The spring session of the Manitoba Legislature concluded last Thursday. While it wasn’t as long as last spring’s session which went right through the summer and into the fall, it was still the longest spring session of any legislature in Canada.
This legislative session, as each one is, was an opportunity to raise the concerns that Manitobans have with how the NDP government is managing the province. It was also an opportunity to propose new ideas and to offer support to things that benefit the province.
Much of the discussion and debate that happened at the legislature was around keeping Manitoba an affordable place to live. With the increase in the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) last year, this has been a top of mind issue for Manitobans as the cost of just about everything seems to keep going up. As Progressive Conservatives, we have already committed, if we form the next government, to reducing the PST back to 7% in the first term of our government. We have also taken the increase to court, believing the NDP should have followed the law that required a referendum to increase the PST. That decision currently sits with Justice Kenneth Hanssen of the Court of Queens Bench.
In addition to the PST increase, we used this session to question the NDP government about the endless increases to Hydro rates that are being driven by mismanagement of the crown corporation by Premier Selinger and the NDP. We also questioned the NDP on their proposed increase to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) rates. While the NDP blamed the cold winter for the rate increase, it didn’t stop them from hiring high-priced consultants and new Executives for MPI this year.
Healthcare was also a key concern this session. The grounding of the STARS air ambulance, long wait times in hospital Emergency Rooms and the placing of blame on taxi cab drivers by the NDP Minister of Health were all matters of concern. Quality and timely access to healthcare will continue to be a key priority for Manitoba Progressive Conservatives going forward.
There were also issues on which we agreed upon and were pleased to support. For example, I co-sponsored legislation that will help protect some police officers who currently have their names published in annual government reports. The identification of police officers in this way could be used by those who wish to target officers. The legislation will prevent their names from being published. It was ultimately supported by all members of the Manitoba Legislature.
With the Manitoba Legislature in recess until fall, I look forward to being able to spend more time connecting with constituents and hearing their concerns and their ideas for our province. The best ideas are always those that come directly from Manitobans.
