Hon. Darren Praznik (Government House Leader): Madam Speaker, I would ask if you could call for second reading Bill 23. I do not think this will take more than a few moments to do, after which we will be going into Committee of Supply to consider Estimates. I will then move the motion.

Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Minister of Environment (Mrs. McIntosh), that Bill 23, The Order of Manitoba Act; Loi sur l'Ordre du Manitoba, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House.

Mr. Filmon: Madam Speaker, on Manitoba Day I am pleased to be able to present for the consideration of the House Bill 23, The Order of Manitoba Act. Throughout the history of the province we have taken the time to recognize those within our society who have nurtured and laid the foundation for our communities, provided the necessary leadership in order to stimulate economic activity and enhance our quality of life.

In 1957, the Order of the Buffalo Hunt was established by the Campbell administration. It has been symbolic of our province's recognition for excellence in achievement within our society. At times it was used for ceremonial and promotion purposes. However, over the course of the last 10 years we have insured that the high standards on which the Order of the Buffalo Hunt was designed have been maintained in selecting recipients.

Madam Speaker, Bill 23 builds on these strengths and establishes in legislation an order comparable in intent to the Order of Canada and the six other provincial orders which already exist. The objective of the Order of Manitoba is to recognize through the establishment of a formal honour individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefiting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural, or economic well being of Manitoba and its residents.

With the establishment of the Order of Manitoba we are joining six other provinces who have moved to formalize the recognition they give their citizens. The Order of Manitoba will be in the official list of Canadian honours.

As the Lieutenant Governor stated in the Speech from the Throne, he has accepted the position of Chancellor of the Order. Appointment to the order will be based on submissions made to the Order of Manitoba Advisory Council. Membership on this council will see members automatically appointed by virtue of their office, namely, the Chief Justice of Manitoba, the Clerk of the Executive Council, and the President of the University of Manitoba, Brandon University, or the University of Winnipeg, each serving for a term of two years on a rotating basis in the order that they are listed. Four additional appointments of prominent Manitobans will complete the composition of the advisory council. The advisory council will recommend appointees to the chancellor for induction.

Madam Speaker, as we developed as a province we modified and enhanced our practices and traditions, always remembering the past and looking to the future with confidence and conviction. Through the establishment of the Order of Manitoba we will recognize those who helped build our province and contributed to the strength of our society. We should look at this order as another symbol of recognizing what makes us proud to be Manitobans. It is a vehicle through which we can recognize those within our community who challenge us to have a renewed sense of pride, optimism, and confidence in our province. As we approach the end of the century and the start of a new century it is timely to proceed with this legislation to honour our citizens. Madam Speaker, I commend this bill to the House.

Mr. Gary Doer (Leader of the Opposition): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the member for Wolseley (Ms. Friesen), that the debate on Bill 23 be now adjourned.

Hon. Darren Praznik (Government House Leader): Madam Speaker, before I move the motion to go into Committee of Supply, I would ask if you could canvass the House to see if there would be leave to waive private members' tonight. I know that there was always co-operation between the parties when events were being held. I certainly, on the record, would extend the same offer to members opposite when their party has a function.

Madam Speaker: Is there leave of the House to waive private members' hour? [agreed] Can I just clarify if the adjournment then will take place at five o'clock. [agreed]

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Mr. Praznik: Madam Speaker, I would then move, seconded by the honourable Minister of Environment (Mrs. McIntosh), that Madam Speaker do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a committee to consider of the Supply to be granted to Her Most Gracious Majesty.