A; bankers, barbers, business analysts; carpenters for C, chefs, child-care assistants, correction officers, cooks; dentists, document clerk, directors in public, private and not-for-profit organizations; engineers, early childhood educators; football players–Israel Idonije, in case you don't know–financial analysts, financial managers; geologists, graphic designers; hairdressers and stylists, health-care workers, human resource professionals–I'm one of them; information technology specialists, instructors in our colleges; journalists; kitchen assistants; lawyers; managers, management consultants, military officers, musicians; news reporters, nurses; opticians, optometrists; paralegal clerks, paramedics, pharmacists, photographers, physicians, police officers, politicians, professors, project management professionals, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists; quantity surveyors; realtors, retail workers; social workers, software developers, supply chain management professionals, surgeons; teachers in high school, teaching assistants; underwriters, ultrasonographers; vet doctors; waiters, web developers, writers; Xerox machine technicians; youth pastors; zoologists–A to Z.
Now, not only in employment, when it comes to business, we are artists. We have studios around. We have barber salons, we have churches, we have consultants, we have dental clinics, we have event management firms, we have fashion design businesses, we have hairdressing salons, information technology firms. We serve newcomer agencies. We have medical corporations, we have a mosque, we have photographic studios, we have real estate investors, we have restaurants, we have retail shops. We also run co-working space in downtown Manitoba–in Winnipeg. We also run taxicabs. We also have vet clinics.
Now, when you talk about leadership, there are members who are leading professional associations. Institute of Certified Management Consultants, we have them on the council. And by the grace of God, I am the chair of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources in Manitoba. We have some of them who are volunteers in Project Management Institute.
Please note I'm speaking of only my experience. So if you heard me use singular, it's because I only know one. Many of these will know more than me.
When I look at agencies, boards and commissions in Manitoba, we have at least 14 of us on those boards: some of us are running not-for-profit and charitable organizations; some of us are on the boards of credit unions; some of us are members of the local unions where we work.
This bill, when passed, will acknowledge our contributions over half a century to Manitoba and it will cement Manitoba as a home in the minds of Nigerians. It will challenge us to continue to contribute and invest in Manitoba as our home.
That's all I have to say.
Thank you.
The Chairperson: Thank you so much for your presentation. If I can just remind members of the audience and everyone in the room, we stand on formalities, so a very gentle reminder that we're not able to applaud or engage with the presenter in any way.
So, again, I thank you so much for your presentation.
Do members of the committee have questions for the presenter?
MLA Asagwara: I just want to say thank you so much for your presentation. That was very educational, very informative and I also appreciate very much the personal history that you shared in terms of your family and your ties to Manitoba that are very long-standing. So, thank you so much for presenting today and for your leadership in community. [interjection]
The Chairperson: Oh, sorry, I need to just recognize you before you respond. My apologies there, Dr. Olusae.
L. Adeleye‑Olusae: Okay. I just want to thank the honourable minister once again. It's an honour for what she has done to the country and–
The Chairperson: Sorry, can I just remind the presenter and folks in the room that the pronouns for Minister Asagwara are they/them.
Thank you. Please continue.
L. Adeleye‑Olusae: Thank you very much. So, I'm very appreciative of what they have done and I'm always very appreciative and that's one of the reasons I decided to come today. We are very grateful for everything.
The Chairperson: Wonderful, thank you.
Any other members? Okay.
Mr. Trevor King (Lakeside): Dr. Olusae–did I say that right?
Floor Comment: Yes, you're okay.
Mr. King: Quite close, there. No, I, too, want to thank you for your comments and your education to me and all the points and all the great work that you did in the alphabet there. That was awesome telling us what jobs and what careers there are in the Nigerian community.
So I just wanted to thank you and put that on record. Thank you very much.
L. Adeleye‑Olusae: Thank you very much for what you have shared. It's a great opportunity to be able to talk about our nation.
The Chairperson: Thank you. Are there any other questions from the committee? No? Wonderful.
Thank you, doctor, for your presentation.
I will now call on Reverend Wilson Akinwale.
Akinwale? Wonderful. Please proceed with your presentation.
Wilson Akinwale (Private Citizen): Good evening, Chairperson, members of the community and the honourable Minister Asagwara.
My name is Wilson Akinwale. I'm the immediate past president of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba and the ex officio as well as a member of the board of directors, African communities in Manitoba, ACOMI.
It is with a grateful and humble heart, great honour and privilege to present my speech to you this evening on behalf of our community. I strongly believe that the time is right to speak to Bill 22 that recognizes The Celebration of Nigerian Independence Day Act in Manitoba.
For several decades in the province of Manitoba, the Nigerian community has dynamically been able to distinguish itself among community of nations by helping to build strong alliances across various networks in Canada, including friendship and partnership with the Indigenous peoples of this land, and our advocacy that add values which embody freedom, unity and resilience, which are integral parts of our community's identity.
As a community, we are grateful for the honour and privilege to live, work, serve, meet people and raise our families here.
* (18:50)
We are also committed to the truth and reconciliation of all people of this land, and we acknowledge Manitoba as our home, as we–I quote now, reside on the traditional lands and the territories of Indigenous peoples, and appreciate the welcome we have received from those who we believe have a shared experience of colonization. Unquote. Like us.
For this reason, we ensure that our community is well positioned to meet the needs and demands of our province in various sectors of the economy, which my other colleagues have mentioned. As you might have observed, we are strong allies in building local businesses in this province as our economy continues to grow. Nigerian Manitobans are flourishing in creating job opportunities as entrepreneurs, and our Nigerian professionals are strategically positioned in every facet of the economy with impactful presence.
From health and safety sector to education and academia, at sports and culture to a very active and well-represented and including roles in politics in this province, the evidence is clear. We remain primus inter pares, which means, we are first among equals in social, economic and political advancements in Manitoba. We are confidently imagined as one of the Canada's most successful immigrant communities, as we had value wherever we go.
Nigeria is often called the giant of Africa. This name comes from the vastness of this land, the diversity of its peoples and languages, its huge population of over 229 million people–the largest in Africa–and in Manitoba, with a fast-growing population of over 10,000 Nigerians, we are people steeped in eternal optimism, spirituality, confidence, tenacity, resilience, determination and hard work. Nigerian Manitobans are flourishing and contributing to the development and progress of communities in various cities and provincial boards, agencies and commissions, and are actively participating in the political process in Manitoba.
We are breaking new ground with various institutions across Manitoba, in community partnership and development, in–with all people of this land. With recent successful cultural exchange program, the first of its kind in this province, we have worked assiduously more than ever before to ensure diverse cultures of the Nigerian population are well represented through various multicultural expressions in exchange with other international performances from our community partners.
Our youth have continued to make us proud in sports, and our citizenship's diplomacy has been well articulated with exceptional improvements from the grassroots in this province to the national level between the governments of Manitoba, Canada, and Nigeria.
Lastly, as the most populous Black nation in the world, data shows that Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $477.38 billion. With its expansive population and rich endowment of natural resources–particularly, oil–Nigeria harbours the potential to ascend as one of the most–foremost global economies.
To consolidate on this, our voice and our representation here in the decision-making process, our strong community engagement with all stakeholders in this province, if we are given the chance to celebrate our stake, we–it earns our remarkable and impactful presence in the province of Manitoba. And with strong bonds and solidarity with all peoples of this province, we stand together as one community, one voice, one aspiration, with shared hope for a brighter future of one Manitoba we all nurture together.
Thank you for listening.
The Chairperson: Thank you so much for that very inspirational presentation.
Do the committees–do members of the committee have any questions?
MLA Asagwara: Thank you so much, Reverend Wilson Akinwale.
You're such a powerful, powerful speaker and such a powerful, powerful person with such a kind and generous heart and spirit. And thank you so much for presenting today and for ending on such an important note.
You know, you talked about reconciliation, and you acknowledged the lands that we are on as Manitobans, as Nigerians here, which I thought was really important, and I really want to thank you for that. I got goosebumps, though, at the end of your remarks. That was something else.
So thank you so much for being here. Thank you for sharing, presenting and for being such an important voice, not just for the Nigerian community, but for the Manitoban community.
The Chairperson: Thank you.
You're welcome to respond.
W. Akinwale: Thank you, honourable Minister.
And if I can just share with members of–this is–these are copies of our last independence anniversary, which–it tells you more stories about our community, about people in Manitoba. I have these copies free for the members of the committee to go around. And if you need more copies, we can get them for you.
Thank you.
The Chairperson: Wonderful, thank you.
Are there any other–oh.
MLA Lagassé: Thank you for your presentation.
Again, like I mentioned earlier, it's fantastic to learn more and more, and you made it definitely entertaining and energetic. I could feel it.
So thank you so much for being here tonight to present.
The Chairperson: You may respond.
W. Akinwale: Thank you for that. I appreciate.
The Chairperson: Any other questions from the committee? No?
Wonderful. Thank you so much, Reverend.
I will now call upon Dr. Edward Onyebuchi.
Please–[interjection]–oh, sorry, please proceed with your presentation.
Edward Onyebuchi (Private Citizen): Okay. I will begin–I would like to acknowledge that I reside within the Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 territories, and that Manitoba is located in the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene land and the nations.
I will–okay. I am the founding member–one of the founding members of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba, and I served also as the president of the Nigerian association for many years. I am also the founding member of African Communities of Manitoba Inc., and I served in that association as the treasurer for many years. I am also the founding member of the Nigerian professionals of Manitoba inc., and I am also the founding member of Umunna Igbo Cultural Association of Manitoba Inc. that I served for many years as the president.
I am not representing any of these associations per se tonight. I want to speak to this bill from my own personal experience.
I grew up in the colonial and post-colonial Nigeria. When I was a kid in the primary school in Nigeria, the–one of the subjects we were taught in the primary school was English, but my native language, Igbo, was not one of the subjects taught in the school.
By the age of 12, I was sent to a boarding school. In the boarding school, I was not allowed to speak English. If I speak English–I wasn't allowed to speak Igbo. If I spoke Igbo in the boarding school, I was punished. I was taught the history–the [inaudible] history, the British history, the geography of Canada, the Rocky Mountains, the lakes of Manitoba, the prairie rains, the winter, the winter lands. But I knew nothing about the geography of Nigeria, the geography of Africa, or the geography of so many things in my own environment.
* (19:00)
So my knowledge was just abstract. Yes, I am educated. I have a PhD, I can speak English fluently. I can write English fluently, but I cannot write my native language, Igbo, fluently.
So I'm saying all this to let you know that colonization had a big impact on me and the independence meant a lot to me, and I think to other fellow Nigerians. So this legislation is absolutely very important to someone like me and I believe to some other Nigerians.
As has been said already, Nigerians in Manitoba have distinguished themselves in many industries, including technology, university, academics, health care, financial services, just to name few. I can state, categorically clear, that Nigerians are the ones sustaining the health care–what do they call it again–health-care sector here, because most of them are working in that area.
I myself, I have worked for the Manitoba Government as a senior policy advisor with the department of environment, in the sustainable co-ordination unit, and so on before joining Manitoba Hydro, where I worked as senior economic consultant for many years. In that process, when I was working for Manitoba also, I was able to go and represent Manitoba internationally in Liberia, in China, in Saudi Arabia.
So that's an example of the contributions I say the Nigerians have made to Manitoba so far.
Manitoba ranks as the third province in terms of the large population of Nigerians in Canada. I think Ontario has the largest number of Nigerians, followed by Alberta and then followed by Manitoba. To see that Manitoba is the one who is also trying to take the lead of putting forward this type of legislation is something that makes all of us very proud.
I would also say that this bill has no risk to Manitoba; politically, financially or–this bill has no risk to Manitoba socially, politically or financially. In fact, in–on the contrary, this bill will put Manitoba in a very high level globally as one of the–as the province, the first province that is putting this legislation into place.
So I want to thank you all for putting forward this legislation and, as I said, it has no risk financially or anything to Manitoba or anybody else. Further, it's an opportunity for us to continue to celebrate with Manitobans the Nigerian independence. Where you have said, but in days before, we will be celebrating it but now we are going to put it in the legislation. We're going to make it, we're going to be–recognize that. You're now going to be recognized.
Now it's something we'll–all Manitobans can also help to share with us.
Thank you so much.
The Chairperson: Wonderful. Thank you so much for your presentation. I do–pardon me, yes.
Sorry, do the minister have a question?
MLA Asagwara: Yes.
The Chairperson: Minister Asagwara.
MLA Asagwara: Dr. Onyebuchi, thank you so much for presenting this evening. Thank you for sharing your own personal experiences with pre-colonization, colonization and post-colonization in Nigeria. I think that's a really, really important story to tell, and the parallels here in Canada, obviously, are very obvious. And so thank you for all of your leadership.
I realized, but I–until you shared it all–you've worn many hats as a leader in the community, so we thank you for your decades of commitment to the province, moving in the direction it needs to.
And thank you for presenting this evening.
The Chairperson: Oh, sorry, I just need to recognize you. Doctor, you're able to respond.
E. Onyebuchi: Thank you so much, honourable Minister. I will say that it's not on just a minister; it's my child, because I grew up with–I knew when he–she was born, in Winnipeg here–
The Chairperson: Sorry, point–sorry. Point of order, please. [interjection]
Order. Order.
I just want to remind the presenter and everyone in the room that the pronouns for Minister Asagwara are they/them.
Thank you. Please go ahead with your response.
E. Onyebuchi: Okay, so I'm very–thank you so much–and I said, I'm very, very proud of Honourable Uzoma. And then, thank you so much. We are very proud of what you are doing, and keep doing it. Thank you so much.
The Chairperson: Thank you.
Are there other questions?
Mr. King: Dr. Onyebuchi–I hope I said that right–thank you for your comments, your presentation. And thank you for your service to the community and your association. It sounds like you've played a big role in that, so I just want to congratulate you on that and thank you. And thanks for being here tonight. [interjection]
The Chairperson: I'll just–I'll recognize you; you can respond, Doctor. Thank you.
E. Onyebuchi: Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you so much. I'm–thank you.
The Chairperson: Wonderful. Thank you so much.
I will now go through the list to see if there are other presenters available. And may I just say, I apologize if I am pronouncing anyone's name wrong; my sincere apologies.
I will call Mrs. Adetu? Mrs. Adetu? She will move to the bottom of the list.
Next person is Mrs. Agbaje? Agbaje? No? [interjection] Abaje? Okay, Agbaje. That person will move to the bottom of the list.
Moving on, I will call for Ms. Onyemaenu? Ms. Onyemaenu? Okay, that person will move to the bottom of the list.
I have the next person is Mr. Ogunmola? Ogunmola? No? Will move to the bottom of the list.
Next person I'm calling is Adelola Abioye? No? Okay, I will move that person to the bottom of the list. Oh, pardon me. Sorry; do I have Adelola Abioye? [interjection] Oh. You don't have to present if you don't want to. Thank you.
Okay, we'll move to the next person.
Mr. Aromasodu? No? Mr. Aromasodu will move to the bottom of the list.
The next person is Mr. Fatimehin? Fatimehin? Okay, thank you.
The next person is Babatunde Busari? Okay. You don't have to present if you don't want. Or would you like to present? [interjection] Okay, thank you. Please go ahead with your presentation. Thank you.
Babatunde Busari (Private Citizen): Yes, thank you very much. We are very excited to be here today for the community. We appreciate what Manitoba is giving to us, some of us that came as professionals, we really appreciate what Manitoba has given to us.
And as a Nigerian, the only way we can also appreciate is for this bill to pass so that some of the young ones that we are growing in Manitoba today, we have something to look forward to. The honourable minister and everybody on this table, the Nigerians in Manitoba are today appreciating most of the things that is going on.
The development that we're having, the education that the children are having and the opportunity for some of us to work in the sectors that we want to work as a professional.
* (19:10)
So this bill is also going to add to the value that every one of us is looking forward to.
Thank you very much.
The Chairperson: Wonderful. Thank you very much.
Does anyone wish to respond or ask questions?
MLA Asagwara: Just want to say thank you, Mr. Busari, for being here this evening, for taking time to share and for speaking so eloquently on the importance of the bill to you.
Thank you.
The Chairperson: Mr. Busari, you can respond if you like.
B. Busari: Thank you very much, honourable minister, and I really appreciate your effort in the committee. Thank you.
The Chairperson: Does anyone else have–okay.
MLA Lagassé: I'd also like to thank you for your presentation this evening, and as I'm watching the room and everything that's going on I'm humbled by the fact that we get to be part of history.
And sometimes I think we forget, as MLAs, that we're part of things that make a difference to people. So thank you for your presentation this evening.
The Chairperson: Mr. Busari, you can respond.
B. Busari: Thank you so much and we really appreciate you and the committee. Thank you.
The Chairperson: Are there any other questions? No? Thank you so much, Mr. Busari.
The next person that is on the list here that I will call is Rev. Sunday Olukoju. Rev. Olukoju? Okay. That person will move to the bottom of the list.
Next person is Kenny Daodu. Kenny Daodu? Okay. That person will move to the bottom of the list.
The next person is Ms. Obasa. Ms. Obasa? Okay. That person will move to the bottom of the list.
Mr. John Aderogba? Aderogba? No? That person will move to the bottom of the list.
The next person is Mr. Nwankwo. Mr. Nwankwo? Okay. That person will move to the bottom of the list.
The next person is Mr. Ogundele. Ogundele? Would you like to present?
Floor Comment: No.
The Chairperson: Okay.
The next person that I'm calling is Mrs. Njelita. Mrs. Njelita? Okay. That person will move to the bottom of the list.
The next person is Mr. Chidume. Mr. Chidume? Please–please go ahead with your presentation.
Ifeanyi Chidume (Private Citizen): Thank you, Chair, for this opportunity. My–just to echo what my people have said before. Thank you so much for this opportunity and this is a very important bill to us for who we are, right, and everything we are doing in Manitoba that you have communities large and we're all doing all our best to contribute to the growth of the community Manitoba here, right.
So we are so grateful and just to say thank you very much. Thank you, Minister Asagwara, also, for putting out this bill and when it's been passed, we'll be happy and grateful. Thank you.
The Chairperson: Wonderful. Thank you for your presentation.
Does anyone have questions?
MLA Asagwara: I just want to say thank you for being here this evening, and thank you for sharing your remarks. Really appreciate that you made time to be here and speak on the bill. Thank you.
The Chairperson: Oh, sorry. I need to recognize you, pardon me.
I. Chidume: Yes. Thank you so much, honourable minister, and really appreciate all your effort. Thank you so much. Appreciate it.
The Chairperson: Wonderful. Are there any other comments or questions?
Mr. King: Thank you for putting some words on record, as well, for the Nigerian community. Appreciate you being here. Thank you so much.
The Chairperson: You will–sorry–Mr. Chidume, you can respond.
I. Chidume: Thank you so much. Really appreciate. Thank you.
The Chairperson: Wonderful. Are there any other questions? Thank you so much.
I will move to the next person on the list, which is Mr. Chira. Is there a Mr. Chira here? Okay.
The next–that person will move to the bottom of the list.
We have Mr. Charles Obadina. [interjection] Would you like to present?
Floor Comment: No.
The Chairperson: Thank you.
The next person on the list is Oyediran Oke. Okay, not here? Okay. That person will move to the bottom of the list.
Next person we have is Vera Obehi Keyede. [interjection] Oh, yes, right. Apologies. Of course, that person has spoken.
The next person is Bunmi Adeyemi. Bunmi Adeyemi? Okay, that person will move to the bottom of the list.
Next person being Mrs. Audu. Ms. Audu?
Welcome. Thank you so much. You can begin your presentation.
Yechenu Audu (Private Citizen): Thank you so much for the–sorry. Can I go ahead?
The Chairperson: Yes, perfect.
Y. Audu: Thank you to the honourable members of this Assembly for this opportunity.
I am a board member of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba, and at 36 years old I'm hoping I'm a youth. But I just wanted to speak for, you know, younger Nigerians that have [inaudible] environment where they have to understand certain complexities and intersectionalities. I believe that this bill is going to help to give a sense of self-worth as they grow here, is going to empower the community to be able to support and let them know that they are accepted and that they are welcome in this environment.
I also wanted to say that just being in this building speaks a lot about everyone here. And I want to say thank you so much for this opportunity.
Thank you.
The Chairperson: My apologies. Thank you so much for your presentation.
Is there any questions?
MLA Asagwara: Thank you so much for your remarks. You spoke about–I think you're still considered a youth. I think so. We're not too far off in age. Maybe I'm a youth, too. Thank you so much for your remarks.
You spoke about the youth and the future and what this kind of representation means to them, and you spoke about what it means to be in this building, and those are all really, really important things to embrace in terms of why this bill even was brought forward in the first place. And so thank you for talking about the youth. Thank you for talking about the importance of taking up space in places like this, and thank you for speaking this evening.
The Chairperson: You're able to respond.
Y. Audu: Thank you all, and thank you to the honourable minister and premier, Uzoma Asagwara. Really appreciate the work that you all are doing. And I want you to–I want to let you know that we are–there's a lot of other interest that in the political environment, and we are paying attention, so this is amazing, and I'm happy to be here. Thank you.
The Chairperson: Thank you. Is there–okay.
MLA Lagassé: Okay, so as I've said earlier, and I've said it to a few people, thank you so much for being here this evening. I'm just–as you can tell by the smile on my face, I'm very pleased that we're able to cross party lines and just, you know, bring this forward for you guys. So thank you so much for your presentation this evening.
The Chairperson: You're able to respond.
Y. Audu: I really appreciate your interest, and I want you to know that you all are respected by all of us in this room. Thank you.
The Chairperson: Are there any other questions?
Wonderful, thank you so much for your presentation.
I'll now move to the last person on the list, which is Christian Onwueke. Christian Onwueke? No?
* (19:20)
Okay, so I will go through–that concludes the list. So is there anyone in the room that's present who has not been called to present who would like to present?
Okay, so I will go through the list one more time. When I read the name, if the person isn't here, they will be struck from the list.
Mrs. Adetu?
Mrs. Agbaje?
Ms. Olivia Onyemaenu? Please come forward.
Welcome. Please go ahead with your presentation.
Olivia Onyemaenu (University of Manitoba Nigerian Students' Association): My name is Olivia, and I'm representing the University of Manitoba Nigerian Students' Association as the president of the student club.
As the previous speaker has pointed out, the population of Nigerian students in Manitoba is quite large. We are grateful for this privilege and the opportunity to be educated in Manitoba.
We are very happy to be here today to show our solidarity with the elders of the community. As an international student, I feel represented and more welcome because leaving the place I have always known as home to a foreign land is scary and overwhelming. However, I am proud to say Winnipeg, Manitoba, is my home, and it is with great joy to see that our independence is given the chance to be celebrated far away from home.
We look forward to making a greater contribution to Manitoba and Canada. And, once again, thank you to the honourable minister, Uzoma Asagwara, for giving the international student community and other Nigerian immigrants to celebrate their culture.
The Chairperson: Thank you so much for your presentation.
Are there questions?
MLA Asagwara: Ms. Onyemaenu, thank you so much for taking the time to be here this evening. Thank you for being such a great student representative and for speaking so clearly at this committee this evening. It means a lot that your voice as an international student, as a younger person, adult, is here with us to speak to the importance of this bill to you.
So thank you for taking the time. Really appreciate your words being on the record tonight.
The Chairperson: Ms. Onyemaenu, you're allowed to respond.
O. Onyemaenu: Thank you for representing the community, and I'm very happy to witness this today.
The Chairperson: Wonderful.
Any other comments–questions?
Mr. King: Olivia, if I may, thank you for your comments. It's–thank you for being here. Hearing from the youth is very important–or, the younger generation. You're the future of your community in your Nigerian association and the students.
So yes, it's great to hear from you and thank you for being here.
The Chairperson: You're able to respond.
O. Onyemaenu: Thank you for the kind words.
The Chairperson: Any other comments or questions?
Thank you so much.
I would like to see that the person who is No. 1 on the list, Mrs. Adetu, was wanting to present virtually; however, due to technical difficulties we're unable to accommodate that. The clerk has reached out to Mrs. Adetu and asked if there is any information that they would like to pass along and, certainly, if anything comes through, the clerk will ensure that the members of the committee receive that information.
Thank you.
So moving on to the next person on our list, which would be Mr. Ogunmola.
Person–the next person is Adelola Abioye. [interjection] Oh, that person will be struck from the list. Pardon me.
Mr. Aromasodu, would you like to present? Please go ahead with your presentation.
Taiwo Aromasodu (Private Citizen): Good evening, my name is Taiwo. I am the vice-president of the Nigerian association of Nigerians in Manitoba. I would just like to, like, appreciate what you guys are doing.
Minister Asagwara, thank you for passing this bill, and also we would like to appreciate what Manitoban government are doing, because Manitoba, as a whole, they've accommodated most of us, and if you look at most of the provinces in Canada, Manitoba is one of the provinces that really accommodates immigrants and Nigerians most beneficiary in this program, which it's something that really showcases our culture.
Passing of this bill, it's going to showcase more of our culture in terms of our food, which most of us know about the orange rice. Also in terms of sports, we've been contributing so much to sport development.
And also our professions. Most of us, we are–we came in from Nigeria down to this country, also to this province, and we have been contributing to the development of this Manitoba, and we will like this bill to be passed, and for the citizens, and also for our children that are coming up to know that they accepted us because it is called friendly Manitoba.
And we have been friendly and we have been accepted; and also, back in our country, one of our mottos is peace and unity. We are united. It's not about people in Winnipeg, but people all around Manitoba, in Brandon, Winkler, Thompson. We just want them to know that this bill, it's something that's going to benefit each and every one of us in celebrating our culture and our independence day.
The Chairperson: Wonderful, thank you so much.
Are there questions?
MLA Asagwara: Well, thank you, Mr. Aromasodu, for your presentation and for your leadership in the community. We appreciate very much that you made the time to speak here this evening. Thank you.
The Chairperson: Mr. Aromasodu, you can respond.
T. Aromasodu: Thank you, Minister Asagwara, for also championing this bill, and we really appreciate the good work you are doing. Thank you very much.
The Chairperson: Other comments, questions?
MLA Lagassé: There hasn't been any questions tonight, but more of a thanks. Thank you very much for your presentation this evening.
The Chairperson: Are there any other–oh, sorry. Pardon me. You can respond to the comment if you wish.
T. Aromasodu: Thank you for accepting us to be part of you.
The Chairperson: Wonderful. Any other questions? Thank you so much.
We'll move to the next presenter on the list, which is Mr. Ebenezer Fatimehin.
Okay, thank you so much. That person is struck from the list.
We have the next person on the list, Reverend Sunday Olukoju. No? That person is struck from the list.
Moving on, we have Kenny Daodu. No? That person is stuck from the list.
The next person is Ms. Adeola Obasa. No? Okay, that person is struck from the list.
Mr. John Aderogba? That person is struck from the list.
The next person is Mr. Nwankwo. Nwankwo? That person is struck from the list.
The next person is Mr. Ogundele. No? That person has been struck from the list.
Moving on, we have Mrs. Njelita. Okay, that person is struck.
The next person is Mr. Chima Chira. That person has been struck from the list.
* (19:30)
The next person is Oyediran Oke. Okay, that person has been struck from the list.
The next person is Mr. Charles Obadina. [interjection] Thank you. That person has been struck from the list.
Number–the next person is Bunmi Adeyemi. That person has been struck from the list.
And the last person here is Christian Onwuekwe. [interjection] Thank you. That person has been struck from the list.
That concludes the list of presenters I have before me.
* * *
The Chairperson: In what order does the committee wish to proceed with clause-by-clause consideration of these bills?
MLA Asagwara: Line by line. [interjection]
Oh, which number. We can go–do you have a preference, minister? We don't have to start with 22, or do we start with 22?
Okay. We'll start with–maybe we'll do–[interjection]–yes. We can do 13 first and then go to 22 and then–yes, okay. We'll do Bill 13 first and then we'll go to Bill 22. Okay.
The Chairperson: Is it the will of the committee to proceed in numerical order? [Agreed]
The Chairperson: Okay. We will now proceed with clause by clause of Bill 13.
Does the minister responsible for Bill 13 have an opening statement?
An Honourable Member: I do.
The Chairperson: Minister Asagwara. We thank the minister.
Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): Moved after, right? Statement and then moved after? [interjection] Okay.
Bill 13 is required to enable in the longer term a new service model that has been adopted for one air emergency medical response system based on a 10‑year agreement signed in 2023 in which the air platform and the medical care on transports will be operated by two different entities.
This bill will also provide flexibility if the model is changed in the future to allow more than two different entities to be licensed to operate different parts of an air emergency medical response system.
The licence holders will be required to enter into an agreement to define the responsibilities in respect of the air–rather the operation of the air emergency medical response system–to ensure that it will function as one cohesive system.
Finally, this bill will provide for greater transparency in relation to ministerial orders issued under the act to exempt the licence holder from requirements in the legislation by requiring that the orders must be published on a government website.
The Chairperson: We thank the minister.
Does the critic from the official opposition have an opening statement? No? Okay. We thank the members.
During the consideration of a bill, the enacting clause and the title are postponed until all other clauses have been considered in their proper order.
Also, if there is agreement from the committee, the Chair will call clauses in blocks that conform to pages, with the understanding that we will stop at any particular clause or clauses where members may have comments, questions or amendments to propose.
Is that agreed? [Agreed]
Clauses 1 and 2–pass; clause 3–pass; clauses 4 and 5–pass; clause 6 through 11–pass; clause 12–pass; clause 13–pass; clause 14–pass; enacting clause–pass; title–pass. Bill be reported.
(Continued)
The Chairperson: Does the minister responsible for Bill 22 have an opening statement?
Hon. Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care): Yes, just want to say thank you to everyone who made the time to be here this evening to speak on Bill 22. The Celebration of Nigerian Independence Day Act is a historic piece of legislation. It is going to be the first of its kind in the country, I believe across North America, and it is the direct result of decades of leadership and advocacy of Nigerians in our community here in Manitoba.
And I think it's also important to recognize that it also reflects the advocacy and efforts of Nigerians in Nigeria. And so I want to thank everyone who shared. I want to thank, especially, Dr. Onyebuchi. You have known me my whole life. Dr. Onyebuchi has known me since I was a baby; I can confirm that. And I think it was so powerful to hear from everyone in terms of what this means for the elders in our communities, but what it means for the future of our communities in Manitoba.
We do live in a province where bringing people together is fundamental to how our province advances and how communities advance, and so I want to thank everyone for being here tonight and celebrating what it means to be one Manitoba. And I look forward to the ongoing work to make sure that all Manitobans benefit from the celebration of this bill.
Thank you.
The Chairperson: We thank the minister.
Does the critic from the official opposition have an opening statement?
MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): So, as I stated earlier, it's quite a privilege to be part of these kinds of legislation pieces, and as the critic I was quite excited when this came across my desk. I'm going to just reflect some of what the minister said. It's fantastic. This is your bill. This belongs to you guys, and I'm thankful to be a part of it.
And I'll leave it at that.
The Chairperson: We thank the member.
During the consideration of a bill, the enacting clause and the title are postponed until all other clauses have been considered in their proper order.
Clause 1–pass; clause 2–pass; clause 3–pass; enacting clause–pass; title–pass. Bill be reported.
One moment. I would like to address the crowd. Sincerely, I apologize if I mispronounced anyone's name today. I genuinely apologize. And congratulations.
The Chairperson: We will now move on to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill 23.
Does the minister responsible for Bill 23 have an opening statement?
An Honourable Member: She does.
The Chairperson: Minister Naylor.
* (19:40)
Hon. Lisa Naylor (Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services): I am pleased to be here tonight at committee for Bill 23, The Change of Name Amendment Act (2).
Currently, in Manitoba, any person who has resided in Manitoba for at least three months and who is 18 or older is eligible to apply to Vital Statistics to legally change their name. Bill 23 will introduce restrictions so that convicted sex offenders are prohibited from legally changing their name in Manitoba. This change will correct a gap in our legislation and address concerns brought forward by victims and advocates.
Other jurisdictions across Canada, such as Ontario, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador have all made similar changes to bar convicted sex offenders from changing their names.
By enacting Bill 23 we're aligning with other provinces and ensuring that Manitoba will not be a safe haven for sex offenders among Canadian provinces. We've also learned from other provinces' experiences with their legislation, specifically their issues with setting offences in legislation as opposed to in regulation, like Bill 23 does. We have seen examples in other jurisdictions where the Province wants to add or amend the list of designated offences but then they would have to bring forward a whole new bill to do so. This would become cumbersome and can take a long time, which is why we've chosen to set offences in regulation.
Bill 23 will also bar people convicted of some non-sex-related crimes from changing their names as well. Examples that could be set in regulation could be first-degree murder, kidnapping and forcible confinement or other similar serious crimes that will be looked at through the regulation process.
In practice, all change-of-name applicants will have to obtain a certified criminal record check, including fingerprinting, to confirm their eligibility. If this record check comes back with a hit for a designated offence, the application will be denied.
Our government is a listening government, and Bill 23 is just one way we're taking action to make sure Manitobans feel safer in their communities. I'm pleased that Bill 23 passed second reading unanimously and I look forward to it receiving royal assent in the near future.
Thank you, Chair.
The Chairperson: We thank the minister.
Does the critic from the official opposition have an opening statement?
Thank you.
MLA Bob Lagassé (Dawson Trail): Yes, as mentioned, thank you, Minister, for your words there and mentioning that we, of course, we unanimously support this bill.
Thank you.
The Chairperson: Wonderful. We thank the member.
Does the–during the consideration of the bill, the enacting clause and the title are postponed until all other clauses have been considered in their proper order.
Clause 1–pass; clause 2–pass; clause 3–pass; clause 4–pass; clause 5–pass; clause 6–pass; clause 7–pass; enacting clause–pass; title–pass. Bill be reported.
This concludes the business of the committee.
The hour being 7:44, what is the will of the com mittee?
An Honourable Member: Committee rise.
The Chairperson: Committee rise.
COMMITTEE ROSE AT: 7:44 p.m.
LOCATION – Winnipeg, Manitoba
CHAIRPERSON –
MLA Nellie Kennedy
(Assiniboia)
VICE‑CHAIRPERSON –
MLA
Mintu Sandhu
(The Maples)
ATTENDANCE – 6 — QUORUM – 4
Members of the committee present:
Hon. Mr. Simard
MLA Kennedy,
Mr. King,
MLAs
Lagassé, Moyes, Sandhu
Substitutions:
Mr. King for
Mr. Guenter
APPEARING:
Hon. Uzoma Asagwara,
Minister of Health, Seniors
and Long-Term Care
Hon. Lisa Naylor,
Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services
PUBLIC PRESENTERS:
Bill 22 – The Celebration of Nigerian Independence Day Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended)
Vera Keyede, private citizen
Lana Adeleye-Olusae, private citizen
Wilson Akinwale, private citizen
Edward Onyebuchi, private citizen
Babatunde Busari, private citizen
Ifeanyi Chidume, private citizen
Yechenu Audu, private citizen
Olivia Onyemaenu, University of Manitoba Nigerian Students' Association
Taiwo Aromasodu, private citizen
MATTERS UNDER CONSIDERATION:
Bill 13 – The Emergency Medical Response and Stretcher Transportation Amendment Act
Bill 22 – The Celebration of Nigerian Independence Day Act (Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act Amended)
Bill 23 – The Change of Name Amendment Act (2)
* * *