Items on the spring legislative agenda

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/04/2022 (412 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

These past two years have been tough on all of us. Manitobans are looking for some hope and for a brighter future. The Legislative session resumed in March and our caucus has been hard at work introducing new legislation to help make life more affordable and equitable. NDP MLAs have introduced private member bills to address pay equity in the workplace, to provide menstrual care products for free in schools, and to protect renters from unfair rent increases.

We know that many of you are struggling with our broken health-care system, waiting in pain while the surgery backlog gets worse. Many of you are health-care workers, burned out and tired of being ignored throughout the pandemic. The Progressive Conservative government introduced its budget on April 12. Our team asked them to fix the health-care system. The government needs to hire more nurses and front-line health care workers, to end the surgery and testing backlog and to improve seniors care so Manitobans can age with dignity.

I know that many Wolseley constituents are also concerned about the health impacts of Bill 22 which is on the government’s current legislative agenda. This bill amends the environment act, which regulates the use of pesticides and bans cosmetic use of certain chemicals from municipal and residential lawns. The planned amendments will also permit the unrestricted sale of these pesticides at retail outlets.

Most provinces have legislation similar to the current law in Manitoba, but we are the only province moving backwards on this issue. This raises significant concerns for young families worried about the health of their children or pets playing on lawns or in municipal parks. Repealing this legislation is a move that goes against the advice of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Manitoba College of Family Physicians, among others.

Environmental groups are also worried that increased cosmetic pesticides could harm pollinating insects and will increase contamination of our waterways.

As the Opposition critic on the environment and climate change, I’ve been hearing from many of you about your desire to protect our health and environment and your concerns about Bill 22. Manitobans have a right to speak at legislative committee hearings to be held after the bill passes second reading. To register to present on Bill 22, call the office of the clerk at 204-945-3636

If you have any questions about any current legislation or want to learn more about speaking to a Legislative Committee, please call my office at 204-792-2773 or email lisa.naylor@yourmanitoba.ca

Lisa Naylor
Wolseley constituency report

Lisa Naylor is the NDP MLA for Wolseley.

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