Manitoba.

• Author: Signorelli, Andrea
• Position: Legislative Reports

The Second session of the 41st Legislature resumed on October 4, 2017. The House will sit until November 9 to complete consideration of the following five Designated Bills selected by the Official Opposition in the Spring for further consideration this Fall:

* Bill 23--The Fisheries Amendment Act, which eliminates the monopoly that the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation had on the marketing of freshwater fish in Manitoba;

* Bill 24--The Red Tape Reduction and Government Efficiency Act, 2017, which amends several Acts and repeals three Acts to reduce or eliminate regulatory requirements or prohibitions and to streamline government operations;

* Bill 27--The Elections Amendment Act, which establishes a new permanent register of voters and requires voters to present proof of identity and address when they vote;

* Bill 30--The Local Vehicles for Hire Act, which will allow municipalities to make by-laws regulating the vehicle-for-hire industry, including taxis, limousines, and vehicles hired through an online application, a digital network or platform or a website;

* Bill 31--The Advanced Education Administration Amendment Act, which amends the restrictions on tuition increases and removes the restrictions on course-related fees.

The House may also consider other government bills that did not fall under the Specified or Designated categories, as well as completing consideration of the Estimates of the Departmental Expenditure in the Committee of Supply and concluding the remaining steps for the passage of the Budget.

Standing Committees

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts met in August to consider the newly tabled Auditor General Report on the management of the Manitoba's Apprenticeship Program.

In addition, the Standing Committee on Crown Corporations met in September to consider the Annual Reports and Financial Statements of Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation.

The Newly Renovated Chamber

During the summer months, the Chamber underwent extensive renovations to enhance accessibility. On October 2, the Speaker held a ceremony for the official re-opening of the 97-year-old Chamber. This last segment of works was the final stage of a four-year-old program to make the centre of Manitoba's politics wheelchair accessible.

The floor was raised to allow the construction of a ramp on the left side of the Speaker's Chair. Thanks to this addition, it is now possible to have wheelchair access to the floor of the Chamber and the entire first row...