Manitoba Legislative Assembly.

• Author: Judy White

The Second Session of the Thirty-Sixth Legislature reconvened on April 2, 1996 with the presentation of the Budget for 1996-97 and the adoption of the new Provisional Rules of the Legislative Assembly through concurrence of a report by the Standing Committee on Rules of the House.

The 1996-97 Budget presented by the Minister of Finance, Eric Stefanson, was the 9th budget of the Filmon Government. The budget debate, held over the usual eight days, essentially revolved around two differing perspectives on budget choices. With its Balanced Budget legislation, the Government is committed to ensuring that it not only balances its budget each year, but that surplus monies should be used to help retire the debt and be saved for unforseen expenditures. The Official Opposition (NDP), however, is critical of reductions in government programs when it has a surplus which they believe can help the more vulnerable in society. The Official Opposition moved an amendment to the budget motion declaring lack of confidence of the House in the Government. Another amendment was moved by the independent Liberal Member, Kevin Lamoureux, which also indicated a lack of confidence in the Government. On the eight day of debate, both the sub-amendment and amendment were put to a vote and subsequently defeated. The main motion was carried on a recorded division.

Provisional Rules

The First Report of the Standing Committee on Rules of the House implemented provisional changes to the Rules of the Assembly as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding agreed to last December by the three parties represented in the House. The Committee had met twice in February to consider and finalize provisional rules that had been prepared by the Clerk's Office. The provisional rules will be in effect until November 30, 1996 at which time there will be an assessment of them. These provisional changes represent the most significant amendment to the Rules of the House in over a decade.

A sessional calendar has been established which includes twelve weeks for a Spring sitting to conclude no later than the second Thursday in June and up to eight weeks for a Fall sitting to conclude no later than the last Thursday in November. The purpose of the Spring sittings essentially is to deal with the Throne Speech, the budget, detailed estimates and all related financial bills. As well, government legislation is to be introduced and to be moved for second reading by the conclusion of the Spring...