View From the Legislature

The Manitoba Legislature recessed this past Thursday after passing several pieces of legislation along with the provincial Throne Speech. But activity at the legislature will continue through December as several committee hearings are now scheduled to examine the operations of crown corporations and Youth Parliament will take over the legislative assembly beginning on Boxing Day.

The end of the most recent sitting saw several new pieces of legislation passed. Some of the new laws would be considered house keeping, including a bill that was necessary following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. This new legislation recognizes that some provincial entities such as the Queen’s Printer and Court of Queen’s Bench, are now under new names because Canada has a King as its sovereign. Legislation was also passed that puts in place new minimum wage provisions, allows for the proper spelling of traditional names on identification documents, proclaims February in Manitoba as Black History Month and legislation that prohibits the leaving of animals in a vehicle in extreme temperatures.

This is only the beginning of the new session of the Manitoba Legislature which, as outlined in the recently passed Throne Speech, will focus on improving healthcare, helping make communities safer and helping make life more affordable. Most of the new legislation and a provincial budget will be introduced when the legislature resumes sitting after the New Year. While the legislature is on recess, there are a number of other activities occurring including annual crown corporation committees. The Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) committee took place on Monday of this week. It included, among other things, an update on MPI’s plan to reduce the wait time on driver testing.

Other committee hearings for Elections Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation are also scheduled and will provide the opportunity for MLAs to ask questions about the annual report of these crown corporations.

After Christmas, the legislature will again play host to Youth Parliament as young Manitobans come from across the province to participate in this annual event. It is an opportunity for young people to not only experience and learn about the legislative process, but to meet others from around the province who share a desire to engage in shaping the future of Manitoba.

During this past session, MLAs welcomed the new Lieutenant Governor, Anita Neville, while at the same time paying tribute to the outgoing Lieutenant Governor, Janice Filmon. And when the legislature resumes sitting, we will welcome a new MLA as a by-election to fill the vacant seat in Winnipeg’s Kirkfield Park will be held on Tuesday December 13th.

While my duties as Minister of Justice and Attorney General will keep me busy through the remainder of the year and until the start of the new session, I look forward to reconnecting and meeting constituents during the Christmas season and into the New Year.