Manitoba’s newly-elected NDP government laid out its legislative agenda Tuesday in its first throne speech.
The speech, read by Manitoba Lt.Gov. Anita Neville, repeated many of the promises made by now-premier Wab Kinew during the election campaign, including a temporary suspension of the provincial fuel tax, a freeze on Hydro rates, and making the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday.
After an election campaign that focused heavily on health care, health issues were a major aspect of the government’s plan, including a reduction in wait times for surgeries and MRIs, as well as the introduction of new surgical and new diagnostic services to improve the quality of care.
The government also intends to reduce the backlog in hospitals by expanding services at three Winnipeg hospitals — Health Sciences Centre, Grace Hospital, and Concordia Hospital — as well as the Brandon Regional Health Centre.
On the health topic, the governing NDP also intend to “reset” the relationship with Indigenous governments in the province by working on health care priorities in those communities, as well as education and economic reconciliation.
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Kinew said the “new day in Manitoba” theme of the government’s agenda intends to repair the effects of cuts and closures under his two immediate predecessors, both Progressive Conservatives.
“After two terms of cuts and closures, the new Manitoba government is presenting a responsible and ambitious plan to strengthen public health care, grow the economy and build a province where all Manitobans can thrive,” he said.
“Our government is resetting the relationship with Manitobans. We are ready to get to work for you, alongside other levels of government, public servants, community leaders, health-care workers and families who are doing everything they can to build a better province.”
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As Kinew promised at a ceremony commemorating the 138th anniversary of Louis Riel’s death last week, the new government will recognize Manitoba’s founder as the province’s honourary first premier.
Another major aspect of Manitoba’s plan is a project aimed at making the province a low-carbon leader by connecting thousands of homes with affordable energy via a geothermal heat pump program over the next few years.
The government also said it will boost school funding and get on board with other provinces in introducing mandatory Holocaust education to school curricula.
Also on the agenda: relief for beef producers leasing Crown lands, working with stakeholders in tackling the homelessness issue, and encouraging investment in Manitoba industries.
Tuesday morning, prior to the speech, University of Winnipeg political scientist Malcolm Bird told 680 CJOB’s The Start that while there’s typically a grace period with a new government, it will be important for Manitobans to see early steps being taken toward accomplishing campaign goals.
“(They need to be) getting some concrete things accomplished, so that in two, two-and-a-half years, as we’re ramping up to the next election, they can point to things and say, ‘Look, we said we were going to fix health care,’… and while it might not be fixed, but they definitely need to show tangible movements — whether that’s hiring people or opening up new facilities, or reduced wait times or something,” he said.
Bird said that in addition to health care announcements, he was expecting an emphasis on cost-of-living issues, and while admitting there would be some pomp and circumstance surrounding the speech, called it a key moment for Kinew and the NDP.
“Overall, our system of government works really well. This government has been elected by the people and I think all of us wish this government the best.
“This throne speech is really a pivotal moment for all new governments.”
The legislature is scheduled to sit for a short period — only 12 days — before the winter break.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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