News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

May 1, 2020

Manitoba Legislature to Resume on Limited Basis While Following Public Health Requirements for COVID-19



The Manitoba legislature will reconvene on Wednesday, May 6, to resume the legislative session on a limited schedule after it had been adjourned March 19 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, government house leader Kelvin Goertzen announced today.

“As Manitoba gradually begins to reopen next week, our government will do the same to resume the second session of the province’s 42nd legislature,” said Goertzen. “Physical distancing measures will be in place in the legislative chamber, and all members of the legislative assembly will be required to comply with all relevant public health directives in place at that time.”

One sitting day will be held each week throughout May, on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th of the month. These sittings will proceed on a schedule as they would normally, with a question period at 1:30 p.m. and debate on government business in the afternoon.

A reduced number of members will be in the chamber to participate at any given time, in accordance with public health requirements as ordered by Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer. Some logistical details continue to be worked out including the form that virtual legislative sittings might take with members possibly participating through video and/or audio links. A potential virtual sitting option is being led by the office of the Speaker of the assembly.

“We recognize it is important to allow the opposition to fulfil its role regarding its questions of the government, as well as to protect the health of all members by limiting large gatherings,” said Goertzen.

In addition to regular sittings in the chamber, meetings of the Standing Committee on Crown Corporations will be scheduled for May 28, June 4 and June 11. Discussions are also proceeding toward scheduling a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee.   

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