Tories lift blockade, NDP leaves major legislation on order paper; MLA tables Two-Spirit, transgender recognition act

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This article was published 20/03/2024 (576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba legislators got back to debating bills Wednesday after two days of Opposition haranguing to temporarily block the NDP government’s legislative agenda.

The Progressive Conservatives ended prolonged delay tactics that started Monday afternoon to prevent the introduction of bills until after a deadline to guarantee passage by the summer break.

More than a dozen government bills were stuck on the order paper owing to the delays, including proposed legislation to ban replacement workers and establish an independent seniors advocate.

However, just one bill — a private member’s bill from Kirkfield Park MLA Logan Oxenham — was introduced Wednesday. No government bills were brought forward by the NDP.

Bill 208 designates March 31 as the Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility Act in Manitoba. It will be a day to acknowledge the historical and global presence of those who challenge traditional views of gender and celebrate their existence, Oxenham told the chamber.

“It notes the harmful impact of transphobia, discriminatory laws and lack of access to gender-affirming care,” said Oxenham.

The rookie MLA is the first transgender person elected to the Manitoba legislative assembly.

“It is important to recognize the agency of youth in understanding gender identity and expression and the positive impact that gender-affirming care has on one’s mental health.”

The legislation was to be introduced on Monday when members of the LGBTTQ+ community were present in the visitors gallery but was blocked by the Tories.

Interim opposition leader Wayne Ewasko chided the government for failing to bring forward bills despite having the opportunity Wednesday.

“Last week, they had ample time to bring forward bills,” Ewasko told reporters after question period. “They complained over the last two days to all of you, the media, that they really, really, really wanted to bring forward some very important legislation and bills.

“Today they introduced one private member’s bill. If anyone’s holding up legislation, it’s the government house leader.”

The government needed to introduce legislation before Wednesday if the bills were to become law by June 3 when the assembly rises for the summer.

Major pieces of proposed legislation concerning labour laws, cannabis, Manitoba Hydro, tenants rights and health care that are still on the order paper will likely be carried over into the fall.

The Opposition can also designate five bills to be held over to October. Ewasko said those deliberations are ongoing.

Government house leader Nahanni Fontaine said bills will be introduced in due course and the Opposition will not dictate how the NDP moves forward with its agenda.

“They really disrupted the house and wasted everybody’s time,” said Fontaine, who is minister of families and gender equity.

“Today, we wanted to focus on MLA Oxenham’s first bill, which I think is such a beautiful thing and meant a lot to him but also meant a lot to the community, and a meant a lot to our caucus.

“We’re so proud to be able to support him with his first bill.”

Fontaine (St. Johns) also celebrated Bill 8, The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, passing second reading Wednesday.

The proposed legislation would create access zones at clinics and other facilities that provide abortions and ban activities that would persuade someone against abortion, express disapproval or continuously observe people within a minimum 50 metres of a designated site.

Larger access zones, up to 150 metres, would be determined through regulations.

“We’re doing the work of government,” Fontaine said.

Opposition health critic Kathleen Cook said the Tories will propose an amendment to the bill at committee, if it is called for public input. The Roblin MLA said buffer zones should be established at all facilities providing health-care services.

“In my view, it shouldn’t matter what kind of protest is happening,” Cook said. “If you’re trying to get into a health-care facility, any health-care facility, you should be able to do so unimpeded.”

The text of the amendment was not made public, but Cook said it wouldn’t make any other material changes to the bill and it would have the intended effect of prohibiting anti-abortion demonstrations near clinics.

The amendment has the full support of the PC caucus, she said.

Cook said picket lines are an example of a demonstration that impedes access at health facilities other than abortion clinics. She singled out picket lines at Ten Ten Sinclair independent-living buildings in Winnipeg, where health-care aides are currently striking for better wages.

“Family members of residents have had to cross a picket line to get in and provide care to family members,” Cook said. “I don’t believe they should have to wade through a picket line in order to reach their family members to provide care.”

Cook acknowledged the amendment, if adopted and passed into law, may elicit a court challenge from organized labour.

— with files from Carol Sanders

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca