Manitoba.

• Author: Recksiedler, Greg
• Position: Legislative Reports

Fourth Session of the 42nd Legislature

The Fourth Session of the 42nd Legislature commenced on November 23, 2021 with the Speech from the Throne delivered by Janice C. Filmon, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. As this was expected to be her last Throne Speech, having served in the position since June 2015, she graced the Assembly by opening the address with some personal comments:

On a personal note, I've had the privilege, the honour, of being your Lieutenant Governor for this past six and a half years. It's gone by very quickly. I would not want to miss this opportunity, as it probably is the last time I will have a chance to read the Speech from the Throne. It's been a difficult time this last while for everybody, but especially for you. You carry the mantle of leadership. And I don't think that you get the recognition or the thanks that you deserve for carrying that. I know that from another place. I wish you just so well. I wish you good health. But, really, what I want to do is thank you for the support that you have given me and the office as Lieutenant Governor. To say it was an honour is an understatement-an absolute blessing. So please continue to be well. I wish you every success, and when I say happiness, only happiness because of the choices that you have made for yourself. So thank you. Go forth and know that I carry this experience in my heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It was truly a monumental occasion as it marked the first time that the Speech from the Throne was delivered by a woman, on behalf of a governing party led by a woman, to a Legislative Assembly presided over by a woman, with a woman as the chief procedural expert in charge of keeping track of the proceedings. Heather Stefanson became the province's first female Premier officially on November 2, 2021, Myma Driedger was elected to the role of Speaker in May 2016, and Patricia Chaychuk became the first female Clerk of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in the year 2000. The Speech was also historic for another reason as an Indigenous drummer played an Honour Song while the Lieutenant Governor and the official party entered the Chamber. In addition four Grand Chiefs were seated in the Speaker's Gallery to observe proceedings.

The address unveiled a new agenda for the province entitled a "Path to Progressing Together," with a stated aim of working together with all Manitobans to build a stronger, healthier and more inclusive province, by creating a stronger, more sustainable health-care system, providing greater supports for families, seniors and vulnerable Manitobans, improving education and training opportunities, and laying the ground work to foster investment, job creation and economic growth. Key initiatives included:

* working with Indigenous leaders, elders, knowledge keepers, families and community members to advance shared goals and seek reconciliation, healing and a path forward together;

* removing barriers that delay Manitobans from getting the medical care they urgently need;

* addressing the nursing shortage with increased and targeted training opportunities;

* implementing a renewed seniors strategy so aging Manitobans are able to stay safe in their own...