December 5, 2013
Important Legislation Passed During Fall Session of the Manitoba Legislature: Government House Leader
– – –Legislation to Create Thousands of Good Jobs, Make Work Safer for Highway Construction Workers, Better Protect Manitobans Buying New Homes and Vehicles: Swan
Government House Leader Andrew Swan today outlined important legislation passed during the fall sitting of the Manitoba legislature.
“I am pleased we were able to move forward with our plan to create thousands of good jobs and training opportunities for Manitoba families through historic investments in better roads, safer bridges, flood protection and clean water,” said Swan. “At the same time, I am disappointed the opposition chose to vote against important protections for Manitobans buying new homes and vehicles, and needlessly hold up a bill to make work safer for construction workers on our roads and highways. I am also surprised the opposition chose to side with unelected, unaccountable senators instead of the vast majority of Manitobans who want to see the senate abolished.”
He noted bills introduced last sitting and passed this sitting include:
- the New Home Warranty Act – to better protect Manitoba families buying newly constructed homes;
- the Consumer Protection Act (Motor Vehicle Advertising and Information Disclosure) – to better protect Manitobans buying a vehicle from sticker shock and false advertising;
- the Manitoba Building and Renewal Funding Act – to ensure historic investments in core, strategic infrastructure and create thousands of good jobs and training opportunities;
- the Accessibility for Manitobans Act – historic legislation to remove barriers for people with disabilities; and
- the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Act – to provide more choice for consumers, less red tape for businesses and achieve administrative savings for taxpayers.
Swan noted another important bill as well as a government motion were introduced and passed this fall:
- the Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Safety of Workers in Highway Construction Zones) – to better protect highway workers through increased fines for speeding and clearer signage; and
- a motion calling on the federal government to begin negotiations with provinces with the aim of abolishing Canada’s Senate.
Swan also noted that several other important bills introduced this sitting and held for consideration in the spring include:
- the consumer protection amendment act (high-cost credit products) – which would protect consumers using high-interest payday loan-like products;
- the Churchill arctic port Canada act – which would to spur economic growth, create jobs and boost trade through Churchill;
- the police services amendment act (community safety officers) – which would allow municipalities to establish community safety officers; and
- the apprenticeship employment opportunities act (public works contracts) – which would ensure apprenticeship opportunities on all major government-supported building projects.
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