A new session of the Manitoba Legislature began last week and while I am adjusting to another new role, this time as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, there was a very familiar feeling to this new session. For the first time in nearly two years, every elected member of the Manitoba Legislature was able to return to the Assembly in person.
While there are two vacant seats, one due to the tragic death of MLA Danielle Adams and one due to the resignation of Brian Pallister, the remaining 55 MLAs could again all be together in person in the Legislative Assembly. As Government House Leader, I have been in person during the days that the Assembly has been in session all but 4 times over the past two years, but for many MLAs, much of that time they participated primarily virtually. And while a great deal of credit goes to the Speaker of the Assembly and her staff for managing to make the virtual system work over the past 48 months, the reality is that the virtual experience for legislators does not replace the ability to be in person.
The debates and the proceedings are both better presented and experienced when in person. And so, the familiar feeling of having all MLAs back together, regardless of political party or belief, was very welcomed. Yet, the requirement of the Legislative Assembly to develop a virtual component will have some long-lasting benefits for elected members and the public. Both committee and Assembly proceedings are now more accessible to the public because of upgrades to technology. MLAs may be able to better access virtual components of committee proceedings that they would not otherwise be attending. But regardless of the improvements, there was a common expression by all political parties that they are incredibly grateful to be back in person.
And in Manitoba, across Canada and around the world, there are many things that are returning to pre-pandemic conditions. Proof of vaccination requirements have ended in most sectors in many parts of Canada including in Manitoba. Manitoba continues to call on the federal government to provide a plan for the lifting of mandates at the border as well. But even as this happens there will be individuals and businesses who choose to move at their own pace as things like masking requirements end.
The Manitoba Legislature building itself is again open for meetings and it is expected that tours will resume this spring. The architecture of this incredible building is meant to be shared with Manitobans and I cannot wait to see visitors enjoying the majestic beauty of the Legislature again soon.
MLAs are expecting that this session of the Legislature will conclude some time in June and will feature a provincial budget in the next several weeks. I expect to be busy sponsoring up to 15 separate pieces of legislation for consideration by the Assembly. In all it was a good week to see familiar things return both inside the Legislature and outside.