June 14, 2007
New Manitoba Legislature's First Sitting Adjourns
The inaugural sitting of the first session of the 39th Manitoba legislature adjourned today following passage of a throne speech that reflects the commitments made to Manitobans during the recent provincial election, action to move forward with Budget 2007 and notification that government will reintroduce 22 bills this fall, said government house leader Dave Chomiak.
“The priorities of our government are the priorities Manitobans have told us are most important to their families and their communities,” said Chomiak. “We are continuing to invest in the commitments we made on Manitobans’ doorsteps during last month’s provincial election.”
Twenty-two bills introduced prior to the election will be revisited in the fall including legislation that would:
· provide Manitoba's innovative Child Support Recalculation Service new tools to track down parents who try and evade making support payments,
· strengthen the mandate of Manitoba’s children’s advocate,
· advance biodiesel market development and ensure biodiesel fuel quality,
· provide a framework to break down barriers for internationally-educated or out-of-province individuals seeking work in their fields of expertise,
· bolster safeguards against the harmful effects of pests that can damage Manitoba’s woodlands, and
· establish Manitoba’s new February holiday.
Chomiak noted the legislature approved amendments to the Employment Standards Act that will protect the jobs and benefits of civilians who are in the reserves and leave for extended periods to serve their country. The house also passed Bill 2, which provided interim supply of $5.4 billion for provincial operating expenditures and $446 million for capital expenditures. Bill 2 provides the government spending authority for provincial programs and services until the 2007-08 estimates can be fully reviewed and approved by members of the legislature when the house reconvenes in the fall.
Changes to the Legislative Assembly Act were also passed. The amendments provide that the Speaker of the assembly continues to hold office when the house is dissolved, ensuring greater continuity when house proceedings are interrupted, for example, in the event of an election. The amended act will also ensure the speaker’s compensation better reflects the challenges of the position.
Chomiak noted a legislative calendar was passed unanimously today, a move that give all parties greater certainty in facilitating legislative proceedings.
As agreed by all parties, the house will return Sept. 25 to conclude the budget process and address bills introduced prior to the election. The house will adjourn Nov. 8 and return Nov. 20 with a throne speech. The house will then rise Dec. 06. The 2008 spring sitting will commence April 9 and adjourn June 12.
Chomiak noted new members of the legislative assembly – including an historic number of women – had an opportunity to address the house during the inaugural sitting.
There are 36 NDP members, 19 Conservatives and two Liberals in the Manitoba legislature.
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