Hon. Harry Enns (Minister of Agriculture): I wonder if I can indulge and beg leave of the House for a very brief ministerial statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the honourable Minister of Agriculture have leave to make a ministerial statement? [agreed]

Mr. Enns: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Deputy Premier (Mr. Downey) and myself, I am very pleased that we were able to take part in the opening of J.M. Schneider's 50 million pork processing facility in Manitoba. The facility, which was opened today, is one of the most modern of its kind in the world and will more than double Schneider's capacity in the province. This is truly a world-class facility and our government--and I would like to think all members of the House congratulate J.M. Schneider on the opening of this plant.

The Schneider's corporation chose Manitoba for a variety of reasons. Our progressive hog producers are committed to high quality and the expansion that is necessary to meet the demand of the world and Schneider's needs. As well, I am pleased to say that we have some of the best genetics in the pork industry in the world.

Madam Speaker, several years ago our government recognized the potential of Manitoba's pork industry and today's opening is testament to the progressive policies introduced by this government. These policies are making all jurisdictions in North America stand up and take notice of us. Our producers, our processors and indeed all involved in Manitoba's pork industry are committed to this dynamic part of the agri-food sector.

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Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): It is a good day for Manitoba pork in the province of Manitoba. I want to congratulate the Schneider's plant on its first stage of development today. It is good news for the workers that will be working at the plant and the many other workers that will be joining the facility. I know there is a very well-negotiated transition plan from the old plant that is outdated to the new plant with the existing workforce. We are pleased to see the union management co-operation to achieve that long-term agreement in that plant.

I would note today with this good news with the Schneider's plant that we have some challenging news on the economic front. I note that the Molson's plant that has been closed down in Manitoba, we now see an expansion of the Regina Molson's plant operation. I think it is regrettable that we have lost so many brewery jobs in terms of Manitoba, and I think we have to redouble our efforts to find a way to compete in the brewing industry and keep those jobs here in Manitoba.

I also want to say, Madam Speaker, that this good news also represents a real challenge in this Chamber. I say to the members opposite we pass sustainable development acts and we talk about the success of these jobs--and all of those things are worthy of praise--but there is a considerable amount of concern in many of our communities about the sustainability of this industry. We just saw a decision made in a local community dealing with a plant in western Manitoba, and I can say, for example, in the Interlake area--and I know the minister is aware of this--that people who are in the tourism industry, people who are in the service industry, people who are in the fishing industry, want to live in harmony with people who are producing the pork that will be going to this plant.

We do not believe these issues should be just solved community by community and zoning law by zoning law. We believe that, when we look at an area like the Interlake or other areas of Manitoba, we should determine what is sustainable and what will live in harmony with other important industries in our province. So, as we applaud the announcement of these employees and this development here in Manitoba--and we are all, first and foremost, Canadians and Manitobans, and we are proud to see good news in our community for ourselves and for our children--we also have to take a look at the long-term balance that we must achieve in this growing industry but this challenging industry. Thank you, very, very much.