Around the legislature

ASL interpreter debuts in question period

Broadcasts of all Manitoba Legislative Assembly proceedings now include picture-in-picture American Sign Language interpretation.

The system was successfully tested on Dec. 3 and is now a permanent feature of question period, House Speaker Tom Lindsey said Wednesday as the spring session of the legislature began.

The system was established after Accessibility Minister Nahanni Fontaine was caught on a hot mic complaining about an ASL interpreter last summer.

Fontaine, the government house leader, apologized several times since and promised to “do better” and “continue the work of building a truly inclusive Manitoba for everyone.”

While ASL interpretation is now part of chamber broadcasts, the assembly isn’t able to provide the service for all committee meetings, Lindsey said. With proper notice, it can be arranged for specific committee meetings, he said.

He said other initiatives are underway “to make the assembly more accessible and inclusive.”

“I look forward to updating the house on those projects as they are complete.”

Tory pushes for daylight time

Tory MLA Ron Schuler once again introduced a private member’s bill Wednesday to move Manitoba to permanent daylight time effective March 8.

“Provinces like Saskatchewan already are on year-round, daylight saving,” Schuler said Wednesday as he introduced the same bill he brought forward last year.

The member for Springfield-Ritchot said Saskatchewan has stopped changing its time, British Columbia will do so for the last time on Sunday and Alberta is considering a change as well.

“There has never been a more advantageous time to make this change. I have every confidence this bill will have the support of all members of this legislature,” the Tory said.

Premier Wab Kinew said Tuesday Manitoba would not follow suit.

On Wednesday, the premier said his majority government won’t support it, and that its priorities are health care and affordability.

Moment of silence for Ukraine

Manitoba MLAs paused for a moment of silence in the chamber Wednesday as they recognized the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Tory MLA Wayne Ewasko and NDP MLA Ron Kostyshyn spoke before the pause.

“The last four years have caused death and destruction,” said Kostyshyn, the NDP agriculture minister. “The invasion is unjust.”

Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. The Manitoba recognition occurred during the first day of the spring session.

— staff