The Manitoba government introduced two legislative amendments that would allow pharmacists to continue to conduct COVID-19 tests and for co-operative, condominium and corporate directors, shareholders, members and unit owners to be allowed to meet virtually once the same provisions put in place by the Emergency Measures Act expire.
“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our government recognized the need to put these provisions in place as quickly as possible through the Emergency Measures Act,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon. “The act is set to expire later this spring so these amendments are necessary to ensure pharmacists can continue to play a leading role in our response to COVID-19 with the ability to conduct testing. We have also seen the value of being able to meet virtually in a way that is safe and convenient for people. Separate amendments will ensure that Manitoba-based corporations can continue to choose to meet this way going forward.”
Amendments introduced today to the Health Services Insurance Act and the Pharmaceutical Act would allow point-of-care COVID-19 testing to be done by pharmacists and enable other professions to do so if permitted under the Regulated Health Professions Act. The current order under the Emergency Measures Act expires in April.
Amendments to the Condominium Act, the Cooperatives Act, the Corporations Act and the Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act would enable these organizations to choose to hold virtual meetings. The emergency order that allowed virtual meetings expires on March 31.
The minister noted this change is consistent with other western Canadian jurisdictions, which allow for virtual meetings by default.
Previously, the Corporations Act allowed for conducting partial-virtual meetings unless prohibited by bylaw. However, Manitoba’s Cooperative Act, Condominium Act and Credit Unions and Caisses Populaire Act only allow for virtual meetings (partial or full) if specifically authorized by corporate bylaws.
