Manitoba.

• Author: Yarish, Rick
• Position: Legislative Reports

The House rose from the 3rd session of the 39th Legislature on October 8, 2009. A number of government bills passed and received Royal Assent this session, including:

* Bill 9--The Social Work Profession Act, which replaces the Manitoba Institute of Registered Social Workers Incorporation Act, and provides for the regulation of the social work profession.

* Bill 16--The Police Services Act, which would introduce civilian oversight and an independent investigation unit.

* Bill 35--The Municipal Conflict of Interest and Campaign Financing Act, which included the following provisions:

** Making the annual statements of assets and interests filed by municipal councillors under The Municipal Council Conflict of Interest Act available for public inspection;

** Governing election campaign financing for municipalities outside Winnipeg; and

** Amending the election campaign financing regime for the City of Winnipeg.

On September 24, 2009 the Leader of the Official Opposition Hugh McFadyen moved the following Opposition Day Motion:

THAT the Legislature ask the Government House Leader to call a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs as soon as possible to consider the Annual Report of Elections Manitoba for the year ending December 31, 2003, which deals with certain matters arising from the 1999 general election, and that the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba call witnesses, including Tom Milne, David Asselstine and other relevant witnesses to testify at the committee, and to compel production of documents and records in the possession of any witnesses, and have the committee continue to meet without time limit until all outstanding questions are answered regarding the 2003 annual report. After two hours of debate on this issue, the House defeated the motion on a recorded vote of Yeas 15, Nays 29.

On October 8, 2009 the House agreed to extend the reporting deadline for the Special Committee on Senate Reform to allow further time for the drafting of the final report. On November 9, 2009 the Committee met and, after some discussion, agreed on division to adopt a report and submit it to the Speaker for tabling in the House.

Committee Activity

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts met on several occasions in September and October to consider reports from the Auditor General covering a range of topics including:

* First Nation Gaming Accountability

* Audit of Workplace Safety and Health

* Compliance with Oil and Gas Legislation

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