The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The second session of the 38th Manitoba Legislature will resume March 1 and will continue with a legislative agenda that will focus on water and flood protection, and dedication of fuel taxes to highways, roads and infrastructure, Premier Gary Doer announced yesterday. "The goal of the government is to use this time for a more timely and thorough public debate on key pieces of legislation and hopefully to engage more Manitobans in the democratic process," Doer said. "It will also address concerns raised in the past when bills weren't debated till the summer months." Last fall, all three political parties agreed the house would return for two weeks of debate in March and then resume in mid-April until June. This year's budget will be delivered in April. Last year's budget and Budget 2002 were delivered on April 22. "It is our hope there will be a greater focus on legislation this session and we are looking forward to introducing new legislation in priority areas such as water and the dedication of gas taxes, as well as completing the work that began in the legislature last fall," Doer added. "We remain committed to the priorities of Manitobans-improving health care and education, and enhancing public safety through flood protection and taking action on crime." Government bills currently before the house include the following proposals: Bill 5 - The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act Amendments to establish a claimant advisers office to assist people in proceedings before the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Commission. Bill 6 - The Cross Border Policing Act An act to allow provincial or municipal police from other Canadian jurisdictions to be appointed as police officers in Manitoba for a limited time to allow for better cross jurisdictional investigations. Bill 7 - The Criminal Property Forfeiture Act An act to allow chiefs of police to apply to the Court of Queen's Bench for an order confiscating property in the province that was obtained through crime. Seized property will be sold and the proceeds used for legal aid, crime prevention or assistance to victims of crime. Bill 8 - The Employment and Income Assistance Amendment Act Amendments to transfer the responsibility for administering assistance from rural and northern Manitoba municipalities to the province to ensure consistent policy and practice across Manitoba. See 'Legislation' P.# Con't from P.# Bill 9 - The Manitoba Immigration Council Act An act to establish the Manitoba Immigration Council to provide information and advice to the government about attracting and retaining immigrants. Bill 10 - The Gaming Control Amendment Act Amendments to strengthen reporting requirements, improve transparency in the operation of gaming activities and increase accountability for revenues from gaming. Bill 11 - The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act Amendments to ensure that Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation cannot be privatized without a referendum. Bill 12 - The Highways and Transportation Amendment and Highway Traffic Amendment Act An act to create a fund to help pay for highway repairs caused by overweight or oversized vehicles, and to allow for projects between Manitoba Transportation and Government Services and the trucking industry. Bill 13 - The Public Schools Amendment Act Amendments to require school boards to provide appropriate educational programming to all students, including special needs students. Bill 15 - The Highway Traffic Amendment Act A series of amendments to make roads and highways safer, including impairment detection. Bill 16 - The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act Amendments to ensure that people convicted of committing criminal code offences that cause accidents are not able to claim full benefits from MPI. Bill 17 - The Domestic Violence and Stalking Prevention, Protection and Compensation Amendment Act A strengthening of the act, including expanding the categories of people eligible to seek protection under the act to include seniors and people in dating relationships. Bill 18 - The Improved Enforcement of Support Payments A series of changes to the Family Maintenance Act and the Garnishment Act to strengthen the collection powers regarding child support payments.
