Legislative reports: Manitoba.

On April 10, 2001, the Second Session of the Thirty-seventh Legislature resumed with the presentation of the Budget Speech by Greg Selinger, Minister of Finance. Highlights of the budget, as outlined in a government news release included:

* schools and healthcare first;

* new investment in families and communities;

* renewed commitment to promote and build our hydro resources;

* better management of natural resources and environmental protection;

* tax cuts we can afford, balanced budgets and strong debt retirement measures; and

* improving transparency and accountability in government.

On April 11, 2001, a non-confidence motion was moved by Stuart Murray, Leader of the Official Opposition. The amendment was defeated on April 24, 2001 by a vote of Yeas 24, Nays 30. The budget motion was adopted on the same day by a vote of Yeas 30, Nays 24.

With the debate on the budget concluded, consideration of the expenditure estimates commenced on April 25. Manitoba's Standing Orders allow for a maximum of 240 hours for consideration of the departmental expenditure estimates. A $2.113 billion interim special warrant was issued effective April 1, 2001 to allow the province to operate in the new fiscal year until the conclusion of the financial process in the House.

Matter of Privilege

On April 10, 2001, Jack Penner (Emerson) rose on a matter of privilege and moved "THAT on Tuesday next, the ordinary business of the House be set aside to debate the socio-economic crisis rural Manitoba communities are experiencing due to the ongoing impact of the downturn in the grains, oilseeds and specialty crops sectors and the resultant negative impact on rural businesses, industries and communities alike".

Speaker George Hickes took the matter under advisement. By unanimous consent, the motion moved by Mr. Penner was accepted as a motion of the House and was agreed to by the House. On April 11, 2001, Speaker Hickes delivered a ruling on the matter of privilege stating that a prima facie question of privilege had not been established nor were the collective privileges of the House or individual privileges of Members breached. He further indicated in his ruling that "This ruling does not affect the decision of the House to deal with agricultural issues next Tuesday."

On April 17, 2001, Rosanne Wowchuk, Minister of Agriculture and Food, presented a Government Resolution in the House regarding federal financial assistance for grains and oilseeds...