Last week marked the end of 2016’s fall legislative session. A number of important matters were dealt with during this session of the Manitoba Legislature. Most notably, our government’s Throne Speech was introduced and passed that outlined a number of key priorities of government, including fixing the finances of the province, repairing our services and growing the economy.
A number of pieces of legislation were passed into law including changing the Labour Relations Act to provide for secret ballots for union certification, eliminating the vote tax which provided taxpayer subsidies to political parties and the Protecting Children Act that will allow more information sharing among authorities to better support children in need of protection.
Along with the fall session, it was also a busy time within my portfolio of Health, Seniors and Active Living. October saw Federal-Provincial-Territorial Health Minister meetings take place in Toronto, which focused on securing long term funding and innovation, and ensuring a sustainable health-care system. During November there was the appointment of five new Regional Health Authority Board Chairs and 51 Board Members to guide the provision and performance of health-care services in our province. As well, a Health-Care Sustainability and Innovation Review led by KPMG was launched and public consultations and feedback are currently underway, with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness and economy.
As well, I also attended the National Opioid Summit in Ottawa dedicated to coordinating a national response to fentanyl, carfentanyl, and the opioid crisis facing our country. This resulted in a new Manitoba public awareness campaign and other initiatives to reduce the illicit use of these dangerous drugs.
Overall it was a busy and productive time in the Legislature as we work as a new government towards a better Manitoba.
