Legislative reports: Manitoba.

• Author: McKerlie-Korol, JoAnn

The Third Session of the Thirty-Seventh Legislature commenced on November 13, 2001 with the presentation of the Throne Speech by Lieutenant Governor Peter Liba. Highlights of the Throne Speech included security, economic outlook, education, health care, environmental stewardship and rural and northern development. The Leader of the Official Opposition, Stuart Murray, moved an amendment to the Throne Speech which was defeated, on division. The main motion to the Throne Speech was agreed to, on division, on November 26, 2001.

On December 5, 2001, Speaker George Hickes informed the House that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba had added closed captioning to the televised broadcast of Question Period. The closed captioning text was also added to the broadcasting of Question Period available on the internet.

There were several significant pieces of legislation introduced in the House during the fall sitting.

* Bill (No. 2) -- The Security Management (Various Acts Amended) Act,

* Bill (No. 3) -- The Highway Traffic Amendment and Summary Convictions Amendment Act;

* Bill (No. 4) -- The Order of Manitoba Act; and

* Bill (No. 6) -- The Fortified Buildings Act.

Of these Acts, Bill (No. 4), which increased the number of persons eligible to receive the Order of Manitoba from 8 to 12, received Royal Assent. In addition to Bill (No. 4), a private bill, Bill (No. 300) -- An Act to Amend an Act to Incorporate Portage District General Hospital Foundation was also given Royal Assent. The House adjourned on December 6, 2001, to the call of the Speaker.

Standing Committee Activity

There were three Standing Committee meetings since the last issue of the Review. The Standing Committee on Municipal Affairs met on November 15 to consider the Annual Report for The Forks North Portage Partnership for the year ended March 31, 2001. The Committee completed consideration of this Report. On December 3, 2001, the Standing Committee on Economic Development met to consider the Annual Reports of the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation for the years ended March 31, 2000 and March 31, 2001. Neither of these reports passed. On December...